SPfi£CK£LS 
 
Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive 
 
 •in 2007 witht-unding from 
 
 IVIicrosoft Corporation 
 
 littp://www.arcliive.org/details/contributionstoeOOIiawkrich 
 
CONTRIBUTIONS 
 
 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 BY FRANCIS L. HAWKS, 
 
 HECTOR OF ST. THOMAS' CHURCH, NEW-YORK. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 NEW- YORK 
 
 PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS, 
 
 NO. 82 CLIFF-STREET, 
 
 183 6. 
 

 [Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1835, 
 
 By Francis L. Hawks, 
 in the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New- York.] 
 
 SPRECKELS. 
 
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 
 
 CONNECTED WITH THE 
 
 RISE AND PROGRESS 
 
 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
 
 IN VIRGINIA. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING THE JOURNALS 
 OP THE CONVENTIONS IN VIRGINIA FROM THE COM- 
 MENCEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. 
 
 NEW-YORK: 
 PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS, 
 
 NO. 82 OLI?F-BTREET. 
 
 1836. 
 
TO THE 
 
 RIGHT REVEREND WILLIAM WHITE, D.D., 
 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Pennsylvania, 
 
 and Senior Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
 
 United States. 
 
 Right Rbvbrend and Dkar Sib, 
 
 If it were in my power to consult my brethren of the 
 clergy, I am sure that all would name you as the individual 
 to whom a work, concerning any part of the Protestant 
 Episcopal church in this country should most properly be 
 inscribed. To this consideration of propriety, allow me 
 to add, that /, at least, find another in the ready kindness 
 and advice with which you have furthered my purposes, 
 and encouraged my efforts in the prosecution of this work. 
 
 I beg leave, therefore, to offer it as the humble tribute 
 of affectionate respect justly due to one who for more than 
 half a century has watched the progress of the church in 
 America ; and who to the piety which becomes a prelate 
 adds the learning of a scholar, and the courtesy of a gen- 
 tleman. 
 
 With affectionate veneration, 
 
 I am, sir, your grateful friend and servant, 
 
 The Author. 
 
 1027o7 
 
L •■'i^: 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 It is now more than five years since the author of this 
 work undertook, with the aid of a valued friend,* the task 
 of collecting such fragments of the history of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal church in the United States as, having 
 escaped the ravages of time, were to be found among the 
 manuscripts of the earlier clergy, or rested in the less se- 
 cure repository of the memory of the aged. 
 
 Encouraged in the undertaking by many of the bishops 
 and clergy of the church, the plan originally proposed was, 
 to preserve in the form of annals the facts thus saved from 
 oblivion, for the benefit of some future historian who might 
 attempt a connected narrative of events, believed to pos- 
 sess some interest, at least for Episcopalians. After some 
 progress had been made in the work, and materials, both 
 more numerous and more valuable than had been antici- 
 pated, had accumulated on the hands of those who had 
 undertaken the task — death removed the colleague of the 
 author, and he was left to pursue alone a work which, in 
 addition to the interest it had for him, afforded also a 
 melancholy pleasure by often recalling the memory of a 
 buried friend. 
 
 It was not until some time afterward, that it occurred 
 
 ♦ The Rev. Edward Rutlcdge of South Carolina. 
 
VIM PREFACE. 
 
 to the writer, that his labour might prove more acceptable 
 to the members of the communion to which he belonged, 
 should he attempt himself the narrative which he had 
 hoped might at a future period proceed from some pen 
 more fitted for the task than his own. He, accordingly, 
 (not, however, without some distrust of himself,) selected 
 Virginia as being the oldest state in the Union, and the 
 result is in the reader's hands. Had he supposed that he 
 was adding nothing to what already existed touching the 
 history of his country, it would have been his duty to be 
 silent ; for he who publishes a book can justify it to a 
 becoming sense of modesty only by the hope that he is 
 communicating something which is new, or happily en- 
 forcing something which is old. The author, therefore, 
 ventures to hope that in this contribution to the Ecclesias- 
 tical History of the United States, (as yet an almost un- 
 trodden field,) he has performed a work not entirely use- 
 less. That it has faults, no one knows better than he who 
 wrote it; that it contains errors, is not improbable; for 
 in the labour of research, which it will here be seen has not 
 been small, it is scarcely possible always to avoid mis- 
 take : for the faults, the author begs indulgence ; and of 
 the errors, if such there be, he can only say they were 
 undesigned. 
 
 It was impossible to write upon the subject treated of 
 in the following pages, without sometimes adverting to 
 religious denominations different from that to which the 
 author belongs. There were events affecting the Episco- 
 pal church in Virginia, in which they were actors, and a 
 regard for truth required the notice of them. 
 
PREFACE. IX 
 
 A Protestant Episcopalian, not merely from the preju- 
 dices of early education, but from the deliberate examina- 
 tion and conviction of his riper years, it is not improbable 
 that the author's affection for the faith of his fathers may 
 sometimes be seen. Of the peculiarities of his creed, he 
 will here only say, that he has not sought unnecessarily to 
 obtrude them ; and as little has he endeavoured to keep 
 them out of sight. It may be (for he claims no exemption 
 from the infirmities of human nature) that, hov^rever anx- 
 ious to eradicate prejudice, he has not alv^ays succeeded in 
 the effort to do so ; he has, howrever, endeavoured to speak 
 of that church, which he does not hesitate to say he loves 
 best, with an impartiality too proud to cover up its faults, 
 and an honesty too stern to hide its delinquencies. That 
 church has sometimes erred, and the author has said so. If 
 he knows his own heart, he never had in view, in his work, 
 an object so contemptible as that of writing eulogy under 
 the guise of history. His wish has been to tell the truth 
 as far as he could discover it ; and if in doing this, a blow 
 fell, it mattered but little to him where it alighted. But 
 he owes it to himself to add, that he has uniformly spoken 
 of other religious denominations with respect ; for he freely 
 owns that the love of his own religious system does not, 
 to his mind, impose upon him the necessity of haling 
 either the persons or the creeds of others. He may la 
 ment what he deems their mistakes, and yet hopes to be 
 pardoned, should he doubt whether insult be their best 
 corrective. He would rather burn his book than wilfully 
 inflict a wanton injury upon the personal feelings of any 
 sincere Christian : and if he has incautiously so done in 
 
X PREFACE. 
 
 these pages, he here humbly begs forgiveness of God and 
 of the injured. 
 
 A word more as to his plan. The present volume is 
 an experiment. Should it succeed, and the life of the 
 writer be prolonged, it will be followed by others ; for 
 there are materials on hand to furnish a volume for each 
 of the older diocesses. Indeed, with respect to some of 
 them, the story is partly written ; whether it will ever be 
 published, depends less upon the author than upon others. 
 Another motive for sending forth this volume now, is to be 
 found in the fact, that it has recently been made the duty 
 of the author, by the church to which he belongs, to collect 
 and preserve all that he can, tending to illustrate any por- 
 tion of its history. He has, therefore, hoped that by bring- 
 ing before his brethren a specimen, exhibiting the nature 
 of the task in which he is engaged, some among them may 
 be induced to furnish information, and th-us contribute ma- 
 terials for future volumes. 
 
 He need not add, that for all such aid he will feel most 
 grateful. Should he thereby procure nothing more than 
 copies of the early journals of the several diocesses, a 
 work of some importance will be accomplished. Very 
 few, if any, complete sets of diocesan convention journals 
 are now in existence ; the author, therefore, considers the 
 appendix, containing the records of the Virginia church, 
 (which he has here reprinted, at the request of many of 
 his brethren,) as not the least useful part of this book. 
 The Episcopalian of Virginia, has in the volume all that 
 industrious research was able to collect concerning the 
 history of his own church. Should another edition ever 
 
PREFACE. Xl 
 
 be called for, the kindness of his Virginia brethren may 
 enable the author to make a book more worthy of their 
 acceptance. 
 
 In conclusion, the author would remark that his labours 
 in preparing this book, have shown him that the materials 
 are more ample than they are generally supposed to be, 
 for the history of all the leading religious denominations in? 
 the United States. Something has, indeed, been done for 
 American ecclesiastical history, but more remains to be ac- 
 complished ; and, therefore, he would respectfully suggest 
 to his fellow Christiansof other denominations, the propriety 
 of preserving their several histories, without which the 
 book of our national story must always be incomplete.* 
 
 * The principal works upon the subject are as follows : Among the 
 
 Baptists. — Benedict's History of the Baptists ; Scrapie's History of the 
 Virginia Baptists; Backus's Church History of New-England; and the 
 late Memoir of Roger Williams, by Professor Knowles. 
 
 Methodists. — The Journals of Mr. Asbury and Dr. Coke ; the several 
 Lives of Messrs. Wesley and Coke, with the minutes of conferences. 
 
 Presbyterians and Congregationalists. — -Fragments of the history of 
 these denominations are to be found in several books. The minutes of many 
 of the presbyteries are believed to be perfect, and probably those of the synods 
 are. The late Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., who was well qualified for the task, 
 commenced, with the sanction of the Presbyterian church, the collection of 
 materials for a history of that denomination, but it was not completed, nor 
 is there any regular history of the Presbyterians in the United States. The 
 materials however are abundant. The ecclesiastical history of Massachu- 
 setts is to be found among the valuable papers published by the Massachusetts 
 Historical Society ; an institution, whose example is worthy of imitation. 
 
 RefoRxMed Dutch. — The author knows of but little in print touching this 
 denomination, except in the periodical publications which belong to it. 
 
 Protestant Episcopal. — There is nothing in print, with the exception 
 of Bishop White's Memoirs, ^a new edition of which is now in press,) and 
 the Journals of the General and Diocesan Conventions. 
 
Xii PREFAOB. 
 
 If the effort now respectfully submitted to the public, 
 and especially to the Episcopal community, should serve 
 in the humble office of a guide, to direct the researches of 
 some future historian ; if it should contribute to strengthen 
 the attachment of but one man who already loves the 
 church, or to soften the hostility of one who does not, 
 the author will feel that he has not laboured in vain : for 
 his book is the offering of filial affection to that church, in 
 the communion of which he has, through life, found his best 
 comfort, and in the bosom of which he trusts to enjoy, in 
 death, a Christian's consolation. 
 
 New-York, December, 1835. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 1606-1618. 
 The Rev. Mr. Hunt, one of the first Colonists — ^His Prudence, Piety, and 
 Christian Temper — First Administration of the Sacrament in Virginia — 
 First Church at James Town ; Destruction by Fire— First recorded Mar- 
 riage in the Colony — Church placed under Martial Law — Second Church 
 at Henrico — Rev. Mr. Whitaker ; his Character ; " The Apostle of Vir- 
 ginia" — Baptism and Marriage of Pocahontas — Character of the first 
 Clergymen— Instance of the Influence of the Clergy . . .17 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 1619-1624. 
 
 Urst Legislature of Virginia — ^Establishment of the Church — ^Whole Num- 
 ber of the Clergy — Encouragement to Emigration of Ministers — EflTorts 
 in behalf of Education — Henrico College — East India School — Plans de- 
 feated by Indian Massacre — Chanco, a converted Native ; his Christian 
 conduct — General Character of the Clergy — Legislature of 1624 — Laws 
 made for the Advancement and Permanency of the Church . . 34 
 
 CHAPTER IIL 
 
 1628-1651. 
 
 Visit of Lord Baltimore — Refuses to take Oath of Supremacy — ^Witchcraft 
 — Tyranny of the Governor — Stephen Reek's Case — Missionaries from 
 the Independents of New-England — Driven away by Act of Conformity 
 — Right of Presentation and Induction — Loyalty of Virginia — Attachment 
 to the Church — ^Banishment of Mr. Harrison, a Congregational Minister 
 — Subjugation of Virginia to the Commonwealth . . . .46 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 1651-1693. 
 Introduction of Puritans— Hatred of Puritanism — Reproved by Cromwell — 
 Virginia throws oflf obedience to the Commonwealth — State of the Church 
 
XIV CONTENTS. 
 
 in 1661 — Bad Character of many of the Clergy — Legislation of 1662 — 
 Intolerance towards Quakers — Conspiracy of Puritans — Dread of Popery 
 — The Rev. Dr. i3Iair, first Commissary — His Character and Ijabours — 
 Establishment of William and Mary College . . . . ,60 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1700-1731. 
 Kindness to the French Refugees — Their good Character — ^Their Church 
 — Punishment of Vice and Blasphemy — Kindness to German settlers — 
 Their Church — Progress of William and Mary College — Instruction of 
 the Indians — List of Parishes — State of the Church — Numbers and Char- 
 acter of the Clergy — Causes of the depressed state of Religion exam- 
 ined 78 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 1731-1746. 
 
 Introduction of Presbyterians — Visit of Mr. Whitfield — Low state oif Re- 
 ligion — Efforts of Morris to revive it — His Character and Conduct — 
 Amusing example of his Simplicity and Ignorance — Charge of the Gov- 
 ernor to the Grand Jury against Presbyterians — Mr. Roan's Case — Help 
 from Synod in New-York — Rev. Samuel Davies ; his Character and La- 
 bours — Act of Toleration extended to Virginia — Dread of Popery and 
 New Lights — Commencement of struggle with Dissenters — Morgan 
 Morgan 99 
 
 CHAPTER VIL 
 
 1748-1771. 
 
 Lawsuit, Legislation fixing Clergyman's Right to Glebes — State of the 
 Clergy — Substitution of Money for Tobacco in paying Clergy — Difficul- 
 ties thenc3 arising — Injustice to Clergy — Appearance of Baptists — Their 
 bitter Enmity — Great Question of the legality of paying the Clergy in 
 Money — Suit to settle it — Mr. Henry ; his first Appearance — Question 
 settled against the Clergy — Efforts in Virginia to obtain the Episcopate 
 — Opposed by some of the Clergy — Their Conduct approved by the Le- 
 gislature . . .114 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 1772-1778. 
 Appearance of the Methodists — Their adherence to the Church — Conduct 
 of the Episcopal Clergy in the Revolution — Many of them Whigs — Some 
 become Officers in the Continental Army — Conduct of the Baptists at 
 breaking out of the Revolution — Petitions of Presbyterians, Baptists, and 
 others against the Church — Counter Petitions — ^Act of 1776 destroying 
 
CONTENTS. XV 
 
 Establishment— Distress of the Clergy— Their Treatment— Legislative 
 Proceedings of 1777 and 1778 — Ordinations by the Methodists, con- 
 demned by Mr. Asbury • 132 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 1779-1784. 
 
 General Assessment for support of the Clergy negatived — ^Disastrous Effects 
 of the Revolution upon the Church — Enemies of the Church petition for 
 a general Assessment — Legislative sanction to the principle that Chris- 
 tianity should be supported by the State, but not any particular Denomi- 
 nation — Mr. Henry's efforts — His Christian Character — Incorporation of 
 the Church — History of the Secession of the Methodists — Mr. Wesley's 
 Conduct — Consecration of Dr. Coke considered . . . .150 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 1784-1789. 
 
 Enmity of Presbyterians and Baptists to the Church — Act for establishing 
 religious Freedom — Mr. Jefferson — Mr. Madison's Memorial — First Con- 
 vention of the Church in 1785 — Address of the Convention to Church- 
 men — Means proposed for support of the Clergy — Canons of the Church 
 — Discipline — Church in Virginia declines receiving Holy Orders from 
 Denmark — First General Convention ; Virginia represented there — Con- 
 duct of Virginia Church on the proposed Articles of Union — Instruction 
 to Virginia Delegates to General Convention of 1785 — Baptists and Pres- 
 byterians ask for the Property of the Church — " The proposed Book" — 
 Articles of Religion — Decision of Virginia on " The proposed Book" and 
 Articles — Dr. Griffith elected first Bishop of the Church in Virginia — 
 Mistake concerning his Election rectified — Instructions of Virginia Con- 
 vention to Delegates to General Convention of I78G — Repeal of the Act 
 of Incorporation — General Conventions of 1786 — Proceedings of Virginia 
 thereon — Remedies adopted to supply the want of Act of Incorporation — 
 Address of the Convention of 1787 to the Church — Dr. Griffith not con- 
 secrated — Causes thereof — Early efforts of Virginia in behalf of Clerical 
 Education — Case of Discipline 172 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 1789-1794. 
 
 Resignation of Dr. Griffith — Poverty of the Church — Death and Character 
 of Dr. Griffith — Election of Dr. Madison to the Episcopate — Struggles 
 concerning the Church Property — Condition of the Church at the time of 
 Dr. Madison's Consecration — Bishop Madison's first Address — Clerical 
 Education — Canon compelling the Bishop to hold a Parish — Prevalence 
 of Infidelity and Fanaticism — Disastrous consequences to Religion after 
 
XVI CONTENTS. 
 
 the War — ^Bishop Madison's Proposal of a Union among different GHris' 
 tian Denominations — His Plan of distributing Tracts — Revision of the 
 Canons — Virginia refuses to giv« the House of Bishops an absolute 
 Veto 203 
 
 CHAPTER XIL 
 1794-1804. 
 
 Injurious Effects upon Religion, arising from Disputes about the Church 
 Property — Arguments used for and against a sale of the Glebes — Canon 
 against the Clergy's taking Offices in the Militia — Appeal to Law — 
 Churchmen driven to despair — Law of 1802 for sale of Glebes — Effect of 
 sale of Glebes in benefiting the Public — Desecration of the Sacred Ves- 
 sels by Debauchees — The Manchester Case — Consequence to the Church 
 of the Death of the President of Court of Appeals — Constitutionality of 
 Law for the sale of Glebes yet undetermined 224 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 1805-1816. 
 
 Convention of 1805 — An assistant Bishop proposed — Itinerating Clergy 
 recommended — Suspension of Conventions — Death of Bishop Madison — 
 Election of Dr. Bracken to the Episcopate — He declines — Utter Prostra- 
 tion of a part of the Church — ^First dawn of Improvement in her Pros- 
 pects — Election of Bishop Moore to the Episcopate — Clergy not more 
 numerous than they were about Two Hundred Years before — Revival 
 of the Church — Zeal and Labours of the Bishop and Clergy — Bequest to 
 the Churchy — Discipline of the Laity — A number of new Churches built — 
 Old ones repaired — Diflfiiculties arising from the Bishop's being a Parish 
 Minister — Theological Education 240 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 1825-1835. 
 Difficulties arising from Bishop's Parochial Charge — Comparison of the 
 Church in Northern Neck with its Condition a Century before — Churches 
 devoted to secular purposes — Care of St. Paul's Parish, in King George 
 county — Bishop Moore offers to pay half the Salary of an assistant Min- 
 ister in the Monumental Church — Irregularity of Virginia Clergy in the 
 Use of the Liturgy — Bishop Moore's Warning — Refusal of Virginia to 
 agree to changes or alterations in the Use of the Common Prayer — 
 Death of Dr. Wilmer — Bishop Moore proposes to the Convention to elect 
 an assistant Bishop — Dr. Meade elected — Restriction on the Right of 
 Succession — Proceedings of General Convention thereon — Dr. Meade's 
 Consecration — Sketch of his Life — Virginia removes the Restriction on 
 his succession — Conclusion , . . 367 
 
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 
 
 CONNECTED WITH THE 
 
 RISE AND PROGRESS 
 
 OP THE 
 
 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
 
 IN VIRGINIA. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 1606-1618. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Hunt, one of the first Colonists — His Prudence, Piety, and 
 Christian Temper — First Administration of the Sacrament in Virginia — 
 First Church at James Town ; Destruction by Fire — First recorded 
 Marriage in the Colony — Church placed under Martial Law — Second 
 
 • Church at Henrico — Rev. Mr. Whitaker ; his Character ; " The Apostle 
 of Virginia" — Baptism and Marriage of Pocahontas — Character of the 
 first Clergymen — Instance of the Influence of the Clergy. 
 
 Among the early records which communicate the history 
 of the permanent settlement of Virginia, is to be found the 
 name of a clergyman, whose modest worth and Christian 
 character form an appropriate introduction to a narrative 
 which records the progress of that church to which he be- 
 longed. This clergyman was the Rev. Robert Hunt, one 
 of the petitioners for the charter granted by James I. to the 
 London Company, on the 10th of April, 1606. How far 
 the determination to become one of the first emigrants 
 may have influenced Mr. Hunt, in soliciting the charter, can- 
 
18 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCU [1606. 
 
 not now be known with certainty : it is probable, however, 
 that it was not without its weight ; as we find him, on the 
 19th of December, 1606, embarking for Virginia with the 
 leaders of the infant colony about to be planted under the 
 auspices of the newly formed Company. And fortunate was 
 it for the enterprise that such was the case. An unhappy 
 jealousy arising between the individuals who were to com- 
 pose the council of the colony threatened ruin to the whole 
 undertaking, until the prudent conduct and pious exhorta- 
 tions of Mr. Hunt succeeded in allaying their mutual ani- 
 mosity. It is but justice to the memory of this worthy 
 man to state, that scanty as are the materials from which 
 to form an estimate of his character, enough is still recorded 
 to show that it was one of w^hich no clergyman need to be 
 ashamed. His heart was in the business, and he wanted 
 not resolution to accomplish the object. " On the 19th of 
 December, 1606," (says one who bore a part in the enter- 
 prise,) " wee set saile, but by vnprosperous winds were 
 kept six weekes in the sight of England ; all which time, 
 Mr. Hunt, our preacher, was so weake and sicke that few 
 expected his recourie ; yet, although we were but ten or 
 twelve miles from his habitation, (the time wee were in 
 the Downes,) and notwithstanding the stormy weather, 
 nor the scandalous imputation (of some few little better 
 than atheists, of the greatest rank amongst us) suggested 
 against him, all this could never force from him so mudh as 
 a seeming desire to leaue the businesse, but preferred the 
 seruice of God, in so good a voyage, before any affection 
 to contest with his godlesse foes, whose disastrous designs 
 (could they have prevailed) had euen then ouerthrowne the 
 businesse, so many discontents did then arise, had he not 
 with the water of patience and his godly exhortations 
 (but chiefly by his true deuoted examples) quenched those 
 flames of enuy and dissension."* 
 
 ♦ 4 Purchas's Pilgrims, p. 1705. 
 
1606.] IN VIRGINIA. ' 19 
 
 Not an incident is related of him which does not illus- 
 trate the possession of a Christian spirit. The whole- 
 some influence by which he was enabled to control the 
 angry passions of his companions, was probably founded in 
 their respect for his consistent piety : and as we hear of 
 no efforts made to enrich himself in the colony, it is not 
 difficult to believe that his emigration resulted from an 
 honest desire to supply the ministrations of the gospel to 
 the destitute and benighted. This, it should be recollected, 
 was one of the avowed objects expressed in the king's in- 
 structions to the Company, " That the said presidents, coun- 
 cils, and the ministers should provide that the true word 
 and service of God be preached, planted, and used, not 
 only in the said colonies, but also as much as might be 
 among the savages bordering upon them, according to the 
 rites and doctrines of the Church of England." Indeed, by 
 those who made the first efforts to colonize Virginia, the 
 diffusion of Christianity was always held forth as one of 
 the objects of the enterprise. As far back as 1588, when 
 Sir Walter Raleigh made an assignment of his patent to 
 Thomas Smith and others, he accompanied it with a dona- 
 tion of one hundred pounds, " for the propagation of the 
 Christian religion in Virginia."* It was also enjoined in 
 the royal instructions, issued in 1606, "that all persons 
 should kindly treat the savage and heathen people in those 
 parts, and use all proper means to draw^ them to the true 
 service and knowledge of God."t And the first charter 
 assigns as one of the reasons for the grant, that the contem- 
 plated undertaking was " a work which may, by the provi- 
 dence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the glory of his 
 divine majesty, in propagating of Christian religion to such 
 people as yet live in darkness and miserable ignorance of 
 the true knowledge and worship of God."t 
 
 * Burk's Hist, of Virginia, vol. i. t 1 Charter-— 1 Hazard's State Pa- 
 p. 66. pers, 51. 
 
 t Ibid. p. 91. 
 
30 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1607. 
 
 On the 26th of April, 1607, the little fleet of three ships 
 entered the Chesapeake ; and on the 13th of May the 
 colonists landed. Upon a peninsula which projects from 
 the northern shore of James River may still be seen the 
 ruins of a tower which once formed part of a Christian 
 church ; and this, with its surrounding graveyard, is now 
 almost the only memorial left to mark the site of what 
 once was James Town. Here it was that the emigrants 
 debarked, and on this ground was erected the first church 
 in Virginia. Scarcely, however, had the colonists landed, 
 before the pious interposition of Mr. Hunt again became 
 necessary to appease the animosity of the president of the 
 council and the celebrated Captain Smith. His effort 
 proved successful. Smith was received into the council ; 
 and on the 14th of May partook, with his rival, of the 
 sacrament of the Lord's Supper, which was then adminis- 
 tered for the first time in Virginia. James Town was the 
 first permanent habitation of the English in America ; and 
 Virginia commenced its career of civilization with one of 
 the most impressive solemnities of the Christian church. 
 
 To trace the gradual progress of this little band of pio- 
 neers, in the establishment of a colony which " grew up in 
 misery," might afford matter of painful interest ; but it 
 comports not with the purpose of this narrative to allude 
 to any transactions in the infant settlement, other than those 
 which are connected with the condition and progress of 
 the church. The piety of the emigrants, stimulated by the 
 exhortations of their teacher, led to the almost immediate 
 erection of an edifice, humble, indeed, as were the rude 
 habitations by which it was surrounded, but hallowed as 
 the place dedicated to the worship of the Almighty. A 
 few months only had elapsed before a fire accidentally 
 commencing in the storehouse, speedily communicated to 
 the other buildings of the village, (for the whole town was 
 thatched with reeds,) and the church shared in the common 
 calamity. The incident served to bring out into bolder 
 
1608.] IN VIRGINIA. 21 
 
 relief the Christian virtues of the worthy clergyman. Mr. 
 Hunt had taken v\^ith him his library, which, though not 
 large, was, under the circumstances, doubly valuable ; and 
 this, together with every thing he had, was consumed. 
 With the church destroyed and the town in ashes, with- 
 out a shelter for his head or clothing for his nakedness, 
 deprived of a source of enjoyment which the man of books 
 knows how to appreciate, and with the sorrows and suffer- 
 ings of his fellow-creatures to excite his warmest sympa- 
 thies, it would not have been wonderful had the weakness 
 of human nature been heard in the murmurs of despon- 
 dency ; but no groan escaped him. Disease also was 
 added to the list of afflictions ; for between the months of 
 May and September no less than one-half oi the colonists 
 died ; and yet it is recorded of this excellent man that he 
 never was heard to repine,* but, meeting with a submissive 
 and cheerful spirit these successive visitations of Provi- 
 dence, he encouraged his drooping companions ; and sup- 
 ported by the persevering energy of Captain Smith, the 
 true father of Virginia, he exhorted the wavering and com- 
 forted the despairing ; so that in the spring of 1608 he 
 found the reward of his labours in the town rebuilt and the 
 church restored.f 
 
 Of such a man, it is natural to lament that more is 
 not known. How long he lived in the colony, is a 
 point .on which there exists no certain information. But 
 little trace has been found of Mr. Hunt after this period ; 
 it is known, however, that he never left Virginia : he 
 literally gave his life to the cause in which he had 
 embarked.J Had nothing more been related of hiai 
 than that he was twice able to reconcile the discords of 
 angry rulers, without being claimed as a partisan hy either, 
 
 * Stith's Virginia, 59. ters of New-England, or anywhere," 
 
 f Ibid. 76. &c. Mass. Historical Collections, 
 
 t Captain John Smith's "Adver- vol. iii. series 3. 
 tisements for the inexperienced Plan- 
 
22 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1610. 
 
 he would have left behind him a reputation becoming the 
 minister of Him who said, " Blessed are the peace-makers/' 
 But though more cannot with certainty be affirmed of the 
 conduct of Mr. Hunt, the conjecture is not improbable that 
 he lived for some time in the colony, and that the first 
 recorded marriage in Virginia was solemnized by him.* 
 It was in the year 1608 that a white woman was first 
 seen in the colony ; and the historians of that day relate 
 the fact of her marriage soon after her arrival.f 
 
 The next record with which we meet of the presence of 
 a clergyman in the colony is found in the history of the 
 providential arrival of Lord De la War at the moment when 
 the inhabitants had embarked for England, with a determi- 
 nation to forsake the country for ever. The circumstances 
 which prompted the colonists to this abandonment form a 
 sorrowful page in the early history of Virginia. When the 
 four small vessels in which they had embarked fell down 
 James River with the tide, it is recorded that *' none 
 dropped a tear, because none had enjoyed one day of 
 happiness." Famine had done its fearful work so eflfectu- 
 ally, that in the short space of six months five hundred 
 had been reduced to sixty ; and the horrors of this eventful 
 period of suffering were for years remembered and per- 
 petuated in the expressive phrase, " The starving time" It 
 was on the 10th of June, 1610, that Lord De la War ar- 
 rived ; he had brought with him a chaplain ; and the inci- 
 dents which immediately followed his landing are best re- 
 lated in the language of an eyewitness, whose narrative 
 has been preserved by Purchas : " We cast anchor before 
 James Towne, where we landed ; and our much grieved 
 governour first visiting the church, caused the bell to be 
 rung, at which all such as were able to come forth of their 
 houses repayred to church, where our minister. Master 
 Bucke, made a zealous and sorrowful! prayer ; finding all 
 
 ♦ See Holmes's Annals, vol. i. p. t Beverly's Hist, of Virginia, 19 ; 
 132, note 1. 1 Holmes's Annals, 132. 
 
1611.] IN VIRGINIA. 23 
 
 things so contrary to our expectations, so full of misery 
 and misgovernment."* 
 
 Up to the time of Lord De la War's arrival, the colony 
 had been governed by a president and council. In 1609 
 the Company in England had obtained from the king an- 
 other charter, by which the form of government was in 
 some measure altered, and the affairs of the colony placed 
 under the direction of certain officers, to be elected and 
 sent out by the Company. And it is worthy of note that 
 such was the dread of popery, that it was declared in the 
 new charter that no person should pass into Virginia but 
 such as should first have taken the oath of supremacy.f 
 Under the new charter. Lord De la War was chosen to be 
 the first governor of Virginia, an officer before unknown 
 in the colony; and under his judicious direction affairs 
 were soon re-established. 
 
 , This change in the government, from an aristocracy to 
 the dominion of one, is mentioned, because, prior to this 
 time, there does not seem to have been any interference by 
 the Company in England with the religious affairs of the 
 colony. The adventurers were left to their own sense of 
 piety and the instructions of their spiritual teachers, as 
 being sufficient to prompt them to a proper care of the insti- 
 tutions of religion ; and nothing more definite had been 
 said than that the exercise of Christianity in the New 
 World should conform to the rites, ceremonies, and doc- 
 trines of the Church of England. But after this period 
 we find more specific instructions sent from the mother 
 country; and religion began to form one of the subjects 
 of the very imperfect legislation of the Company for their 
 distant colony. The ill health of Lord De la War was such 
 that in a few months he was obliged to leave his govern- 
 ment in the hands of a substitute, until the 10th of May, 
 1611, when Sir Thomas Dale, the new governor, arrived. 
 
 * 4 Purchas, book ix. chap. vi. f 2d Charter, 1 Hazard's State 
 
 Papers, 72. 
 
24 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1611 
 
 The arrival of this Individual marks the period at which 
 penal lavv^s were first introduced to aid the colonists in 
 keeping a good conscience. The readers of the present 
 day will be tempted to smile on learning that the church 
 was laid under martial law : yet such was literally the 
 fact. 
 
 The difficulties which had embarrassed the progress of 
 the colony were supposed by the Company, and truly sup- 
 posed, to consist principally in a spirit of insubordination 
 and indolence ; and by way of remedy for these evils, more 
 rigour both in the enactments and execution of the laws 
 was deemed necessary. At that time Sir Thomas Smith 
 had a controlling influence in the affairs of the Company; 
 and, as it would seem, ventured, upon his own responsi- 
 bility, to furnish the new governor with a body of " Lawes, 
 diuine, morall, and martiall," for Virginia.* They were 
 chiefly translated from the martial laws of the Low Coun- 
 tries, and were entirely at variance with the spirit of Eng- 
 lish liberty. The church was provided for in this singular 
 code of bloody enactments ; but it is due both to the govern- 
 ors and governed to state, that on the one hand there was 
 as little disposition to enforce, as on the other there was to 
 submit to the penalties of the code. It was, in truth, though 
 formally promulgated, a dead letter ; and to the honour of 
 the London Company and their colonists, it should be men- 
 tioned that, during their government, not a solitary instance 
 is recorded of a persecution for mere difference of opinion. 
 The penalties incurred for the non-observance of religious 
 duties were never rigidly enforced ; and the power to re- 
 mit them entirely, which belonged to the governor and 
 council, was not unfrequently exercised.f These laws, so 
 far as the church is concerned, are subjoined ; and if, in 
 their perusal, the reader should find cause for thankfulness 
 that he lives in an age when the true principles of Christian 
 
 * Stitli*s Virginia, 123; 1 Burk*s f 1 Burk, Appendix, 304. 
 Virginia, 165. 
 
1611.] IN VIRGINIA. 25 
 
 liberty, and the rights of conscience are better understood 
 than they were in the days of our forefathers, their publica- 
 tion will not be useless. 
 
 I. " I do strictly commaund and charge all captaines and 
 officers, of what qualitie or nature soever, whether com- 
 manders in the field, or in towne, or townes, forts, or for- 
 tresses, to have a care that the Almightie God bee duly 
 and daily served ; and that they call vpon their people to 
 heare sermons ; as that also they diligently frequent morn- 
 ing and evening praier themselves, by their own exemplar 
 and daily life and duty herein encouraging others there- 
 unto ; and that such who shall often and wilfully absent 
 themselves, be duly punished according to the martiall law 
 in that case provided. 
 
 II. " That no man speake impiously or maliciously against 
 the holy and blessed trinitie, or any of the three persons ; 
 that is to say, against God the Father, God the Son, and 
 God the Holy Ghost ; or against the known articles of the 
 Christian faith, upon pain of death. 
 
 III. " That no man blaspheme God's holy name, upon 
 paine of death ; or vse vnlawful oathes — taking the name 
 of God in vaine, curse or banne — vpon paine of severe 
 punishment for the first offence so committed, and for the 
 second to have a bodkin thrust through his tongue ; and if 
 he continue the blaspheming of God's name, for the third 
 time so offending he shall be brought to a martiall court, 
 and there receive censure of death for his offence." 
 
 V. "No man shall speake any word, or do any act, 
 which may tend to the derision or despight of God's holy 
 word, upon paine of death. Nor shall any man vnworthily 
 demeane himselfe vnto any preacher or minister of the 
 same, but generally hold them in all reverent regard and 
 dutifull intreatie ; otherwise he, the offender, shall openly 
 be whipt three times, and aske public forgiveness in the 
 assembly of the congregation three severall Saboth dales. 
 
 VI. " Euerie man and woman duly twice a day, upon 
 
 D 
 
26 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CUVRCU [l6tL 
 
 the first towling of the belj, shall vpon the workhig daies 
 iepaire vnto the church to heare diuine service, vpon paine 
 of losing his or her daye's allowance for the first omission ; 
 for the second to be whipt ; and for the third to be con- 
 demned to the gallies for six months. Likewise, no man 
 or woman shall dare to violate or breake the Sabboth by 
 any gaming, publique or private, abroad or at home, but 
 duly sanctifie and obserue the sam«, both himselfe and his 
 familie, by preparing themselues at home by priuate 
 praier,that they m^ybee the better fitted for the publique, 
 according to the commandments of God and the orders of 
 our church ; as also euerie man and woman shall repaire 
 in the morning to the diuine service, and sermons preached 
 vpon the Saboth daie, and in the afternoon to diuine service 
 and catechising ; vpon paine for the first fault to lose their 
 prouision and allowance for the whole weeke following ; 
 for the second to lose the said allowance, and also to be 
 whipt ; and for the third to suffer death. 
 
 VII. " All preachers or ministers within this our colonie 
 or colonies, shall in the forts where they are resident, after 
 diuine seruice, duly preach euerie Sabboth daie in the fore- 
 noone, and catechise in the afternoone, and weekly say the 
 diuine seruice twice euerie day, and preach euerie Wednes- 
 day; likewise euerie minister, where he is resident, within 
 the same fort or fortresses, towne or townes, shall chuse 
 vnto him foure of the most religious and better disposed, 
 as well to informe of the abuses and neglects of the people 
 in their duties and seruice to God, as also to the due rep- 
 aration and keeping the church handsome, and fitted with 
 all reuerent obseruances thereunto belonging ; likewise 
 euerie minister shall keep a faithfull and true record or 
 church booke of all christenings, marriages, and deaths of 
 suclv our people as shall happen within their fort or for- 
 tresse, towne or townes at any time, vpon the burthen of a 
 neglectfull xionsciencc, and vpon paine of losing their enler- 
 tainmcnt.'* 
 
IfJIl.] IN VIRGINIA. 27 
 
 XXXrif. "There is not one man nor woman in this 
 colonic now present, or hereafter to arriue, but shall giue 
 up an account of his and their faith and religion, and re- 
 paire vnto the minister, that by his conference with them 
 he may vnderstand and gather whether heretofore they 
 have beene sufficiently instrvcted and catechised in the 
 principles and grounds of religion : whose weakness and 
 ignorance herein, the minister finding and aduising them 
 in all love and charitie to repaire often vnto him to receive 
 therein a greater measure of knowledge ; if they shall re- 
 fuse so to repaire vnto him, and he the minister giue notice 
 thereof vnto the governour, or that chiefe officer of that 
 towne or fort wherein he or she, the parties so offending, 
 shall remaine, the governour shall cause the offijnder for 
 the first time of refusal to be whipt ; for the second time 
 to be whipt twice, and to acknowledge his fault vpon the 
 Sabboth dale in the assembly of the congregation; and for 
 the third time to be whipt euerie day vntil he hath made 
 the same acknowledgment, and asked forgiuenesse of the 
 same ; and shall repaire vnto the minister to be further in- 
 structed as aforesaid: and vpon the Sabboth, when the min- 
 ister shall catechise and of him demande any question con- 
 cerning his faith and knowledge, he shall not refvse to make 
 answer vpon the same perilL"* 
 
 There never will be wanting men who will advocate 
 the doings of those in authority, and there is therefore no- 
 thing to excite surprise in the compliant sycophancy of a 
 writer of that day who could approve of the merciless 
 severity of a code so cruel that it wa& never enforced. 
 " Good," says he, " are these beginnings wherein God is 
 thus before ; good are these laws, and long may they stand 
 in their due execution."! 
 
 * " For the colony in Virginea t " The new Life of Virginia, de- 
 
 Brittannia ; Lawes Diuine, Morall, daring the former services and pres- 
 
 and Martiall," &c. I^ondon, 1612. ent estate of that plantation," &e. 
 
 Collected and published by William London, 1612. 
 Strachey, 
 
28 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1611. 
 
 Under the administration of Sir Thomas Dale, the colony 
 began to extend itself upon James River; and the moment 
 the arrival of Sir Thomas Gates, the new governor, left 
 him at liberty, Dale carried into effect his favourite project, 
 and built the town of Henrico, the ruins of which it is be- 
 lieved are still visible.* In this town a handsome church 
 was erected in 1611, and the foundation of another was 
 laid, to be built of brick. The care of the congregation 
 was confided to the Rev. Alexander Whitaker, who en- 
 closed a hundred acres of land, and built a parsonagct 
 This, it is supposed, was the second parish established in 
 Virginia : and it may, perhaps, be deemed not unworthy 
 of remembrance that the deservedly celebrated princess 
 Pocahontas received Christian baptism at the hands of Mr. 
 Whitaker, and was also united by him in marriage to Mr. 
 Rolfe. 
 
 it would be unjust not to subjoin to Ihe name of this 
 clergyman his character as sketched by a contemporary. 
 " I hereby let all men know that a scholler, a graduate, a 
 preacher, well borne and friended in England ; not in debt 
 nor disgrace, but competently provided for, and liked and 
 beloved where he lived ; not in want, but (for a scholler, 
 and as these days be) rich in possession, and more in possi- 
 bilitie ; of himself, without any persuasion (but God*s and 
 his own heart.) did voluntarily leave his warme nest ; and, 
 to the wonder of his kindred and amazement of them that 
 knew him, undertooke this hard, but, in my judgement, 
 heroicall resolution to go to Virginia, and helpe to beare 
 the name of God tmto the gentiles"X 
 
 What would have been the emotions of this devoted 
 missionary, when he admitted Pocahontas to baptism, could 
 he have foreseen that, after the lapse of more than two 
 
 * See 1 Burke, 166, ' entitled " Good Newes from Vir- 
 
 tStith, 124. Smith, Hist, of Vir- ginia, sent to the Counsell and Com- 
 
 ginia. Richmond ed. vol. ii. p. 12. pany of Virginia, resident in Eng- 
 
 t "Epistle Dedicatorie," by W. land. From Alexander Whitaker, 
 
 Crashawe, to a book written in 1613, the minister of Henrico in Virginia." 
 
1611.] IN VIRGINIA. 29 
 
 hundred years, the blood of this noble-hearted Indian 
 maiden would be flowing in the veins of some of the most 
 distinguished members of that church, the foundations of 
 which he was then laying 1 
 
 If Virginia was fortunate in the possession of such a 
 clergyman as Mr. Hunt, she was not less favoured in 
 having the ministrations of Mr. Whitaker. The eulo- 
 gium just quoted is not to be classed with the effusions 
 of a too partial friendship ; the subject of that eulogium 
 acquired for himself the honourable title of ** The Apostle 
 of Virginia"* He was the son of the celebrated Dr. 
 WilHam Whitaker, Master of St. John's, Cambridge;! 
 and there is exhibited in such of the letters of this young 
 missionary as have come down to our day, a noble spirit 
 of devotedness to his work. In one of his epistles, advert' 
 ing to the want of clergymen in the colony, he thus ex- 
 presses his feelings : " I maruaile much that any men of 
 honest life should feare the sword of the magistrate, which 
 is unsheathed only in their defence. But I much more 
 muse that so few of our English ministers, that were so hot 
 against the surplice and subscription, come hither, where 
 neither are spoken of. Doe they not either wilfully hide 
 their tallents, or keepe themselves at home for feare of 
 losing a few pleasures ? Be there not any amongst them 
 of Moses his minde, and of the apostles that forsooke all to 
 follow Christ ? But I refer them to the Judge of all hearts, 
 and to the King that shall reward everyone according to 
 the gaine of his tallent. But you, hold fast that which you 
 have ; and I, though my promise of three yeeres' seruice to 
 my countrey be expired, will abide in my vocation here 
 untill I be lawfully called from hence. And so betaking 
 us all unto the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, I rest for 
 ever."J In another of his letters he again expresses his 
 surprise that so few were found ready to afford ministeria 
 
 * Life of Nicholas Ferrar, p. 40. t Purchas, book ix. ch. II. 
 
 t 4 Purchas's Pilgrims, 1770. 
 
30 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [I6II. 
 
 aid : " I wonder that so few English priests, who were first 
 go warm in having the books of Moses and the apostles, 
 do not assist us more, that all may follow the gospel of 
 Christ."* ' ' *■ 
 
 The cry for help which came from this devoted n\is- 
 sionary was but the echo of that which had issued frotn the 
 friends and originators of the Virginia colony. Ther6 i^ 
 reason to fear that injustice has long been done to Virginia 
 in the prevalence of an opinion that religion was btit little, 
 if at all, regarded by those who planted the colony: it is 
 time that such an opinion should be corrected. • There is 
 extant an eloquent and spirit-stirring appeal, put forth by 
 the council of Virginia, which will yield to no similar pro- 
 duction of later times ; it is full of the genuine spirit of 
 Christian missions. 
 
 ■ " O, all ye worthies, follow the ever-sounding trumpet 
 of a blessed honour; let religion" be the first aim of 
 your hopes, et ccetera adjicientur, and other things shall 
 be cast unto you : your names shall be registered to 
 posterity with a glorious title. These are the men whom 
 God raised to augment the state of their country, and 
 to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Neither ought 
 any man to live under Augustus as if he lived under 
 Domitian, quibus inertia est pro sapientia: to whom slug- 
 gishness and privacy is imputed for wisdom and policy. 
 The same God that hath ioyned three kingdoms under 
 one Csesar. will not be wanting to add a fourth, if wee 
 would dissolve that frosty icinesse which chilleth our zeal, 
 and maketh vs so cold in the action. But it is a meere 
 idea, speculation, and fancy to sowe spareingly, and yet 
 expect for to reape plentifully; when a penurious supply 
 is like the casting on of a little water upon a great fire, that 
 
 quencheth not the heat, but augments it : when procrasti- 
 
 * Correct Description and Situa- the council under liOrd De la War. 
 tion of the Colony of Virginia, by 4 Purchas, 1764. 
 Ralph Haraer. Hamer was clerk of 
 
1613.] IN VIRGINIA* 31 
 
 nating delays and lingering counsels doe lose the opor- 
 tunity of flying time; whereby we rather bewray our 
 colonic than relieve it. Let no man adore his gold as his 
 God, nor his mammon as his Maker. If God have scat- 
 tered his blessings upon you as snow, will you return no 
 tributary acknowledgments of his goodnesse ? If you will, 
 can you select a more excellent subject than to cast down 
 the altars of diuels, that you may raise up the altar of 
 Christ ; to forbid the sacrifice of men, that they may offer 
 up the sacrifice of contrite spirites ; to reduce barbarisme 
 and infidelity to ciuill gouernment and Christianity ? Si 
 fr'igido loquor, nihil loquor ; if I speake to men void of 
 piety, I speake but the words of wind and vanity ! other- 
 wise, how doth that man groan under the world's corrup- 
 tion, that doth not actually or vocally hasten the world's 
 conversion. Doubt ye not but God hath determined and 
 demonstrated that he will raise our state, and build his 
 church in that excellent climate, if the action be seconded 
 with resolution and religion."* 
 
 These words, uttered more than, two hundred years 
 ago, have found a blessed fulfilment; verily, God has built 
 *> his church in that excellent climate;" let not the agents 
 who commenced the work.be pronounced destitute of 
 religion. 
 
 • Among other changes introduced by Sir Thomas Dale, 
 during his short administration, was one, the beneficial 
 effects of which were soon apparent. Up to the year 
 1613, there had been no such thing in the colony as dis- 
 tinct and exclusive property. Each individual put the 
 fruits of his labours into a common stock, which ministered 
 to the necessities of all.f But now a certain quantity of 
 land, fit for cultivation, was allowed to each man ; and a 
 portion of its fruits was received as rent. New settle- 
 
 * " A True Declaration of the Es- Council of Virginia." London, 1610. 
 tate of the Colony of Virginia. Pub- ] Stith, 131. 
 lished by advice and direction ol" the 
 
32 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1618. 
 
 ments were multiplied as fresh emigrants came over, and 
 the colonists themselves began to make efforts to procure 
 clergymen. 
 
 Sir Thomas Gates returning to Europe in 1613, the 
 government again devolved upon his predecessor, Sir 
 Thomas Dale, who, after an administration of three years, 
 also went home, leaving his power in the hands of George 
 Yeardly. During the last administration of Dale, the in- 
 creased security given to property, and the more certain 
 discovery of the real advantages of the country, imparted 
 a fresh impulse to emigration, and the new-comers were 
 numerous. As they arrived, they formed distinct settle- 
 ments, and laid the foundation of new parishes; and 
 though it is now impossible to trace with accuracy the 
 order of their respective establishments, we know that 
 at Henrico the Rev. Mr. Wickham was the clergyman, 
 Mr. Whitaker was at Bermuda Hundred, and Mr. Bucke 
 at James Town ;* and the fact is sufficiently attested, that 
 the number both of churches and clergymen had increased 
 with the growth of the country. It will presently be seen 
 that the latter were not without influence in the affairs of 
 government. In May, 1617, Captain Argall arrived from 
 England, clothed with the authority of deputy governor* 
 He had lived in the colony before, and therefore was not 
 ignorant of that singular code, " divine, morall, and mar- 
 tiall," from which an extract has already been presented. 
 He is charged by the historians of that period with a 
 determination to gratify his rapacity and injustice at the 
 expense of the colony; and therefore he eagerly converted 
 these laws into an instrument for obtaining his ends. In 
 revising his code, he did not neglect the work of legislation 
 for the church; and, accordingly, in 1618, we find him 
 promulgating "that every person should go to church, 
 Sundays and holydays, or lye neck and heels that night, 
 and be a slave to the colony the following week ; for the 
 * Purchas's Pilgrimage, p. 947. 
 
1618.] IN VIRGINIA. 33 
 
 second offence, he should be a slave for a month ; and for 
 the third, a year and a day."* 
 
 In the same year occurred an incident which illustrates 
 that influence of the clergy to which allusion has been 
 made. Captain Argall had taken the servants of Lord De la 
 War from his estate, and employed them on his own lands, ^^ly 
 without the slightest authority for so doing. Captain 
 Brewster, who was the agent of Lord De la War, ordered 
 one of the servants to return ; and on receiving a flat re- 
 fusal, threatened the delinquent with the consequences of 
 his insubordination. Argall was informed of the threat,, 
 and Brewster was arrested, tried by a court martial, and 
 condemned to death on a charge of uttering against his 
 commander seditious words, tending to a mutiny. This 
 act of tyranny seems to have roused the colonists to re- 
 monstrance. The martial laws were odious, and the 
 present was a favourable opportunity for protesting against 
 their severity. The court, by which Brewster was tried, 
 waited in a body on the deputy governor to intercede for 
 the life of the prisoner ; and they summoned to their aid all 
 those of the clergy who could be readily convened ; these 
 promptly answered the summons, and presented themselves 
 also before the tyrant, to supplicate mercy for the unhappy 
 Brewster. Argall, however much disposed to gratify his 
 malignity, was alarmed, it is supposed, by the weight of 
 character of those who thus protested against his iniquity, 
 and yielded at length to their intercession. And this 
 transaction, furnishing to Brewster, on his return to Eng- 
 land, a theme for indignant expostulation with the Com- 
 pany, probably led to the entire disuse of the bloody code, 
 secured to the colonists the privileges of Englishmen living 
 under English law, and released at once both church and 
 state from the tyranny of martial rules. 
 
 * Stith's Virginia, 147 ; 1 Park's Virginia, 195. 
 
34 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1619. 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 1619-1G24. 
 
 First Legislature of Virginia — Establishment of the Church — Whole Num- 
 ber of the Clergy — Encouragement to Emigration of Ministers — Efforts^ 
 in behalf of Education — Henrico College — East India School — Plans de- 
 feated by Indian Massaere-^Chanco, a converted Native ; his Christian 
 conduct — General Character of the Clergy — Legislature of 1624— Laws 
 made for the Advancement and Permanency of the Church. 
 
 The year 1619 is memorable in the annals of Virginia, 
 as being the period at which a legislative body, taken from 
 among the inhabitants, convened for the first time in the 
 colony.* The tyranny of Argall was not permitted to 
 continue long. Advised by private letters that his official 
 conduct was about to be made the subject of rigid scrutiny 
 by a new governor, clothed with authority for that pur- 
 pose, he precipitately left the colony, and in this year was 
 succeeded by Sir George Yeardly. The colony, it will 
 be remembered, was still under the control of the Com- 
 pany in England ; and as upon the representations of 
 Brewster, they had decided, with but one dissenting 
 voice, against the enforcement of martial law in a time 
 of peace, it became necessary to make provision for the 
 government of Virginia under some milder code. The 
 new governor, therefore, brought with him a new charter ; 
 by which, among other matters, it was provided that the 
 clergy should have in each borough a glebe, to consist of 
 one hundred acres, and should receive from the profits of 
 each parish a standing revenue, to be worth at least two 
 hundred pounds. 
 
 The population was increased by the introduction of 
 
 * 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, at large, 119. 
 
1'619.] IN VIRGINIA. 33 
 
 one thousand new settlers ; and there had been no previous 
 period, in the history of the colony, when its affairs were 
 m a more prosperous condition. Under these auspicious 
 circumstances, the governor called an assembly, which 
 met at James Town. It consisted of "two burgesses 
 chosen for every town, hundred, and plantation ;" and 
 from the number of representatives, the fact is gathered 
 that the colony then consisted of eleven corporations. 
 
 Among the first enactments of the legislature were those 
 which concerned the church. The general provisions of 
 the charter, which have already been mentioned, were im- 
 bodied in a statutory form ; and it seems probable that the 
 mode of obtaining the competent support which wa« thus 
 granted, was also the subject of enactment. Tobacco was 
 the chief article of produce ; and the dues of the minister 
 were paid for the most part in that commodity. In the 
 legislature of 1621-2, it was enacted that each clergyman 
 should receive from his parishioners fifteen hundred pounds 
 of tobacco and sixteen barrels of corn. Ten pounds of 
 tobacco and one bushel of corn were the utmost that any 
 individual could be compelled to pay: and to this assess- 
 ment every male inhabitant, who had reached the age of 
 sixteen, was Hable. And if this levy should prove unequal 
 in value to two hundred pounds, the law proceeded to 
 declare that " the minister was to be content with less."* 
 
 Up to this period the inhabitants of the colony had 
 always been attached to the Church of England. There 
 is reason, however, to believe that about this time a small 
 number of puritans sought refuge in the colony ;f but it 
 was too inconsiderable to introduce any change in the 
 religious opinions of the people, and public worship con- 
 tinued to be conducted, as it always had been, in con- 
 formity with the ritual of the Church of England. That 
 church, however, could not claim for itself the privileges 
 
 ♦ Stith's Virginia, 173; Beverly's f 1 Graham's Hist, of the United 
 Virginia, 36. States, 219. 
 
 -^^' 
 
36 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1610. 
 
 of an establishment, in Virginia, prior to the legislation of 
 1619 ; for the general declaration contained in the charter 
 of James, that the mode of worship in the intended colony 
 should conform to that of the English church, simply im- 
 posed a duty, but conferred no temporal benefit. It is from 
 this period, therefore, that we are to date the establishment 
 of the Episcopal Church in Virginia ; and at this time the 
 whole colony contained but five clergymen ;* who are be- 
 lieved to have been Messrs. Whitaker, Stockham, Mease, 
 Bargave, and Wick ham. This scarcity of clergymen \nr 
 duced the Company to encourage the emigration of minis- 
 ters by directing six tenants to be placed on every glebe, 
 for the purpose of making it an immediate source of reve- 
 nue : and the then Bishop of London undertook to exert 
 himself to procure suitable clergymen to settle in the 
 cojony.f Whether this circumstance gave rise to the 
 jurisdiction of the prelate of that see over the American 
 church prior to the revolution, is not known ; but this, it is 
 believed, is the first instance in which his connection with 
 the church on this continent is mentioned in history. 
 
 The importance of education, as intimately connected 
 with the preservation and dissemination of Christianity, 
 also seems to have been impressed at an early period on 
 the minds of the members of the Company. The king 
 (probably at the solicitation of the Company) had, prior to 
 this time, issued his letters to the several bishops of the 
 kingdom for collecting money to erect a college in Vir- 
 ginia. The object of this measure, when first adopted, 
 was stated to be " the training up and educating infidel 
 children in the true knowledge of God."{ Nearly fifteen 
 hundred pounds had been obtained for carrying into eflfect 
 this benevolent design ; and Henrico had been selected as 
 the site of the proposed seminary. The Company, at the 
 
 ♦ Chalmer's Political AnnaU, b. i. t Stith, 173. 
 
 p. 50. t Ibid. 163, 163. 
 
1619.] IN VIRGINIA. 37 
 
 suggestion of its treasurer, now granted ten thousand acres 
 of land to be laid off for the new " University of Henrico ;" 
 and the original design was enlarged by a resolution to 
 make the seminary a school for the English as well as for 
 the natives.* Of the eleven corporations, already men- 
 tioned as being represented in the first assembly, four had 
 been recently created, and among them was the univer- 
 sity; and for the management of its lands, which had been 
 thus granted by the Company, two agents were sent over 
 by that body. 
 
 Under the care of these agents, added to that of Mr. 
 George Thorpe, a very respectable and pious man, whose 
 benevolent exertions for the intellectual and spiritual im* 
 provement of the natives entitle him to honourable remem- 
 brance, the college lands were brought into cultivation ; 
 and the flattering appearance of affairs held forth to the 
 inhabitants the prospect of education for their children, and 
 of clergymen from the college who, though ordained in 
 England, would still be sons of the colony, acquainted with 
 its habits, and familiar with its wants. 
 
 So far as the church alone was concerned, had there 
 been nothing more in view, the establishment of Henrico 
 University was a measure full of wisdom. Experience 
 would seem to intimate to the church in America that, 
 though united throughout the confederacy by a common 
 bond, yet the different portions of that church must, for 
 the most part, respectively depend, for a permanent supply 
 in the ministry, upon those, who having been born within 
 certain territorial limits, are therefore bound by strong local 
 attachments, constitutionally adapted to the peculiarities of 
 climate, and familiar with national habits and feelings. 
 
 The interest felt in the mother country, in the prosperity 
 of the college, was attested by many donations, among 
 which is recorded one of a thousand pounds, by the Bishop 
 
 • I Holmes*! Annals. 167. 
 
38 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1621. 
 
 of London. An unknown friend, also, sent many excellent 
 religious works, and a very valuable map of the American 
 coast ; from another was received " a communion cup, 
 with a cover and case, a trencher plate for the bread, a 
 carpet of crimson velvet, and a damask tablecloth for the 
 college." The solicitude felt for the salvation of the na- 
 tives was exhibited in a gift of five hundred pounds from 
 some person unknown, to maintain and educate in Chris- 
 tianity young Indians ; and three hundred pounds were 
 left to the college by the will of Mr. Nicholas Ferrar, for 
 the same pious object.* At home, also, the college found 
 liberal friends. The Rev. Mr. Bargave, who was then the 
 minister at Henrico, gave his library, and the inhabitants 
 of the place made a contribution of fifteen hundred pounds 
 to build a hostelry for the entertainment of strangers and 
 visiters."!" 
 
 The efforts in the cause of education were not limited, 
 however, to the establishment of the university. Such an 
 institution of learning would be of little value without the 
 aid of a preparatory school ; and for the introduction of 
 this, the colony was indebted to the exertions of a clergy- 
 man. 
 
 f*In 1621, an East India ship having returned to England 
 from India, the crew were prevailed upon, by the represen- 
 tations of their chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Copeland, to con- 
 tribute seventy pounds towards building a church or free- 
 school in the colony of Virginia : to this, one unknown 
 benefactor added thirty pounds, and another twenty-five 
 pounds. It was determined by the Company to apply 
 these gifts to the erection of a free- school. Charles City 
 was selected as its site, being the spot most convenient 
 to all parts of the colony; and in commemoration of the 
 circumstances in which it originated, it was called the 
 East India School. Nor was the Company less attentive 
 
 • Stith, 172, 173. t 1 Holmes's AnnaU, 173. 
 
1621.] IN VIRGINIA. 39 
 
 to its interests than to those of the college ; they allotted 
 for the maintenance of the master and usher one thousand 
 acres of land, with five servants and an overseer. The 
 school was to have dependance on the college, into which» 
 as soon as it should be sufficiently endowed and fit for the 
 reception of students, pupils were to be admitted from the 
 school, and advanced according to their proficiency in 
 learning.* 
 
 It cannot, therefore, with propriety be charged upon 
 either the Company or the colonists that they were un- 
 mindful of the importance of education to the advance- 
 ment of Christianity and the prosperity of the little com- 
 munity. And it is but justice to the good men of a former 
 age to record this instance of their pious zeal, in the effort 
 which they made to cause God's " way to be known upon 
 earth," his " saving health among all nations." 
 
 Sir George Yeardly having expressed a wish to retire 
 from the office of governor, in 1621 Sir Francis Wyatt was 
 appointed to succeed him ; and it is to be presumed that the 
 enactments of the legislature of 1619 had not been carried 
 into full eflfect ; for in the instructions of the Company to 
 the new governor, he was directed " to take into especial 
 regard the service of Almighty God and the observance 
 of his divine laws, and that the people should be trained up 
 in true religion and virtue. And since their endeavours 
 for the establishment of the honour and rights of the church 
 and ministry had not yet taken due effect," the Company 
 required of the governor and assembly " to employ their 
 utmost care to advance all things appertaining to the order 
 and administration of divine service, according to the form 
 of the Church of England ; carefully to avoid all factious 
 and needless novelties, which only tended to the distur- 
 bance of peace and unity ; and to cause that the ministers 
 should be duly respected and maintained, and the churches 
 
 * Stith, 204; 1 Holmes, 173. 
 
40 PROTESTANT BPISCOPAL CHURCH [1621. 
 
 ar places appointed for divine service decently accommo- 
 dated, according to former order in that behalf."* 
 
 The spiritual good of the natives seems also to have 
 been an object of deep solicitude ; for in the same body of 
 instructions, the Company pressed upon the governor and 
 assembly, in a particular manner, " the using all probable 
 means of bringing over the natives to a love of civilization, 
 and to the love of God, and his true religion." To this 
 purpose a pious example among the English in their own 
 persons and families was strongly recommended ; and the 
 employment of the natives as labourers for hire was di- 
 rected, to familiarize them to the customs of civilized life, 
 and thus gradually to bring them to a knowledge of Chris- 
 tianity, that they might be employed as instruments " in 
 the general conversion of their countrymen, so much de- 
 sired." It was also recommended " that each town, 
 borough, and hundred, should procure, by just means, a 
 certain number of Indian children, to be brought up in the 
 first elements of literature ; that the most towardly of these 
 should be fitted for the college, in building of which they 
 purposed to proceed as soon as any profit arose from the 
 estate appropriated to that use; and they earnestly re- 
 quired their earnest help and furtherance in that pious and 
 important work ; not doubting the particular blessing of 
 God upon the colony, and being assured of the love of all 
 good men upon that account."! 
 
 But these prosperous beginnings and commendable 
 efibrts were destined soon to be entirely defeated by 
 causes from which no danger was apprehended. The 
 whites (ever since Hhe marriage of Pocahontas) had lived 
 on terms of amity with the natives, nor had anything of 
 recent date occurred to interrupt the harmony. The 
 peace existing between the parties was the result of solemn 
 treaty, and repeated assurances to the English of entire 
 
 » Stith, 194; 1 Hening»'« S|a$- , ,., t 1 3urk, tW5, 826. 
 utes, at large, 114. '^ ' " ' 
 
1622.] IN VIRGINIA. 41 
 
 friendship on the part of their savage neighbours com- 
 pletely disarmed suspicion. " Sooner shall the sky fall," 
 said the wily Indian chief, " than the peace shall be vio- 
 lated on my part." But in the midst of all these profes- 
 sions, a conspiracy, consisting of no less than thirty Indian 
 nations, was for nearly four years maturing its plans for 
 the utter extirpation of the English at a single blow ; and 
 its proceedings were marked by that characteristic cunning, 
 and consummate duplicity so well understood by him who 
 has studied the savage of North America. Not a word 
 was said, nor a sign given, which could betray the secrets 
 of the confederacy ; and of all the thirty nations, not a 
 single Indian was found for four years to violate his en- 
 gagements. They kept their counsel but too well for the 
 unfortunate colony; for, on the 22d of March, 1622, hordes 
 of savages burst upon the unsuspecting and defenceless 
 whites, and, involving in indiscriminate slaughter all whom 
 they met, without distinction of age or sex, in the short 
 space of one hour, murdered no less than three hundred 
 and forty-seven men, women, and children. The attack 
 was made simultaneously at thirty-one different settle- 
 ments, and of the labourers on the lands of the college, 
 seventeen were slain. The inhabitants who escaped 
 sought of course the protection of James Town, where 
 the governor concentrated the remains of the colony; the 
 plantations were abandoned, and to the horrors of massacre 
 were soon superadded the miseries of famine. Of eighty 
 plantations which were advancing to completion, eight 
 only remained ; and of twenty-nine hundred and sixty in- 
 habitants, eighteen hundred were all that were left.* These 
 survivors turned their thoughts on vengeance towards 
 their foes, and the affairs of the college were forgotten. 
 
 * " A declaration of the state of infidels upon the English, the 22d of 
 
 the colony and affairs in Virginia, March last," p 13. Purchas, book 
 
 with a relation of the barbarous mas- ix. ch. xv. ; 1 Burk, 240 ; 1 Holmes's 
 
 sacre in the time of peace and league, Annals, 1 78. 
 treacherously executed by the native 
 
42 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1622- 
 
 The massacre of Opecancanough thus gave a death-blow 
 to the first efforts made in America for the establishment 
 of a college, and years elapsed before the attempt was 
 renewed. 
 
 As connected with the slaughter of the whites, an inci- 
 dent occurred which should find a place in this narrative, 
 because it affords proof of the success with which the 
 clergy of the colony had laboured for the conversion of 
 some, at least, of the heathen around them. The preserva- 
 tion of that portion of the colony which escaped, was 
 owing solely to the affection and fidelity of a Christianized 
 native. This Indian, by name Chanco, lived with Richard 
 Pace, and was beloved by his master with an affection at 
 once Christian and parental. 
 
 On the night preceding the massacre, the brother of 
 Chanco slept with him, and enjoining secrecy, communi-, 
 cated to him the intended massacre, with a command from 
 his chief Opecancanough, that he should murder his master. 
 The grateful Indian, immediately on his brother's depar- 
 ture, hastened to Pace, and disclosed what had been com- 
 municated to him. His master knew him too well to 
 doubt his information for a moment, and instantly, before 
 day, repaired to the governor at James Town, which, with 
 the adjoining settlements, was put in a posture of defence, 
 and so escaped the threatened ruin. "And thus," says a 
 contemporary, who furnishes this account, " the rest of the 
 colony, that had warning given them, by this means was 
 saved. Such was (God be thanked for it) the good fruit 
 of an infidel converted to Christianity; for though three 
 hundred and more of ours died by many of these pagan 
 infidels, yet thousands of ours were saved by the means of 
 one of them alone which was made a Christian."* 
 
 It has been remarked, by a European annalist,! that "the 
 emigrants, notwithstanding the humane instructions of their 
 
 ♦ 4 Purchas, p. 1790; 1 Burk, t Chalmers, b. 1.58. 
 
 2«. 
 
1622.] IN VIRGINIA. 43 
 
 sovereign, and the prudent orders of the Company, iiad 
 never been solicitous to cultivate the good-will of the 
 aborigines." However true this assertion may be in 
 many instances, it is gratifying to find, in the history of 
 Chanco, that it is not true in all. A reflection here 
 presents itself, not unworthy of a passing notice. We 
 have now twice seen the colony saved through the agency, 
 direct or indirect, of the clergy. In the commencement 
 of the enterprise, the piety of Mr. Hunt was exerted to ap- 
 pease the quarrels of the rival leaders of the colony; and 
 it was the Christianity taught by the clergy which induced 
 the native convert to become an inmate, an affectionate 
 servant, and a Christian friend in the habitation of an Eng- 
 lish settler. That Christian friendship saved the colony 
 from destruction. It will not, therefore, be deemed rash 
 to conclude that the clergy were not the most useless mem- 
 bers of the infant settlement ; and that they did not de- 
 serve to be so considered is attested by a modern historian, 
 who, while he sneers at Christianity, yet describes the 
 clergy of this day as " pious missionaries, with a temper 
 and demeanour truly Christian."* To the ingenuity of the 
 same historian must be left the task of reconciling the 
 declaration just quoted, with a statement elsewhere made 
 by him, that " the clergy had very early been regarded 
 with a jealousy which checked their aspiring pretensions."f 
 Aspiring pretensions belong not to pious men, with a tem- 
 per and demeanour truly Christian ; nor is it creditable to 
 the characters of the founders of Virginia to represent them 
 as having been roused to jealousy by the exhibition of hum- 
 ble piety. The fact is, that the clergy and the colony are 
 both misrepresented, if the " early" period here spoken of is 
 meant to embrace the time prior to 1622, for there is no 
 evidence to establish the fact of jealousy on the one hand, 
 or ambition on the other. 
 
 * 1 Burk, 250. t 2 Burk, appendix, xxxi. 
 
44 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1624. 
 
 The next record of the early existence of the church in 
 Virginia is to be found in the legislation of 1624. The 
 colony had at this time, by an accession of strength from 
 the mother country, recovered in a great degree, from the 
 disastrous effects of the massacre in 1622 ; and a colonial 
 assembly was convened by Sir Francis Wyatt, the laws of 
 which consisted of thirty-five articles. The first seven 
 related to the church and ministry, and enacted, — 
 
 I. That in every plantation, where the people were wont 
 to meet for the worship of God, there should be a house or 
 room set apart for that purpose, and not converted to any 
 temporal use whatsoever ; and that a place should be 
 empaled and sequestered, only for the burial of the dead. 
 
 II. That whosoever should absent himself from divine 
 service any Sunday, without an allowable excuse, should 
 forfeit a pound of tobacco ; and that he who absented him* 
 self a month, should forfeit fifty pounds of tobacco. 
 
 III. That there should be a uniformity in the church, 
 as near as might be, both in substance and circumstance, 
 to the canons of the Church of England ; and that all per- 
 sons should yield a ready obedience to them, upon pain of 
 censure. 
 
 IV. That the twenty-second of March (the day of the 
 massacre) should be solemnized and kept holy ; and that 
 all other holydays should be observed, except when two 
 fell together in the summer season, (the time of their field 
 labours,) when the first only was to be observed, by reason 
 of their necessities and employments. 
 
 V. That no minister should be absent from his cure 
 above two months in the whole year, upon penalty of for- 
 feiting half his salary; and whosover was absent above 
 four months, should forfeit his whole salary and cure. 
 
 VI. That whosoever should disparage a minister, with- 
 out sufficient proof to justify his reports, whereby the minds 
 of his parishioners might be alienated from him, and his 
 ministry prove the less effectual, should not only pay five 
 
1624.] IN VIRGINIA. 45 
 
 hundred pounds of tobacco, but should also ask the minis- 
 ter's forgiveness publicly in the congregation. 
 
 VII. That no man should dispose of any of his tobacco 
 before the minister was satisfied, upon forfeiture of double 
 his part towards the salary; and that one man of every 
 plantation should be appointed to collect the minister's 
 salary, out of the first and best tobacco and corn.* 
 
 The adoption of these laws was the last act of legislation 
 which affected the church, under the government of the 
 Company. It was in 1624 that, under the forms of a 
 judicial proceeding, the charter of the Company was 
 arbitrarily resumed by the king, and the proprietary 
 government ceased in Virginia. 
 
 * I Hening'a Virginia Statutes, at large, J22 ; Stith, 319. 
 
46 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1628. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 1628-1651. 
 
 Visit of Lord Baltimore — Refuses to take the Oath of Supremacy — Witch- 
 craft — Tyranny of the Governor — Stephen Reek's Case — Missionaries 
 from the Independents of New-England — Driven away by Act of Con- 
 formity — Right jof Presentation and Induction — Loyalty of Virginia — 
 Attachment to the Church — Banishment of Mr. Harrison, a Con- 
 gregational Minister — Subjugation of Virginia to the Commonwealth. 
 
 The change in government does not seem to have inter- 
 rupted the administration of existing laws. The pedantic 
 monarch, who had now become sole proprietor, was am- 
 bitious of digesting a plan of permanent government, and 
 required time and study for the full development of his 
 talent for legislation. Meanwhile, and until the period of 
 royal leisure should arrive, he appointed a provisional 
 government to supply the present exigency, and the colony 
 proceeded quietly under the laws already in being. It is 
 not improbable, therefore, that the church slowly gathered 
 strength, and assumed more of a permanent character, 
 under the protection of the enactments already recited. 
 The only laws concerning religion which are to be found 
 on the records, provide that " all those that worke in the 
 ground, of what qualitie or condition soever, shall pay tithes 
 to the ministers ;" and that " there bee an especiall care 
 taken by all commanders and others that the people doe 
 repaire to their churches on the Saboth day; and to see 
 that the penalty of one pound of tobacco for every time of 
 absence, and fifty pounds for everie month's absence, sett 
 downe in the act of the Gene rail Assembly, 1623, be levyed, 
 and the delinquents to pay the same ; as alsoe to see that 
 
1629.] IN Virginia/ 47 
 
 the Saboth day be not ordinarily profaned by workeing in 
 any imployments, or by iournyeing from place to place."* 
 There is, however, in this portion of our narrative little 
 more than conjecture to guide us ; nor is there any incident, 
 prior to the year 1628, which throws any light on the re- 
 ligious condition of the country. It was in that year that 
 Lord Baltimore visited Virginia ; and called forth, by his 
 arrival, evidence of the strong attachment of the colony to 
 the principles of the Protestant faith, as held by the Church 
 of England. His lordship was a member of the Church of 
 Rome ; and the assembly, which was in session at the time 
 of his arrival, by an exercise of authority, the lawfulness of 
 which has been questioned,! required of him and his fol- 
 lowers to take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance. 
 This was declined by his lordship ; and the assembly con- 
 tented itself with referring the whole matter to the king 
 and council. The occurrence is recorded as illustrative of 
 the general attachment of the colony to the reformed re- 
 ligion ; and as indicating the prevalent opinion that the 
 church in Virginia was a branch of the establishment at 
 home, and entitled to tlie protection of the same laws.J 
 
 In the year 1629, Sir John Hervey entered on his ad- 
 ministration as governor, under the authority of a royal 
 commission ; and on the twenty-fourth of March, in the 
 succeeding year, he convened an assembly. The tyranny 
 of his sway is attested by all the historians of the period, 
 and a mildness in the administration of the laws, touching 
 the discipline of the church, was one of the first subjects of 
 official notice. The decisions of the court of high commis- 
 sion in England, were acknowledged, in words, to be 'au- 
 thority in the ecclesiastical concerns of the colony, so far 
 as they could have any application; but, in point of fact, 
 their influence was very rarely felt. Indeed, it may well 
 
 * I Hening's Virginia Statutes, t Bozman's Maryland, 236, 237. 
 at large, 144. t 2 Burk, 25. 
 
48 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1628. 
 
 be questioned whether that influence was felt at all ; as, 
 during the first twenty-six years of the colony's existence, 
 no record is to be found of any severity inflicted for 
 the non-observance of the ordinances of the church, nor 
 any instance of the application of ecclesiastical dis- 
 cipline for crimes of a spiritual nature. It has, indeed, 
 been said that among the early records is to be found 
 the history of the trial, condemnation, and execution of 
 a woman, by fire, for witchcraft ; and this has led a late 
 historian to insinuate the existence of a persecuting and 
 intolerant spirit in religion.* If the supposed execution 
 ever took place, it is not perceived that it sanctions the 
 inferences which have been made. There is no evidence 
 that the judgment was rendered by an ecclesiastical court ; 
 and it is well known that the belief in witchcraft was uni- 
 versal in Europe until the sixteenth century, and even 
 maintained its ground with tolerable firmness until the 
 middle of the seventeenth. It was an offence cognizable 
 by the civil courts, having been made a felony, without 
 benefit of clergy, by statute 1 James I, c. 12, (enacted 
 in 1603,) so that, if the fact of the execution mentioned 
 above rested on certain testimony, it would still be a gra- 
 tuitous imputation to charge it upon the church. The only 
 record of a trial for witchcraft in Virginia, is believed to be 
 that of Grace Sherwood of Princess Ann county; and if 
 it be this to which the historian has alluded, it does not 
 sustain his insinuation ; for it was a trial before the civil 
 authority ; it did not take place until 1705, 6; nor does it 
 appear from the record that the accused was executed.f 
 Virginia, therefore, is entitled to the honourable distinction 
 of having, in the infancy of her political existence, sustained 
 religion without severity, when her course found but little 
 countenance in the world's example. And if she should 
 
 * 2 Burk, appendix, xxxi. t CoHections of the Virginia His- 
 
 torical Society, vol. i. p. 73. 
 
1629.] IN VIRGINIA. 49 
 
 be deemed justly chargeable with inconsistency in enacting 
 severely* and executing mildly, the inconsistency v^ras at 
 least amiable ; and she need not blush to own that the 
 feelings of humanity triumphed over the sternness of a 
 mistaken theory. 
 
 Such mildness, however, was far from agreeable to 
 Sir John Hervey; and, in the assembly of 1629, an act 
 was passed, at his instigation, enjoining, under severe 
 penalties, a strict conformity to the canons of the church :* 
 and there is evidence to show that after this time infrac- 
 tions of church law were visited with punishment. The 
 enactments of this, and the period immediately subse- 
 quent to it, are often characterized by harshness ; and if, as 
 has been said, they were "judicious,"! their necessity indi- 
 cates the sad fact that the practical fruits of Christianity 
 did not accompany the possession of a sound creed: in 
 other words, that the religion of the day was more nominal 
 than real. It is, however, a point worthy of examination, 
 whether this supposed necessity was not itself created by 
 the severity of the enactments and proclamations under the 
 royal governor. To coerce men into the outward exercise 
 of religious acts by penal laws, is indeed possible ; but to 
 make them love either the religion which is thus enforced, 
 or those who enforce it, is beyond the reach of human 
 power. There is an inherent principle of resistance to 
 oppression, seated in the very constitution of most men, 
 which disposes them to rebel against the arbitrary exercise 
 of violence seeking to give direction to opinions ; and it is 
 not, therefore, to be wondered at, that one sanguinary law 
 compel men to live piously, should beget the necessity for 
 more. In addition to this consideration, it is to be borne in 
 mind, that the utmost severity in enforcing ecclesiastical 
 law was the fashion of those who were in power at home ; 
 and a similar course in the colony would therefore be 
 deemed an acceptable offering to the authorities of the 
 
 ♦ 1 Hening'a Virginia Statutes, at large, 149. t 2 Burk, 31. 
 
so PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l62ff. 
 
 mother country. Without intending then to assert that 
 the religious condition of the colony was all that could 
 be desired, it may be said that the existence of these 
 severe enactments furnishes no conclusive evidence that 
 Christianity was at a low ebb, and wickedness triumphant. 
 But, however this may be, nothing is more certain than 
 that punishments were inflicted on the colonists, not for 
 professing a faith different from that which was established, 
 but for not complying with laws made to enforce that 
 which they had professed. Upon the ancient records is 
 to be found the entry of the excommunication of a colonist 
 "for forty days, for using scornful speeches, and putting on 
 his hat in church, when, according to an order of court, he 
 was to acknowledge and ask forgiveness for an offence."* 
 But the most memorable instance is furnished in the case 
 of Stephen Reeic, which occurred in 1642, under the first 
 administration of Sir William Berkeley. It has already 
 been mentioned, that the decrees of the court of high com- 
 mission were acknowledged as authority in the ecclesias- 
 tical concerns of the colony. They had now come to be 
 the established rules of conduct; and the authority of 
 Archbishop Laud was not less conclusive in Virginia than 
 it was in England. His opinions concerning the puritans 
 were implicitly received and acted upon, so that the colony 
 afforded no countenance, nor even a home to one of that 
 class ; for during the short administration of Sir Francis 
 Wyatt, who succeeded Hervey, (from 1639 to 1641,) several 
 laws were enacted against the puritans, though there were 
 then none in the colony, "to prevent," as was said, "the infec- 
 tion from reaching this country."! The greatest reverence 
 and respect for the character and doctrines of the arch- 
 bishop were enjoined under heavy penalties ; and no re- 
 flection, however slight, was allowed against royal or epis- 
 
 * 1 Hening'g Virginia Statutes, t Beverly, 57 ; 2 Burk, 75. 
 at large^ 223. 
 
1642.] IN VIRGINIA. 51 
 
 copal authority. Under this state of things, Reek, either in 
 a moment of exasperation at the oppression of tyranny, or 
 in the indiscreet indulgence of a jocose spirit, was unfor- 
 tunately heard to say that " his majesty was at confession 
 with my Lord of Canterbury." Whether the expression 
 was considered as amounting to a charge of popery against 
 the king, or as importing a belief that his majesty wa^ 
 under the prelate's guidance, is not recorded ; but the un- 
 fortunate delinquent was pilloried for two hours, with a 
 label on his back, setting forth his offence, fined fifty 
 pounds, and imprisoned during pleasure.* 
 
 The usual effects of punishment, in cases of this kind, 
 were soon apparent. Such punishment never yet failed 
 to give resolution to the spirit of resistance ; and men are 
 often led, by severity, to the adoption of measures, of which, 
 if unmolested, they would probably have never thought. 
 On the records of the first church in Boston, there may be 
 found, in the very year in which Reek was punished, the 
 history of an application sent from Virginia, addressed 
 -to the General Court of Massachusetts, and gentlemen of 
 influence in the community, beseeching them '' to send 
 ministers of the gospel into that region, that its inhabitants 
 might be privileged with the preaching and ordinances of 
 Jesus Christ."t And (as we have seen that the case of 
 Reek did not stand alone) it can scarcely admit of doubt, 
 that the application was prompted by opposition to the 
 indiscreet and oppressive measures pursued in Virginia. 
 
 It has, indeed, been said by a modern historian,J (whose 
 inaccuracies may find some extenuation in the fact that he 
 is a foreigner, and wrote under many disadvantages in his 
 materials, and at a distance from the scene of action,) that 
 this application to Massachusetts was made by the little 
 
 ♦ 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, 1 Mather's Magnalia, Hartford ed., 
 at large, 552 ; 2 Burk, 6T. 538; though Mather places it in 1641. 
 
 t Emerson's Historical Sketch of t 1 Graham's Hist, of the United 
 the first Chiurch in Boston, p. 75 ; States, 313. 
 
62 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l642. 
 
 remnant of puritans, who are supposed to have entered the 
 colony in 1619. No authority is given by him for the 
 statement, nor is it known on what ground it rests. It is be- 
 lieved to be erroneous ; the most diligent research has not 
 been rewarded by the discovery of any such fact ; and as 
 twenty-three years had now elapsed since the arrival of 
 puritans in 16^19, during all which time the Church of 
 England was the establishment, it will not be deemed im- 
 probable that the distinct existence of these dissenters had 
 been gradually lost, under the combined influence of an act 
 of conformity, the vigilance of the governor and council, 
 and the known want of a pastor. The application, there- 
 fore, has been considered as that of members of the estab- 
 lishment driven into opposition by the severity of rulers ; 
 and is viewed in this light ; though it is possible, and in- 
 deed probable, that the application was suggested by some 
 of those who, as we are informed by Winthrop, had emi- 
 grated from New-England two years before, and sought a 
 home in the southern colonies.* 
 
 ' The lesson. presented is plain and impressive. Up to 
 the period of Hervey's arrival, in 1629, there was no 
 complaint", the colonists were content to remain in the 
 bosom of that church in which they had been reared ; 
 and there is ample evidence of a conscientious and 
 general attachment to the faith which was established. 
 The colony of Massachusetts Bay was planted by men 
 who, for the most part, were decided in their opposition to 
 the Church of England. That church received as little 
 countenance among them, as puritanism found in Virginia : 
 and yet, notwithstanding this marked difference of opinion, 
 a portion of the church in Virginia is found, goaded into 
 madness by the folly of rulers, and willing to manifest its 
 resentment by an alliance with those who could furnish no 
 aid, but at the expense of that church which once had their 
 best affections. 
 
 * 2 Savages* Winthrop, ^l. 
 
1642.] IN VIRGINIA.. 63 
 
 The application Vo Boston was laid before a meeting 
 of the ministers of that place, when three were desig- 
 nated to answer the call : of these three, one only, Mr. 
 TdmsoA, could be prevailed on to obey the summons;* 
 he was, however, joined afterward, by Mr. Knolles of Wa- 
 tertown and Mr. James of New-Haven ; and these three 
 gentlemen went as Congregational missionaries to the 
 Church of England in Virginia.f Their stay, however, 
 was but short, for an act of the legislature of this year, 
 enacted " that for the preservation of purity and unity of 
 doctrine and discipline in the church, and the right ad- 
 ministration of the sacraments, no minister be admitted to 
 officiate in this country, but such as shall produce to the 
 governor a testimonial that he hath received his ordination 
 from some bishop in England, and shall then subscribe, 
 to be conformable to the orders and constitutions of the 
 Church of England, and the laws there established : upon 
 which the governor is hereby requested to induct the said 
 minister into any parish that shall make presentation of 
 him : and if any other person, pretending himself a min- 
 ister, shall, contrary to this act, presume to teach or 
 preach publicly or privately, the governor and council are 
 hereby desired and empowered to suspend and silence the 
 person so offending; and upon his obstinate persistance, 
 to compel him to depart the country with the first conve- 
 nience."J If the unwelcome visit of these ministers was 
 not the cause of the passage of this act, it was unquestion- 
 ably this law which compelled their speedy return.§ Of 
 the effect of their visit, this account is obtained from the 
 statements of such as were of their own persuasion. 
 " They had," says Mather,|| " little encouragement from 
 the rulers of the place, but they had a kind entertainment 
 
 * Emerson's Historical Sketch of t Trott's Laws of the British 
 
 the first Church in Boston, p. 75 ; Plantations, p. 116 ; 1 Henings's 
 
 1 Mather's MagnaUa, 538 ; though Statutes, at large, 277. 
 
 Mather places it in 1641. ^1 Holmes's Annals, S71, note 3. 
 
 t 1 Holmes's Annals, 264. |{ 1 Math. Mag. 539. 
 
54 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1642. 
 
 with the people." And Winthrop* remarks, that " though 
 the state did silence the ministers, because they would not 
 conform to the order of England, yet the people resorted 
 to them in private houses to hear them." That their suc- 
 cess was but limited, will appear at a future period in this 
 narrative. 
 
 There is one clause in the act of conformity j^ust recited 
 which is worthy of notice, inasmuch as the subject which 
 it embraced led afterward to much discussion and, indeed, 
 litigation ; and was finally adjusted by legislative interpo- 
 sition- It related to the rights of presentation and induc- 
 tion; the former of which was, by implication at least, 
 given to the parish, and the latter to the governor. But 
 before the passage of this act, it was a matter of dispute 
 whether the parishes, as builders and endowers of all the 
 churches, had not, by the law of England, the right of pres- 
 entation ; and after its enactment, many parishes still con- 
 tended for the exercise of the right, under the law~ of Eng- 
 land, independent of the statute.f But on whatever ground 
 the right rested, it was certainly exercised by the parishes; 
 and it is believed that it continued to be exercised up to 
 the period of the American Revolution. As a specimen of 
 the letters of induction commonly used, a copy of one, with 
 the omission of names only, made from the original, is sub- 
 joined ; in which it will be remarked that the right of the 
 parish to make the presentation seems to be recognised. 
 
 "A. B., his majesty's lieutenant, and governor-general 
 of the colony and dominion of Virginia, 
 
 "To the vestry of Hungar's parish in Northampton 
 county. 
 
 " In virtue of the presentation which you have made to 
 
 * See 2 Savage's Winthrop, 96 ; ginia, by Richard Bland, Esq., one 
 
 Hubbard's History of New-England, of the Representatives in Assembly 
 
 411. for the county of Prince George. A 
 
 f A Letter to the Clergy of Vir- pamphlet, published in 1660. 
 
1642.] IN VIRGINIA.* 55 
 
 me of the Rev. C. D., to be your minister, I do induct him 
 into the real, actual, and corporal possession of the parish 
 of Hungars, in the county of Northampton, with all the 
 rights, profits, and appurtenances thereunto belonging." 
 
 Particuliarity of statement on this point will not, per- 
 haps, be deemed useless, when it is understood that the 
 legislation of a future period, which most deeply affected 
 the church in its temporal interests, involved a question 
 as to the actual ownership of the church property; the 
 right of presentation aided in settling that question: and 
 at a future period of this history, it will be found important 
 to remember that, from the beginning, the jus proprietatis 
 was supposed to be in the body of people, or parish, by 
 which the church edifice was erected, and its lands ob- 
 tained. 
 
 At this time another circumstance occurred which in- 
 vites remark, inasmuch as history has connected it with 
 the religious opinions of the colony. It seems that Mr. 
 George Sandys, one of the agents of the colony in Eng- 
 land, petitioned parliament, in the name of his constituents, 
 for the restoration of the old company. The colony, how- 
 ever, formally disavowed the act, and entreated permission 
 to remain under the royal government ;* this measure 
 is supposed to have been induced by attachment to the 
 Church of England. The petition of Mr. Sandys was pre- 
 ferred to the long parliament; and the mother country 
 was then passing through the troubles which resulted in 
 the temporary overthrow of monarchy. The attachment 
 of Virginia, as has already been stated, was to the Church 
 of England ; nor is there 'any reason to doubt that, not- 
 withstanding the disaffection of some, among the great 
 mass of the inhabitants it was a conscientious attachment. 
 The proceedings of the long parliament, and the spirit of 
 
 ♦ I Hening'8 Virginia Statutes, at large, 230. 
 
66 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH £l643. 
 
 those who ruled the disorganizers, were objects of suspicion 
 in Virginia. The colonists saw plainly that the measures 
 in progress tended to the subversion of the church ; and 
 they viewed the puritans (whom they cordially disliked) 
 as engaged in an effort, not merely to subvert the throne, 
 but to destroy the Church of England also. And this, it is 
 said, induced the colony to favour the royal cause.* 
 
 There is probably some truth in this conjecture of the his- 
 torian, but it is not the whole truth. The circumstance does, 
 indeed, furnish evidence that Virginia preferred the Church 
 of England, and entertained but little partiality for the 
 puritans ; and, according to the view just presented, she 
 deserves, at least, to be complimented for political sagacity, 
 in having foreseen results which were afterward verified 
 by the facts. But there was more than this in the occur- 
 rence. Virginia was loyal. She was the last colony to 
 submit to the parliament. Hundreds of the cavaliers 
 sought and found refuge within her borders. There is 
 ample evidence in her history of a devoted attachment to 
 the crown. And who, at this day, will reproach her on that 
 account ? It is but a disingenuous effort, in our love for the 
 political institutions of our own country, to offer a lame and 
 insufficient apology for loyalty to a throne, when exhibited 
 by men, who had been taught by situation, habits, and edu- 
 cation to deem loyalty a virtue. The descendants of the 
 cavaliers, and there are some such in Virginia, have surely 
 no cause to blush for the feeling of honour which kept their 
 fathers faithful to what they thought to be duty. If, how- 
 ever, it was a fault in the colony to offer resistance to the 
 republican principles and practices of the commonwealth, 
 let the fault be put down to the true account — -Virginia's 
 loyalty ; but let not the church in this country be injured 
 at this day by an artful insinuation, that adherence to her 
 principles involved attachment to monarchy; let her not 
 
 * 2 Burk,75. 
 
1648.] IN VIRGINIA. yt. 
 
 be sacrificed to prejudices which are easily excited, but 
 allayed with difficulty. 
 
 The assembly of dissenters, collected by the missionaries 
 from Massachusetts, whose efforts have been recorded on 
 a previous page, amounted in 1648, to one hundred and 
 eighteen members. It had experienced from its com- 
 mencement the opposition of government ; Mr. Durand its 
 elder had been already banished by the governor ; and in 
 this year, Mr. Harrison, its pastor, having been ordered to 
 depart from the country, sought congeniality of sentiment 
 among the Congregationalists or Independents of New-Eng- 
 land.* One who was contemporary with the transactions 
 here related, has left us the following statement, which 
 presents a picture of persecution, for which no apology 
 should be offered : " And there was in Virginia a certaine 
 people congregated into a church, calling themselves Inde- 
 pendents, which daily encreasing, severall consultations 
 were had by the state of thatColoney, how to suppress and 
 extinguish them, which was daily put in execution ; as 
 first, their pastor was banished ; next, their other teachers; 
 then many by informations clapt up in prison, then gener- 
 ally disarmed (which was very harsh in such a country 
 where the heathen live round about them) by one Colonel 
 Samuel Matthews, then a counsellor in Virginia, so that 
 they knew not in those straights how to dispose of them- 
 selves."f Mr. Harrison, on his return, represented that 
 many of the council were favourably disposed towards the 
 introduction of puritanism, and " one thousand of the peo- 
 ple, by conjecture" were of a similar mind. J There is but 
 little doubt that the banishment of Mr. Harrison was con- 
 nected with other considerations than those of religion. 
 The time at which it occurred was but a few months prior 
 
 * 1 Holmes's Annals, 289 ; 3 Maryland. A pamphlet, published 
 
 Savage's Winthrop, 334. in 1656. The author was John 
 
 t Ijcah and Rachel!, or the two Hammond, 
 fruitfull Sisters of Virginia and t 2 Savage's Winthrop, 334. 
 
 H 
 
58 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l648. 
 
 to the execution of the unfortunate Charles ; and the re- 
 ligious opinions of Mr. Harrison were taken as an index 
 to his political sentiments ; he was banished, probably, as 
 much for the latter as the former ; and the transaction' 
 affords another proof of the deep sympathy which Virginia 
 felt for the fallen king. 
 
 After the beheading^of Charles, the parliament directed its 
 attention to the subjugation of the colonies. Virginia made 
 resistance ; she now contained a population of twenty 
 thousand,* and was under the government of a man, who 
 yielded to none, in attachment to the family of the late 
 monarch. Sir William Berkeley resolved not to sur- 
 render without a struggle ; and in this determination he 
 was strengthened by the cavaliers, who, as has been before 
 mentioned, had in large numbers sought a refuge in Vir- 
 ginia. Certain Dutch trading ships were also at the time 
 lying off James Town, engaged in a traffic which had been, 
 interdicted by the parliament; and fearful of the loss of 
 property, and perhaps of life, under the decision of the 
 parliament's courts in England, the commanders of these 
 ships determined to make common cause with Virginia. 
 The vessels were accordingly filled with men, and moored 
 in the most convenient position for pouring a broadside 
 into an approaching enemy ; while troops, commanded by 
 the governor in person, covered the eminences that over- 
 looked the waters which formed the peninsula. When 
 the squadron approached James Town, the leaders of the 
 parliamentary forces were startled by a preparation for 
 resistance alike formidable and unexpected ; and the offi- 
 cers of the commonwealth, not daring to hazard an attack, 
 resorted to negotiation. Some of the members of the 
 council happened to be the owners of a large quantity of 
 goods which had been shipped for them in England, on 
 board some of the vessels of the invading fleet, and their 
 
 >f3;<^>.^ * 1 Holmes'. Annak, 316. 
 
1651.] IN vmaiNiA. 5& 
 
 influence was sought in effecting an accommodation. 
 They yielded to considerations of interest, produced a 
 division of sentiment in the council, and at length, sorely 
 against the wishes of the governor, it was resolved to 
 capitulate. The measure having been determined on, all 
 that Sir William Berkeley could do, was to unite all parties 
 in the resolution to insist on the most honourable terms. 
 In this he met with no difficulty ; and the conditions of 
 surrender having been discussed and agreed on in a grand 
 assembly of governor, councillors, and burgesses, they 
 were sent to the commander of the parliamentary forces, 
 with a solemn assurance, that if they were not accepted 
 without the slightest alteration or qualification the colony 
 was prepared to endure the worst rather than submit. 
 The parliamentary leader was most willing to accept of 
 the surrender on their own terms ; and truly has it been 
 said of them, that they were **the most liberal and ample 
 that were ever procured under similar circumstances ;" 
 and form " an honourable and lasting record of the spirit 
 and intelligence of Virginia."* 
 
 In these articles of capitulation, the governor and council 
 were excused from taking the oalh to the commonwealth 
 for one year ; and were not to be censured for praying for 
 the kinu, or speaking well of him, in their private houses 
 and neighbourly conference. It was also stipulated " that 
 the use of the Book of Common Prayer shall be permitted 
 for one yeare ensueing, with reference to the consent of 
 the major part of the parishes, provided that those which 
 relate to kingship, or that government be not used pub- 
 liquely, and the continuance of ministers in their places, 
 they not misdemeaning themselves, and the payment of 
 their accustomed dues and agreements made with them 
 respectively, shall be left as they now stand, dureing this 
 ensueing yeare."f 
 
 * 2 Burk, 80, et seq. Beverly. f 2 Burk, 90 ; 1 Hening's Vir- 
 
 ginia Statutes,, at large, 36S. 
 
60 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1651. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 1651-1693. 
 
 Introduction of Puritans — ^Hatred of Puritanism — Reproved by Cromwell 
 — Virginia throws off obedience to the Commonwealth — State of the 
 Church in 1661 — Bad Character of many of the Clergy — Legislation of 
 1662 — Intolerance towards Quakers — Conspiracy of Puritans — Dread of 
 Popery — The Reverend Dr. Blair, first Commissary — His Character and 
 Labours— Establishment of William and Mary College. 
 
 During the time which intervened between the surrender 
 of Virginia to the commonwealth and the restoration of 
 Charles the Second, little is to be found which illustrates 
 the condition of the church. It is certain that the success 
 of the parliamentary party led to the introduction into the 
 colony of new residents who entertained but little affection 
 for the Church of England ; and it may be that amo»g 
 these individuals, congregations were organized on the model 
 which had been set up in the mother country ; but it is also 
 certain, that if such were the fact, the influence of this ex- 
 ample was but slightly felt, and the great body of the people 
 still retained their attachment for the church of their fathers. 
 The legislation of the period under review affords us but 
 little light. In 1653, we find a clergyman declared inca- 
 pable of being a member of the House of Burgesses, as it 
 might ** produce bad consequences.*** In 1655, "many 
 places were destitute of ministers, and like still to continue 
 so, the people not paying their accustomed dues," and 
 manifesting great negligence in procuring religious instruo 
 tion;t and in 1657, an act for settling church government 
 
 -r'i *♦ 1 Heuing's Statutes, at large, 378. 1 Ibid. 393. 
 
16S1.] IN VIRGINIA. ftl 
 
 provided that to the people of the respective parishes should 
 be referred all matters touching the churchwardens and 
 vestry, agreements with their ministers, and, in general, 
 such things as concerned the parish or parishioners.* The 
 interference of the legislature, however, does not seem to 
 have caused any change in the feelings or habits of the 
 colonists, so far at least as the church was concerned. A 
 contemporary describes them as "a people which generally 
 bear a great love to the stated constitutions of the Church 
 of England, in her government and public worship; which 
 gave us (who went thither under the late persecutions of 
 it) the advantage of liberty to use it constantly among 
 them, after the naval force had reduced the colony under 
 the power (but never to the obedience) of the usur- 
 pers."! 
 
 Indeed, during the whole continuance of the protectorate, 
 Virginia seems to have been an object of suspicion to Crom- 
 well. Her attachment to the royal cause was known; and 
 her silent endurance of the religious system which was 
 then triumphant at home, was justly supposed to be an 
 extorted acquiescence in what she could not remedy, rather 
 than the voluntary submission of a cordial affection. There 
 was a circumstance which occurred about this time, well 
 calculated to increase Cromwell's distrust. A set of com- 
 missioners, at the head of whom was one Claiborne, a felon 
 convict who had escaped from justice in Maryland during 
 the reign of Charles the First, was employed, under the 
 auspices of Cromwell, " in the holy work of rooting out 
 the abominations of popery and prelacy in Maryland."J 
 This chief commissioner was well known in Virginia, for 
 he had lived there, and from the concurrent testimony of 
 the historians of the times, his character seems to have 
 
 * I Hening*s Statutes, at large, t2Burk, 113. I^ah and Racheir, 
 
 433. or the two fruitfull Sisters of Vir- 
 
 t Virginia's Cure, an advisive nar- ginia and Maryland. A pamphlet of 
 
 rative concerning Virginia, p. 22, 1656. 
 
62 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1661. 
 
 been well understood. " It was not religion," says a writer 
 of that day, " it was not punctilios these commissioners 
 stood upon ; it was that sweete, that rich, that large country 
 they aimed at."* Virginia dared to sympathize with the 
 victims of Claiborne's oppression, and to afford relief to 
 such of them as sought an asylum within her borders; 
 "and," says the historian quoted above, "this supposed 
 attempt in Virginia to interrupt the work of righteousness, 
 was looked on as the instigation of Satan, to retard the 
 establishment of God*s religion and the dominion of the 
 saints."t It called forth from the Protector a severe reproof 
 to the governor and council, in which he descanted on *' the 
 presumption and impiety of this interference," and admon- 
 ished Virginia in future to attend solely to her own con- 
 cerns.J 
 
 The circumstances above related furnish, it will be ob- 
 served, testimony to something moire than the fact of Crom- 
 well's suspicion of Virginia. There could have been, in 
 the mass of the people, little or no disposition cordially to 
 co-operate in the diffusion and establishment of puritanical 
 opinions and practices in Virginia, when they were so 
 ready to afford a refuge to those who fled from them in 
 Maryland. 
 
 Sir William Berkeley, who, by the articles of capitulation 
 in 1651, had secured to himself the right of transporting 
 himself and his effects to Europe within one year, still lin- 
 gered in the colony under various pretexts ; and thus is the 
 suspicion strengthened that he secretly indulged the hope 
 of a restoration of royalty, and remained on the spot to 
 avail himself of any circumstances which might seem 
 favourable to the production of such an event. A very 
 large number of cavaliers had been driven abroad by 
 Cromwell, and crowds of them resorted to Virginia ;§ and 
 there is reason to believe that there wasa secret and unsus- 
 
 » Leah and Rachell. t Ibid. 
 
 t 2 Burk, 113. ^1 Holme's Annals, 316. 
 
1659.] IN VIRGINIA. 63 
 
 peeled correspondence carried on between these refugees 
 and the ex-governor.* 
 
 One of those refugees, a devoted loyalist and a relative 
 of Sir William Berkeley, has left a narrative of the voyage 
 which he, together with others of the king's adherents, 
 niade to Virginia. From him we learn that the colony was 
 looked upon by the cavaliers as an asylum for them, in 
 which they were certain of finding those who sympathized 
 with them in their sufferings, and shared with them in their 
 political attachments; and the house and the purse of Sir 
 William Berkeley " were open to all of the royal party who 
 made Virginia their refuge."t 
 
 Upon the death of the governor Matthews, in the begin- 
 ning of 1659, the Virginians, according to the statements 
 of the earlier historians, resolved to throw off the govern- 
 ment of the protectorate ; and repairing in crowds to the 
 residence of Sir William Berkeley, who was then living in 
 retirement, requested of him to resume the government of 
 the colony. He, it is said, declined, unless they would 
 solemnly promise to adventure their lives and fortunes 
 with him for the king. The pledge was given ; and in 
 January, 1659, Charles the Second was proclaimed in Vir- 
 ginia, and Berkeley resumed the government, sixteen months 
 before the king was restored to the throne.J 
 
 Later writers have, however, doubted the correctness of 
 this statement, and have laboured hard to prove that Vir- 
 ginia was essentially republican at this period, and cared 
 but little for the restoration of royalty.^ There may be a 
 deficiency of proof to establish the fact of a tumultuous 
 assemblage having requested Berkeley to resume the reins 
 of government; but a fair exposition of the records of that 
 
 *2Burk,, 114. ^ Chalmers, b. i. 125 ; 1 Holmes's An- 
 
 t Journal of a Voyage to Virginia, nals, 311. 
 by Colonei Norwood ; Churchill's ^ 1 Hening's Stat., at large, 513 
 Collection of Voyages, vol. vi. p. 170. note, 526 note; Bancroft's United 
 
 t Beverly, p. 55; 2 Burk, 118; States, 240 to 253. Bancroft is in- 
 debted entirely to Hening. 
 
(84 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1661. 
 
 day, together with the testimony of contemporaneous his- 
 tory, will place beyond a doubt the loyalty of Virginia.* 
 
 Charles had scarcely ascended the throne before he trans- 
 mitted to Governor Berkeley a new commission, and gave 
 him permission to visit England. Upon this visit, which 
 was made immediately, he received a body of instructions 
 which formed the basis of the colonial legislation for the 
 church, in 1662. The condition of Virginia in ecclesiastical 
 matters at the period of the restoration, is gathered from a 
 pamphlet which was delivered to the Bishop of London in 
 1661, during the visit of Sir William Berkeley, and probably 
 at his instigation. 
 
 There were in the colony at that time about fifty 
 parishes, situated, for the most part, on the banks of the 
 rivers, and extending themselves for some length, form- 
 ing narrow belts of land along the shore. Many of 
 these parishes had nothing more than a legislative exist- 
 ence in the acts of assembly which defined their bounda- 
 ries, and in many there was neither church, parsonage, nor 
 glebe. Most of them were destitute of clergymen, as the 
 whole number of ministers in the colony was about one- 
 fifth of the number of parishes.f From the same source 
 of information we learn that the scarcity of ministers was 
 an evil which had long been felt, and that applications had 
 been from time to time made to the Bishop of London '* for 
 help to preserve the Christian religion by supplying them 
 with ministers." Such, indeed, was the want of clergy- 
 men, that a bounty of twenty pounds sterling was granted 
 by the legislature of 1656, to any person who should at his 
 ** proper cost and charge transport a sufficient minister'* 
 into the colony.J These applications, if not entirely fruit- 
 less, were of but little benefit to the colony ; the country 
 was not in the best repute, and but few clergymen of merit 
 were found willing to make it their permanent habitation* 
 
 • Vide Appendix, note A. narrative concerning Virginia. 
 
 t Virginia** Cure, or an advisive i 1 Hening's Stat, at Targe, 4 18. 
 
1662.] IN VIRGINIA. 65 
 
 Clergymen emigrated, indeed, but so far as the colony was 
 concerned, better had it been had they remained at home. 
 ** Many came, such as wore black coats, and could babble 
 in a pulpit, roare in a tavern, exact from their parishioners, 
 and rather by their dissolutenesse, destroy than feed their 
 flocks. Loath was the country to be wholy without teach- 
 ers, and therefore rather retain them than be destitute: 
 yet still, endeavours for better in their places, which were 
 obtained, and these wolves in sheep's clothing by their 
 assemblies questioned, silenced, and some forced to depart 
 the country."* 
 
 The narrative which was presented to the Bishop of 
 London in 1661, suggested as remedies for the evils under 
 which the Virginia church laboured, the building of towns, 
 and proposing to the king a collection throughout the king- 
 dom ; and to ensure a supply of qualified clergymen, it 
 recommended the establishment, at the two universities, of 
 "Virginia fellowships," imposing upon the fellows at their 
 ordination, at the expiration of seven years, the duty of 
 going to Virginia and officiating as parish priests, for seven 
 years more. 
 
 How far the measures here proposed found favour with 
 those in authority is unknown ; but in the body of instruc- 
 tions given to Sir Willliam Berkeley, the first article re- 
 commended " the duties of religion, the use of the Book of 
 Common Prayer, the decent repairs of churches, and a 
 competent provision for conforming ministers. For this 
 purpose, a convenient house, with a glebe of a hundred 
 acres, for the exercise of their industry, were directed to 
 be assigned to them, together with a liberal maintenance to 
 be furnished out of the fruits and productions of the earth 
 and the labours of the planters."! Sir William Berkeley 
 transmitted to his deputy a copy of the instructions which 
 he had received ; and as the legislature was then in ses- 
 
 ♦ Hammond's Leah and Racheil, p. 5. f S5 Burk, 124 
 
 I 
 
W^ PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1682. 
 
 sion, preparing a revised code, this intimation of the royal 
 pleasure was naturally enough naade the guide in legisla- 
 tion. 
 
 The enactnnents of the legislature, so far as they concern 
 religion, nnay, it is thought, be most conveniently presented 
 under four heads. 
 
 I. As it respected church edifices, the law declared that 
 a church should be " built in each parish of the country, 
 unless any parish, as now settled, by reason of the fewness 
 or poverty of the inhabitants, be incapable of sustaining 
 so great a charge ; in which case, such parishes shall be 
 joined to the great parish of the same county ; and that a 
 chapel of ease be built in such places, at the particular 
 charge of that place." It was also made the duty of the 
 churchwardens to " keep the church in repair, and provide 
 books and decent ornaments; viz., a great Bible, two Com- 
 mon Prayer books, a communion cloth and napkins, a 
 pulpit, and cushion." 
 
 II. As it respected the duties and compensation of the 
 clergy, and the regular performance of divine service, it 
 was enacted, " that the canons set down in the liturgy of 
 the Church of England, for celebrating divine service and 
 administration of the sacraments, be duly observed and 
 kept ; and that the whole liturgy, according to the said in- 
 junctions, be, by the minister or reader at church or chapel, 
 every Sunday throughly used." It was also made the 
 duty of the minister of each parish " to preach constantly 
 every Sunday; viz., one Sunday in a month at each chapel 
 of ease in his parish, if there be any, and the others in his 
 parish church ; and that twice a year, at least, he admin- 
 ister the sacrament of the Lord's Supper there." To se- 
 cure to the people divine service in the absence of the 
 minister, it was enacted that " every parish, not having a 
 minister to officiate every Sunday, might make choice of a 
 grave and sober person, of good life and conversation, to 
 read divine service, every intervening Sunday, at the parish 
 
1662.] IN VIRGINIA.. V-* gjy 
 
 church, when the minister preacheth in any other place." 
 And it was also declared, that neither minister nor reader 
 should teach any other catechism than " that inserted in 
 the Book of Common Prayer ; and that the minister ex- 
 pound no other than that : that our fundamentals, at 
 least, may be well laid ; and that no reader, upon pre- 
 sumption of his own abilities, do attempt the expounding 
 that or any other catechism, or the scriptures." The 
 minister or reader was also required to keep a record of 
 his official acts. As to the dues of the minister, (as they 
 were termed,) it w^as provided that an annual salary of 
 eighty pounds should be settled on every minister, " to be 
 paid in the valuable commodities of the country; if in to- 
 bacco, at twelve shillings per hundred weight; if in corn, 
 at ten shillings per barrel."* It was also made the duty 
 of the churchwardens " to collect these dues, cause them 
 to be brought to convenient places, and honestly pay 
 them." 
 
 III. As to the rights and duties of the laity, it was 
 enacted that " the major part of each parish" should 
 choose " twelve of the most able men of each parish" to 
 be a vestry ; out of which number the minister and vestry 
 were annually to select two churchwardens ; and to them 
 also was given the power of supplying all vacancies in 
 their body; and none were to be permitted to act as ves- 
 trymen, until they should take " the oaths of allegiance and 
 supremacy to his majesty, and subscribe to be comform- 
 able to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of Eng- 
 land." The due observance of the Lord's day, by attend- 
 ance upon public worship, and refraining from travel, ex- 
 cept in cases of emergent necessity, were required under 
 the penalty of a fine of fifty pounds of tobacco. As illus- 
 trative of the spirit of the age, it should be added that a 
 special proviso in this statute excluded "Quakers, or 
 
 * A Letter to the Clergy of Virginia, by Richard Bland, Esquire, k 
 
^ PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1662. 
 
 Other recusants, who, out of non-conformity to the church," 
 totally absented themselves from worship, from the benefit 
 of its comparatively mild penalty; and declared them still 
 to be liable to the penalties of statute 23 Elizabeth, which 
 were for each month's absence twenty pounds sterling ; and 
 for the continued absence of a twelvemonth, to give, in 
 addition to the fine, security for their good behaviour. It 
 was also enacted by the law of Virginia, that each Quaker 
 attending an " unlawful assembly or conventicle," if taken 
 there, should pay a fine of two hundred pounds of tobacco 
 for each offence. And " whereas," to use the language of 
 the preamble, "many schismatical persons, either out of 
 averseness to the orthodox established religion, or out of the 
 new-fangled conceits of their own heretical inventions, did 
 refuse to have their children baptized ;" it was enacted that 
 whoever, "in contempt of the divine sacrament of bap- 
 tism," should thus refuse, when he might carry his child to 
 a lawful minister within the county to be baptized, should 
 be amerced two thousand pounds of tobacco, half to the 
 parish, and half to the informer. 
 
 IV. For the advancement of education, and conse- 
 quent increase of religious instructers, the following ju- 
 dicious law was enacted : " Whereas, the want of able 
 and faithful ministers in this country deprives us of those 
 great blessings and mercies that always attend upon the 
 service of God ; which want, by reason of our great dis- 
 tance from our native country, cannot, in probability, be 
 always supplied from thence : be it enacted, that for the 
 advance of learning, education of youth, supply of the 
 ministry, and promotion of piety, there be land taken up, 
 or purchased, for a college and free-school ; and that 
 there be, with as much speed as may be convenient, 
 housing erected thereon for entertainment of students and 
 scholars,"* 
 
 * For these several laws, see Trott's Laws of the British Plantations in 
 America; article Virginia, Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 11. 23. 25. 28. 29; 2 
 Hening's Virginia Statutes, at large, p. 44. 
 
1663.] IN VIRGINIA. 69 
 
 These are the principal enactments, touching the church, 
 which were made in 1662. In the succeeding year, a spirit 
 of intolerance, for which no better apology has been 
 rendered than that it was the spirit of the age, seems 
 to have been manifested towards the unfortunate Qua- 
 kers. Those who are disposed to find an excuse for this 
 severity, might urge, in extenuation of the passage of the 
 law inflicting additional penalties on the Quakers, that 
 the eflTort for their suppression was made on political 
 rather than on religious considerations ; for the preamble 
 in reference to the assemblies of Quakers states, that 
 " under that and other names of separation, persons have 
 taken up and maintained sundry dangerous opinions and 
 tenets ; and, under pretence of religious worship, often 
 assemble themselves in great numbers, in several parts of 
 this colony, to the great endangering of its public peace 
 and safety:"* but, unfortunately for the charity which 
 would adopt this excuse, it must be remembered, that 
 though ordinarily there is wisdom in an adherence to 
 the rule of law which makes the preamble a key to the 
 interpretation of the statute ; yet in the case of a penal 
 enactment, the maker of the law and of its preamble is 
 the same individual ; and he will scarcely fail to justify to 
 the world the severity of the enactment, by the insertion 
 in the preamble of what, to him at least, appears to be a 
 sufficient apology. It would be difficult to find a penal 
 statute with a preamble, in which the preamble does not 
 sanction the severity of the law ; for men are not usually 
 willing to exhibit gratuitous cruelty. Were it always cer- 
 tain that the preamble told nothing but the truth, the rule 
 of interpretation above alluded to might safely be made 
 of universal application ; but when it is known, in some of 
 its statements, to be untrue, it obviously furnishes no safe 
 
 * 2 Hening's Statutes, at large, 180 ; Beverly, 57. 
 
 y 
 
76 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1663. 
 
 guide. Such in the case under consideration happens to 
 be the fact. It is stated that Quakers assembled " in great 
 numbers," when at this period their number in the colony 
 was comparatively small ; so small, indeed, that they are 
 known to have had but one congregation at most, if, in- 
 deed, they had any. Another unfortunate discrepancy 
 between the preamble and the law is, that while the one 
 professes the existence of an evil which called for a remedy, 
 in the assemblage of those under *' other names of separa- 
 tion" as well as of Quakers, the other applies the pro- 
 posed remedy to Quakers only. The statement in the 
 preamble, therefore, it is believed, is entitled to little credit ; 
 and, under all the circumstances, it is difficult at this day 
 to find the true cause of this hostility to a class of men pro- 
 verbially peaceable, unless we refer it to a complaisant 
 spirit of acquiescence, ready to return a faithful echo to 
 the known opinions of the reigning monarch respecting 
 those whose principles, he said, he had discovered to be 
 " inconsistent with any kind of government."* 
 
 Whatever may have been the causes which led to the 
 passage of the law, in its enforcement there were not want- 
 ing instances of disfranchisement and petty annoyance ;t 
 though Virginia did not proceed as far as her sister colony 
 of Massachusetts in inflicting the punishment of death. 
 No Quakers were hanged in Virginia. It has been said 
 that this forbearance " was not owing to the moderation 
 of the church, or spirit of the legislature." J As to the 
 church, it is not perceived that she had any agency in the 
 enactment of the law ; and as to the legislature, it certainly 
 was as competent to punish Quakers with death, as it was 
 to inflict a lighter penalty. Nor can it be for a moment 
 
 * See King Charles's Letter to f 2 Burk, 131. 
 
 the Colony of Massachusetts; 2 % Jefferson's Noter on Virginia, 
 
 Hazard, 605-7 ; 2 Coil. Mass. Hist, query xvii. 
 Soc. viii. 52. 55. ' 
 
1663.] IN VIRGINIA. 71 
 
 doubted that the severest punishment would have received 
 the royal sanction ; for in the letter of Charles to the colony 
 of Massachusetts, to which allusion has already been made, 
 the language of the king is remarkable : — " We cannot be 
 understood hereby to direct or wish that any indulgence 
 should be granted to those persons commonly called Qua- 
 kers." If, therefore, there was any moderation exhibited at 
 all, it must have been by the legislature ; and as it is the 
 only redeeming feature which this body presents in the 
 transaction, it seems hard to rob it of this trifling modicum 
 of merit. That it was not disposed to signalize itself by its 
 want of moderation, is evident from a circumstance which 
 occurred in the very same body by which the law was 
 enacted. The sheriff of Norfolk reported to the House of 
 Burgesses, that one of their members, the representative 
 from his county, was " loving to the Quakers and attended 
 their meetings." The accused member did not hesitate to 
 avow his attachment to the persecuted sect, but denied 
 that there was evidence to prove his attendance upon their 
 meetings. This was admitted by the House ; but upon his 
 refusal to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, 
 which were required of all the members, he was expelled \ 
 and with that step the legislature was content, without in- 
 stituting an inquiry or directing a prosecution against the 
 suspected Quaker.* 
 
 There was another class of non-conformists in the colony, 
 more numerous and more dangerous than the Quakers, 
 against whom the law of 1642f was put in force. These 
 were veteran soldiers, who, having imbibed the spirit 
 of- insurrection under Cromwell, had been transported 
 to Virginia after the restoration, on account of their 
 turbulent and mutinous dispositions. Their assemblages, 
 there is reason to believe, were perverted from reli- 
 gious to treasonable purposes ; and under the influence 
 of these men, a plot was concocted among the secta- 
 
 * 2 Henmg's Statutes, at large, 198. f Vide ante, p. 03. 
 
72 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1663. 
 
 ries of their creed, for the subversion of the govern- 
 ment, presenting a singular compound of fanaticism and 
 villany. It was betrayed by one of their own number on 
 the evening previous to its intended execution, and the just 
 indignation of the colony was satisfied with the death of 
 four only of the conspirators. As there were political 
 dangers resulting from the meetings of these misguided 
 men, which were suspected by the government, it will per- 
 haps be deemed no undue exercise of severity that the 
 law which pi;phibited their meetings was enforced, as the 
 readiest as well as mildest mode of correcting the evil. 
 
 Scarcely had the fears excited by the discovery of this 
 plot been permitted to subside, before a fresh cause of ap- 
 prehension was found. This was the dread of popery 
 under the reign of the second James. The attachment of 
 the king to the Church of Rome was strongly suspected in 
 the colony, insomuch that a distinguished citizen had not 
 hesitated to say to the governor, " that his majesty. King 
 James, would wear out the Church of England : for that, 
 when there were any vacant offices, he supplied them with 
 men of a different persuasion." And that he was not alone 
 in this opinion may be inferred from the fact, that when, at 
 the instigation of the governor, he was prosecuted for his 
 words, the council, to save appearances, after a short ex- 
 amination, discharged him unpunished. The clergy, too, 
 were not backward in sounding the alarm. In the county 
 of Stafford, the reverend Mr. Waugh preached openly 
 against popery ; and as mysterious hints were circulating 
 of a supposed plot between the Indians and the few papists 
 in the colony, (who had probably fied from Maryland,) to 
 destroy the protestants, it was not difficult to rouse the 
 people to angry excitement, and commotions arose which 
 foreboded no peaceful termination.* The accession of 
 William and Mary served to allay apprehension, and that 
 
 * 2 Burk,305. 
 
1689."] IN VIRGINIA. is 
 
 event was accordingly hailed with joy by the great body of 
 the people. 
 
 Prior to the year 1689, the reverend Mr. Temple seems 
 to have exercised within the colony functions somewhat 
 similar to those confided to a bishop's commissary. How 
 long he had so exercised them is matter of uncertainty, nor 
 is it known that he acted under any other than verbal au- 
 thority. Jn this year Sir Francis Nicholson entered on his 
 duties as lieutenant-governor ; and associated with this fact 
 there occurs the name of a clergyman, whose memory is 
 intimately connected with the progress of religion and 
 learning for many years in Virginia. This clergyman was 
 the reverend Dr. Blair, who is supposed to have been the 
 first commissary duly commissioned by the Bishop of Lon- 
 don for any of the colonies. His commission was read 
 before the council on the day after the installation of Sir 
 Francis Nicholson, and his authority was duly acknow- 
 ledged. 
 
 The duty of a commissary under the English law is, " to 
 supply the office and jurisdiction of the bishop in the out- 
 places of the diocess ;"* and it will be remembered that all 
 the colonies were considered as forming a part of the dio- 
 cess of the Bishop of London. To the Episcopalian, it is 
 scarcely necessary to say that the rites of ordination and 
 confirmation were not within the powers of the commis- 
 sary. For certain purposes only, was he the bishop's repre- 
 sentative : it was his duty to make visitations through the 
 diocess, inspect the state of the churches, deliver charges, 
 and, in some instances, to administer discipline. Deposi- 
 tion from the ministry, however, was understood to be be- 
 yond his authority ; and therefore the evils which resulted 
 from the continuance in the church of an unworthy clergy- 
 man, were not remedied by the appointment of a com*- ^* 
 missary. 
 
 As Dr. Blair contributed in hisday as much to the causd' 
 
 * Terms de la Ley* 
 
74 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l689. 
 
 of learning and the diffusion of Christianity as any indi- 
 vidual in the southern colonies of this continent, a passing 
 tribute is due to his nn^mory. He was a native of Scot- 
 land, in which country he received his education, and was 
 beneficed in the Episcopal church there. Having a prospect, 
 of discharging his ministerial functions more usefully else- 
 where, he quitted his preferments, and went into England 
 towards the close of the reign of Charles II. The then 
 Bishop of London (Dr. Compton) prevailed upon him to 
 go as a missionary into Virginia, and his first visit to tliis 
 country was made about the year 1685. A careful and 
 diligent observer of the true state of things within the 
 colony, he was enabled correctly to apprehend its wants ; 
 and by his exemplary deportment and unremitting labours 
 in the discharge of his ministerial duties, he did good ser- 
 vice to the cause of religion, and obtained the confidence 
 and affection of all classes in the community. Recom- 
 mended by the intrinsic worth of his character to the 
 Bishop of London, he was appointed commissary, as we 
 have seen, in J 689; and so far from relaxing in the dis- 
 charge of pastoral duty, after his appointment, he deemed 
 himself thereby bound to furnish a brighter example of 
 ministerial fidelity and diligence to all the clergy of the 
 colony. Dr. Blair was eminently a practical man ; and 
 blessed as he was with sincere piety, a clear mind, and in- 
 defatigable perseverance, his services were invaluable to the 
 church in Virginia. Perceiving that the only safe reliance 
 of the country for duly qualified clergymen must be upon 
 her own sons, and that the effort to obtain them was hope- 
 less in the absence of schools and higher seminaries of 
 learning, he directed his energies to the encouragement of 
 education. His labours in the cause were unwearied. It 
 will be remembered that in the legislation of 1662, one of 
 the enactments provided for the erection of a college : this 
 wise provision had been permitted to slumber on the sta- 
 tute book* Dn Blair revived the project ; and at no little 
 
1689.] IN VIRGINIA. 75 
 
 personal expense and labour, succeeded at last, as will be 
 seen hereafter, in the accomplishnnent of his wishes. 
 
 Of the activity and practical usefulness of this excellent 
 man, sufficient evidence will be furnished in the statement, 
 that when, at the advanced age of eighty-eight, he died, he 
 had been during sixty-four years a nninister of the gospel ; 
 fifty-three years commissary for Virginia ; president of a 
 college for forty-nine years ; and a member of the king's 
 council for fifty. 
 
 As a monument of his piety, he has left behind him four 
 volumes of discourses upon the sermon on the mount, of 
 which an opinion may be formed from the fact that they 
 received the warm approbation of Dr. Doddridge.* To 
 his active usefulness and piety he added learning, and pos- 
 sessed in an eminent degree the virtues of hospitality and 
 generosity; while his manner in the discharge of his vari- 
 ous important duties was such as conciliated the esteem 
 and affection of men of all parties and of all opinions. 
 With the single exception of Dr. Bray, the commissary of 
 Maryland, there was no clergyman of the establishment 
 ever sent to this country, during its cokmial existence, to 
 whom the church in the southern part of the continent was 
 more deeply indebted : and the /Lmerican of this day, as 
 he looks upon the walls of William and Mary, the second 
 college built upon the continent, may recall, with a feeling 
 of thankfulness, the memory of Dr. James Blair. f 
 
 Under the auspices of Sir Francis Nicholson, the first 
 act of the commissary was an effort to procure the neces- 
 sary funds for the erection of the contemplated colleget 
 The aid of the legislature was deemed necessary, and tp 
 obtain it, it was proposed that the lieutenant-governor 
 should convene an assembly: peculiar circumstances, 
 
 ♦ Family Expositor. phrey's History of the Venerable 
 
 t Dr. Waterland's Prefnce to Society, 9, 10, 11 ; 2 Holmes's An» 
 
 Blair's Discourses ; 3 Burk, 111 ; 2 mAs, 22. 
 
 Miller's Retrospect, 336 ; Hum- 
 
76 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1693. 
 
 however, rendered this measure impossible at that time, 
 and all hope of immediate assistance from the legislature 
 was abandoned. But Dr. Blair was not easily to be dis- 
 couraged. A private subscription-list was opened by him, 
 and in a short time two thousand five hundred pounds were 
 contributed towards the object ; and this sum was furnished 
 in part by the liberality of a few merchants in London. It 
 was not until the year 1691 that legislative patronage was 
 obtained for the proposed seminary. In that year the 
 project received the sanction of the assembly, and was by 
 that body warmly recommended to the patronage of their 
 majesties. The commissary was at the same time de- 
 puted as the agent of the legislature to visit England, and 
 present the petition for the college. The support afforded 
 by the lieutenant-governor to the plan deserves honourable 
 notice. The legislature, as a testimony of affection and 
 respect, having presented to Sir Francis Nicholson the 
 sum of three hundred pounds, he immediately bestowed 
 one-half of it upon the college. Those who are interested 
 in the literature of the country, will gratefully concur in the 
 propriety of recording the names of men who were among 
 the friends of education in North America, at that early 
 period when friends were necessarily few. 
 
 The agency of Dr. Blair proved entirely successful. 
 The charter was drawn in exact conformity to his wishes, 
 and the whole measure met with the royal favour. The 
 sum of two thousand pounds w^as then due from Virginia 
 to the crown on account of certain quit- rents, and this sum 
 was bestowed by the king upon the college. In addition 
 to this donation, a grant was made to the institution, of 
 twenty thousand acres of choice land, together with the 
 revenue arising from a tax of one penny per pound on all 
 tobacco exported from Virginia or Maryland to any of the 
 other colonies ;* and the office of surveyor-general of Vir- 
 ginia was granted by the charter to the corporation, to be 
 
 ♦ 2 Burk, 311, 313, 314. 
 
1693.] IN VIRGINIA. 77 
 
 executed by deputies appointed by the president and mas- 
 ters, subject to the approbation of the governor and coun- 
 cil. The college was also enri powered to send one repre- 
 sentative to the House of Burgesses ; and Dr. Blair was 
 named in the charter as the first president of the new insti- 
 tution, which received the name of William and Mary.* 
 
 In the year 1693, the legislature determined that the 
 college should be erected at Williamsburg, which was 
 then called Middle Plantation; and not long afterward, an 
 export duty for its benefit was imposed upon all skins and 
 furs sent out of the colony.f But the indefatigable commis- 
 sary was doomed to encounter difliculties still. The money 
 which had been subscribed was collected, and the college 
 edifice commenced ; but in the year 1705, when it was 
 half completed, it was burned to the ground. It was now 
 sixteen years since Dr. Blair had first exerted himself in 
 this important work ; and at the end of that long period, 
 he found himself under the necessity of commencing his 
 toilsome task anew. Such discouragements might well 
 have damped his ardour ; and had he been an ordinary 
 man, it is not improbable that the disappointments of the 
 past would have checked all future effort. But true to his 
 character, he persevered, and at length had the happiness 
 of seeing the college completed. 
 
 The want of clergymen, however, was one not to be 
 immediately supplied, even after the college went into 
 operation ; and as it was a want very deeply felt, the legis- 
 lature, deeming the provision made for the clergy inade- 
 quate, in 1696 enacted, that each minister should have six- 
 teen thousand pounds of tobacco as a salary: and that 
 where glebes had not been already purchased, they should 
 be forthwith obtained ; and that dwellings should be erected 
 upon them for the comfortable residence of the clergy. J 
 
 * Trott's Laws of the British t Trotf s Laws, " Virginia," No. 
 Plantations, article " Virginia." 34. 
 
 t 3 Hening's Stat., at large, 123. 
 
fS PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1700. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 1700-1731. 
 
 Kindness to the French Refugees — Their good Character — Their Church — 
 Punishment of Vice and Blasphemy— Kindness to German Settlers — 
 Their Church — Progress of William and Mary College — Instruction of 
 the Indians — List of Parishes — State of the Church — Numbers and 
 Character of the Clergy — Causes of the depressed state of Religion 
 examined. 
 
 The opening of the century upon which we are now 
 entering was marked by an act of humanity, which stands 
 out in strong contrast to that spirit of intolerance, already 
 recorded, which found its victims among the unfortunate 
 Quakers. It is well known that upon the revocation of the 
 Edict of Nantes, in 1685, an immense number of French 
 Protestants found their way into foreign countries ; of these, 
 about forty thousand sought refuge in England, and parlia- 
 ment, with a noble generosity, voted fifteen thousand pounds 
 sterling to be distributed among persons of quality, and all 
 such as were incapable, from age or infirmity, of labouring 
 for a subsistence. Of these unfortunate refugees. King 
 William, in the year 1690, sent a large portion to Virginia, 
 and lands were allotted to them on James River. These 
 were naturalized by a special law passed for the purpose, 
 and in 1699 another body of six hundred, conducted by 
 their clergyman, PhUlipe de Richebourg,* came over, and 
 were placed on the south side of James River, about 
 twenty miles above the falls, on lands formerly occupied by 
 a powerful tribe of Indians called the Monacans. 
 
 In the year 1700 the assembly of Virginia passed an act, 
 
 ♦ 1 Martin's History of North Carolina, 232. 
 
1700.] IN VIRGINIA. 79 
 
 making the French refugees who inhabited the Monacan 
 towns a distinct parish by themselves, and exempted them 
 from the payment of all taxes.* Strangers, for the most 
 part, to the language of the country, their worship could not 
 have conformed to the ritual of the Church of England, even 
 had such been their inclination, nor could an English clergy- 
 man have officiated usefully among them. They had, there- 
 fore, their own minister, and worshipped after their own 
 mode, and the law already mentioned left them at liberty to 
 agree with, and pay their clergyman as their circumstances 
 would admit. And never, probably, did any people better 
 repay the hospitable kindness of the land which afforded 
 them a refuge. Many of their descendants are still left in 
 New- York, Virginia, the Carolinas, and other parts of our 
 country ; and among the brightest ornaments of the state, 
 in the halls of legislation and of justice, as well as in the sa- 
 cred office, may be found the names of some of the French 
 refugees. No man in America need ever blush to own him- 
 self one of their descendants ; for the observation has more 
 than once been made, and it is believed to be true, that 
 among their descendants the instances have been rare in- 
 deed of individuals who have been arraigned for crime 
 before the courts of the country. 
 
 The law which gave to these emigrants the exemptions 
 already mentioned, was, by the terms of its enactment, to 
 continue in force for a term of time sufficient to afford them 
 an opportunity of becoming familiarized to the country, 
 and of qualifying themselves to contribute without diffi- 
 culty their quota to the support of the government ; and 
 for these purposes seven years was deemed sufficient. 
 That it did not prove so, however, is probable from the fact, 
 that in 1705 the legislature again re-enacted the former law, 
 and extended the term of its continuance, giving at the 
 
 * 1 Holmcs'8 Annals, 432, 472, 492 ; Trott's Laws, "Virginia" No. 37; 
 3 Hening's Statutes, at large, 201. 
 
#S* PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1705. 
 
 sartie time to their parish the name of " King William 
 parish, in the county of Henrico."* 
 
 The statute book of this year presents also an act for the 
 ^ppressibn of Vice, and the restraint and punishment of 
 blasphemdUif, wicked, and dissolute persons, the provisions- 
 of which invite notice, simply as being illustrative of the 
 tehnper of the tim^s. It was enactedj that if any person- 
 brought up in the Christian religion should, by teaching, 
 writing, printing, or advised speaking, deny, first, the being' 
 of God or the Trinity; secondly, should say there were= 
 more gods than one ; thirdly, should deny the truth of the 
 Christian religion ; or, fourthly, should deny the Divine au- 
 thority of the Scriptures, — such offender, upon conviction' 
 before the general court, for the first offence, should be 
 rendered incapable of holding any office, ecclesiastical,' 
 civil, or military, within the colony; and for the second- 
 oflfence, should be disabled from bringing any suit at law or 
 in equity, or from being a guardian, executor, or adminis- 
 trator, or grantee in a deed of gift, or legatee or devisee in 
 a will, or from bearing any office in the colony for ever; ^' 
 and should also suffer three years imprisonment from the 
 time of conviction. To guard, however, against the per- 
 version of the law to purposes of oppression, it was 
 required that information of the words spoken should be 
 given within one month after they were uttered, and that 
 the prosecution should be commenced within a year after 
 the information. And if public recantation in open court 
 were made within six months after the first conviction, the 
 offender was to be released from the penalties. For the 
 suppression of cursing, swearing, and drunkenness, a fine 
 was imposed, recoverable before any magistrate, either 
 upon his own personal observation and knowledge of the 
 offence, or upon the oath of a single witness ; and in case 
 of inability to pay the fine, the Idsh was substituted as a 
 
 ♦ Trott'g Laws, "Virginia," No. 38 ; 1 Holmes'* Annals, p. 498. 
 
1713.3 ^^ VIRGINIA. 81 
 
 punishment. For the observance of the Lord's day, every 
 person of the age of twenty-one years and upward, who 
 should wilfully be absent from the parish church for one 
 month, ar, being there, should not in a decent and orderly 
 manner remain until the service was ended ; or any persons 
 who should on that day be present at any disorderly meet- 
 ing, gaming or tippling, or should make any journey, or 
 travel on the road except to and from church, (cases of 
 necessity and mercy excepted,) or who should be found 
 working at their ordinary labour, further than was abso- 
 lutely necessary for the sustenance of man and beast, 
 should, on conviction, be fined, and, on failure to pay the 
 fine, should be whipped. From the operation of the clause 
 requiring attendance at the parish church, it should however 
 be remembered that, by express words, dissenters irom the 
 establishment were exempted. 
 
 This act was required to be publicly read twice a year 
 by each clergyman in the colony, and the fines arising 
 under it were to be applied by the churchwardens for the 
 benefit of the poor.* 
 
 The year 1713 was rendered memorable by an act of 
 kindness shown to certain German emigrants, similar to 
 that^which had been manifested towards the French refu- 
 gees. It seems that a small body of Germans had settled 
 above the falls of the Rappahannock, on ^he southern 
 branch of the river, in the county of Essex. This was at 
 that period the frontier of civilization, and therefore it was 
 alike the suggestion of interest and humanity to afford to 
 these foreigners protection and encouragement. Accord- 
 ingly they were exempted, as the French had been, from 
 all ordinary taxes for the term of seven years, and were 
 formed into the "parish of St. George," with power to em- 
 ploy their own minister and upon their own terms; and 
 thus were two religious bommunities, differing in many 
 
 * Trott's Lawff, " Virginia," No, 46; 3 Hening's Statates, at large, 358. 
 
92 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH {1718. 
 
 particulars from the establishment, not tolerated merely, 
 but favoured wkh valuable privileges by the legisla- 
 ture.* ^ 
 
 The college also seems to have possessed the favourable 
 regard of the assehibly, as in 1718 a law was passed by 
 that body, appropriating from the public funds one thou- 
 sand pounds, to be applied by the visiters and governors 
 of the institution, to thetnaintenance and education of poor 
 children who were natives of the colony.f How far this 
 intended benefit was carried into effect is unknown ; it is, 
 however, to be hoped that these funds were rendered more 
 profitable to the college than were the donations conferred 
 upon it by the king and others at its commencement ; for 
 of these, according to the testimony of Dr. Blair, the insti- 
 tution never received the benefit of one-half.J Indeed, 
 •notwithstanding all the efforts of the president and other 
 friends of the college, its progress was by slow and labori- 
 ous steps. The practice was common among the higher 
 classes of society, of sending their sons to be educated at 
 one of the English universities; nor could it be entirely 
 overcome after they had a college among themselves. 
 For more than seventy years after its establishment, it is 
 isaid, it had rarely more than twenty students at an}^one 
 time.§ There are circumstances, however, which justify 
 the suspicion of mistake in this statement. 
 
 As connected with the history of this institution, it deserves 
 here to be recorded that the rulers in the colony and the offi- 
 cers of the college manifested a praiseworthy zeal in the en- 
 deavour to make it a blessing to the children of the natives. 
 The honourable Robert Boyle had made a donation of 
 money to the institution, to be applied to the education of 
 
 * Trott's Laws, " Virginia," No. in 1727. Of these, Mr. Hartwell was 
 
 39; 4 Hening's Stat., at large, 306. one of the council ; and Mr. Chil- 
 
 t 4 Hening's Stat., at large, 74. ton was attorney-general. Dr. Blair's 
 
 t " The present State of Virginia situation has already been stated. 
 
 and the College," by Mr. Hartwell, ^ 2 Miller's Retrospect, 336. 
 
 Dr. Btair, and Mr. Chilton, published 
 
1722.] IN VIRGINIA. 83 
 
 Indian children therein. To carry into effect this benevo- 
 lent intention, the plan at first adopted was to procure cap- 
 tive Indian children, who had been made slaves by some 
 conquering tribe, and place them in the college for instruc- 
 tion; but during the administration of Sir Alexander Spots- 
 wood, who came to the government in 1710, this plan was 
 laid aside, and one was substituted for it which was far 
 more effectual tn accomplishing the ends of the benevolent 
 donor. The governor went in person among the tributary 
 and other neighbouring tribes of Indians, and prevailed 
 upon them to send their children to be educated. He 
 exerted himself, also, so successfully among remote and 
 almost unknown tribes, that he obtained native pupils from 
 a distance of more than four hundred miles in the interior ; 
 some of these he had taken as hostages, purposely to afford 
 them the advantages of education ; and, at his own expense, 
 he established and supported a preparatory school on the 
 frontiers, in which Indian lads might be fitted for admission 
 into the college, without being far removed from their 
 parents.* ' 
 
 Of the number and situation of the parishes in the 
 colony, about this time, and of the general condition of the^ 
 church, more is known with certainty thaii at any previous 
 period in this narrative. Casting the eye upon the map of 
 Virginia, the most striking features of its eastern portion 
 are the majestic rivers which find their way into the Chesa- 
 peake Bay. These rivers naturally enough formed conve- 
 nient boundaries for the larger portions of the country; 
 and the name of neck was applied to the region of territory 
 lying between two of these noble streams ; a term, the 
 use of which is still common. The division is one of 
 great convenience, and in former tim^s was important, as 
 fixing the boundaries of the several escheators. Of these 
 necks there are four; the northern neck is situated be» 
 
 * Beverly's Virginia. 
 
84 PUOTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722. 
 
 tween the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers ; the second 
 between the Rappahannock and York ; the third, be- 
 tween York and James; and the fourth on the south 
 side of the James, between it and the southern frontier of 
 the colony. Besides these, there was one other grand di- 
 Tision on the opposite side of the Chesapeake Bay, form- 
 ing what then was, and still is, called the " eastern shore." 
 There were at that day six counties within the northern 
 neck, which still retain their names; viz., 1. Lancaster , 
 having within it the- two parishes of Christ Church and 
 St. Mary White Chapel ; 2. Northumberland^ having two, 
 Fairfield and Boutracy, and Wicomico ; 3. Westmoreland, 
 containing Copely and Washington; 4. Richmond, con- 
 taining North Farnham and a part of Sittenburn ; 5. King 
 George, containing Hanover and the residue of Sitten- 
 burn"; 6. Stafford, containing St. Pauls and Overworton. 
 
 In the neck between Rappahannock and York rivers 
 there were also six counties, the names of which are still 
 there, though portions of their territory have since been 
 appropriated to the formation of additional counties. 
 These six were, 1. Glocester, in which were situated the 
 four parishes of Pesso, Abingdon, Ware, and Kingston ; 
 
 2. Middlesex, containing the single parish of Christ Church; 
 
 3. King and Queen, having the parishes of Stratton Major 
 and St. Stephens ; 4. King William, containing St. Johns 
 and St. Margarets; 5. Essex, in which were South Farn- 
 ham, St. Anne, and St. Marys ; 6. Spotsylvania, which 
 contained the parish of St. George. 
 
 In the neck between York and James rivers there were 
 seven entire counties, and part of an eighth. These seven 
 werCj I: Elizabeth C%, which contained a parish of the 
 same name ; 2. Warwick, containing the parishes of Denby 
 and Mulberry Island ; 3. York, in which were the two 
 parishes of Charles and York-Hampton, and part of a 
 third called Bruton ; 4. James City, in which were James 
 City, Merchants Hundred, and a third, the name of which 
 
1722.] IN VIRGINIA. 85 
 
 is unknown, together with the residue of Bruton, and a part 
 of Wilmington ; 5. New-Kent^ which contained Blisland 
 and St. Peters ; 6. Charles City, having within it Western 
 and part of Wilmington; 7. Hanover, in which was St. 
 Pauls. The eighth county, of which a part only was 
 within this neck, was Henrico, which was divided by the 
 James River, and contained the parishes of Henrico and 
 St. James, separated from each other by the river ; and a 
 part also of the parish of Bristol. 
 
 On the south side of James River were seven entire 
 counties, together with the remaining part of Henrico. 
 These were, 1. Princess Ann, in which was the parish of 
 Lynhaven ; 2. Norfolk, with one parish called Elizabeth 
 River ; 3. Nansemond, in which were included Lower 
 Parish, Upper Parish, and Chickabuc ; 4. Isle of Wight, 
 containing Warwick, Squeake Bay, and Newport; 5. 
 Surry, having Lyon's Creek and Southwark; 6. Prince 
 George, in which was Martin Brandon and the rest of 
 Bristol ; 7. Brunswick, the whole of which formed the parish 
 of St. Andrews. 
 
 On the eastern shore were the two counties of Northamp' 
 ton and Accomac; the first contained the parish of Hun- 
 gers ; the second that of Accomac. Thus it will be per- 
 ceived that the whole number of counties was twenty-nine ; 
 and of parishes there were fifty- four.* There was, how- 
 ever, great inequality in the size of these parishes. Some 
 were sixty miles long; while others were very small. 
 This was accidental, and resulted from the settlements 
 having been first formed on bodies of good land near to 
 the rivers. It must be remembered that the size of a 
 parish was estimated, not entirely by the extent of its terri- 
 tory, but by the number of its tithables.f 
 
 In each of these parishes there wais' a convenient church 
 
 * Beverly's Virginia. t Present State of Virginia, p. 61k 
 
 Beverly's Virginia. 
 
86 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1723. 
 
 edifice, built of stone, brick, or wood, and furnished with 
 all things necessary for the decent performance of divine 
 service. In many of the larger parishes there were also 
 one or more chapels of ease ; so that probably the whole 
 number of places of worship was not less than seventy. 
 In every parish there was also a dwelling-house for the 
 minister; in most, if not in all of them, a glebe of two 
 hundred and fifty acres, and in some, a small stock of 
 cattle.* 
 
 The inhabitants were almost entirely of the Church of 
 England, and at the period now under review, there is said 
 to have been but one dissenting place of worship in the 
 colony ; this was a meeting-house for a small congregation 
 of Quakers in Nansemond county.f But it is believed, on 
 the authority of Dr. Blair, J that this statement is incorrect ; 
 as he informs us that there were three meeting-houses for 
 the Quakers, and one for the Presbyterians. 
 
 More than half of the churches of the establishment 
 were probably supplied with clergymen ; and in such as 
 were destitute of regular ministrations, it seems to have 
 been the custom to substitute the services of a lay reader, 
 except on occasions when the zeal of a neighbouring minis- 
 ter prompted him to carry his pastoral labours beyond the 
 limits of his own parish, and to preach or administer sacra- 
 ments in the vacant churches near to him. 
 
 One hundred ahd fifteen years had now elapsed since the 
 first clergyman landed in Virginia, and yet candour calls' 
 for the acknowledgment that the state of religion was much 
 lower than in some of the other colonies. It was not that 
 the government had been entirely indifferent to their under? 
 
 * The Present State of Virginia, ish, "at Williamsburg, the seat of the 
 
 p. 71. This volume was written by colonial government, 
 
 the reverend Hugh Jones, who lived f Beverly's Virginia, 
 
 for many years in the colony, and was t Present State of Virginia and 
 
 aflPone time a lecturer in Bruton par- the College, p. 64. 
 
1722.] IN VIRGINIA. . 6T 
 
 taking to make provision for its support : to outward ap- 
 pearance the condition of the church seemed prosperous 
 enough. The traveller, in his journey ings through the 
 colony, might see on every hand the neat spire of a sub* 
 stantial church lifting its head amid the foliage of the forest 
 in which it was placed ; his eye rested on the cultivated 
 grounds which surrounded the comfortable habitations of 
 the clergy; and he might from these tokens have hastily 
 concluded that he was in the bosom of a deeply pious popu- 
 lation : yet was there, in very many, a lamentable Want of 
 the practical fruits of godliness. There was a deficiency 
 of spirituality in the religion of that day. The "form of 
 sound words" which imbodied devotion, most "useful as an 
 auxiliary in the united worship of a congregation, and beau- 
 tifully chaste and simple in the ritual of the church to which 
 the colonists belonged, was scrupulously observed; but in 
 the use of that form alone, too many, it is to be feared, 
 rested : such ugfe was substituted for the power of godUnoss 
 in renewing a sinful nature ; for the operation of the Holy 
 Ghost upon an unsanctified heart. It would be unjust to 
 include all in this sentence. There is evidence that some, 
 both of clergy and laity, were deeply imbued with the 
 spirit of genuine piety ; they were worthy and consistent 
 Christians ; but they certainly did not form the most numer- 
 ous class of the population. 
 
 In the contemplation of this state of things, points arise 
 well worthy of attentive consideration : they imbody the 
 lessons of experience, and it is therefore hoped that a brief 
 examination of facts connected with this unhappy condition 
 of affairs will prove neither uninteresting nor useless. 
 
 And first, as to the clergy of the colony. The usual 
 mode of obtaining a living was this : the clergyman in Eng- 
 land, who was desirous of emigrating to Virginia, informed 
 the Bishop of London of his willingness to become a mis- 
 sionary to the colony. Upon producing his letters of orders 
 and testimonials as to character, he obtained from the 
 
&9 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722. 
 
 bishop a license and certificate, together with an order on 
 the treasurer for the sum of twenty pounds, to defray the 
 expenses of the voyage. On his arrival in the colony, he 
 applied to the governor, (who was in effect the chief ruler 
 in the church,) or to the parishioners of some vacant living, 
 and sometimes, to both : and if his ministrations were agree- 
 able to the congregation, he was " received" (such was the 
 term in use) as their minister.* It must not, however, be 
 supposed that by being thus received^ the clergyman ac- 
 quired a permanent settlement. By the act of 1642,t the 
 induction of a clergyman "into any parish that shall make 
 presentation of him," was directed to be performed by the 
 governor ; but it was entirely at the option of .the parish to 
 make or withhold such presentation. Without induction, 
 the clergyman was held to possess no freehold in his living, 
 but was at any time liable to removal, at the pleasure of 
 the vestry, without trial or even crime alleged against him. 
 Under these circumstances, there were but few of the clergy 
 who could consider their situations as permanent, for there 
 were but few who could prevail upon their vestries to pre- 
 sent them for induction.J The general custom, therefore, 
 was to hire the minister from year to year.§ 
 
 With every disposition on the part of the Bishop of Lon- 
 don to send none but deserving clergymen into the colony, 
 (and of the anxiety of several of the prelates of that see 
 in this particular there is abundant proof,) still it was 
 scarcely possible to avoid making at times injudicious ap- 
 pointments : for clergymen of reputation, fixed in comfort- 
 able livings at home, were not often among the applicants to 
 go abroad ; and the class of clergymen needed in Virginia 
 seems to have been but imperfectly understood at home. 
 Men of piety, experience, and prudence, men well ac- 
 quainted with the world, were the only men whose services 
 
 * Jones's " State of Virginia," p. t Beverly's Virginia. 
 103. i Present State of Virginia, by 
 
 f Ante, p. 63. Hartwell, Blair, and Chilton, p. 66. 
 
1722.] IN VIRGINIA. '89 
 
 in Virginia promised extensive usefulness ; but such men 
 found ample and profitable employment in England. 
 The class which usually came (the assertion is made 
 on the authority of a contemporary*) was one unfitted, 
 from entire ignorance of human nature, as well as from 
 the absence of discretion and prudence, to appreciate the 
 true condition of the country. They w^re utterly unable 
 to accommodate themselves to the perpetually recurring 
 exigencies of a new country, and a state of society, of 
 which, as the past afforded no precedent, so neither could 
 it furnish any guides to conduct. The egregious mistake 
 was made by many who recommended clergymen to the 
 Bishop of London, of supposing that very inferior powers 
 of mind, and but a limited stock of attainments, tvould suf- 
 fice for a missionary to Virginia ; whereas if any station 
 on earth calls for the loftiest spirit of devotion, a nobleness 
 of soul which can forget self, and intellectual endowments 
 of the highest order, it is that of the Christian missionary. 
 Men of inferior capacities may be useful in the ministry of 
 the church, for God, in his wise providence, often makes 
 them the honoured instruments of good to their fellow-men ; 
 but such men are not often designed to be pioneers in the 
 great work of planting the church of God in regions where 
 it is utterly unknown. 
 
 Many of the clergy, therefore, were, as might have been 
 anticipated, unfitted for their stations. The precariousness 
 of the tenure by which they held their livings, contributed 
 also not a little to beget in them a spirit of indifference in 
 the discharge of their duties ; and to complete the list of 
 unpropitious circumstances, the irregularities and crimes of 
 an unworthy clergyman could not be visited effectually 
 with the severities of ecclesiastical censure. Far removed 
 from his diocesan, find standing in but little awe of the 
 powers of his commissary, he sometimes offended religion 
 
 * Jones's State of Virginia, appendix, 95. 
 M 
 
00 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722. 
 
 and -morals with impunity, and still remained in the church 
 a reproach to her ministry. The commissary could not 
 degrade him by a removal from the priesthood ; it was 
 beyond his authority ; and even in the exercise of his ordi- 
 nary pov^ers and duties, he was obliged to encounter the 
 prejudices of the people themselves. He summoned the 
 clergy, indeed, to conventions, in which he presided ; but 
 these conventions possessed but the shadow of power.* 
 He attempted visitations, but with little success; for un- 
 fortunately, they were strangely associated in the minds of 
 the people with ecclesiastical courts, and of these, from 
 the times of Archbishop Laud, even the very name was 
 offensive in Virginia.f - 
 
 If we turn from the clergy to the laity, facts present 
 themselves, such as might naturally be supposed to exist 
 under the ministrations of such a body of clergy. Indeed, 
 it scarce admits of doubt, that between the two classes 
 there was a mutual action and reaction for evil ; each 
 probably contributed to make the other worse. Disputes 
 were perpetually arising between pastors and people; 
 and, almost without exception, they might be traced to the 
 uncertainty of a living which harrassed the clergyman.} 
 There are instances recorded which show the fact of ex- 
 clusion of the minister on grounds purely mercenary. It 
 has, indeed, been said by an historian, whose general ac- 
 curacy is acknowledged, that the clergy were very rarely 
 removed by the parish without sonde great provocation? 
 and then, if their conduct had not been grossly scan- 
 dalous, it is said," they were immediately received into 
 other parishes.§ There is error in this statement. Upon 
 the testimony of the commissary himself, confirmed by that 
 of one of the governor's council, and of the attorney-gen- 
 
 ♦ Jones's State of Virginia, 23, et J Jones, 72. 
 
 se(j. ^ Beverly. 
 
 t Jones's State of the Church, 36, 
 8. 
 
1722.] ... IN VIRGINIA. &| 
 
 eral, it is denied. If a clergyman was faithful to his duty, 
 and preached against the sins and vices of his people, he 
 was removed: and the instances are numerous of clergy- 
 men having been displaced by vestries without a charge 
 made, or even a reason assigned for it.* The same fact 
 is also confirmed by err contemporary to whom reference 
 has already been made.f He states that the clergy had 
 the church doors often shut against them, and. their sala- 
 ries were stopped by the vestry ; who, as he expresses itj 
 ** thought themselves the parson's master ;" and he cites 
 instances in proof of his assertion. Some of these instances 
 may, perhaps, not be unacceptable, as affording an illustra- 
 tion of a lawless condition of affairs, quite sufficient to de- 
 stroy the spiritual welfare of any church. A deacon had 
 visited England to obtain priest's orders; during his ab- 
 sence his parishioners had seen fit to choose another clergy- 
 man ; and on his return, when sent by the governor to his 
 parish, the people peremptorily refused to receive him, and 
 he was left without redress. It is difficult here to deter- 
 mine whether the people or the intruding clergyman was 
 most in fault ; but that a clergyman could thus effectually 
 supplant an absent brother^ certainly affords proof of a 
 lamentable want of discipline and church order. Another 
 instance is afforded in the case of a Mr. Latane, a French 
 gentleman of learning and piety, who, because of some 
 trifling dispute with a portion of his vestry, was shut out 
 of his church. The reason assigned for this act of exclu- 
 sion was (according to our authority) " that he had a small 
 tang of French in his speech, and they could not under- 
 stand him," though, as he adds, they were long in making 
 the discovery, for they had been hearing him for seven 
 years without complaint. It was also not unusual, in case 
 of a vacancy by death or otherwise, for the people actually 
 
 * Present State of Yirginia, by f Jones' 104, 105 
 
 Hartwell, Blair, and Chilton, p. 66. 
 
92 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722. 
 
 to refuse to proceed to the election of a successor, that they 
 might escape the payment of a salary which did not exceed 
 eighty pounds.**^ 
 
 The effect of such a system, as was staled by the com- 
 missary, was to make the clergy, who were not inducted, 
 subservient and dependant : and good clergymen refused 
 to conie over, because they had been taught by the experi- 
 ence of those who preceded them, and who had retreated 
 as soon as they could, that if they came, insult and oppres- 
 sion awaited them.f Another evil, more properly to be 
 attributed to the general state of feeling among the people, 
 than to any necessary connection with the system of lay 
 reading which had been introduced, was found to follow 
 upon that system. The readers employed were com- 
 monly the parish clerks, who imitated the practices of the 
 clergy in the performance of their public duties in almost 
 everything except the use of the clerical vestments and the 
 administration of the sacraments ; these men were some- 
 times made use of as instruments by a discontented ves- 
 try; and in the absence of the clergy, not unfrequently 
 succeeded in procuring the favourable opinions of the 
 parishioners, and in sowing disaffection towards a minister 
 among the people of his charge. J 
 
 These facts leave but little room for wonder at the dis- 
 covery that Christianity, in the blessed and salutary influ- 
 encerof its power over the hearts and lives of men, was ex- 
 hibited by but few. These facts may also serve to remove 
 an opinion entertained by some, that the depressed state of 
 religion in Virginia was the natural and unavoidable result of 
 Sin establishment. Whatever may be the evils which are sup- 
 posed necessarily to flow from extending to any one religi- 
 
 * Present State of Yirginia, by unifonn in all parts of the country, it 
 
 Blair, &c., 66. may not improperly be mentioned, 
 
 ■f Ibid. 66. that according to Jones the surplice 
 
 t Jones, 68. As clerical vest- was never dispensed with in Virginia 
 
 meats have here been spoken of, and in his day, except from absolute ne- 
 
 the use of the surplice has not been cessity. Jones, p. 69. 
 
1727] IN VIRGINIA. 93 
 
 ous system the exclusive patronage of the state, candour 
 requires the admission here, that the calamitous condition 
 of the church in things spiritual must be traced to some 
 other cause. Establishments, it must be remembered, were 
 not confined to Virginia : in the colonies of Massachusetts 
 Bay and Connecticut, the system of the Independents was 
 as much established as the Church of England was in Vir- 
 ginia ; and yet the two first named colonies are, even at 
 this day, adduced, and with great propriety, as examples 
 of communities in which was found a degree of devoted 
 piety and practical religion unsurpassed in the history of 
 any communities of the same extent. It could not therefore 
 have been that the establishment simply of the Church of 
 England in Virginia was the cause of the evils which have 
 been described. 
 
 There is also another consideration which would 
 seem to refute this opinion. The Church of England, 
 it is true, was nominally placed under the protection 
 of the state ; but it certainly derived, in many important 
 particulars, no protection from it. In effect, it was not 
 an establishment. It experienced the evils of an alli- 
 ance without reaping its advantages. Its clergy were not 
 secured in the permanent enjoyment of its livings, but were 
 left entirely dependent upon the will of their parishioners; 
 while the parishioners were, perhaps, not unfrequently 
 tempted to annoy their clergyman, as an easy mode of 
 manifesting displeasure towards their rulers. The plan 
 was essentially a popular one, and the mere name of es- 
 tablishment cannot change its character. It may safely, 
 therefore, be said that, to most practical purposes, it was 
 no establishment at all ; and there certainly was wanting 
 that feature which is commonly supposed to be most fatal 
 to ardent piety in establishlnents, namely, comfortable 
 livings permanently secured to indolent or unfaithful in- 
 cumbents. 
 
 And if it should be supposed that the Church of England 
 in Virginia, while it neglected to secure its own clergy in 
 
04r PROTEfiTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l727. 
 
 the enjoyment of a competent maintenance, yet, by virtue 
 of its established character, excluded pious ministers of 
 other denominations, and therefore contributed to the de-. 
 pressed state of religion among the people ; it should be 
 remembered that at this period they were not excluded. 
 It is stated, upon the evidence of the commissary, that a 
 Presbyterian congregation existed at this very time in the 
 colony ; and there is positive testimony to show the period 
 at which it was introduced, as the following extracts from 
 Ae records of the Presbyterian church will evince. Under 
 the year 1722, it is said, "A representation being made by 
 some of our members of the earnest desires of some Pro- 
 testant dissenting families in Virginia, together with a com- 
 fortable prospect of the increase of our interest there, the 
 synod have appointed that Mr. Hugh Conn, Mr. John 
 Orme, and Mr. William Stewart, do each of them severally 
 visit said people, and preach four Sabbaths to them, between 
 this and the next synod;" and under the succeeding year 
 it is stated, that ''Messrs. Conn, Orme, and Stewart, ful- 
 filled their appointment with respect to Virginia."* Upon 
 the report of these gentlemen, measures were taken to con- 
 tinue ministerial services to the members of the infant con- 
 gregation. And it will be seen, in the future pages of this 
 narrative, that their number speedily increased, so that long 
 before the period of the American Revolution, there were 
 ministers and congregations of various Christian denomi- 
 nations in the colony. The existence of the establish- 
 ment, therefore, did not operate to their exclusion ; and 
 when once introduced, their situation was similar to that 
 df ministers of the establishment, for both were dependent 
 on the will of the people. 
 
 The evil, then, must be traced to another cause, and that 
 will be found in the characters of a majority of the clergy, 
 and in the temper and conduct of the people ; and, as has 
 been already intimated, each contributed to produce the 
 
 * From First Book of Minutes of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. 
 
J 727.] IN VIRGINIA* 9& 
 
 Other. Some improvement in the condition of things would 
 probably have, been seen, had Virginia, Hke Massachusetts, 
 been furnished, for the most part, with native clergymen ; 
 but the most effectual remedy would have been found in 
 the presence of some controlling power, able to correct and 
 punish the irregularities and crimes of unworthy ministers, 
 to introduce and elicourage good ones, and to exercise a 
 wholesome influence in securing to deserving men a com- 
 petent maintenance. The reformation of the laity would 
 have followed as a consequence of these things. A faithful 
 bishop would have been a blessing to the colony, and this 
 was plainly perceived by the worthy part of the clergy in 
 Virginia;* nor did they hesitate to ask that one might be 
 sent, with powers so limited in certain particulars as to 
 allay the suspicious fears of the people, who dreaded no- 
 thing more than ecclesiastical tyranny. The necessity of 
 such aii-officer was felt, too, by the wisest and best men in 
 the church at home ; and before this period efforts had been 
 made by the venerable society for propagating the Gospel 
 in foreign parts, which were perseveringly continued for 
 many years, to have a bishop consecrated and sent to these 
 colonies.f These efforts failed more than once, when the 
 plan seemed to be on the eve of accomplishment, and the 
 wisdom of that Providence which defeated its success, 
 though inscrutable at the time, seems now to be sufficiently 
 obvious. 
 
 Whatever may be thought of the claim of episcopacy 
 to be considered as the only apostolic system of eccle- 
 siastical order, one point, it is presumed, will be acceded 
 to by all. It is this ; that among those who hold to its pro- 
 priety and necessity, there should be no unnecessary delay 
 in furnishing to a distant church an officer so important as 
 a bishop. A community of Episcopal churches without a 
 bishop to preside over them, must beviewed, upon the sjrs- 
 
 * Jones, p. 99. a distinct part ip a futi lie volume of 
 
 t The history of these efforts fonns this work. 
 
9^ PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1727. 
 
 tern of Episcopalians, as a body without a head. The 
 mother country, which then withheld this essential ecclesi- 
 astical officer from these colonies, has in later days pursued 
 a different, and, it is thought, far wiser course. Her colo- 
 nies are now^ supplied ; and the increase in that supply 
 keeps pace, as it should do, with the necessities of her 
 growing settlements.* 
 
 Whether the obstacles to the spiritual welfare of the 
 church, which have just been detailed, were duly appre- 
 ciated by those in authority, may well be doubted ; though 
 an insufficiency in the salaries of the clergy seems not to 
 have escaped attention. It will be remembered that under 
 
 * In the course of his researches, in preparing these pages, the author has 
 met with an attestation sa unexpected to the expediency of a government 
 essentially episcopal, that he here presents it. It gomes from the Baptists, 
 and is to be found in the record of the proceedings of that sect in Vir- 
 ginia. In an association of the churches, held in 1774, it was determined 
 that apostles \vere ofiicers which still belonged to the church of Christ ; this 
 was founded on Eph. iv. 11, 12, 13. 
 
 The association, having thus determined, proceeded " to the choice of an 
 apostle," and the individual was set apart by having the hands of every 
 ordained minister laid on him. '^ His vyork was to perVade the churches, to 
 do, pr at least to see to the work of ordination, and to set in order things 
 that were wanting, and to make report to the next association." 
 
 The subject underwent much discussion, and it is said by the Baptist 
 historian, that the warmth of the debate excited against some a strong 
 suspicion of vanity and ambition. Soon after, two others were appointed 
 apostles. The plan was at length abandoned : the unholy passions which 
 have been hinted at, it is probable- were exercised in the effort to make it 
 nugatory ; but, be this as it may, the apostles made but a discouraging 
 repoi't of their success to the association, and none others were ever ap- 
 pointed. They were viewed as officers of human appointment merely, and this 
 may explain the facts of opposition to them, and of their final suppression. 
 " This," says our authority, " is only the old plan of bishops, &c., under a 
 new name ;" and " either the spirit of free government ran too high among 
 the churches to submit," or the thing "not being from God, soon fell." 
 Whatever may have been the cause of its discontinuance, the fact of its 
 introduction would seem to intimate that the necessity was felt of some- 
 thing like episcopal supervision. — Scrapie's History of the Rise and Prog- 
 ress of the Baptists in Virginia, pp. 58, 59. 
 
1727.] IN VIRGINIA. 07 
 
 the law of 1662, the clergy were to receive an annual 
 stipend in the commodities of the country, equivalent in 
 value to eighty pounds: but a depreciation in the value 
 of the chief staple of the country, tobacco, having dimin- 
 ished the worth of the clergyman's salaries about one-sixth, 
 to remedy the evil, the legislature of 1727 enacted that 
 "every minister, received into any parish by the vestry,^'' 
 should have an annual salary of sixteen thousand pounds of 
 tobacco, together with the cask in which it was packed. 
 Not less than two hundred acres of land was also directed 
 to be purchased and appropriated for a glebe in each parish, 
 and comfortable buildings, where they did not already 
 exist, were to be provided for the use of the minister at the 
 expense of the parish. The minister on his part was bound 
 to keep all the buildings in repair during his incumbency ; 
 and on failure so to do, he was made liable to an action at 
 the suit of the churchwardens. '^*J« l*m n 
 
 It is evident that this law, however just it may have been 
 in providing a competent maintenance for the clergy, was 
 still deficient. The true cause of the evil was left un- 
 touched, for the clergy were not secured in the enjoyment 
 of their salaries. It was still optional with the vestries to 
 receive them, and they might still refuse to present them for 
 induction, without which they acquired no permanent in- 
 terest. The usual practice under this enactment was this : 
 when a parish became vacant, the governor and commis- 
 sary wrote commendatory letters to the vestry, upon 
 which the clergyman recommended was generally re- 
 ceived into the parish, and took benefit of its temporals 
 and charge of its spirituals, so long as it might please the 
 people to permit him.* 
 
 Before dismissing the subject of clerical salaries, it is due 
 to the assemblies of Virginia to state, that in general a de- 
 sire was manifested to make a provision for the mainte- 
 
 * Letter to the Clergy of Virginia, by Richard Bland, Esquire. 
 N 
 
98 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l72'7. 
 
 nance of their ministers as ample as the condition of the 
 country would allow. The character of Virginia has ever 
 been marked by a spirit of liberality and generosity, nor 
 did she detract from that character in her treatment of 
 the clergy, so far as the amount of salary is concerned ; 
 thus, when in 1731 a law was passed for the inspec- 
 tion of tobacco, which in its operation excluded from the 
 market such as was of inferior quality, the value of the 
 minister's salaries increased to one hundred, and in some 
 instances to one hundred and twenty pounds ; and the 
 legislature interfered not, but allowed them the full benefit 
 of the increase in value. It should not, however, be con- 
 cealed, that while thus liberal in providing for temporal 
 wants, there was a suspicious apprehension of ecclesias- 
 tical domination, founded upon some of the past incidents 
 of English ecclesiastical history, which probably led to the 
 mistake of not securing the clergyman against the caprice 
 of his flock. 
 
 »(< 
 
1731.] IN VIRGINIA. 99 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 1731-1746. 
 
 Introduction of Presbyterians — Visit of Mr. Whitfield — Low state of Reli- 
 gion — Efforts of Morris to revive it — His Character and Conduct — Amus- 
 ing example of his Simplicity and Ignorance — Charge of the Governor 
 to the Grand Jury against Presbyterians — Mr. Roan's Case — Help from 
 Synod in New- York — Reverend Samuel Davies, his Character and La- 
 bours — Act of Toleration extended to Virginia — Dread of Popery and 
 New Lights — Commencemeat of struggle with Dissenters — Morgan 
 Morgan. 
 
 Thus far we have endeavoured to trace the course of the 
 church in Virginia, while she continued to be almost the 
 only religious denomination. In her future progress we 
 shall have occasion to view her in company with other reli- 
 gious societies, which began to spring up around her. It 
 has already been seen that a few meetings of Quakers, and 
 one society of Presbyterians, had obtained something like 
 a permanent existence within the limits of the colony. 
 There is, however, evidence that the number of Presbyte- 
 rian societies was greater than is here named. There was 
 but one society, it is probable, in the eastern part of the 
 colony, as stated by Commissary Blair ; but in the more 
 remote western parts, which had been opened to the enter- 
 prise of the colonists by the exploring expeditions under 
 Governor Spottswood, it is believed that there were several 
 Presbyterian societies. On the western side of the Blue 
 Ridge, a large proportion of the early settlers, who in the 
 first instance came from Ireland, and last from Pennsylva- 
 nia, were dissenters. They were so far removed from the 
 seat of the colonial government, that they encountered but 
 
100 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1740. 
 
 little opposition from the ruling powers, and their congre- 
 gations were regularly organized and placed under the care 
 of pastors whose names have come down to us.* In the 
 year 1740, that extraordinary man, the reverend Mr. Whit- 
 field, visited Virginia, and experienced a kind reception at 
 the hands of the commissary, Dr. Blair. At his request, 
 Mr. Whitfield preached at the seat of government, and in 
 other places ; and it is not improbable that his ministrations 
 tended to create an increased interest on religious subjects 
 among some of the members of the establishment. At any 
 rate, he obtained a ready and unprejudiced hearing, be- 
 cause he was a clergyman of the Church of England, and 
 a deeper sense of piety was exhibited among some of the 
 establishment soon after his visit.f 
 
 It is not calumny to say, that at the period in which de- 
 partures from the church first took place, religion was in a 
 deplorably low state. The causes of this have already 
 been placed before the reader, and they certainly are suffi- 
 cient to account for the fact. But we must not too hastily 
 conclude that there was no real piety left in the colony, nor 
 that the irreligious were all members of the establishment. 
 On both these points we have the direct testimony of one 
 who was an eyewitness, and who in fact organized presby- 
 terianism in Eastern Virginia. " I have reason to hope," 
 says he, " there are and have been a few names in various 
 parts of the colony, who are sincerely seeking the Lord, 
 and groping after religion in the communion of the Church 
 of England."} Some such he knew; while, on the other 
 hand, he informs us, that " there are and have been in this 
 colony a great number of Scotch merchants, who were 
 educated Presbyterians ; but (I speak but what their con- 
 duct more loudly proclaims) they generally, upon their 
 arrival here, prove scandals to their religion and country, 
 
 * Appendix to CampbelPs History t Davies' State of Religion among 
 of Virginia, p. 304. Dissenters in Virginia, p. 10. 
 
 t Ibid. p. 5. 
 
1742.] IN VIRGINIA. 101 
 
 by their loose principles and immoral practices; and either 
 fall into an indifFerency about religion in general, or affect 
 to be polite by turning deists, or fashionable by conforming 
 to the church."* The testimony of this witness will per- 
 haps be deemed unexceptionable, when it is stated that he 
 manifests no bigoted prejudice against the church. " Had 
 the doctrines of the Gospel," says he, " been solemnly and 
 faithfully preached in the established church, I am per- 
 suaded there would have been but few dissenters in these 
 parts of Virginia ; for their first objections were not against 
 the peculiar rites and ceremonies of that church, much less 
 against her excellent articles, but against the general strain 
 of the doctrines delivered from the pulpit, in which these 
 articles were opposed, or (which was the more common 
 case) not mentioned at all ; so that at first they w^ere not 
 properly dissenters from the original constitution of the 
 Church of England, but the most strict adherents to it, and 
 only dissented from those who had forsaken it."f 
 
 The task, however, of dwelling upon such a picture is 
 far from grateful, and therefore we gladly pass on to a 
 statement of some of the steps towards reformation. An 
 individual whosie piety it would be wrong to question, 
 though it was not always tempered with discretion,} seems 
 to have been made the means of good to many ; and he 
 certainly was the instrument of introducing several Pres- 
 byterian clergymen into the eastern part of the colony. 
 This man, whose name was Morris, having, about this 
 time, become deeply interested in the salvation of his soul, 
 and having found-comfort in the doctrine of "Christ cruci- 
 fied," felt himself called on to speak with his neighbours 
 and friends, and exhort them in conversation to devote 
 themselves to the service of God. His attainments, if we 
 may judge from his letters, seem to have been limited, anr' 
 
 ♦ Bavies' State of Religion, p. f Ibid. p. 
 
 29, note. t Ibid. p. 
 
102 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1742. 
 
 he never undertook to preach ; but he read to such of his 
 neighbours as would become his auditors the few books 
 which had been profitable to him. Among these, Luther on 
 Galatians, and some of John Bunyan's works, held a con- 
 spicuous place. His reading was not without effect, as some 
 of his hearers entered into his feelings, and manifested an 
 interest in things spiritual, to which they were before 
 strangers. It was not long before he added to his little 
 library a volume of sermons which Mr. Whitfield had 
 preached in Glasgow, and he forthwith invited his neigh- 
 bours to come and hear them. Their perusal was so far 
 blessed, that several were brought to serious reflection, 
 which resulted in repentance towards God and faith in the 
 Redeemer. On every Lord's day, and sometimes on other 
 days of the week, Morris read these sermons at his dwell- 
 ing, and his neighbours flocked to hear them. At length it 
 was determined to build a meeting-house for the purpose of 
 reading only. No prayers were used, for none of the little 
 flock felt competent to undertake the task of praying ex- 
 tempore, and the services of the church were probably 
 associated in their minds with the want of piety so deplo- 
 rably manifested by many of its members. The fame of 
 Morris as a reader soon spread, and he obeyed invitations 
 from other parts of the country at some distance from his 
 dwelling. But now an obstacle arose to further proceed- 
 ings, which seems not to have been anticipated. Morris 
 and his hearers had absented themselves from the worship 
 of the parish church, contrary to the laws of the land, as 
 they were informed ; and some of them were summoned 
 to court to answer for the offence. They appear, however, 
 on this occasion not to have been seriously molested ; and 
 there is an amusing simplicity manifested in the ignorance 
 of Morris and his adherents as to the distinctive names of 
 the diflferent religious sects in Christendom. They were 
 asked to declare the denomination to which they belonged . 
 they knew nothing of any dissenters but the Quakers, and 
 
1743.J IN VIRGINIA. 103 
 
 they were not disposed to class themselves with them ; at 
 length, (as Morris himself states,) they were fortunately 
 relieved from their embarrassment by his recollecting that 
 Luther was a noted reformer, and that his book had been 
 useful to them ; and they declared themselves Lutherans, 
 without having the slightest intention to encroach upon the 
 rights of another denomination by an appropriation of its 
 name. 
 
 This name they retained until they were better in- 
 structed in 1743 by the Rev. Mr. Robinson, a Presbyterian 
 minister, who had been sent by the presbytery of New- 
 castle to visit Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. 
 Under the guidance of Mr. Robinson, they were taught to 
 conduct the public worship of God according to the forms 
 used among Presbyterians, and to the reading of sermons, 
 extempore prayer and singing were now added. Mr. 
 Robinson was speedily followed by other clergymen of his 
 denomination, and now the attention of government seems 
 to have been excited. 
 
 Early in 1745, the governor in an address to the grand 
 jury of the general court, confined his remarks almost ex- 
 clusively to the introduction into the colony of a system of 
 religious worship different from that of the establishment ; 
 extracts from this address will best exhibit the view taken 
 by the government. 
 
 " I must on this occasion turn to your thoughts, and 
 recommend to your present service another subject of im- 
 portance, which, I thank God, has been unusual, but I hope 
 will be most effectual ; I mean the information I have re- 
 ceived of certain false teachers that are lately crept into 
 this government; who, without order or license, or pro- 
 ducing any testimonial of their education or sect, professing 
 themselves ministers, under the pretended influence of new 
 light, extraordinary impulse, and such like satirical and 
 enthusiastical knowledge, lead the innocent and ignorant 
 
104 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1745. 
 
 people into all kinds of delusion : and in this frantic and 
 prophane disguise, such is their heterodoxy, that they treat 
 all other modes of worship with the utmost scorn and con- 
 tempt; and as if they had bound themselves on oath to do 
 many things against the religion of the blessed Jesus, that 
 pillar and stay of the truth and reformed church, to the 
 great dishonour of Almighty God, and the discomfort of 
 serious Christians, they endeavour to make their followers 
 believe that salvation is not to be obtained in their own 
 communion. 
 
 " As this denunciation, if I am rightly advised, in words 
 not decent to repeat, has been by one of them publicly 
 affirmed, and shows what manner of spirit they all of them 
 are of, in a country hitherto remarkable for uniformity in 
 worship, and where the saving truths of the gospel are 
 constantly inculcated ; I did promise myself, either that 
 their preaching would be in vain, or that an insolence so 
 criminal would not long be connived at. 
 
 " And, therefore, since the workers of a deceitful work, 
 blaspheming our sacraments, and reviling our excellent 
 liturgy, are said to draw disciples after them, and we 
 know not whereunto this separation may grow, but may 
 easily foretel into what a distracted condition, by long for- 
 bearance, this colony will be reduced, we are called upon 
 by the rights of society, (and what, I am persuaded, will 
 be with you as prevailing an inducement,) by the princi- 
 ples of Christianity, to put an immediate stop to the de- 
 vices and intrigues of these associated schismatics, who 
 having, no doubt, assumed to themselves the apostacy of 
 our weak brethren, we may be assured that there is not 
 anything so absurd but what they will assert, nor any 
 doctrines or precepts so sacred but what they will per- 
 vert, and accommodate to their favourite theme railing 
 against our religious establishment ; for which, in any 
 country, the British dominions only excepted, they would 
 be very severely handled. 
 
1745.] IN VIRGINIA. 105 
 
 ** However, not meaning to inflame your resentment, we 
 may without breach of charity pronounce, that 'tis not 
 liberty of conscience, but freedom of speech they so earn- 
 estly prosecute ; and we are very sure that they have no 
 manner of pretence to any shelter under the acts of tolera- 
 tion, because, admitting they have had regular ordination, 
 they are by those acts obliged, (nor can they be ignorant 
 of it,) not only to take the oaths, but, with the test, to sub- 
 scribe, after a deliberate reading of them, some of the arti- 
 cles of our religion, before they presume to officiate. But 
 in this indulgent grant, though not expressed, a covenant is 
 intended, whereby they engage to preserve the character 
 of conscientious men, and not to use their liberty for a cloak 
 of maliciousness. So that I say, allowing their ordination, 
 yet as they have not by submitting to those essential points 
 qualified themselves to gather a congregation ; or if they 
 had, in speaking all manner of evil against us, have for- 
 feited the privilege due to such compliance ; insomuch that 
 they are entirely without excuse, and their religious pro- 
 fessions are very justly suspected to be the result of Jesuit- 
 ical policy, which also is an iniquity to be punished by the 
 judges. I must, therefore, as in duty bound to God and 
 man, charge you in tne most solemn manner, to make 
 strict inquiry after those seducers ; and if they, or any of 
 them are still in this government, by presentment or in- 
 dictment to report them to the court, that we who are in 
 authority under the defender of our faith, and the appointed 
 guardians to our constitution and state, exercising our 
 power, in this respect, for the protection of the people com- 
 mitted to our care, may show our zeal in the maintenance 
 of the true religion ; not as the manner of some is, by vio- 
 lent oppression, but in putting to silence by such method 
 as our law directs, the calumnies and invectives of these 
 bold accusers, and in dispelling, as we are devoutly dis- 
 posed, so dreadful and dangerous a combination. 
 
 ** In short, we should deviate from the pious path we pro- 
 
106 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1745. 
 
 fess to tread in, and should be unjust to God, to our king, 
 to our country, to ourselves, and to our posterity, not to 
 take cognizance of so great a wickedness, whereby the 
 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is turned into lascivious- 
 ness."* 
 
 It would be injustice to the character of Governor Gooch, 
 by whom the foregoing charge was delivered, to consider 
 it as a mere exhibition of the spirit of bigotry. Rumours 
 had reached him of intemperate and disrespectful expres- 
 sions used by the dissenters, which, though probably exag- 
 gerated, were yet not without some foundation in truth ; 
 for it would have been strange, indeed, if, under all the cir- 
 cumstances, nothing had been said against the establish- 
 ment by the discontented. And fortunately, justice has 
 been done to the memory of the governor in this transac- 
 tion, by one whose testimony will not be suspected. The 
 Rev. Samuel Davies, a Presbyterian divine of high and de- 
 served reputation both for talent and piety, was, as has been 
 already stated, the most efficient agent in the introduction of 
 the Presbyterian system into Eastern Virginia. In the sketch 
 which he has left of the rise of the Presbyterians in that col- 
 ony, and to which we have already referred, he thus speaks 
 of the governor, and by his candour, does honour both to the 
 subject of his remarks and to himself. " The honourable 
 Sir William Gooch, our late governor, always discovered 
 a ready disposition to allow us all claimable privileges, and 
 the greatest aversion to persecuting measures ; but con- 
 sidering the shocking reports spread abroad concerning us 
 by officious malignants, it was no great wonder that the 
 council discovered considerable reluctance to tolerate us. 
 Had it not been for this, I persuade myself they would 
 have shown themselves the guardians of our legal privi- 
 leges, as well as generous patriots to their country, which 
 
 ♦ 3 Burk, 119. 
 
1745.] IN VIRGINIA. 107 
 
 is the general character given of them."* The charge of 
 his excellency seems to have been not without effect. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Roan, who had been sent by the presby- 
 tery of Newcastle, had indulged himself in speaking freely 
 about the degeneracy of the clergy of the establishment ; 
 and one of his hearers, whom Morris terms " a perfidious 
 wretch," deposed that he heard Mr. Roan utter blasphe- 
 mous expressions in his sermons. An indictment was found 
 against him, but he retired from the colony. Some of those 
 who had invited him to preach at their houses were fined. 
 Mr. Roan, it is scarcely necessary to say, was not guilty 
 of blasphemy. The very witnesses who had been sum- 
 moned to sustain the indictment were prepared, on tfie 
 trial, to testify in his favour ; and the creature at whose 
 instigation, and on whose testimony, probably, the bill had 
 been found, fled the country, and never returned. 
 
 The Presbyterians of the colony determined, in their dif- 
 ficulties, to seek aid from abroad : accordingly, in 1745 a 
 deputation from Virginia attended a synod in New- York ; 
 and an address was sent from that body to Sir William 
 Gooch. The bearers of it, the Rev. Messrs. Tennent and 
 Finley were received with respect by the governor, and 
 he gave them liberty to preach. After a short time they 
 left the colony, and fines were again inflicted upon Presby- 
 terians for not attending on the services of the establish- 
 ment. After having been again visited by Mr. Whitfield, 
 the Rev. Samuel Davies already mentioned was sent by the 
 presbytery in 1747. 
 
 As this gentleman was more instrumental than any other 
 Presbyterian divine in placing on a secure foundation the 
 religious denomination to which he belonged, it becomes 
 necessary to bestow upon him a more enlarged notice. At 
 the time of Mr. Davies' arrival in Virginia and settlement 
 in the county of Hanover, according to his own testimony 
 
 * Davies^ State of Religion, &c., p. 21. 
 
108 rROTESTAWT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l745. 
 
 there were not ten avowed dissenters within one hundred 
 miles of him.* On his arrival, his first care was to secure 
 himself and his followers from molestation, by a compliance 
 with the laws of the colony. The terms on which dissen- 
 ters were tolerated, were, obtaining a license from some 
 judicial body for each meeting-house, causing such license 
 to be put upon record, taking the usual oaths of fidelity to 
 the government, and subscribing the thirty-nine articles of 
 the Church of England, with certain enumerated excep- 
 tions. These exceptions embraced the thirty-fourth, con- 
 cerning " traditions of the church," the thirty-fifth, " of the 
 homilies," the thirty-sixth, " of the consecration of bishops 
 and ministers," and so much of the twentieth as declares 
 ** the church hath power to decree rites and ceremonies, and 
 authority in controversies of faith." 
 
 With these terms Mr. Davies complied, and obtained 
 licenses for no less than four meeting-houses, to which, 
 in a short time, three more were added ; and among the 
 seven, some of which were forty miles distant from each 
 other, he divided his labours. Of these meeting-houses, 
 three were in Hanover county, one in Henrico, one in 
 Caroline, one in Louisa, and one in Goochland. This 
 region of country, therefore, may justly be considered 
 as the birthplace of Presbyterianism in Eastern Virginia.f 
 The health of Mr. Davies was precarious, but his labours 
 were unremitting. Possessing talents of a high order, 
 and gifted with no ordinary share of eloquence, he 
 readily succeeded in obtaining hearers ; and many who 
 were at first allured by curiosity or respect for genius, 
 returned to hear him under the influence of holier motives. 
 In three years his meeting-houses presented the spectacle 
 of large and attentive congregations, and among them he 
 numbered three hundred communicants. In truth, so far 
 as natural qualifications were concerned, he seems to have 
 
 ♦ 2 Douglass's Summary, 380; t 2 Douglass's Summary, 37e> 
 Davies, p. 28. 380 ; Davies, 21, 22, 
 
1745.] IN VIRGINIA. 109 
 
 been admirably adapted to the work on which he entered, 
 while his piety was beyond all question ; and in the retro- 
 spect of so much accomplished in a short time, under God, 
 by the labours of a single man, we are forcibly impressed 
 with the thought that too much care cannot be manifested 
 in the selection of the instruments by whom either the great 
 truths of the Gospel or the peculiarities of a sect are to be 
 planted and extended. One able and devoted missionary 
 will accomplish more than ten men of a different stamp. 
 
 Mr. Davies, however, did not carry on his work without 
 encountering opposition. The officers of the government, 
 who of course adhered to the establishment, strenuously 
 contended that his proceedings were illegal, inasmuch as 
 the English " act of toleration" did not extend to Vir- 
 ginia. This position was denied by the dissenters, who 
 claimed equal rights with their brethren at home, and the 
 matter was brought before the courts of the colony. Pey- 
 ton Randolph, afterward the first president of congress, 
 was then attorney-general of Virginia, and the point was 
 argued, on one occasion, by Mr. Randolph on the one side^ 
 and by Mr. Davies on the other : it is certainly no small 
 compliment to the latter gentleman to say, that he was able 
 to argue such a point at all against such an antagonist ; it 
 is therefore a higher tribute to his abilities to add, that he 
 was frankly acknowledged to have sustained his cause with 
 great learning and eloquence. 
 
 Upon the disputed point Mr. Davies was in the right ', 
 and when afterward, by appointment of Princeton College,. 
 he visited England to solicit benefactions, he obtained from 
 the attorney-general, Sir Dudley Rider, a declaration that 
 the English act of toleration was the law of Virginia. Forti- 
 fied by this opinion, on his return, he resumed his labours in 
 the colony, and continued them until 1759, when he was 
 appointed president of Princeton College, in which situation 
 he died.* Before leaving the character of Mr. Davies, it 
 
 * AUen^s Biographical Dictionary, p. 330. 
 
110 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1745* 
 
 is due to him to remark, that though firm, he was yet in 
 manner conciliatory : he experienced much kindness from 
 the reverend Dr. Dawson, the commissary, notwithstanding 
 the marked difference of opinion between them ; and this 
 kindness was repaid by sincere respect and affection.* 
 
 The successful establishment of the Presbyterians, how- 
 ever, was not the sole cause of annoyance to the members 
 of the church ; for about this time was exhibited a fresh 
 instance of that aversion to popery which, it must be con- 
 fessed, characterized Virginia during her colonial existence. 
 The circumstance which called it forth, was the news of 
 the landing in Scotland of the Pretender, under the auspices 
 of France. This event produced a strong sensation among 
 all classes ; and the expressions of loyalty to the reigning 
 family, and of attachment to the Church of England, were 
 numerous and unequivocal. The reverend Dr. Dawson, 
 who had succeeded Dr. Blair both as president of the col- 
 lege and commissary, convened the clergy, and an address 
 from that body, transmitted to the king through the medium 
 of the Bishop of London, breathed a most loyal and anti- 
 papistical spirit ; while the governor issued his proclama- 
 tion against Romish priests, who, it was said, came as emis^ 
 saries from Maryland, to seduce the people from their 
 allegiance. 
 
 And to the successful enterprise of the Presbyterians, 
 and the anticipated inroads of the Papists, it would seem 
 that there was added the fear of other en6mies of the 
 church; for in 1746 we find the governor issuing his pro- 
 clamation and forbidding, under the severest penalties, the 
 meeting of " Moravians, New Lights, and Methodists."! 
 How numerous these obnoxious dissentients may have 
 been, or how far his excellency succeeded in suppressing 
 them, we have not the means of ascertaining ; the proba- 
 
 * For a sketch of the rise of Pres- differ in some slight particulars from' 
 
 byterianism in Virginia, the reader the sketch here presented ; I have 
 
 may consult The Literary and Evan- followed Davies. 
 gelical Magazine, vol. 2, and Miller's f 3 Burk, 124, 5, 6. 
 Life of Dr. Rogers, eh. 2. These 
 
1746.] IN VIRGINIA. Ill 
 
 bility is, however, that after an entrance was once effected, 
 and a lodgment secured within the colony by the opponents 
 of the church, they increased in strength notwithstanding 
 the resistance of those in authority : certain it is, that from 
 this period onward through a succession of many years, 
 the course of the church was not free from lets and hin- 
 derances ; and we may here most properly, it is thought, 
 fix the commencement of a struggle which was terminated 
 by her almost entire overthrow. 
 
 It is a coincidence singular enough to" attract attention, 
 that the part of our narrative which records the efforts 
 of a layman to introduce the Presbyterian system into the 
 eastern part of the colony, should also bring into view that 
 period of time which witnessed the zealous labours of an- 
 other layman to establish Episcopal services in the western 
 part of Virginia. It will be remembered that in the east 
 dissenters were rare ; while in the west, as we have seen, 
 but few of the inhabitants belonged to the establishment : 
 they were, for the most part, Presbyterian emigrants from 
 Ireland originally, and last from Pennsylvania. The name 
 of one layman is identified with the rise of Presbyterianism 
 on one side of the mountains ; the simultaneous commence- 
 ment of the Episcopal church on the other side, is to be 
 found in the biography of another. 
 
 Morgan Morgan was a native of Wales, whence he emi- 
 grated in early life to the province of Pennsylvania. In 
 the year 1726 he removed to what is now the county of 
 Berkeley in Virginia, and built the first cabin which was 
 reared on the south side of the Potomac, between the Blue 
 Ridge and the North Mountain. He was a man of ex- 
 emplary piety, devoted to the church; and, in the year 
 1740, associated with Dr. John Briscoe and Mr. Hite, he 
 erected the first Episcopal church in the valley of Virginia. 
 This memorial of his zeal, it is believed, is still standing, and 
 now forms that part of the parish of Winchester which is 
 known as " Mill Creek Church." But he has left behind 
 
112 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1746. 
 
 him other and more valuable records of his quiet and use- 
 ful life. " He went about doing good," and was most fre- 
 quently to be found by the bedsides of the sick and the 
 dying. With no mad zeal, assuming to itself infallibility 
 and superior holiness, but with the soberness of a sound 
 mind and the earnestness of a pious heart, he sought to im- 
 press upon others the value of the Gospel of Christ ; in this 
 good work he forgot not his own household, but laboured 
 to train up his children " in the nurture and admonition of 
 the Lord." The fruit of his labour was abundantly visible 
 in the piety of a son who bore his own name ; and who, in 
 the destitution of Episcopal clergymen in western Virginia, 
 officiated at the early age of sixteen as a lay reader in the 
 church which his father had erected. The father lived on, 
 a pattern of piety, enjoying at times, under the ministra- 
 tions of an Episcopal clergyman, the solemn services and 
 comfortable sacraments of that church which had his heart's 
 best affections, until, at the advanced age of seventy-eight, 
 he died under the roof of that son, whose piety and filial ten- 
 derness smoothed his passage to the grave. 
 
 But clergymen were not always lo be had, and Morgan 
 Morgan had been taught by his father that the public wor- 
 ship of God was not to be neglected on that account. He 
 officiated himself, but never was known to assume the dig- 
 nity nor exercise the duties which belong peculiarly to the 
 ministry: he confined himself strictly to that which a lay- 
 man might lawfully do. In the latter years of his life, the 
 wants of the church were greatly increased from the dis- 
 tracted state of the country; and he, like Morris, was 
 often called from home to perform in vacant churches 
 those religious duties which were proper for a layman. 
 Like Morris, too, he obeyed the call ; and as his circum- 
 stances were easy, he determined, in the urgency of the 
 case, to devote himself exclusively to the work of keeping 
 alive and quickening piety in the church of his fathers ; 
 and thus did he exhibit " the singular spectacle of a lay- 
 
1746.] IN VIRGINIA. 113 
 
 man, in his appropriate station, and with due regard to all 
 the peculiarities and regulations of the church, seeking to 
 keep up her institutions under circumstances of peculiar 
 discouragement." The history of his success is thus re- 
 lated by the writer to whom we are indebted for our 
 sketch ; and it certainly affords abundant encouragement 
 to the zeal and efforts of the pious layman who may be 
 engaged in building up the church. " While the church to 
 which he belonged shall have existence in the valley of 
 Virginia, his pious labours must, and will be remembered 
 with gratitude. In a dark day, when desolation and death 
 seemed brooding over her interests, he commenced a career 
 of active exertion, which was hoping almost against hope; 
 and by efforts of the most disinterested nature, revived the 
 attachment of her friends, and kept her from descending to 
 the dust. Though encumbered with the weight of years, 
 and though but a layman, thus precluded from some of the 
 most interesting exercises, yet his labours were abundantly 
 blessed by God, and the spirit of piety was kept alive. 
 Through the counties of Jefferson, Berkeley, and part of 
 Frederick, Hampshire, and a small portion of Maryland, 
 he exercised the duties of a lay reader. He was a wel- 
 come visitant everywhere, and was beloved by rich and 
 poor ; and, what does not always happen when the ser- 
 vices of the church are kept up by a layman, he had large 
 and attentive audiences. The character of the man was 
 his passport to respect and attention, and his love for the 
 church of his fathers stimulated the love of others. It is 
 firmly believed that the fruits of his labours will be long 
 traced in the valley of Virginia."* 
 
 His bones are now resting in the churchyard of " Mill 
 Creek Church ;" and though his name on earth was but 
 little known out of the immediate sphere of his usefulness, 
 yet, doubtless, " he shall be better known at the resurrec- 
 tion of the just." 
 
 * See Episcopal Recorder, vol. i. No. 5. '^^ 
 
 F 
 
114 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1748. 
 
 CHAPTER 711. 
 1748-1771. 
 
 Lawsuit, Legislation fixing Clergyman's right to Glebes— State of the 
 Clergy — Substitution of Money for Tobacco in paying Clergy — Difficul- 
 ties thence arising — Injustice to Clergy — Appearance of Baptists — Their 
 bitter Enmity — Great Question of the legality of paying the Clergy in 
 Money — Suit to settle it — Mr. Henry, his first Appearance — Question 
 settled against the Clergy — Efforts in Virginia to obtain the Episcopate 
 — Opposed by some of the Clergy — Their Conduct approved by the 
 Legislature. 
 
 Allusion has already oeeii made on a previous page of 
 this narrative, to the uncertain tenure by which the clergy 
 held their livings ; and the year on which we are now en- 
 tering afforded a striking practical illustration of the evils 
 resulting from the existing system. It will be remembered 
 that under the act of 1727, ^^ every minister ^ received into 
 any parish by the vestry" was entitled to demand the salary 
 fixed by law of sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco. After 
 the passage of this law, the usual mode of proceeding to 
 supply a vacant parish was, as has been stated, to receive 
 some clergyman recommended by the governor and commis- 
 sary, and under such reception the clergyman claimed the 
 profits of the parish. 
 
 It seems that by direction of the vestry of Lunenburg 
 parish in Richmond county, an individual entered upon the 
 glebe lands contrary to the wishes of the incumbent, the 
 reverend Mr. Kay. Mr. Kay brought an action of tres- 
 pass against the intruder, and in 1748 the suit came before 
 the general court for judgment, upon the single point whe- 
 ther the bare reception of a minister by the vestry, under 
 
1748.] IN VIRGINIA. 115 
 
 the act of 1727, there having been no fornnal induction in 
 the case, would enable the minister to maintain an action 
 of trespass against one who entered on the glebe lands by- 
 order of the vestry. Judgment was finally rendered for 
 Mr. Kay on this point, but it was by a divided court ; and 
 as the matter created much unpleasant excitement through- 
 out the colony, the assembly, then in session, to prevent a 
 prejudice against religion by the recurrence of a similar 
 difficulty, enacted, that "every minister received into a par- 
 ish is entitled to all the spiritual and temporal benefits of 
 it, and may maintain an action of trespass against any per- 
 son or persons who shall disturb him in the possession and 
 enjoyment thereof."* 
 
 This, it is believed, is the first act of legislation which 
 secured the clergyman against the exercise of that caprice 
 in a vestry which might, by petty annoyance, lead to a 
 removal from his charge ; but it certainly was not intended 
 to prevent the removal of an unworthy incumbent, against 
 whom a direct accusation of improper conduct could be 
 preferred ; nor should it have had in its operation the effect 
 of giving impunity to the wicked and the worthless. It 
 was therefore a wholesome enactment, and it is only to be 
 lamented that it was not of earlier date ; had it been, the 
 church in Virginia would probably have enrolled in its 
 ministry more men worthy of the sacred office ; but as it 
 was, it came too late to remedy an evil which for years 
 "had been operating to prevent the best men from seeking 
 clerical employment in the colony. If the authority of a 
 contemporary who laboured long and faithfully in Virginia 
 may be relied on, much the larger part of the clergy were 
 at this time deficient in the great duty of placing distinctly 
 before the people the fundamental truths of the Gospel. 
 Most of them might, indeed, have led lives externally 
 decent, at any rate they are not charged with any flagrant 
 
 * Bland's Letter to the Clergy of Virginia. 
 
116 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1755. 
 
 violations of propriety in their outward deportment ; but 
 nothing was more common, as we gather from the writer 
 to wiiom we are indebted for these facts, than to be con- 
 fronted, when he enjoined a duty or condemned a sin, with 
 the inquiry, " Why did not other ministers tell us so? were 
 they not as wise as you ?" Nay, from some of the clergy 
 themselves he was compelled to endure opposition and re- 
 proach ; and opprobrious epithets, calculated to alarm pre- 
 judice or provoke ridicule, were freely resorted to, to de- 
 stroy or diminish the effects of his ministry.* 
 
 With such priests, it is easy to believe what is recorded 
 of the people. " The Sabbath day was usually spent by 
 them in sporting "j^ and no question seems to have been 
 made whether the practice was right or wrong. And with 
 such a people, it is not probable that the errors and vices 
 of their teachers formed the subject of very serious com- 
 plaints, or that direct efforts were made often to displace 
 an unworthy clergyman. The act, therefore, which has 
 just been recited, it may well be supposed, under all the cir- 
 cumstances, served as much to impart confidence to wick- 
 edness, as to afford security to virtue. No wonder is it 
 that the church languished, while dissenters acquired 
 strength at her expense. She was not true to herself. 
 The devout use of her formularies, the faithful preaching 
 of her doctrines, the consistent piety of her clergy, would 
 have presented more effectual checks to the growth of dis- 
 sent than any exertion of civil authority ; these, under God, 
 are at all times her best bulwarks, for these remove all 
 grounds of reasonable complaint ; and the absence of these 
 can never be supplied by the mere support of the arm of 
 civil power. 
 
 In the year 1755, a petition was preferred to the legisla- 
 ture by the clergy themselves, which furnishes evidence 
 
 ♦ The Life of the Rev. Devereux t Ibid, 28. 
 
 Jarrat, 28, 86. 
 
1755.] IN VIRGINIA. 117 
 
 that the picture here presented of that body is not exag- 
 gerated. The petition sets forth " that the salary appointed 
 by law for the clergy is so scanty, that it is with difficulty 
 they support themselves and families, and can by no means 
 make any provision for their widows and children, who 
 are generally left to the charity of their friends ; that the 
 small encouragement given to clergymen is a reason why 
 so few come into this colony from the two universities ; 
 and that so many who are a disgrace to the ministry find 
 opportunities to fill the parishes ; and that the raising of the 
 salary would prove of great service to the colony," and 
 the petitioners prayed accordingly that their salaries might 
 be increased. The petition was not granted by the House 
 of Burgesses ; but it is due to that body to state, that the 
 country was then engaged in an expensive war with the 
 French, which called for an unusual taxation of the peo- 
 ple.* The representations here made of the character of 
 many of the clergy are sustained by other statements con- 
 cerning them which have come down to us. In a letter 
 from Dr. Rundle, bishop of Derry, written in 1740, he 
 speaks of three ministers whom he had discarded from his 
 diocess, and to whom he had refused certificates, and yet, 
 he adds, they " have obtained good livings in America." 
 
 The year 1757 was one of unparalleled distress in the 
 colony : the war just alluded to had not terminated ; and to 
 increase the privations consequent upon a state of hostility, 
 there was a failure in the great staple of the country. 
 There was not a sufficiency of tobacco made in the whole 
 colony to have afforded to every man who was tithable 
 two hundred pounds, out of which to pay his taxes. So 
 great was the scarcity, that the assembly was obliged to 
 issue money from the public funds to save the population 
 from starving. In this emergency, the legislature enacted, 
 that inasmuch as payment in tobacco was impossible, the 
 
 * Bland's Letter to Virginia Clergy. 
 
118 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [175T. 
 
 clergy should receive " a price for iheir salaries, equal to 
 crop tobacco at eighteen shillings per hundred weight," 
 which gave to them for that year one hundred and forty- 
 four pounds, a salary larger than they had ever received 
 before.* There, probably, was tobacco enough to have 
 paid the clergy alone, and the scarcity in the commodity 
 had of course so much enhanced its value at the time, that 
 had payment been made in the article itself, its sale would 
 have yielded to its owners very large returns. Whether 
 this consideration operated on the minds of the clergy to 
 produce discontent is unknown ; certain it is, however, that 
 the law occasioned much murmuring, and the clergy con- 
 tended that it was a violation of their rights to compel 
 them to yield to this plan of substitution. A portion of 
 them was not content patiently to submit; accordingly 
 they met in convention at the college, and instructed the 
 Rev. Mr. Camm (who was then the commissary) to make a 
 representation on the subject to the Bishop of London, or 
 to the Lords of Trade. It is probable that their complaint 
 was made to their diocesan, as there is extant a letter from 
 that prelate to the Board of Trade, in which he inveighs 
 against this law as being subversive of the rights of the 
 clergy.t 
 
 On the contested point, it will probably, at this day, be 
 conceded that the clergy were in the right ; and as the 
 matter in its consequences was one of much moment to the 
 church, it demands attention. The act of 1757 was not 
 the first law which had compelled the clergy to receive 
 money in lieu of tobacco. In 1755, the crop having failed, 
 the legislature passed " an act to enable the inhabitants of 
 the colony to discharge their tobacco debts in money for 
 the present year :" by this act, payments to be made in 
 tobacco might be satisfied in money, at the rate of sixteen 
 shillings and eight pence per hundred weight, at the option 
 
 * Bland's Letter to Virginia Clergy. t Ibid. 
 
1757.] IN VIRGINIA. 119 
 
 of the debtor. The act was to continue in force ten months, 
 and no longer, and did not contain the usual clause of sus- 
 pension, until it should receive the royal assent. The clear 
 necessity for the act, and its being made to extend to all 
 other tobacco creditors as well as ministers, probably satis- 
 fied the clergy ; at any rate they made no objection, and 
 bore the loss without a murmur. The rich planters, who 
 had tobacco to sell, received for it fifty or sixty shillings 
 per hundred weight, while they paid off their debts due in 
 the commodity at sixteen shillings and eight pence, so that 
 the law proved to them a source of great profit. Remem- 
 bering the effect of this law upon their interests, in the 
 year 1757,* upon a surmise that the crop would be de- 
 ficient, the act of 1755 was re-enacted. The crop did fail, 
 and tobacco was again worth fifty shillings. The clergy 
 felt the hardship thus repeated, and were disposed to re- 
 sist. The act was attacked by a publication on the part 
 of Commissary Camm, and this led to a war of pamphlets 
 between the commissary on the one side, and Colonels 
 Bland and Carter on the other. The people, who at first 
 merely laughed, soon became excited by a sense of in- 
 terest, and so strongly did the popular current set against 
 the clergy, that the printers of the colony shut their presses 
 against them, and Mr. Camm at last resorted to Mary- 
 land for publication.-]- 
 
 This was an unfortunate contest for the church and the 
 clergy. In every conflict of the kind, the merits of the 
 question, originally involved in the dispute, are apt to be 
 lost sight of; and in the ardour of controversy, it is not 
 unusual for men to transfer their condemnation from 
 opinions, to those who avow them ; and such there is rea- 
 son to believe was the course pursued in this instance. 
 While among the clergy there were some who were above 
 just suspicion or reproach, it must be owned that as a body 
 
 * Mr. Wirt fixes it in 1758. Life f Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, 
 of Patrick Henry, 39. 39, 40. 
 
120 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1757. 
 
 they were anything but invulnerable ; and the opportunity 
 for censure afforded by their conduct was too inviting to 
 be overlooked by their antagonists. The leading laymen 
 looked around, and saw almost every parish supplied with 
 an incumbent of some sort, while the state of religion was, 
 in their view, far from flourishing ; they did not hesitate to 
 impute this condition of things to the clergy themselves, 
 and the people at large were ready enough to lend a will- 
 ing ear to the charge.* It was not that there was any 
 partiality for the dissenters, for the general sentiment 
 was against them ;t but there was growing up in men's 
 minds a gradual alienation from the church, because it was 
 identified with those who were suspected of being more 
 anxious to enrich themselves than to benefit the souls of 
 others, and men began to admit the suspicion that the es- 
 tabUshment was proving a burden instead of a blessing. 
 
 Doubtless, injustice was done, in this process, to many a 
 worthy man, who was made to suffer by the indiscriminate 
 censure which visited his order, while he probably would 
 have been as prompt as any one in removing those who had 
 subjected both the church and himself to undeserved re- 
 proach. This unfortunate dispute is recorded because it 
 was one of the links in a chain of causes which was oper- 
 ating silently but surely for the prostration of the church : 
 everything which provoked hostility and awakened preju- 
 dice, of course prepared men's minds for the final blow 
 struck in the stormy times of that revolution, to which the 
 country was even then approaching with unsuspected but 
 certain step. 
 
 It was in the midst of this growing spirit of disaffection 
 towards the church that a new and, as events proved, a 
 most inveterate enemy appeared. About the year 1765, 
 and while the Rev. Mr. Robinson was commissary, the 
 Baptists first made their appearance in Amelia and some 
 
 * Life of Jarrat, 79, 83, 86, 103. t Jarrat's Life, 69. 
 
1762.] IN VIRGINIA. 121 
 
 of the adjacent counties, and by insisting on the peculiar 
 tenets of their sect, they began to shake the faith of many 
 who belonged to the church.* It must not, however, be 
 supposed that, previous to this time, none of this sect had 
 been seen in Virginia. The first who came were emi- 
 grants from England as early as the year 1714 ; others 
 also came from Maryland in the year 1743 if but their in- 
 crease was but small for a long time after their introduc- 
 tion. There was a bitterness in the hatred of this denomi- 
 nation towards the establishment, which far surpassed that 
 of all other religious communities in the colony ; and it 
 was always prompt (as the future pages of our work 
 will show) to avail itself of every prejudice which religious 
 or political zeal could excite against the church. Their 
 first preachers came from the North, and some few arose 
 in the South: all met with opposition from those in 
 power. " The ministers (says Leland) were imprisoned, 
 and the disciples buffeted." This is but too true. No 
 dissenters in Virginia experienced for a time harsher treat- 
 ment than did the Baptists, They were beaten and im- 
 prisoned ; and cruelty taxed its ingenuity to devise new 
 modes of punishment and annoyance. The usual conse- 
 quences followed ; persecution made friends for its vic- 
 tims ; and the men who were not permitted to speak in 
 public, found willing auditors in the sj^mpathizing crowds 
 who gathered around the prisons to hear them preach from 
 the grated windows-! It is not improbable that this very 
 opposition imparted strength in another mode, inasmuch 
 as it at least furnished the Baptists with a common ground 
 on which to make resistance ; and such common ground 
 was in a great degree wanting in their creed ; for not to 
 speak of their great division into Regulars and Separates,^ 
 
 * The Virginia Baptist Chronicle, t Scrapie's History of Virginia 
 by John Leland. (This work I saw Baptists, pp. 1, 344. 
 in MS., among the papers of the late | Seniple's History of Virginia 
 E. Hazzard, Esq., of Philadelphia.) Baptists, pages 15, 17, 22, 207, 427. 
 
 ^ Semple's History, passim. 
 
122 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l76Sr. 
 
 some "held to predestination, others to universal provision; 
 some adhered to a confession of failh> others would have 
 none but the Bible ; some practised laying on of hands, 
 others did not ;"* and, in fact, the only particular in which 
 there seems to have been unanimity, was in the favourite 
 exclusive opinion of the sect, that none but adult believers 
 are fit subjects of baptism, and that immersion is the only 
 effectual or authorized mode of administering that sacra- 
 ment. 
 
 It is obvious that no time could have been more ina»- 
 spicious than this, for calling public attention to the contro- 
 versy with the laity on the subject of substituted payments 
 in money, in lieu of tobacco. And yet it was not possible 
 for the clergy, without an entire surrender of their rights, 
 to let the matter rest. It has been seen that through their 
 commissary the subject was brought to the notice of the 
 Bishop of London and the Lords of Trade, and finally it 
 came before the king and council. The act of 1757 was 
 denounced by his majesty as a usurpation, and he declared 
 it utterly null and void. Sustained by this declaration, the 
 clergy resolved not to yield, but to bring the question up 
 for a judicial decision. Accordingly, suits were com- 
 menced, in several of the counties, by the clergy to recover 
 their stipends in tobacco. As the decision in one cause 
 would settle the principle in all, it was not necessary to 
 bring all to trial ; and to lest the success of the experiment, 
 it was resolved to try the action brought by the reverend 
 Mr. Maury in the county of Hanover. 
 
 The case, as presented to the court, was briefly this : 
 the plaintiff's declaration was founded on the law of 1748, 
 which gave specifically sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco. 
 To this, the defendant pleaded specially the act of 1757, 
 which allowed payment to be made in money, at the rate 
 of sixteen shillings and eight pence per hundred weight. 
 
 ♦ Leiandi. 
 
1763.] IN VIRGINIA. 123 
 
 To this plea the plaintiff demurred on two grounds : first, 
 that the act of 1758 had never received the royal assent 
 and was therefore not law ; and secondly, that the king, 
 in council, had declared that act to be null and void. In 
 1763 the case came on for argument upon the demurrer. 
 The court sustained the demurrer; thereby deciding that 
 the plea of the defendant was no good defence, and, of 
 course, that the act of 1748, under which the clergy claimed 
 the specific tobacco, was unrepealed. This was, in effect, 
 a decision of the cause for the clergy ; but, before a final 
 judgment, certain other steps were necessary. It having 
 been settled that the defence made was not a good one, if 
 the defendant had none better to offer, it only remained to 
 inquire by a jury the amount of damages which the plaintiff 
 had sustained, and to render a final judgment on their find- 
 ing. The defendants had not pleaded over after the judg- 
 ment on the demurrer, and the case stood upon a Writ of 
 inquiry of damages ; and nothing was more reasonable 
 than the expectation of the clergy that the jury would at 
 once render a verdict for their claim under the ^ct of J 748. 
 In fact, the counsel originally employed by the defendant 
 looked upon this result as inevitable, candidly said so to his 
 client, and retired from the cause. And such, probably, 
 would have been the result, but for the celebrated Patrick 
 Henry. He had been employed upon the withdrawal of 
 the former counsel ; and as the very loose practice of the 
 county courts of that day permitted great latitude of remark 
 in advocates, when he came before the jury, instead of en- 
 tering upon a calm investigation of the amount of damages 
 actually sustained, he skilfully played upon the passions of 
 his hearers, aroused their prejudices, and poured forth tor- 
 rents of eloquence upon the decision of the king in council, 
 as indicating a wanton disregard of the true interests of a 
 suffering people, and a heartless contempt of their necessi- 
 
124 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1763. 
 
 ties.* It is very certain that all this had nothing to do with 
 the question before the jury ; but they readily imbibed sen- 
 timents so much in accordance with their interests, and so 
 agreeable to their prejudices against the clergy ; and, carried 
 away by an eloquence as extraordinary as it was unex- 
 pected, (for it was Mr. Henry's first cause in any court,) they 
 yielded to their feelings, and returned a verdict of one 
 penny damages. The court, inflaenced as much as the 
 jury by the fascinating powers of the advocate, unani- 
 mously refused to grant a new trial; and this refusal was 
 received with a shout of acclamation by the crowd both 
 within and without the house. The people, in fact, looked 
 upon it as their cause ; the triumph of Mr. Henry was their 
 triumph : and a striking picture of the spirit of the populace 
 in this matter is afforded in the fact, that as soon as the de- 
 cision was made, the people, in spite of all efforts made by 
 the officers to preserve order in the court, seized Mr. Henry 
 at the bar, bore him out of the courthouse, and raising him 
 on their shoulders, carried him, in a sort of triumphal pro- 
 cession, about the courtyard. It was, indeed, a sponta- 
 
 * A picture of the scene here described, together with a sketch of this 
 remarkable speech, has been preserved by one who witnessed its effect' with 
 the deepest interest, even by Mr. Maury himself The report of Mr. 
 Maury does not fully sustain the glowing description given by the biogra- 
 pher of Mr. Henry ; but, with a degree of candour most honourable to 
 Mr. Maury, it does show that the advocate possessed extraordinary powers 
 of eloquence. It was in the course of this speech, says Mr. Maury, 
 that, when Mr. Henry declared that a king who annulled and dis- 
 allowed laws of a salutary nature, instead of being the father, degenerated 
 into the tyrant of his people, that the opposing advocate cried oat, ** He has 
 spoken treason." The bench, however, did not think so, and Mr. Henry 
 proceeded without interruption in the delivery of as bold a philippic as ever 
 subject uttered against his sovereign. Calling to mind the relation in 
 which Virginia then stood to the crown of England, it must be confessed 
 that the speech contained much more treason than logic : it was an appeal 
 to men's passions, not to their understandings, and was managed with con- 
 summate address. — MS. letter from Mr. Maury to the reverend Mr. Camm, 
 furnished to the author by James Maury, Esq. 
 
1763.] iPf VIRGINIA. 125 
 
 neous though undignified tribute to the extraordinary pow- 
 ers of a very extraordinary man; but it was also the 
 triumph of wrong over right. 
 
 The news of the defeat of the clergy, connected as it 
 was with the unlooked-for display of Mr. Henry's elo- 
 quence, spread with rapidity through the colony ; and so 
 decided was public sentiment, that the clergy, hopeless of 
 success, never brought any of the other cases to trial ; they 
 were all dismissed by the plaintiffs. In Mr. Maury's case 
 no appeal was taken ; and Mr. Camm assigns as the reason 
 for this, that the legislature voted money to support the 
 defendants in the appeal, and the clergy were too poor to 
 contend against the wealth of the public treasury. It i^ 
 not known with certainty that the assembly made provision 
 to sustain the defendants in this particular case ; though 
 the journals show, in 1767, an engagement to defend all 
 suits brought by the clergy for their salaries, payable on 
 or before the last day of May, 1759.* 
 
 With all the prejudices which resulted from the transac- 
 tions just related, operating against the church, no time 
 could have been more inauspicious for agitating another 
 question, to the history of which the course of events has 
 now brought us. For many years, applications had been 
 repeatedly made by members of the church in this country 
 for a resident bishop. In the first instance, these applica- 
 tions issued alike from laity and clergy ; a variety of cir- 
 cumstances, fully recorded in a future volume of this work, 
 had conspired to defeat the success of the applications, and 
 sometimes when they seemed to be on the eve of accom- 
 plishment. 
 
 Notwithstanding all disheartening events, they were, 
 however, still continued, and principally by the clergy of 
 some of the northern colonies. New- York and New-Jer- 
 sey, with the occasional aid of Connecticut, were conspicu- 
 
 * See Wirt*B Life of Patrick Henry, section 1. 
 
126 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1771. 
 
 ous in these solicitations. They spared no efforts to bring 
 into their view^s their brethren of the other colonies, in the 
 reasonable expectation that a unanimous appeal to the 
 church of the mother country would not be disregarded. 
 The clergy of New- York and New-Jersey entered into a 
 voluntary union, known as '* The United Convention of New- 
 York and New-Jersey ;" and from the manuscript records 
 of that body kept by the late Bishop Seabury, who then 
 resided in New-York, and was its secretary, the fact is 
 ascertained that the reverend Dr. Cooper, then president 
 of King's (now Columbia) College in New- York, and the 
 reverend Mr. M'Kean, missionary at Am boy in New- 
 Jersey, were specially deputed to visit the southern part of 
 the continent, for the purpose of securing the co-operation 
 of their brethren in that region in procuring an American 
 episcopate.* 
 
 It must not, however, be supposed that the unanimity 
 which had marked the earlier applications on this subject 
 still continued. The laity were now nearly ripe for the 
 revolution which soon commenced ; and bishops were an 
 object of suspicion to many who truly loved the church, 
 because, in their minds, the civil and ecclesiastical constitu- 
 tions of the mother country were identified ; the political 
 aspect of affairs, therefore, presented to the laity a new 
 and serious obstacle to the measure ;t and in their opin- 
 ions there were not wanting many of the clergy who 
 concurred. 
 
 It was while affairs were in this posture, that, in April, 
 1771, Mr. Camm, the commissary, by public advertisement, 
 requested a general attendance of the clergy of the colony 
 at the college, on the fourth of May. There were at that 
 time more than one hundred churches in Virginia, and most 
 of them were furnished with ministers. On the appointed 
 
 ♦ Journals of the United Conven- t Bishop White's Memoirs, p. 61. 
 tion of 1767, pp. 32, 33, 34, 35 ; Sea- 
 bury MSS. 
 
1771.] IN VIRGINIA. 127 
 
 day a number of the clergy met, and a proposition was 
 made to address the king in behalf of an American episco- 
 pate. The whole number of clergymen in attendance was, 
 however, so small, that most of them desired the commis- 
 sary to convene another meeting, and to inform those sum- 
 moned of the proposition which would be considered at 
 the meeting. This was accordingly done ; and on the 
 fourth of June, the day appointed for the meeting, twelve 
 clergymen only appeared. This number was less than 
 that which had attended the previous meeting, and a ques- 
 tion very naturally arose, whether so small a portion of the 
 clergy could with propriety be deemed a convention of the 
 Virginia clergy. This having been settled in the affirma- 
 tive, though not without opposition, it was then proposed 
 to address his majesty on the subject of the episcopate, and 
 the proposition was rejected, A third question was then 
 presented for consideration, on the propriety of addressing 
 the Bishop of London for his opinion and advice, and all 
 concurred in the adoption of such a measure. 
 
 The business of the meeting, it would seem, should here 
 have terminated ; but before adjournment, a successful 
 effort was made to reconsider the vote upon the subject of 
 an address to the king, and such an address was finally 
 resolved on. This proposition to reconsider was very 
 warmly opposed by the Rev. Messrs. Henly and Gwatkin, 
 two of the professors in the college ; but it is due to both 
 these gentlemen to add, that their opposition was entirely 
 on grounds unconnected with the question of church gov- 
 ernment or ministerial imparity: they distinctly avowed 
 their cordial and conscientious approval of the episcopal 
 system, and resisted the present effort on considerations 
 of expediency alor^p. The arguments by which they sus- 
 tained their opposition were founded upon, 1. respect for 
 the Bishop of London ; 2. the disturbances occasioned by 
 the stamp act; 3. a recent rebellion in North Carolina, but 
 just suppressed ; and 4. the general clamour at that time 
 
128 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1771» 
 
 against the introduction of bishops. The vote to address 
 the king was adopted, notwithstanding the opposition ; a 
 committee was appointed to apply to such of the clergy as 
 were not present for their signatures to the purposed ap- 
 plication, and Mr. Henly and Mr. Gwatkin solemnly pro- 
 tested against the . whole proceeding in the following 
 terms : — 
 
 " First, because, as the number of the clergy in this colony 
 is at least a hundred, we cannot conceive that twelve cler- 
 gymen are a sufficient representation of so large a body. 
 
 "Secondly, because the said resolution contradicts a 
 former resolution of the same convention, which puts a 
 negative upon the question, ^whether the king should he ad- 
 dressed upon an American episcopate,* And that an as- 
 sembly met upon so an important an occasion, should re- 
 scind a resolution agreed to and entered down but a few 
 minutes before, is in our apprehension contrary to all order 
 and decorum. 
 
 ■ " Thirdly, because the expression American episcopate 
 includes a jurisdiction over the other colonies; and the 
 clergy of Virginia cannot, with any propriety, petition for 
 a measure which, for aught that appears to the contrary, 
 will materially affect the natural rights and fundamental 
 laws of the said colonies, without their consent and appro- 
 bation. 
 
 *♦ Fourthly, because the establishment of an American 
 episcopate, at this time^ would tend greatly to weaken the 
 connection between the mother country and her colonies, to 
 continue their present unhappy disputes, to infuse jealousies 
 and fears into the minds of Protestant dissenters, and to 
 give ill-disposed persons occasion to j-aise such distur- 
 bances as may endanger the very existence of the British 
 empire in America. 
 
 " Fifthly, because we cannot help considering it as ex- 
 tremely indecent for the clergy to make such an applica- 
 
V 
 
 1771.] IN viRGiNiA; *^ 129 
 
 tion without the concurrence of the president, council, and 
 representatives of this province ; a usurpation directly 
 repugnant to the rights of mankind. 
 
 " Sixthly, because the Bishops of London have always 
 hitherto exercised ecclesiastical jurisdiction over this col- 
 ony; and we are perfectly satisfied with the mild, just, and 
 equitable government of our excellent diocesan, the present 
 Lord Bishop of London ; and do think a petition to the 
 crown to strip his lordship of any part of his jurisdiction, 
 but an ill return for his past labours, and contrary to our 
 oath of canonical obedience. We do further conceive, as 
 it had been unanimously determined by this very conven- 
 tion that his lordship should be addressed for his opinion 
 relative to this measure, the clergy ought to have waited 
 for his lordship's paternal advice, before they had pro- 
 ceeded any further in an affair of such vast importance. 
 
 " Seventhly, because we have particular objections to 
 that part of the resolution by which the committee are 
 directed to apply, as it is termed, /or the hands of the ma- 
 jority of the clergy of this colony : a method of proceeding, 
 in our opinion, contrary to the universal practice of the 
 Christian church, it having been customary for the clergy 
 to sign all acts of an ecclesiastical nature in public conven- 
 tion ; whereas, the manner of procuring their concurrence 
 now proposed, is unworthy the decorum and dignity by 
 which so venerable a body ought ever to be guided." 
 
 Whatever may be thought of the insufficiency of some 
 of these grounds of protest, it will probably be conceded of 
 the rest that they were not without weight ; at least such 
 seems to have been the opinion of others of the clergy 
 besides Messrs. Henly and Gwalkin ; for the Rev. Messrs. 
 Hewitt and Bland subsequently joined in the foregoing 
 protest; while the opinion of the laity on the subject, was 
 very strongly indicated by a unanimous vote of the legisla* 
 ture, in the following words : — " Resolved, Tiemine contra* 
 
130 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1771. 
 
 dicente, that the thanks of thi& House be given to the Rev. 
 Mr. H^nly, the Rev. Mr. Gwatkin, the Rev. Mr. Hewitt, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Bland, for the^ wise and well-timed oppo- 
 sition they have made to the pernicious project of a few 
 mistaken clergymen, for introducing an American bishop ; 
 a measure, by which much disturbance, great anxiety, and 
 apprehension would certainly take place among his ma- 
 jesty's faithful American subjects ; and that Mr. Richard 
 Henry Lee and Mr. Bland do acquaint them therewith."* 
 
 When it is remembered that the majority of the legisla- 
 ture belonged to the establishment, the conclusion will, 
 probably, not be deemed erroneous, that the opposition 
 rested almost entirely upon political considerations ; and 
 such a conclusion derives confirmation from the fact, that 
 fifteen years afterward, Mr. Lee, who was appointed to 
 convey the thanks of the House to the protesting clergy, 
 as president of congress lent his aid to the efforts made to 
 procure consecration for Bishops White and Prevost, and 
 certified that they sought nothing in their application in- 
 consistent with the civil institutions of the United States.f 
 
 The circumstances here related led to an unfortunate 
 alienation between the clergy of the northern provinces, 
 who desired a bishop, and such of the Virginia clergy as 
 had opposed the recent measures in that colony. The 
 history of this alienation is preserved in the pamphlets of 
 the day, to which these Virginia proceedings gave birth. 
 On the part of the northern ministers was published " An 
 Address from the Clergy c. New- York and New- Jersey 
 to the Episcopalians in Virginia," which was replied to in 
 a spirited pamphlet by Mr. Gwatkin. These publications^ 
 however^ satisfactorily show that, save on one point, both 
 parties entertained the same opinion ; that point was the ex- 
 pedienci/f at that time, of making the proposed effort. In- 
 fact, Mr. Gwatkin declared explicitly that the authors of the 
 
 * 3 Burk, 364, 5. Bishop White's Memoirs, 53 
 
1771.] IN VIRGINIA. 1-31 
 
 protest had " not any aversion to episcopacy in general, 
 to that mode of it established in England, or even to an 
 American episcopate introduced at a proper time, hy proper 
 authority , and in a proper manner:'''' the opposition to an 
 " immediate establishment," he stated to be '' a prudential 
 regard to the practicable^ a desire to preserve peace, heal 
 divisions, and calm the angry passions of an inflamed peo- 
 ple." And at this distance of time, it will probably be 
 acknowledged that on the question of expediency, the Vir- 
 ginia clergy judged wisely. In the temper of the times, 
 the application could not but have proved unsuccessful ; 
 to make it, therefore, could only serve to exasperate a very 
 large portion of the colonists, without the prospect of ob- 
 taining the end desired. 
 
 fjii &iii;'S-^\ 
 
 .UiuiiillS 
 
182 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1772. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 1772-1778. 
 
 Appearance of the Methodists — Their adherence to the Church — Conduct 
 of the Episcopal Clergy in the Revolution — Many of them Whigs — Some 
 become Officers in the Continental Army — Conduct of the Baptists at 
 breaking out of the Revolution — Petitions of Presbyterians, Baptists, 
 and others against the Church — Counter Petitions — Act of 1776 destroy- 
 ing Establishment — Distress of the Clergy — Their Treatment — Legis- 
 lative Proceedings of 1777 and 1778 — Ordinations by the Methodists, 
 condemned by Mr. Asbury. 
 
 Odr attention nnust now be directed to another religious 
 denomination, which, upon its first appearance, clainoing 
 alliance with the church, received countenance from some 
 of its clergy ; but which ultimately proceeded to the length 
 of an entire separation. It was about the period of time 
 which we have now reached that the Methodists began to 
 increase in Virginia. There were doubtless individuals, 
 and, it may be, preachers of that society, to be found in the 
 colony before 1772;* but they seem thus far not to have 
 made any very strong impression, and certainly one not 
 hostile to the church. In truth, they professed to belong to 
 the church ; and as a portion of their subsequent success 
 is attributable to this circumstance, a brief review of facts 
 connected with that society becomes necessary. 
 
 It is well known, that until the latter years of his life, 
 the founder of" Methodism," (Mr. John Wesley,) who was 
 a presbyter of the Church of England, professed a strong 
 attachment to that church, and gave, to his followers in the 
 
 * Vide ante, p. 1 10, Gov. GoocVs Proclamation against the Methodists. 
 
1772.] IN VIRGINIA. 138 
 
 mother country, a list of " reasons for not separating from 
 tiie ciiurch," the good sense of which was unfortunately- 
 forgotten by him at a subsequent period. In his "farther 
 appeal to men of reason and religion,"* he thus addresses 
 the members of the Church of England : — " We do not 
 dispute concerning any of the externals or circumstantials 
 of religion. There is no room ; for we agree with you 
 therein. We approve of, we adhere to them all ; all that 
 we learned together when we were children, in our cate- 
 chism and common prayer book. We were born and bred 
 in your own church, and desire to die therein;" " We hold, 
 and ever have done, the same opinions which you and we 
 received from our forefathers." " We approve both the 
 doctrines and discipline of our church, and inveigh only 
 against ungodliness and unrighteousness." In accordance 
 with these sentiments the first Methodists in America acted. 
 Their preachers were all laymen ; they never administered 
 the sacraments, but received the Lord's Supper themselves 
 at the hands of the clergy of the Church of England ; and 
 they claimed to be nothing more than members of a reli- 
 gious society formed within the bosom of the established 
 church at home, and extended to America. f The language 
 of the Methodist preachers was, that " all who left the 
 church left the Methodists." J Nay, such was the avowed 
 attachment of the society, that in public opinion it was so 
 far identified with the church, as to share with it the odium 
 which from political causes then rested upon the establish- 
 ment in Virginia. The Methodists were suspected of being 
 inimical to the liberties of America.§ This suspicion, in 
 the minds of many, originated in nothing but the known 
 adherence of the society to an ecclesiastical system which 
 had the support of the civil power. It derived strength 
 afterward from the fact, that Mr. Wesley, who, in the com- 
 
 ♦ Page 134. J Ibid. 110. 
 
 t Jarratt's Life, 108. \ Ibid. 110, 112. 
 
184 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1772. 
 
 mencement of the dispute between England and the colo- 
 nies had defended the latter, suddenly changed his opinions, 
 and wrote and preached against the American cause with 
 so much warmth as to provoke this memorable rebuke from 
 the celebrated Junius: — "You have forgotten the precept 
 of your Master, that God and mammon cannot be served 
 together. You have one eye upon a pension, and the other 
 upon heaven ; one hand stretched out to the king, the other 
 raised up to God. I pray that the first may reward you, 
 and the last forgive you." The term rebels, was, from the 
 influence of Mr. Wesley's opinions on his English follow- 
 ers, one of frequent application to the American Method- 
 ists by their English brethren ; and thus were they sub- 
 jected to the misfortune of a double suspicion, which on 
 one side or the other must have been misplaced. 
 
 Their profession of regard, however, obtained for them, 
 as has already been hinted, favour from some of the clergy 
 of Virginia, and in one instance at least, if not in more, the 
 pulpit of the parish church was surrendered for the use of 
 the lay preacher.* The evil effects of this kindness were 
 felt by the church, after the final separation of the Method- 
 ists from the establishment ; for there were those who, 
 having once been taught to regard them as brethren, and 
 ignorant of the extent to which the separation had been 
 carried, could not be made to understand that on the im- 
 portant subject of the Christian ministry differences of 
 opinion existed which were irreconcilable.f 
 
 As the political aspect of aflfairs became more gloomy, 
 
 . ' r 
 
 * Jarratt's Life, p. 108. 
 
 t The late Bishop Ravenscroft of North Carolina has been heard to aay, 
 that in the discharge of his duties as a parish priest in Virginia, he some- 
 times encountered aged churchmen, who could not understand that there 
 ■were any subjects of disagreement between the church and the Methodists, 
 Their language was, " Father Jarratt gave us all to the Methodists." It 
 should be added that Father Jarratt lived long enough to see the error of his 
 course in this particular. See Jarratt's Life, p. 120, et seq. 
 
1775.] IN viRGiNrA. 135 
 
 il may well be supposed that the absorbing topic was the 
 approaching struggle which the wisest patriots of America 
 now began to perceive was inevitable. The whole conti- 
 nent was ripe for resistance, and awaited but the first blow 
 to fly to arms. In this mood of mind, it was, of course, to be 
 expected that the hostility towards the church in Virginia, 
 would become more confirmed in the breasts of all who 
 took part with the colonies. The clergy were generally 
 friends to the mother country : — attached to it by the cir- 
 cumstance of birth, and bound as they were individually 
 by the oath of allegiance, it would be unjust hastily to con- 
 demn them for their preference. With many of them 
 scruples of conscience really existed, as to the propriety or 
 lawfulness of a resort to arms under all the circumstances. 
 Admit the fact that the view which they entertained was 
 erroneous, (as it certainly was,) still it might have been, 
 and in many cases was, a very honest error. The ques- 
 tion, as to the proper course to be pursued, was one on 
 which honest and intelligent men might easily differ, with- 
 out justifying an imputation, on the one hand, of a want of 
 understanding and disregard of liberty ; or, on the other, of 
 a spirit of rebellion and the guilt of treason. 
 
 The subject is one of so much delicacy, that even 
 now it is dangerous to discuss it, from fear" of misappre- 
 hension. The period has hardly yet arrived for the exer- 
 cise of a dispassionate judgment upon the events con- 
 nected with the history of the American revolution. There 
 is an association formed, from the cradle, between names 
 and things, which the men of this generation have not 
 yet outgrown: the watchwords of party in the stormy 
 times of the revolution, have, in modern days, a power to 
 awaken emotions akin to those which glowed in the bosoms 
 of our ancestors. Before, therefore, we condemn all who, 
 in the perilous struggle, took part with the mother country, 
 we should place ourselves, in imagination, in their situation, 
 and it may serve to temper the harshness of our judgment. 
 
136 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1775. 
 
 About to embark, and with seeming hopelessness, in a 
 struggle with a power which from infancy had been an ob- 
 ject of veneration, and fidelity to which had been inculcated 
 as a virtue from the very cradle ; — with that fidelity further 
 guarantied by a solemn oath, from which, it was sup- 
 posed, nothing could absolve the conscience of an honest 
 man ; and with a feeling of patriotism, which it is hard to 
 er/idicate from the bosom of an upright man, (for it must 
 be remembered that England was the birthplace of many 
 of the loyalists, and arose upon their memories surrounded 
 with all the cherished endearments of home ;) — under such 
 circumstances, it must be confessed that there were many 
 inducements which might lead the judgment to pause ere 
 that decisive step was taken which, in the event of success, 
 severed a man for ever from the spot of his birth ; and, in 
 the event of defeat, classed him among those who were 
 traitors to its interests. 
 
 It is not intended, by these remarks, to express approba- 
 tion of the opinions of such of the clergy as adhered to the 
 cause of England ; for the contest, on the part of these 
 colonies, was a righteous resistance, into which they were 
 forced ; and it is therefore thought that the clergy erred ; 
 but it is also thought that there is some extenuation of that 
 error, a notice of which is demanded by a sense of justice. 
 But the error was not confined to the clergy, a portion of 
 the laity adopted their opinions; it was, however, very 
 small, for the great mass of the population in Virginia was 
 opposed to England, and this rendered the situation of the 
 clergy only the more disagreeable. Nor were all the 
 clergy loyalists ; they numbered in their ranks some sturdy 
 republicans, though these formed a minority, including not 
 quite one-third of the whole body.* Upon the loyal clergy, 
 
 * The enemies of the Episcopal church have but too often been ready to 
 arouse prejudice by representing churchmen, generally, as opposed to the 
 cause of the colonies in the struggle for independence. There certainly 
 was no state more forward than Virginia in the War of the Revolution, and 
 
1775.] IN VIRGINIA. ' 137 
 
 more than upon any other class in the community, it may 
 be said, there rested the weight of popular odium ; and the 
 burden, when shared with others, was shared with the 
 Methodists. 
 
 In 1775, the storm which had so long been gathering, 
 burst upon America, and the first blood was spilled at 
 Lexington. Every colony was speedily on the alert, and 
 a voluntary convention of the delegates to the Virginia 
 legislature, meeting after its adjournment, succeeded the 
 last royal assembly which was ever held in "the ancient 
 dominion." The Baptists were not slow in discovering the 
 advantageous position in which the political troubles of the 
 country had placed them. Their numerical strength was 
 sucfi as to make it important to both sides to secure their 
 influence; they knew this, and therefore determined to 
 turn the circumstance to their profit as a sect. Persecu- 
 tion had taught them not to love the establishment, and 
 they now saw before them a reasonable prospect of over- 
 turning it entirely. In their association, they had calmly 
 discussed the matter, and resolved on their course : in this 
 course they were consistent to the end ; and the war 
 which they waged against the church, was a war of exter- 
 
 yet a large majority of its inhabitants were Episcopalians. Of the clergy 
 may be named Bishop Madison, Messrs. Bracken, Belmaine, Buchanan, 
 Jarratt, Griffith, Davis, and others who were avowed and decided partisans 
 of the colonies. Nay, in one instance, a clergyman of Virginia, the Rev, 
 Mr. Muhlenberg, relinquishing his charge, accepted the commission of col- 
 onel in the American army, raised his regiment among his own parishioners, 
 and served through the whole of the war, from which he retired, at its close^ 
 with the rank of brigadier-general. (Thatcher's Military Journal, 152.) 
 The Rev. Mr. Thruston, of Frederick county, also bore arms as a colonel in 
 the continental service. Of the laity, were General Washington, Patrick 
 Henry, Richard Henry Lee, the mover of the declaration of Independence, 
 his brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee, one of the signers, George Mason, Ed- 
 mund Pendleton, Peter Lyons, Paul Carrington, William Fleming, William 
 Grayson, with the families of the Nelsons, and Meades, and Mercers, and 
 Harrisons, and Randolphs, and hundreds of o^hej: names, deservedly dear to 
 Virginia. 
 
 • 
 
138 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CH1TRCH [1776. 
 
 minalion. They seem to have known no relentings, and 
 their hostility never ceased for seven-and-twenty years.* 
 They revenged themselves for their sufferings, by the al- 
 most total ruin of the church: and now commenced the 
 assault, for, inspired by the ardours of a patriotism which 
 accorded with their interests, or willing to avail themselves 
 of a favourable opportunity to present, in their case, an ad- 
 vantageous contrast to a part of the church, they addressed 
 the convention, and informed that body that their religious 
 tenets presented no obstacle to their taking up arms and 
 fighting for the country ; and they tendered the services of 
 their pastors in promoting the enlistment of the youth of 
 their religious persuasion. They presented, also, to the 
 convention a petition, in which they made, the certainly 
 reasonable request, "that they might be allowed to wor- 
 ship God in their own way, without interruption ; that they 
 might be permitted to maintain 'their own ministers, sep- 
 arate from others; that they might be married, buried, and 
 the like, without paying the clergy of other denomina- 
 tions."! A complimentary answer was returned to their 
 address ; and an order was made that the sectarian clergy 
 should have the privilege of performing divine service to 
 their respective adherents in the army, equally with the 
 regular chaplains of the established church. J This, it is 
 believed, was the first step made towards placing the 
 clergy, of all denominations, upon an equal footing in 
 Virginia. 
 
 This was, ere long, succeeded by another measure, 
 which gave a decisive blow to the Establishment. The 
 ** declaration of rights," which had been made in the early 
 part of 1776, had proclaimed to all men the free exercise 
 of religion; but the statutory provisions and common law 
 doctrines concerning the church had not been formally re- 
 
 * Journals of Convention of Au- t Semple's History of Virginia 
 gust 16, 1775, p. 17. Richmond Baptists, pp. 25, 26, 27, 62. 
 edition of 1816. t 4 Burk, 59. 
 
1776.] IN VIRGINIA. 13d 
 
 pealed or altered. The legislature, which was convened 
 in October of 1776, was therefore addressed by numerous 
 petitions, from various parts of the state, entreating for all 
 religious sects " protection in the full exercise of their sev- 
 eral modes of worship, and exemption from the payment 
 of all taxes for the support of any church whatever, further 
 than what might be agreeable to their own private choice 
 or voluntary obligation."* Of these petitioners, some 
 prayed that all " church establishments" might be put down; 
 " all taxes on conscience" removed ; that the right of " pri- 
 vate judgment*' might be unrestrained, and each individual 
 left " to rest upon bis own merit" Others simply asked to 
 be freed from the payment of parochial charges, except for 
 the support of their own clergy and poor. The presbytery 
 of Hanover sought the entire demolition of all laws which 
 made, or gave precedence to, an establishment; prayed 
 that all religious sects might be protected in their modes of 
 worship ; and that the support of religion might be left 
 entirely to voluntary contribution ; they stated that there 
 was " no argument in favour of establishing the Christian 
 religion, but what may be pleaded in favour of the tenets 
 of Mohammed, by those who believe the Alcoran."-|- 
 
 In these petitions, all classes in the community, with the 
 exception of Churchmen and Methodists, joined ; these sent 
 in their respective petitions for the continuance of the es- 
 tablishment ;J and if the testimony of the Baptist chronicler 
 may be relied on, the alliance between their opponents will 
 scarce be thought to deserve the epithet, holy; for we are 
 informed by him, that " the Presbyterians, Baptists, Qua- 
 kers, deists, and the covetous, all prayed for this ;"§ thus 
 presenting a strange and unnatural union of discordant 
 materials, to be employed in the prostration of one form of 
 
 * Journal of the Virginia House t Journals of Convention, p. 25. 
 of Delegates for 1776, pp. 7, 15, 21, Richmond edition, 1828. 
 24,26,35,48. % Ibid. p. 47. 
 
 ^ Leland's Chronicle. 
 
140 PIIOTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1776. 
 
 religion, and the setting up of others. The Baptists, though 
 not to be outdone in zeal, were surpassed in ability by the 
 Presbyterians; and among inany well written nnemorials 
 from that denomination, the ablest will probably be thought 
 to have come from the presbytery of Hanover, the scene 
 of Mr. Da vies' former labours, and the birthplace of Presby- 
 terianism in Eastern Virgmia. 
 
 It has been said that, at this time, the dissenters from 
 the establishment constituted at least two-thirds of the 
 people;* and the fact may be so; though there are cir- 
 cumstances which would seem to render it doubtful. 
 Only fourteen years prior to this time, according to the 
 evidence of an eyewitness, whose pursuits were likely 
 to make him familiar with the various shades of religi- 
 ous opinion in Virginia, the general sentiment of the 
 eastern part of the state was opposed to the dissenters. f 
 There must, therefore, within a comparatively short space 
 of time, have been a most extraordinary change of reli- 
 gious opinion, if the friends of the church had in fourteen 
 years been reduced to a third, or less than a third, of the 
 whole population. In addition to this, as will be seen pres- 
 ently, the friends of the church, in resisting these petitions, 
 besought the legislature to submit the question of the over- 
 throw of the establishment to the great body of the people ;J 
 thus indicating at least the belief that their numerical 
 strength exceeded that of their opponents. The point is 
 one, however, of little moment ; for if the measure sought 
 by the petitioners was one legally and morally rights it 
 should have been adopted, even had no one solicited it ; 
 and if wrong, no numbers applying for it could make its 
 adoption proper. It is thought that if the course adopted 
 by Virginia requires any apology at all, it has better ground 
 
 ♦ 4 Burk, 180. This volume is t Jarratt's Life, 59. 
 
 a continuation of Burk, by Jones and % 4 Burk, 182. 
 
 Girardin. 1 Jefferson** Works, 3h 
 
1776.] IN VIRGINIA. 141 
 
 to stand on than is furnished by the religious opinions of a 
 majority of the inhabitants. 
 
 The grounds on which the petitioners in general rested 
 their claim were, that they laboured under burdens and 
 restrictions inconsistent with equal rights, in the compul- 
 sory payment of taxes for the support a church to which 
 they neither d, nor could ( onscientiously belong. This 
 hardship, it was urged, was more particularly felt in the 
 frontier counties, which possessed an abundant population, 
 composed mostly of dissenters, upon whom had fallen the 
 heavy burden of purchasing glebes and supporting the 
 established clergy, where but few Episcopalians could be 
 found to share the expense or reap the advantage. The 
 temporal interests of the whole community, it was urged, 
 would be promoted by allowing to every man the liberty 
 of enjoying without restraint the rights of conscience : the 
 nature of Christianity, it was said, was such that it might 
 safely be intrusted to its own purity for its preservation, 
 without calling in the aid of the civil power ; that no being 
 but the Creator himself could authoritatively prescribe the 
 mode of rendering to him that homage which he demanded 
 as his due : and the severity of some of the earlier laws, 
 imposing penalties on the unfortunate Quakers, was com- 
 plained of as unworthy of an enlightened people. Tiie 
 practical evils resulting from the last cause mentioned, 
 were nothing ; for, from the testimony of an historian far 
 from friendly, we learn that the general liberality of opinion 
 diffused throughout Virginia had greatly mitigated, and, 
 it may be said, annulled in practice, most of these penal 
 regulations. A mild and tolerating spirit, he. says, ani- 
 mated even the Episcopal clergy ; and dissenters of every 
 denomination were regarded with Christian charity and 
 benevolence.* 
 
 ♦ 4 Burk, 180 
 
142 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l776. 
 
 The counter memorials, on the part of the church and 
 Methodists, solicited the continuance of the establishment 
 upon principles of justice, of wisdom, and of policy. First, 
 of justice : it was said that when the clergy of the estab- 
 lished church undertook the care of parishes in Virginia, 
 they depended upon the public faith for receiving, during 
 life, or good behaviour, a fair compensation for their ser- 
 vices ; this was promised by the laws of the land, and had 
 become a vested right, held by a tenure not less sacred 
 than that by which each citizen held his private property. 
 As to such of the clergy as had no cures, it was argued, 
 that having entered into holy orders, after spending their 
 early years in making preparation, with expectations rea- 
 sonably built upon existing laws, such expectations could 
 not now be frustrated without imposing upon them an act 
 of injustice. On the ground of wisdom, it was urged that 
 all experience had shown that a religious establishment in 
 a state was conducive to peace and happiness ; the practice 
 of men being regulated by their opinions, it was wise in 
 a state to afford security for the permanent maintenance of 
 opinions, which, derived from the doctrines of Christianity, 
 would give stability to virtue, and confidence to truth. And 
 on considerations of policy, the continuance of the estab- 
 lishment was urged, because, should all denominations be 
 placed by law on a level, such equality could not long con- 
 tinue : attempts would be made by the most powerful to 
 extort an acknowledgment of superiority, or, at any rate 
 to ejtercise the power which such superiority conferred ; 
 and the contests, thus engendered, could not but give birth 
 to confusion, and perhaps civil commotion. And, finally, 
 the memorialists prayed that, before a decision was made, 
 the question might be submitted to the people at large, as 
 they had the best reasons for believing that a majority of 
 the citizens desired the continuance of the church establish- 
 ment.* 
 
 • Journals of 1776, p. 47 ; 4 Burk, 180, et «eq. ; 1 Jefferson's Works, 32. 
 
1776.] IN VIRGINIA.' 148 
 
 The subject involved in these memorials underwent a 
 long and solemn debate. The great advocates for the 
 church were Mr. Pendleton and Robert Carter Nicholas ; 
 and its great opponent, Mr. Jefferson, represents the strug- 
 gle as having been the severest in which he was ever en- 
 gaged.* " The petitions were referred to the committee 
 of the whole House on the state of the country : and, after 
 desperate contests in that committee, almost daily, from 
 the eleventh of October to the fifth of December," the dis- 
 cussion was terminated by the passage of an act which 
 repealed all laws of parliament rendering criminal the 
 maintaining any opinion in matters of religion, forbearing 
 to repair to church, or exercising any mode of worship 
 whatever, or which prescribed punishments for the same. 
 The dissenters were by the law exempted from all contri- 
 butions for the support of the Episcopal church. Arrears 
 of salaries due to the clergy were, however, secured, and 
 they were permitted to receive them until the first day of 
 the ensuing year. Glebes already purchased were reserved 
 for the use of the Episcopal clergy ; and the churches and 
 chapels already built, with the books and church plate, 
 were preserved for the use of the Episcopalians. And this 
 was the second law enacted by the first republican legisla- 
 ture in Virginia.! The question was also agitated, but its 
 determination was expressly reserved until a future period* 
 whether there should be a general assessment on the 
 inhabitants for the support of religion, or whether such 
 support should be left dependent solely on voluntary con- 
 tributions. 
 
 In recording these transactions, the remark, it is hoped, 
 will not be deemed out of place, that however natural may 
 have been the desire on the part of the clergy to perpetuate 
 the establishment, as affording to them the means of sub- 
 sistence, yet, on account of the existence of the church 
 
 • 1 Jeflferson*s Works, 32. f 9 Hening's Statutes, at largo, p. 164. 
 
144 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1776. 
 
 itself, anxiety was needless. Among the reasons which an 
 intelligent Episcopalian renders for his attachment to the 
 church, he will not forget to mention the fact, that there 
 seems to be in the system of episcopacy what has been 
 well termed " a conservative principle," which secures the 
 existence of the church under circumstances the most 
 calamitous ; so that of all religious denon)inations, there is, 
 perhaps, not one which requires the aid of a legal estab- 
 lishment less than does a church episcopally constituted. 
 No American Christian, it is presumed, desires here a 
 union of church and state ; and, of all American Chris- 
 tians, the Episcopalian probably has least need . desire it. 
 The lessons of the past on this subject are strikingly im- 
 pressive. The histories of the suffering churches of the 
 Christians of St. Thomas in India, of the Waldenses, of the 
 Scotch Episcopalians, together with that of the Protestant 
 Episcopal church in America, all seem to attest the fact^ 
 that for the preservation of purity of doctrine and primi- 
 tive discipline, in Episcopal churches, no union with the 
 civil power is necessary. The first three were tried in the 
 fiery furnace of persecution, and, unsustained by any human 
 aid, after years of suffering, came forth the same in doc- 
 trine and in discipline that they were when first called to 
 exercise the virtue of patient endurance ; while the last, 
 though for a time prost ated in the dust, and clinging to 
 existence by almost a single tie, has risen from her depres- 
 sion without the aid of a legal establishment ; and holding 
 on the even tenour of her way, is now exhibiting in her 
 youthful strength, the same faith, imbodied in the same 
 form of sound words, and united to the same system of 
 polity which formed her distinguishing features in the day 
 of prosperity, before she was shrouded in the darkness of 
 that cloud which for a time almost hid her from view. 
 Surely, in the retrospect of facts like these, an Episcopalian 
 may be pardoned, should he deem it something more than 
 a fond fancy, that the church of his affections does possess 
 
1776.] IX VIRGINIA. i^fe«t 145 
 
 within herself a principle of preservation, and that "the 
 foundations of episcopacy stand sure in the storm, not less 
 than in the sunshine."* 
 
 The effect, upon the clergy, of the law which destroyed 
 the establishment, was such as might have been anticipated 
 by all, and was foreseen by some : for the feelings of at- 
 tachment entertained by a portion of the people for the 
 church, did not probably extend very far towards the 
 clergy, individually; many of them were personally ob- 
 noxious, on account of the opinions which they enter- 
 tained in the contest with England ; and among their most 
 decided opponents, on political questions, were to be num- 
 bered many Episcopalians, who distinguished between the 
 church and her ministers. Deprived of their livings, some 
 among the clergy must have found it difficult to procure a 
 subsistence by continuing in the exercise of pastoral duty, 
 among a people who disliked them, personally, for their 
 politics ; whose contributions, if made at all, were precari- 
 ous, because entirely voluntary; and who, besides, were 
 harassed in their occupations, and straitened in their 
 means, by a war which demanded from every one a por- 
 tion of his time and of his money. The business of in- 
 struction was resorted to by some, but with limited suc- 
 cess ; for the war of the revolution left the youth of the 
 day but little opportunity for education. Many a stout 
 lad shouldered his musket, and entering the army, at the 
 age of fifteen or sixteen years, never relinquished his 
 weapon, except in death upon the battle-field, until the 
 struggle had terminated in the acknowledgment of his 
 country's independence. 
 
 Some of the clergy, to whose churches glebes were 
 attached, still continued, under the law, to occupy and 
 enjoy them, and officiated in their pulpits. As, how- 
 
 * BritishCriticfor January, 1831, reference to the Scotch Episcopal 
 article vii. ; where this subject is church, 
 forcibly illustrated, particularly with 
 
 T 
 
146 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1770. 
 
 ever, they still adhered to the English ritual, and, of 
 course, prayed for his majesty of England, they could 
 not fail to give offence. Threats and adnnonitions had 
 the effect of frightening some, who discontinued the 
 practice, and closed their churches ; while there were 
 others, made of sterner stuff, who persisted in the per- 
 formance of what they believed to be their duty; and, un- 
 certain how far the excitement of the times might lead to the 
 execution of some of the threats, in one instance, at least, 
 the clergyman is known, after a farewell to his family, 
 whom he would not permit to accompany him, to have 
 ascended the pulpit with his pistols concealed in his bo- 
 som^ to be used, if necessary, for the protection and pres- 
 ervation of his life.* Such firmness was not without 
 its effect ; the resolute minister was never interrupted ; 
 his house became the asylum of many of his persecuted 
 brethren, as one of the surest places of safety; and con- 
 tinuing in Virginia through the whole of the revolutionary 
 storm, he lived to become a good citizen of the infant re- 
 public, and to see the church of his affections rising from 
 the dust. Tradition has preserved anecdotes and incidents 
 of the day, which clearly prove the suffering condition to 
 which some of the clergy were reduced. They encoun^ 
 tered poverty, suspicion, insult, and violence : and an in- 
 stance of the latter is related, which, as it furnishes the best 
 illustration of the spirit of the times, is here recorded. 
 
 A clergyman of the establishment, who had made him- 
 self offensive by his attachment to England, was called 
 from his bed at night, under the pretext of being required 
 by a sick parishioner ; and having, by this artifice, fallen 
 into the hands of his enemies, he was taken to a retired 
 spot in the woods, out of the reach of assistance, stripped 
 naked, tied to a tree, severely whipped, and then left in 
 
 • MS. letter in the author^s possession, concerning some of the old 
 Virginia clergy. 
 
1776.] IN VIRGINIA. 147 
 
 that situation, until he was discovered on the next morn- 
 ing and relieved.* 
 
 During the years 1777 and 1778, the subject of religion 
 continued to be brought to the attention of the legislature, 
 by petitions and counter petitions. Some of these, admit- 
 ting the question of establishments to be a debatable point, 
 still prayed that the efforts made to injure what was left of 
 the establishment might be checked. The presbytery of 
 Hanover, as before, protested against any assessment for 
 the support of religion ; while, on the other hand, the 
 county of Caroline, approving of the act which released 
 dissenters from taxation for the benefit of the establish- 
 ment, prayed that there might be an assessment for the 
 support of the Gospel ; that it might not be left to charity 
 for its subsistence, as otherwise the parsimonious and in- 
 different, who derived benefit from its existence, would 
 yield nothing for its support. Others complained of irregu- 
 larities in the worhsip of" sectaries," who held night meet- 
 ings, to the injury of religion ; and asked that none but 
 " licensed preachers" should be allowed to officiate in the 
 public worship of God ; and they charged their opponents 
 with artfully procuring, at such meetings, " the votes of 
 infants," to the injury of religion in general, and of the 
 establishment particularly.f Before the adjournment of 
 the legislature of May, 1779, "a bill for establishing re- 
 ligious freedom," putting upon an equality all denomina- 
 tions, and providing for a general assessment for the sup- 
 port of religion, was prepared ; and after passing two read- 
 ings in the House of Delegates, seems to have been sent 
 abroad among the people, that the general opinion of the 
 community might be obtained thereon, prior to the next 
 meeting of the legislature. J 
 
 * MS. letter in the author's pos- tare of HtT, 1778, pp. l7, 27, 37, 
 
 session, concerning some of the old 54, May; 14, .57, 75, 95, October. 
 Virginia clergy. X Journal, May, 1779, pp. 34, 46 ; 
 
 t See the Journals of the Legisla- Journal of October, 1779, p. 37. 
 
148 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1776. 
 
 It will hardly be imputed to the clergy as a crime, that, 
 in the situation to which they found themselves reduced, 
 many should be willing to abandon the country entirely. 
 Many did abandon it ; and parishes from time to time be- 
 came vacant, so that, ere long, a large majority of the 
 cures were left unsupplied. The sacraments were no 
 longer administered in many of the parishes ; and this con- 
 dition of affairs led to an effort, on the part of the Method- 
 ists, to remedy the evil by an irregular ordination of min- 
 isters among themselves.* Some of the clergy of the 
 church advised them against the measure, but in vain ; and 
 in 1778, a considerable number of the lay preachers earn- 
 estly importuned Mr. Asbury, a prominent preacher among 
 the Methodists, " to take proper measures that the people 
 might enjoy the privileges of all other churches, and no 
 longer be deprived of the Christian sacraments."t Mr, 
 Asbury, who seems, at that time, to have been suspiciously 
 watched, and indeed confined in the state of Delaware, 
 as one disaffected to the American cause, professed the 
 strongest attachment to the Church of England, and vio- 
 lently opposed the proposed plan ; nay, he went so far as 
 to write to some of the clergy of the establishment, re- 
 proving them for not having checked, in its incipient stage, 
 this approach to disorder. J Upon the refusal of Mr. As- 
 bury to co-operate with them in their plan of ordination, a 
 majority of the preachers withdrew from all connection 
 with him and Mr. Wesley ; and choosing from their num- 
 ber three senior members, these last proceeded to what 
 they called an ordination of the rest, by the imposition of 
 their hands ; and the preachers thus set apart proceeded to 
 baptize and administer the Lord's Supper, wherever they 
 went, to those whom they deemed suitable recipients. 
 Afterward, Mr. Asbury, having obtained his liberty, visited 
 Virginia, and by all the address in his power, with inde- 
 
 * Jarratt's Life, 111. ley, 350, 1 ; Jarratt's Life, 111, 112. 
 
 t Coke and M ore's Life of We«- t Jarratt's Life, 113. 
 
1778.] IN VIRGINIA.. 149 
 
 fatigable labour and attention, succeeded, at length, in 
 bringing back the seceders one after another, and by a 
 vote of one of the conferences, the ordination was declared 
 invalid, and union was restored ;* while to prevent, as far 
 as possible, a renewal of the complaint of the want of the 
 sacraments, some, at least, of the Episcopal clergy travelled 
 over large circuits for the purpose of baptizing the children 
 of Methodists, and administering the Eucharist ; and con- 
 tinued to do so until the final separation of the Methodists 
 from the church, without desiring or receiving, for the ser- 
 vice, the smallest compensation.! 
 
 ♦ Coke and More's Life of Wes- f Jarratt*s Life, 114 
 
 ley, 351 ; Jarratt's Life, 114. 
 
150 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1779. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 1779-1784. 
 
 General Assessment for support of the Clergy negatived — Disastrous effects 
 of the Revolution upon the Church — Enemies of the Church petition 
 for a general Assessment — Legislative sanction to the principle that 
 Christianity should be supported by the State, but not any particular 
 Denomination — Mr. Henry's efforts — His Christian Character — Incor- 
 poration of the Church — History of the Secession of the Methodists — 
 Mr. Wesley's Conduct — Consecration of Dr. Coke considered. 
 
 In reply to the application which we suppose to have been 
 made to the people for their sentiments, various answers 
 were sent in : some expressed the opinion, " that the Chris- 
 tian religion, free from the errors of popery, and a general 
 contribution for the support thereof, ought to be established 
 from a principle of public utility; and prayed that the 
 reformed Protestant religion, including the different denom- 
 inations thereof, with a general assessment for the sup- 
 port of the same, might be established." Others asked for 
 the passage of the bill precisely as set forth ; while another 
 class asked for its rejection, and suggested such a religious 
 establishment as they supposed would be beneficial.* 
 Amid these conflicting opinions it was difficult to determine 
 what was the popular will ; and this legislative expedient, 
 which could only serve, if successful, injudiciously to shift 
 to the shoulders of some of the people a responsibility 
 which should fearlessly have been met by their representa- 
 tives, terminated in making more uncertain that which 
 before was dubious enough. 
 
 See Journals. 
 
1779.] IN VIRGINIA. 151 
 
 Some of the Episcopalians ventured also (as the circum- 
 stances presented a favourable opportunity) once more 
 to solicit security in the enjoyment of the church property. 
 Their application extended no further ; for with the expe- 
 rience of the past still dwelling freshly in their remem- 
 brance, and with the opposition of their enemies increased 
 rather than abated, they could scarcely have hoped for an 
 eatire restoration to all the privileges which they had lost. 
 
 Whatever may have been the extent of their application, 
 nothing seems to have been gained by it ; and indeed the 
 only legislation of this year which affected the church, ap- 
 pears to have affected it injuriously. 
 
 It will be remembered that in the first assembly of 1776, 
 the question whether support should be given to the clergy 
 by general assessment, or by leaving them to voluntary 
 contribution, was purposely left open and its decision de- 
 ferred to some future occasion. There can be little doubt 
 that the distinguished individual who was the leader in 
 securing the adoption of the measures already detailed, 
 entertained the belief that it would be no difficult task to 
 complete, at a future session, the work which he had begun ; 
 and to negative the plan of a general assessment for the 
 support of Christianity : nor would his expectations in this 
 particular have been disappointed, but for a circumstance, 
 recorded by himself as having interposed obstacles. In 
 his chief object, that of giving a death blow to the legalized 
 superiority of the establishment over all other denomina- 
 tions of Christians, he was very cordially supported by a 
 large body of allies who belonged to the dissenting inter- 
 est ; but when that great end was once attained, and every 
 religious society stood upon the same level, the question in 
 dispute assumed to these allies a very different aspect, and 
 they deserted the standard under which they had before 
 achieved their victory. They had prostrated the church, 
 they had proved themselves to be not at all reluctant to 
 strip her clergy of that competent maintenance which was 
 
152 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1779. 
 
 secured to them by the possession of property ; but they 
 now manifested an aversion, more natural than consistent, 
 to being left to find a precarious support for themselves in 
 the tender mercies of a set of voluntary contributors : 
 they were, therefore, the advocates of a general assess- 
 ment ;* and the manner, almost approaching to querulous- 
 ness, in which this desertion is recorded, accompanied as it 
 is by an insinuation as to the motives of the deserters, jus- 
 tifies the suspicion that the defection was felt to be ungen- 
 erous.f The impartial reader of a future day will prob- 
 ably conclude that it was a game, not unskilfully played 
 on either side, in which the troops outwitted the general. 
 ' At any rate, it is our province to record the fact, that in 
 each successive meeting of the legislature from 1776 to 
 1779, this questio vexaia was brought up for discussion, and 
 the friends of voluntary contribution, apprehensive prob- 
 ably of a final vote against them, laboured, and not without 
 success, to suspend the decision from time to time, and leave 
 the matter to be debated anew in the succeeding year. In 
 1779, all things being now ready for a final vote, the ques- 
 tion was settled against the system of a general assessment, 
 and the establishment was finally put down.J 
 
 The Baptists were the principal promoters of this work, 
 and in truth aided more than any other denomination in its 
 accomplishment. Their historian boasts that they alone 
 were uniform in their efforts to destroy the system of aii 
 assessment and introduce the plan of voluntary contribu- 
 tion ; that in the other denominations there was much divis- 
 ion of sentiment between ministers and people, and that 
 remonstrance came at last from none but Baptists. § Whe- 
 ther this be so or not, it is very certain that in the associations 
 of that sect held from year to year, a prominent subject of 
 discussion always was, as to the best mode of carrying on 
 
 * See the Journals. X Ibid. ; 4 Burk, 377. 
 
 f See 1 Jefferson's Works, 32. i) Scrapie's History, 72, 73. 
 
783.] IN VIRGINIA. 153 
 
 the war against the former establishment.* After their 
 final success in this matter of voluntary contribution, their 
 next efforts were to procure a sale of the church lands : 
 this, however, it seems, was not undertaken without some 
 misgivings of its propriety ; for when the question was put 
 in their " general committee," whether the glebes were 
 public property, it was settled in the affirmative by a ma- 
 jority of but one vote. That one vote sealed the fate of 
 the church lands ; for the efforts of the Baptists never 
 ceased, until, as we shall see hereafter, the glebes were 
 sold.f 
 
 The history of the church for the next few years, pre- 
 sents a picture of but little variety ; when we catch a new 
 feature in it, it is but to remark, that it is in melancholy 
 keeping with the rest, and differs only by the introduction 
 of a deeper shade. With roofless and deserted churches, 
 with broken altars, and a clergy, some of whom were re- 
 duced to the hard alternative of flight or starvation, it may 
 readily be conceived what was its suffering condition. It 
 existed, but more than that can hardly be said of it with 
 truth. On the nineteenth of April, 1783, precisely eight 
 years after the first effusion of blood ai Lexington, peace 
 was proclaimed to the American army by order of the 
 commander-in-chief. Time was now afforded to men to 
 direct their attention to the permanent establishment of 
 such institutions, civil and religious, as might comport with 
 their desires, or views of duty. Much was to be done : 
 and rejoicing with thankfulness as now we may, in the pres- 
 ent prosperity of the church in Virginia, it is well to look 
 back on its condition as it emerged from the revolution, 
 and by a contemplation of the difficulties which stood in 
 the way of its resuscitation, be moved to the exercise of 
 gratitude. When the colonists first resorted to arms, Vir- 
 ginia, in her sixty-one counties, contained ninety-five par- 
 
 * Semple, 64, 65, 70, 71, 73. f Ibid. 73, 74. 
 
 U 
 
154 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1783. 
 
 ishes,one hundred and sixty-four churches and chapels, and 
 ninety-one clergymen.* When the contest was over, she 
 came out of the war, with a large number of her churches 
 destroyed or injured irreparably, with twenty-three of her 
 ninety-five parishes extinct or forsaken, and of the remain- 
 ing seventy-two, thirty-four were destitute of ministerial 
 services? while of her ninety-one clergymen, twenty-eight 
 only remained, who had lived through the storm, and these, 
 with eight others who came into the state soon after the 
 struggle terminated, supplied thirty-six of the parishes. Of 
 these twenty-eight, fifteen only had been enabled to con- 
 tinue in the churches which they supplied prior to the com- 
 mencement of hostilities ; and thirteen had been driven 
 from their cures by violence or want, to seek safety or 
 comfort in some one of the many vacant parishes, where 
 they might hope to find, for a time at least, exemption from 
 the extremity of suflfering.f 
 
 For the destruction of the sacred edifices, most of which 
 were substantial buildings of brick, every fair allowance 
 should be made because of the confusion and lawless state 
 of affairs inseparable from war. The buildings were in 
 some instances required by the necessities of the public, 
 and appropriated to objects foreign from the purpose of 
 their erection ; it was not, therefore, to be wondered at, 
 that, if used at all, they should sustain injury at the hands 
 of a soldiery which, like all others, was not remarkable for 
 a reverence of things sacred. But there was often a wan- 
 tonness in the injury done, a deliberate desecration, which 
 admits of no apology, and oflfers no better excuse than that 
 it was the work of passionate ignorance, which identified 
 the very " stones of the temple" with support to the crown 
 of England. The evidences of this work of needless ruin 
 
 * MS. list of parishes and incum- t This statement is derived from 
 
 bents in Virginia in 1776 ; MSS. of a comparison of the lists of 1775 and 
 
 General Convention; list of the par- 1776, with that reported to the First 
 
 ishes and clergy of Virginia, from Convention in 1785. 
 the Virginia Almanac for 1776. 
 
1783. J IN TIRGINIA. 155 
 
 are still visible but too often in Eastern Virginia. It is 
 scarcely possible for the Churchman, even now, to look 
 without tears upon the venerable remains of mouldering 
 churches which meet his eye in the " ancient dominion." As 
 he gazes upon the roofless walls, or leans upon the little 
 remnant of railing which once surrounded a now deserted 
 chancel, as he looks out through the openings of a broken 
 wall upon the hillocks under which the dead of former 
 years are sleeping, with no sound to disturb his melancholy 
 musings save the whispers of the wind through the leaves 
 of the forest around him, he may be pardoned should he 
 drop a tear over the desolated house of God ; and if he be 
 a pious Churchman, the wreck around him may awaken 
 thoughts of submission and humiliation, which will send 
 him from the spot a sadder and a better man. 
 
 In the midst o( such ruin as has been described, the little 
 remnant of the clergy looked around them in vain for those 
 who were to repair the waste places over which they could 
 do nothing but weep. Funds were required to rebuild 
 ruined edifices, but they knew not whence these funds were 
 to be derived. Sprely smitten by poverty, they had not 
 even the ordinary alleviations of hope to cheer them, for 
 there was a prejudice against them and the church, harder 
 to encounter than poverty. They were not certain that 
 they possessed even the right to repair, for it was not set- 
 tled that the ownership of the property should -eontinue ia 
 the church. They had, it is true, some friends, warm and 
 able friends, who, occupying stations which they honoured 
 by talent, were not backward to assert their claims in the 
 halls of legislation : hut they had also enemies possessed of 
 talent and influence ; and these last, if they did not lead, 
 were sustained by popular opinion, though there is reason 
 to think that that which sustained them was in part at least 
 created by them. 
 
 These, then, were the difficulties which the Churchmen 
 of Virginia had to encounter, and, for the present, they 
 
156 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 seem to have thought that they could do but little more 
 than patiently wait until, in the progress of events, Provi- 
 dence should make their way plain before them. It was 
 not long before they were enabled to make their first step 
 forward. It will be remembered that the party opposed to 
 a general assessment for the support of the clergy, had 
 finally succeeded, in 1771), in the establishment of the oppo- 
 site system of voluntary contribution. Whether the ex- 
 periment had resulted unfavourably to the growth of re- 
 ligion among the people, or had materially impaired the 
 means of their teachers, is not known ; but from some 
 cause, the discovery seems to have been made, that if the 
 clergy were retained at all, it was best to make such pro- 
 vision for their necessities as would be permanent and cer- 
 tain. Accordingly, in the assemblies of 1784, (for there 
 were two,) a number of petitions, from diflTerent counties 
 of the state, in which Churchmen and some of the members 
 of other religious societies united, was presented to the 
 legislature, praying that "as all persons enjoyed the benefit 
 of religion, all n)ight be required to contribute to the ex- 
 pense of supporting some form of worship or other."* 
 
 The substance of these petitions forms a part of the his- 
 tory 0f the times : that from the Protestant Episcopal 
 church set forth that " their church laboured under many 
 inconveniences and restraints, by the operation of sundry 
 laws in force, which direct modes of worship, and enjoin 
 the observance of certain days, and otherwise produce 
 embarrassment and difficulty ; and praying that all acts 
 which direct modes of faith and worship, and enjoin the 
 observance of certain days, may be repealed ; that the 
 present vestry laws may be repealed or amended ; that the 
 churches, glebe lands, donations, and all other property 
 heretofore belonging to the established church, may be for 
 ever secured to them by law ; that an act may pass to in- 
 
 ♦ Wirt»8 Life of Henrjr, 281 ; Joumali of 1784- 
 
178 4. J IN viRfiiNiA. 157 
 
 corporate the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, to 
 enable them to regulate all the spiritual concerns of that 
 church, alter its form of worship, and constitute such 
 canons, by-laws, and rules for the government and good 
 order thereof, as are suited to their religious principles ; 
 and in general, that the legislature will aid and patronise 
 the Christian religion." »\. 
 
 From another portion of the inhabitants came a state- 
 ment to this effect : " that they are of opinion, a reasonable 
 and moderate contribution of the people for the support of 
 ministers of the Gospel, and the Christian religion in the 
 public worship of God, is essential to the good order and 
 prosperity of the commonwealth, and praying that an act 
 may pass to that effect." 
 
 The memorial of " the united clergy of the Presbyterian 
 church" is worthy of notice. It protests against incorpo- 
 rating religious societies ; and while they disapprove of 
 legislative interference, in " the spiritual concerns of re- 
 ligion," yet, abandoning their former ground, they add, " a 
 general assessment for its support ought to be extended to 
 those who profess the public worship of the Deity, and are 
 comprised within the Bill of Rights," 
 
 From the inhabitants of Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, arid 
 Amelia counties, the petition stated, " that they conceive the 
 stability of our government, and the preservation of peace 
 and happiness among the individuals of it, depend, in a 
 great measure, on the influence of religion, without which, 
 no government, however wisely formed, can long exist; 
 that they consider its rapid declension, within a few years, 
 as proceeding from the inattention of the legislature, which 
 has an undoubted right to compel every individual who 
 partakes of those blessings, which are originally derived 
 from it, to contribute to the support of it, and praying that 
 an act may pass for a general assessment for that purpose, 
 and for securing to the Protestant Episcopal church the 
 property vested in it." 
 
158 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 There were petitions of an opposite character, which 
 prayed " that no step might be taken in aid of reHgion, but 
 that it might be left to its own superior and successful 
 influence."* 
 
 The committee, to whom these petitions were referred, 
 reported a bill, the preamble to which, it will be seen, re- 
 cognises as true two important principles connected with 
 a subject of peculiar delicacy in the United States. These 
 two principles are these : first, that the state ought to give 
 the sanction of its support to the general diffusion of Chris- 
 tian knowledge ; and, secondly, that it ought not to give 
 its countenance to any distinctions of pre-eminence among 
 different societies professing to be Christian. There may 
 be those who will deem these two propositions incompati- 
 ble ; such, however, was not the judgment of some of the 
 wisest and the best of Virginia's early statesmen. The 
 bill is entitled, "A bill, establishing a provision for teachers 
 of the Christian religion," and the preamble is as follows : — 
 " Whereas, the general diffusion of Christian knowledge 
 hath a natural tendency to correct the morals of men, re- 
 strain their vices, and preserve the peace of society; which 
 cannot be effected without a competent provision for learned 
 teachers, who may be thereby enabled to devote their time 
 and attention to the duty of instructing such citizens, as 
 from their circumstances and want of education cannot 
 otherwise attain such knowledge ; and it is judged such 
 provision may be made by the legislature, without counter- 
 acting the liberal principle heretofore adopted, and intended 
 to -be preserved^ by abolishing all distinctions of pre-emi- 
 nence among the different societies or communities of 
 Christians, be it enacted," &c. The bill required of all 
 persons, subject to taxes, to declare, at the time of giving 
 in a list of their tithables, to what religious society their as- 
 sessments should be appropriated ; and in the event of their 
 
 * Journals of 1784, 
 
1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 159 
 
 failing to do so, the sums assessed were to be paid to the 
 treasurer, and applied by the legislature to the support of 
 seminaries of learning in the counties from whieh the as- 
 sessments might be paid. This bill received the warm 
 support of Patrick Henry, whose powers had been exer- 
 cised so unfortunately for the church on a previous occa- 
 sion. And according to the journal of the House of Dele- 
 gates, it appears to have passed to a second reading in that 
 body, after which, it was engrossed and sent abroad through 
 the state, to collect the opinions of the people upon the pro- 
 priety of its passage at the succeeding session of the legis- 
 lature ;* at that session it was rejected ; and its failure may 
 be in part owing to the fact that Mr. Henry had ceased to 
 be a member of the House.f The church shared in com- 
 mon with all other religious denominations, whatever evils 
 may have resulted from the rejection of this bill ; but there 
 was another measure adopted at this session of the legisla- 
 ture, from which she derived a benefit, destined, however, 
 to be of but short continuance. 
 
 A resolution was reported by the chairman of a com- 
 mittee of the whole House on the state of the common- 
 wealth, that in the opinion of the committee, " acts ought 
 to pass for the incorporation of all societies of the Christian 
 reliction, which may apply for the same ;" and the resolu- 
 tion was adopted by a majority of nearly one-third of the 
 House. Here again Mr. Henry gave to the measure his 
 powerful support; and we learn, from his accomplished 
 biographer, that his votes on these two measures formed 
 the foundation of a charge against Mr. Henry of advocating 
 the re-establishment of the Protestant Episcopal church. 
 
 Against this accusation, he has already been defended 
 with a success which is complete ; and if there be any- 
 thing to regret in the language which has been used by his 
 amiable and gifted biographer, in setting forth that defence, 
 
 * Journals of 1784. i Wirt's Life of Henry, 26a. 
 
160 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 it is to be found in the statement which represents Mr. 
 Henry as a believer in Christianity, without having a prefer- 
 ence for any of the forms in which it is presented.* Chris- 
 tianity, to be worth anything, must assume some distinct 
 form of profession : it is a practical principle, and worship 
 constitutes one of its essential features. He therefore who 
 acts upon its principles, cannot be indifferent to the pecu- 
 liarities which mark his system of doctrine, or express his 
 feelings of devotion. To each individual, his religion must 
 be something, not general but particular, and all experience 
 has shown that the avowal merely of Christianity in gen- 
 eral, as to all practical effects, is ordinarily equivalent to 
 an avowal of no Christianity at all. The biographer of 
 Mr. Henry has recently gone down to the grave, amid the 
 regrets of his countrymen, honoured for his talents, and 
 what is better still, respected for his piety. The latter 
 years of his life afford a striking illustration of that change 
 in his sentiments, upon the point in discussion, which was 
 produced by Christianity. He died in the Presbyterian 
 communion, for which he had, by becoming a member, ex- 
 pressed his honest preference. He had learned more of 
 Christianity than he knew when he wrote the life of his 
 distinguished countryman. Intentionally, he was incapable 
 of misrepresentation, his hand would not have deliberately 
 penned what he did not believe; and yet his statement as 
 to Mr. Henry is inaccurate, for he was very far from having 
 no preferences in his religion. He was, from his heart, an 
 Episcopalian ; and it is gratifying to be able to record of 
 the man, whose splendid talents alone placed him among 
 the first of his countrymen, that there was a consistency and 
 humility in his Christian character which formed his highest 
 honour. It has been said that he was an unbeliever at one 
 period of his life. On the authority of his own family, the 
 assertion is denied.f " He ever had a great abhorrence of 
 
 * Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, session, containing information of 
 262. Mr. Henry, derived from his widow 
 
 ■f MS. letter in the author's pos- and descendants. 
 
1784.] IN vmaiNiA. 161 
 
 infidelity, and a^+nrlly wrote an answer to Paine's 'Age of 
 Reason,' but destroyed it before his death ; he received 
 the communion as often as an opportunity was offered ; and 
 on such occasions, always fasted until after he had received 
 the sacrament, and spent the day in the greatest retirement. 
 This he did, both while he was governor and afterward." 
 
 A touching anecdote, illustrative of his humility, is re- 
 corded by his biographer, for the introduction of which 
 here no apology can be necessary. In the spring of 1799, 
 when Mr. Henry was verging towards his threescore and 
 ten years, the political aspect of affairs induced him to 
 forego the comforts of his retirement, and to be presented 
 as a candidate for the House of Delegates. *' On the day 
 of the election, as soon as he appeared on the ground, he 
 was surrounded by the admiring and adoring crowd, and 
 whithersoever he moved the concourse followed him. A 
 preacher of the Baptist church, whose piety was wounded 
 by this homage paid to a mortal, asked the people aloud, 
 * Why they thus followed Mr. Henry ? Mr. Henry,' said 
 he, * is not a god 1' ' No,' said Mr. Henry, deeply affected 
 both by the scene and the remark, * no, indeed, my friend, 
 I am but a poor worm of the dust ; as fleeting and unsub- 
 stantial as the shadow of the cloud that flies over your 
 fields, and is remembered no more.' The tone with which 
 this was uttered, and the look which accompanied it, 
 affected every heart and silenced every voice. Envy and 
 opposition were disarmed by his humility ; the recollection 
 of his past services rushed upon every memory, and he 
 *read his history' in their swimming eyes."* 
 
 We know not how, more appropriately, to terminate this 
 passing notice of a great and a good man, than by present*- 
 ing his dying testimony in favour of that Christianity which 
 he so consistently professed. '* I have now," says he, in 
 his last will, " disposed of all my property to my farpjly, 
 
 ♦ Wirt'a Life of Hcniy,408, 
 
162 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 There is one thing more I whh I could give them, and that 
 is the Christian religii-n. If they have that, and I had not 
 given them ne shilling, they would be rich ; and if they 
 have not that, and I had given them all this world, they 
 would be poor." 
 
 The church may be grateful that she could number such 
 a man as Mr. Henry among her members. The state 
 which gave birth both to him and his biographer, should 
 rejoice in the thought, that the lustre of splendid talents 
 in two of her most gifted sons, was brightened by the 
 lustre of humble piety ; and this digression will not be 
 useless, should the examples it presents impress upon the 
 reader the thought, that Christianity crowns, with new 
 honours, exalted station on earth, and qualifies for the en- 
 joyment of a more exalted station still in heaven. 
 
 Upon the adoption of the resolution touching the incorpo- 
 ration of such religious societies as might apply for it, an op- 
 portunity was afforded to the church of acquiring and hold- 
 ing property by applying for an act of incorporation; and on 
 the same day which witnessed the adoption of the resolution, 
 leave was given to introduce a bill for the incorporation of 
 the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal church. Mr. Henry 
 was one of the committee appointed to bring in the bill, 
 the enactments of which were substantially as follows : — 
 
 The minister and vestry of each parish already in being, 
 or thereafter to be established, were made a body corpo- 
 rate, and as such, each parish was authorized to have, hold, 
 use, and enjoy all glebe lands already purchased, all 
 churches and chapels already built, with the burying- 
 grounds belonging to them, and all such as were contracted 
 for and begun before the first of January, 1777; to be held 
 for the use of the respective parishes, together with all 
 books, plate, and ornaments, and every other thing, the 
 property of the late established church. And it was also 
 enacted, that in all proceedings of ministers and vestries a 
 majority of votes should decide, nor should the minister in 
 
1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 163 
 
 any case be permitted to interpose his veto on the proceed- 
 ings of the corporation. 
 
 The ministers and vestries thus incorporated were 
 allowed to acquire, use, and enjoy property, provided the 
 income thence arising did not exceed eight hundred pounds 
 per annum. 
 
 The minister, or, in case of his absence, the churchwar- 
 dens, were to call meetings of the corporators when neces- 
 sary, and seven were competent to transact any business, 
 except to demise, alien, or lease the church property; in 
 which cases a majority of the whole was necessary. They 
 had power to make their own regulations for the manage- 
 ment of their temporal concerns, and to the vestry solely 
 belonged the disposition and ordering of all payments of 
 the moneys of the church, by officers of their own appoint- 
 ment. 
 
 In cases where parishes were vacant, and there were no 
 ministers or vestrymen, power was given to any two rep- 
 utable inhabitants, members of the Episcopal church, to 
 call together all Episcopalians resident within that parish, 
 and they were authorized, by a majority of votes, to elect 
 twelve able and discreet men, members of the church, who 
 should, when elected, be a vestry to all intents and pur- 
 poses. 
 
 Elections of vestrymen were to be held on the Monday 
 of Easter week in every third year thereafter, for ever: 
 they were to be held at the parish church, or some other 
 convenient place in the parish ; their number was to be 
 twelve, and no person in the parish v/as entitled to a vote, 
 who did not profess himself to be a member of the Protes- 
 tant Episcopal church, and contribute to its support. The 
 vestrymen elected, before entering upon their duties, were 
 required to subscribe a declaration to be conformable to the 
 doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal church. They were then to appoint, from their own 
 body, two churchwardens, and had power to fill any 
 
1§4 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784* 
 
 vacancies amofig themselves until the succeeding triennial 
 election. 
 
 Each vestry was required, once in three years, to exhibit 
 upon oath to the court of the county in which the parish 
 was situated, an account and inventory of all the property 
 of their church, real and personal, together with a state- 
 ment of the annual revenue thence arising; and in case of 
 failure to perform this duty within twelve months after the 
 appointed time, the vestry were to payone hundred pounds 
 for the use of the state, and on a second failure, to forfeit 
 their privileges as a corporation. Wherever the annual 
 income was reported to exceed eight hundred pounds, it 
 was the duty of the court to report the same to the gover- 
 nor, to be laid by him before the next General Assembly. 
 
 All former laws made for the government of the church 
 or clergy, during the colonial existence of the state, were 
 repealed, and the church was thenceforth authorized, in 
 conventions held as often as she might deem necessary, to 
 regulate all her religious concerns, settle all matters touch- 
 ing doctrine, discipline, and worship, and make such rules 
 as she saw fit for orderly and good government. The con- 
 vention was to be composed of all ministers of the church, 
 ex officio, and of two laymen from each parish, to be 
 chosen by their respective vestries. Forty persons were 
 necessary to constitute a convention, and it was expressly 
 provided that no law should be made whereby a clergyman 
 might be received into, or removed from, a cure contrary 
 to the consent of a majority of the vestry. The ministers 
 and laymen, assembled in general convention, had the power, 
 however, upon good cause shown, to remove from any 
 parish a minister who was accused of unworthy behaviour, 
 or neglected the duties of his office.* 
 
 It cannot escape observation, that this law manifests, on 
 the part of the laity, a suspicious jealousy of the clergy ; it 
 
 * 11 Hening's Statutes, at large, 532. 
 
1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 165 
 
 had been engendered by a sad experience of the past, and 
 therefore the laity kept the purse-strings in their own hands. 
 But, with perhaps one or two trifling exceptions, the law is 
 equitable ; it was designed to provide permanently for the 
 support of faithful ministers, but it meant also to preserve 
 a salutary check upon laziness and wickedness. A pastor, 
 conscientiously disposed to discharge his duty, might live 
 happily and comfortably under such a law; and we hear of 
 no complaints made by the clergy of that day against its 
 provisions. Its passage was hailed with thankfulness, and 
 a day of brightness seemed about to dawn upon the tem- 
 poral interests of the church. 
 
 But contemporaneously with the circumstances just 
 related, an incident occurred which was afterward to aid 
 in dissipating the short-lived joy which the incorporation of 
 the church had occasioned. Up to this time, the Methodists 
 had continued in alliance wdth the church, and professed to 
 consider themselves as a part of it ; but the time had now 
 come for their final separation from it. The incipient 
 steps in this business are thus related by two of the histo- 
 rians of Methodism.* " When peace was established be- 
 tween Great Britain and the States, the intercourse was 
 opened between the societies in both countries. Mr. Wes- 
 ley then received from Mr. Asbury a full account of the 
 progress of the work during the war ; and especially of 
 the division which had taken place, and the difficulties he 
 met with before it was healed.f He also informed Mr. 
 Wesley of the extreme uneasiness of the people's minds 
 for want of the sacraments : that thousands of their chil- 
 dren were unbaptized ; and the members of the society in 
 general had not partaken of the Lord's Supper for many 
 years. Mr. Wesley then considered the subject, and in- 
 formed Dr. Coke of his design of drawing up a plan of 
 
 ♦ Life of Wesley by Coke and t Vide ante, pp. 148, 149. 
 
 More, p. 351. 
 
166 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 church government, and of establishing an ordination for 
 bis Annerican societies. But, cautious of entering on so 
 new a plan, he afterward suspended the execution of his 
 purposes, and weighed the whole for upward of a year. 
 At the conference held in Leeds, 1784, he declared his 
 intention of sending Dr. Coke and some other preachers to 
 America. Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Thomas Vasey 
 offered themselves as missionaries for that purpose, and 
 were accepted. Before they sailed Mr. Wesley abridged 
 the common prayer book, and wrote to Dr. Coke, then in 
 London, desiring him to meet him in Bristol to receive 
 fuller powers^ and to bring the reverend Mr. Creighton 
 with him. The doctor and Mr. Creighton accordingly met 
 him in Bristol, when, with their assistance, he ordained 
 Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Thomas Vasey presbyters 
 for America, and did afterward ordain Dr. Coke superin- 
 tendent, giving him letters of ordination under his hand 
 and seal, and, at the same time, a letter to be printed and 
 circulated in America." To this statement it should here 
 be added, that Dr. Coke also wrote to Mr. Wesley urging 
 him to ordain him bishop.* On the third of November, 
 1784, Dr. Coke arrived in New- York, and on the fourteenth, 
 met Mr. Asbury for the first time, who, upon hearing of 
 the new plan, expressed strong doubts about it,f which by 
 some means or other were soon removed, as subsequent 
 events proved. On Christmas eve a general conference 
 of the Methodists assembled by appointment at Baltimore, 
 by which a circular letter from Mr. Wesley, of which Dr. 
 Coke was the bearer, dated September 10th, 1784, was 
 published, from which the following extracts are presented. 
 The letter is addressed to Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and our 
 brethren in America. 
 
 " By a very uncommon train of providences, many of 
 
 * See Whitehead's Life of Wes- f Coke'i Journal- 
 
 ley, in which the letter is published. 
 
1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 167 
 
 the provinces of North America are totally disjoined from 
 their mother country, and erected into independent states. 
 The English government has no authority over them, either 
 civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over the states of 
 Holland. A civil authority is exercised over them, partly 
 by the congress, partly by the provincial assemblies. But 
 no one either exercises or claims any ecclesiastical au- 
 thority at all. In this pecuHar situation, some thousands 
 of the inhabitants of these states desire my advice, and 
 in compliance with their desire I have drawn up a little 
 sketch. 
 
 " For many years I have been importuned, from time to 
 time, to exercise the right of ordaining part of our travel- 
 ling preachers. But I have still refused : not only for peace* 
 sake, but because I was determined, as little as possible, to 
 violate the established order of the national church to which 
 I belonged. 
 
 " But the case is widely different between England and 
 North America. Here there are bishops who have a legal 
 jurisdiction. In America there are none, neither any parish 
 ministers ; so that for some hundred miles together, there 
 is none either to baptize, or to administer the Lord's Sup- 
 per. Here, therefore, my scruples are at an end; and I 
 conceive myself at full liberty, as I violate no order, and 
 invade no man's right, by appointing, and sending labourers 
 into the harvest. 
 
 " I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mr. Francis 
 Asbury to be joint superintendents over our brethren in 
 North America ; as also Richard Whatcoat and Thomas 
 Vasey to act as elders among them, by baptizing and ad- 
 ministering the Lord's Supper. And I also advise the elders 
 to administer the Supper of the Lord on every Lord's 
 day. 
 
 " If any one will point out a more rational and scriptural 
 way of feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the wilder- 
 
168 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 ness, I will gladly embrace it. At present I cannot see 
 any better method than that I have taken."* 
 
 The appointment merely of Mr. Asbury does not seem 
 to have been deemed sufficient to confer upon him any new 
 powers, and accordingly we find him receiving such ordi- 
 nation to the offices of deacon and priest as Dr. Coke could 
 bestow, and afterward obtaining from the same hands what 
 was deemed a consecration to the episcopate. The use of 
 the phrase, superintendent, was ere long discontinued, and 
 that of bishop (which has ever since been retained) was 
 substituted for it. The separation between the church and 
 Methodists was made entire by the circumstances just re- 
 lated, and it is not here necessary to pursue further the his- 
 tory of the latter ; there are, however, certain facts con- 
 nected with the transaction which form a part of its true 
 history, and which, therefore, it would be wrong to with- 
 hold. 
 
 The plan of ordination and church government which 
 Mr. Wesley so appropriately termed new^ does not appear, 
 from the account of Dr. Coke, to have been communicated 
 by Mr. Wesley to the conference prior to its execution ; 
 he declared his intention simply of sending Dr. Coke and 
 other ministers to America. In fact, we are elsewhere 
 told that information of its actual execution was never 
 given to the conference until 1786,f before which time, 
 probably, intelligence of the act had reached them from 
 America. It was therefore the act of Mr. Wesley alone. 
 
 It was an act, upon the pr< priety of which he took no 
 counsel with his most intimate friends. His brother, Mr. 
 Charles Wesley, in a letter to Dr. Chandler, written in 
 1785, thus expresses himself: — 
 
 " I can scarcely yet believe, that in his eighty-second 
 
 * Coke and Mote's Life of Wes- t Myle's Chronological History of 
 ley, 352. the Methodists, 162. 
 
1784.] IN VIRGINIA. ^X*:^^ - 169 
 
 year, my brother, my old intimate friend and companion, 
 should have assumed the episcopal character, ordained 
 elders, consecrated a bishop, and sent him to ordain the 
 lay preachers in America. I was then in Bristol, at his 
 elbow ; yet he never gave me the least hint of his inten- 
 tion. How was he surprised into so rash an action ? He 
 certainly persuaded himself that it was right.*' 
 
 The reasons assigned for the act, by Mr. Wesley, were 
 not at all times the same. In his letter, as published by the 
 conference, he stated that his scruples were at an end, and 
 he considered himself at full liberty, because America was 
 destitute of bishops, and belonged not to the jurisdiction of 
 any English prelate. On another occasion, when, at the 
 request of Jones of Nayland, inquiry was made of him 
 whether it was true that he had invested persons with the 
 episcopal character, and sent tbem to America ; after some 
 hesitation, he admitted the fact, and assigned as a reason 
 for his conduct, that after the revolution each denomination 
 was making efforts to swell its numbers, and the Baptists 
 particularly were greatly increasing, to the injury of the 
 church.* He had, therefore, taken the step with the hope 
 of preventing further disorders. 
 
 If the object of Mr. Wesley was to secure to America 
 the episcopate, the course pursued was rendered unneces- 
 sary by existing circumstances. Dr. Seabury of Connecti- 
 cut had been nearly two years in England soliciting epis- 
 copal consecration, and in consequence of difficulties, arising 
 entirely from the English law, was on the point of going to 
 Scotland to be consecrated there, at the very moment when 
 Mr. Wesley laid his hands on Dr. Coke : and it cannot be 
 supposed that Mr. Wesley was ignorant of these facts, par- 
 ticularly as we find them to have been well known to his 
 brother Charles* 
 
 The latter gentleman, in the letter to Dr. Chandler, 
 
 * Life of Bishop Horne^ by Jones of Nayland, pp. 143, 4, 6. 
 Y 
 
170 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 already referred to, speaking of the American Methodists, 
 uses this language : — " How have they been betrayed into 
 a separation from the Church of England, which their 
 preachers and they no more intended than the Methodists 
 here ? Had they had patience a little longer, they would 
 have seen a real primitive bishop in America, duly conse- 
 crated by thr6e Scotch bishops, who had their consecra- 
 tion from the English bishops, and are acknowledged by 
 them as the same with themselves. There is, therefore, 
 not the least difference between the members of Bishop 
 Seabury's church and the members of the Church of Eng- 
 land. - I had the happiness to converse with that truly 
 apostolic man, who is esteemed by all that know him, as 
 much as by you and me. He told me that he looked upon 
 the Methodists in America as sound members of the church, 
 an-d was ready to ordain any of their preachers whom he 
 should find duly qualified." In point of fact, Bishop Sea- 
 bury had received consecration on the fourteenth of No- 
 vember, when the conference assembled at Baltimore, on 
 the twenty-fourth of the succeeding month. 
 
 Without intending, by these remarks, to disparage John 
 Wesley, (a man whose zeal, whose talents, and whose 
 efforts exerted perseveringly in the cause of religion, should 
 cover many faults,) we feel ourselves constrained to adopt 
 an opinion which seems to have assumed, at least, the 
 shape of a suspicion in the mind of his brother. With an in- 
 tellect enfeebled by the weight of four score ^nd two years, 
 he was seduced, by those who would use his vast influence 
 for purposes of their own, into the adoption of a plan which 
 the better judgment of his more vigorous understanding 
 had more than once rejected. It is beheved to have been 
 the contrivance of a few individuals, who took advantage of 
 the infirmities of age, to procure from the dying ruler a 
 decree which should transmit the sceptre to themselves. 
 There are others more deserving of censure, in this trans- 
 action, than John Wesley ; and such seems to have been the 
 
1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 171 
 
 opinion of his brother, and two at least of his biographers.* 
 Ambition was gratified at the price of a separation be- 
 tween those who should never have been severed, and of 
 whom, it is at least pleasant to indulge the hope that the 
 day may yet come, when they shall again be one. 
 
 * See Dr. Whitehead's and Mr. Hampson's Lives of Wesley. The 
 former gentleman, speaking of the consecration of Dr. Coke, remarks, "that 
 the person who advised the measure, would be proved to have been a felon 
 to Methodism^ and to have stuck an assassin's knife into the vitals of its 
 bodjr." 
 
172 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 1784-1789. 
 
 Enmity of Presbyterians and Baptists to the Church — Act for establishing 
 religious Freedom — Mr. Jefferson — Mr. Madison's Memorial- First Con- 
 Tention of the Church in 1785 — Address of the (Convention to Church- 
 men — Means proposed for support of the Clergy — Canons of the Church — 
 Discipline — Church in Virginia declines receiving Holy Orders from Den- 
 mark — First General Convention ; Virginia represented there — Conduct 
 of Virginia Church on the proposed Articles of Union — Instruction to 
 Virginia Delegates to General Convention of 1785 — Baptists and Pres- 
 byterians ask for the Property of the Church — *' The proposed Book" — 
 Articles of Religion — Decision of Virginia on " The proposed Book" and 
 Articles — Dr. Griffith elected first Bishop of the Church in Virginia — 
 Mistake concerning his Election rectified — Instructions of Virginia Con- 
 vention to Delegates to General Convention of 1786 — Repeal of the Act 
 of Incorporation — General Conventions of 1786 — Proceedings of Vir- 
 ginia thereon — Remedies adopted to supply the want of Act of Incorpo- 
 ration — Address of the Convention of 1787 to the Church — Dr. Griffith 
 not consecrated — Causes thereof — Early efforts of Virginia in behalf of 
 Clerical Education — Case of Discipline. 
 
 Scarcely had the chi>rch begun to reap the benefits 
 resulting from its incorporation by the legislature, before it 
 was again assailed. The presbytery of Hanover, in the 
 game year in which the act of incorporation was passed, 
 presented a memorial to the legislature complaining of the 
 peculiar privileges which the church was said thereby to 
 obtain. It was stated that she could " receive and possess 
 property without trouble or risk in securing it ; while other 
 Christian communities were obliged to trust to the preca- 
 rious fidelity of trustees chosen for the purpose." It was 
 in vain to answer that there was no difficulty in obtaining 
 incorporation for the Presbyterian church ; that the legis- 
 
1785.] IN VIRGINIA. '"" 173 
 
 lature was ready and willing to confer on it every privilege 
 which it had conferred on any other religious society. And 
 when, at the next succeeding session of the legislature, a 
 bill was introduced for the incorporation of other denomi- 
 nations of Christians, the presbytery of Hanover petitioned 
 that it might not pass, objected to it as contrary to their 
 views of propriety, and actually declined taking any benefit 
 of incorporation under it, should it become a law.* It will 
 scarcely be thought strange that this manifestation of a 
 willingness to forego what they themselves owned to be a 
 benefit, because obliged to share it with Episcopalians, 
 should have been construed, as it was, into a settled deter- 
 mination, if possible, to destroy the Episcopal church 
 entirely. 
 
 How far the decided opposition of the Presbyterians and 
 Baptists to any act which might benefit the Episcopal 
 church, may have influenced the legislature, it is impossible 
 to say. There was, however, in that body, an individual 
 of great influence, of whom (if his own writings may be 
 considered sufficient testimony) it is not injustice to say, 
 that he would have thought it no honour to be suspected of 
 a belief in Christianity ; and in eradicating what he thought 
 a pestilent error, he probably was not unwilling to avail 
 himself of all tlie aid which these petitions against the 
 church could possibly afford. There is reason in his case, 
 therefore, to believe that under cover of an attack upon a 
 religious establishment, a blow was aimed at Christianity 
 itself. Be this as it may, it is certain that an act was 
 passed by the legislature of 1785, which was viewed by 
 many as utterly subversive, in its declarations, of the Chris- 
 tian religion, and called forth at the time the severe ani- 
 madversions of some who still reverenced the faith of the 
 apostles.f This was the " Act for establishing Religious 
 
 ♦ See the Journals of 1784- act for the establishment of religioui 
 
 t Considerations on an act of the freedom. By a citizen of Philadel- 
 legislature of Virginia, entitled An phia. 1786. 
 
174 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785- 
 
 Freedom," drawn by Mr. Jefferson,* and preceded by a 
 memorial from the pen of Mr. Madison, which is supposed 
 to have led to the passage of the law. It is, however, due 
 to the last named gentleman to state that his production is 
 not an attack upon Christianity ; but very forcibly presents 
 objections to religious establishments in general ; in the op- 
 position to wl ich it is believed that a large majority of his 
 countrymen, if not all of them, would be found to concur. 
 It is no part of our province, however, to enter upon a full 
 discussion of the principles avowed in either of these docu- 
 ments ; our duty now is simply to present such facts as 
 will enable the reader to form his own opinion. 
 
 The memorial was presented to the legislature of 1785, 
 as has been stated, and offered substantially the following 
 views : — that religion must be left to the conviction and con- 
 science of every man, and that his right to determine the 
 question of his religion is inalienable ; that it is the duty of 
 every man to render to his Creator such homage as he 
 thinks will be acceptable to him ; that every man on enter- 
 ing society reserves his allegiance to the Universal Sove- 
 reign ; and, consequently, that in matters of religion no 
 man's rights can be abridged by the institutions of civil 
 society: hence it is argued that if religion be exempt from 
 the interference or authority of society at large, a fortiori 
 it must be from that of the legislative body. The memo- 
 rial further stated, that it was proper vigilantly to guard 
 against the first experiment upon our liberties ; and that if 
 Christianity might be established, the power by which it 
 was done was competent also to establish one sect in pre- 
 ference to another ; and that such preference violates that 
 equality which ought to be the basis of every law, for all 
 men enter society upon equal conditions. It was urged 
 also that the civil magistrate is not a competent judge of 
 religious truth, nor has he a right to employ religion as an 
 
 * 1 Jefferson's Works, p. 36. 
 
1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 175 
 
 engine of civil policy. It is an unhallowed perversion of 
 the means of salvation. Again, Christianity does not re- 
 quire an establishment to support it. It has no dependance 
 upon the power of this worid ; and the effect of establish- 
 ments is to corrupt religion. Neither does civil govern- 
 ment require the aid of an establishment. A law making 
 an establishment is but the signal for persecution ; its ten- 
 dency is to banish a portion of the citizens, and destroy 
 moderation and harmony ; it is therefore adverse to the 
 diffusion of Christianity ; and unless such a law is clearly 
 demanded by a majority of the citizens, its tendency is to 
 enervate the laws and thus weaken the bands of society. 
 
 The act for the establishment of religious freedom was 
 passed the twenty-sixth of December, 1785, and is in these 
 words : — 
 
 " Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free : 
 that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or 
 burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget 
 habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure 
 from the plan of the holy Author of our religion ; who 
 being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propa- 
 gate it by coercions on either, as was in his almighty power 
 to do : that the impious presumption of legislators and 
 rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who being themselves 
 but fallible and uninspired men, have -assumed dominion 
 over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and 
 modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such 
 endeavouring to impose them on others, hath established 
 or maintained false religions over the greatest part of the 
 world, and through all time : that to compel a man to fur- 
 nish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions 
 which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical : that even the 
 forcing him to support this or that preacher of his own 
 religious persuasion, is depriving him of the comfortable 
 liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor 
 whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose pow- 
 
A'^ 
 
 176 PROTESTAN'T EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785. 
 
 ers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is with- 
 drawing from the ministry those temporal rewards, which, 
 proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct, 
 are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting 
 labours for the instruction of mankind : that our civil rights 
 have no dependance on our religious opinions, any more 
 than our opinions in physic and geometry : that therefore 
 the proscribing any citizen as unworthy of the public con- 
 fidence, by laying upon him an incapacity of being called 
 to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or re- 
 nounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him inju- 
 riously of those privileges and advantages to which, in 
 common with his fellow- citizens, he has a natural right: 
 that it tends only to corrupt the principles of that religion 
 it is meant to encourage, by bribing with a monopoly of 
 "worldly honours and emoluments those who will externally 
 profess or conform to it: that though indeed those are 
 criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither 
 are those innocent who lay t'le bait in their way ; that to 
 suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the 
 field of opinion, and to restrain the profession or propaga- 
 tion of principles on suspicion of their ill tendency is a 
 dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious 
 liberty; because, he being, of course, judge of that ten- 
 dency, will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and 
 approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they 
 shall square with or differ from his own : that it is time 
 enough for the rightful purposes of civil government for its 
 officers to interfere, when principles break out into overt 
 acts against peace and good order ; and, finally, that truth 
 is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the 
 proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing 
 to fear from the conffict, unless by human interposition dis- 
 armed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, 
 errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely 
 to contradict them : 
 
1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 177 
 
 " Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, that 
 no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any reli- 
 gious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be 
 enforced^ restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or 
 goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious 
 opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, 
 and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of 
 religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, en- 
 large, or affect their civil capacities. 
 
 "And though we well know that this assembly, elected 
 by the people for the ordinary purposes of legislation only, 
 have no power to restrain the acts of succeeding assemblies, 
 constituted with powers equal to our own, and that there- 
 fore to declare this act irrevocable would be of no effect in 
 law, yet we are free to declare and do declare that the 
 rights hereby asserted are of the natural right of mankind, 
 and that if ahy act shall be hereafter passed to repeal the 
 present, or narrow its operation, such act will be an in- 
 fringement of natural right."* 
 
 The inconsistency of this latter clause, with some of the 
 principles avowed in the very argumentative preamble to 
 this law, will not escape the attention of the observant 
 reader. A solemn protest against any change in a law 
 which, certainly in effect, establishes a certain set of 
 opinions as the only orthodox standard of religious senti- 
 ment, comes with pecuMar ill grace from those who des- 
 cant upon "the impious presumption of legislators and 
 rulers, who, being themselves but fallible and uninspired 
 men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, set- 
 ting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the 
 only true and infallible, and as such endeavouring to im- 
 pose them upon others through all time." 
 
 There is an air af self-satisfaction with which the author 
 of this law records the fact of his having prepared it, which 
 
 ♦ Revised Code of Virginia, vol. i. p. 41. 
 
 Z 
 
178 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785, 
 
 leaves no doubt that in the review of his political career, 
 his mind dwelt with peculiar complacency upon this inci- 
 dent of his life : he informs us that the law was "drawn in 
 all the latitude of reason and right ;" that it met with some 
 opposition, but finally passed ; and in the spirit of exulta- 
 tion, which he cannot conceal, at the success of his effort to 
 degrade Christianity to a level with the creed of Mecca, 
 he proceeds to relate with approbation a circumstance 
 clearly indicative of his design to heap dishonour upon the 
 faith of Christians. We are informed by him that an 
 amendment was proposed to the preamble by the insertion 
 of the name of our Saviour before the words " The holy 
 Author of our religion ;" this could at most have had no 
 other effect upon the enacting clause, but that of granting 
 the utmost freedom to all denoxninaiions professing to own 
 and worship Christ, without affording undue preference to 
 any ; and against this, it would be unreasonable to object : 
 certain it is, that more than this had never been asked by 
 any religious denomination in Virginia, in any petition pre- 
 sented against the church: the public, therefore, would 
 have been satisfied with such an amendment; the proposed 
 alteration, however, was rejected, and it is made the sub- 
 ject of triumph that the law was left, in the words of its 
 author, " to comprehend within the mantle of its protection, 
 the Jew and the gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, 
 the Hindoo, and infidel of every denomination."* That 
 these various classes should have been protected, both in 
 person and property, is obviously the dictate of justice, of 
 humanity, and of enlightened policy, but it surely was not 
 necessary in securing to them such protection, to degrade, 
 not the establishment, but Christianity itself to a level with 
 the voluptuousness of Mohammed, or the worship of Jug- 
 gernaut : and if it be true that there is danger in an estab- 
 lished alliance between Christianity and the civil power, 
 
 • Jeffeiwon'* Worlw, vol. i. pp. 36, 37. 
 
1785.] HH viROixiAr 179 
 
 let it be remembered that there is another alliance not less 
 fatal to the happiness, and subversive of the intellectual 
 freedom of man — it is an alliance between the civil author- 
 ity and infidelity: which, whether formally recognised or 
 not, if permitted to exert its influence, direct or indirect, 
 will be found to be equally ruinous in its results. On this 
 subject, revolutionary France has once read to the world 
 an impressive lesson, which it is to be hoped will not 
 speedily be forgotten. 
 
 The course of our narrative has now brought us to the 
 first convention of the Protestant Episcopal church ia 
 Virginia, which was held after the war of the revolution. 
 It assembled in the city of Richmond, on the 18th of May, 
 1785, and was attended by thirty-six clergymen and sev- 
 enty-one laymen : the body was organized by the oanani- 
 mous appointment of the Rev. Dr. Madison, president of 
 Wilham and Mary College, as the presiding oflicer, and 
 the Rev. Robert Andrews as secretary; and several topics 
 of interest awaited the consideration of the convention. 
 Among these the depressed state of the church occupied a 
 prominent place, and it was felt that immediate measures 
 were demanded to arouse the zeal and stimulate the efforts 
 of every Churchman in Virginia. Accordingly, the first 
 resolution adopted by the house, after resolving itself into 
 a committee of the whole upon the state of the church, was, 
 " that an address be prepared to the members of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal church in Virginia, representiilg the con- 
 dition of the church, and exhorting them to unite in its sup- 
 port." 
 
 In this document, after an allusion to the eternal interests 
 involved in the belief of Christianity, the convention pro- 
 ceeded to dwell upon the benefits which the Christian faith 
 conferred upon society, and appealing to the feelings of 
 those who professed " to be conscious of the scriptural au- 
 thority of the church," thus urged her claims : " Of what is 
 the church nov<r possessed ? Nothing but the glebes and 
 
180 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785. 
 
 your affections. Since the year 1776, she hath been even 
 without regular government ; and her ministers have re- 
 ceived but little compensation for their services. Their 
 numbers iare diminished by death and other causes, and we 
 have as yet no resource within ourselves for a succession 
 of ministers. Churches stand in need of repair, and there 
 is no fund equal to the smallest want.'" Afier informing 
 them of the organization of the church, it is asked, " But 
 whither must our labours tend without your assistance? 
 To contempt, they cannot; for we have the consciousness 
 of aiming at our common welfare alone. To altnost every- 
 thing under the sun belongs a crisis, which, if embraced, 
 stamps our endeavours with success ; if lost, with ruin. In 
 this situation does our church now stand." *' We there- 
 fore entreat you in the most solemn manner, we conjure 
 you by all the ties of religion, to co-operate fervently in the 
 cause of our churchi Should these our earnest efforts be 
 abortive, we shall always with truth call the Searcher of 
 hearts to witness that the downfall of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal church is not to be named among our offences, and 
 to this admonition shall we ever appeal."* 
 
 To remedy the evils which resulted from the want of an 
 income for the support of the clergy, it was next recom- 
 mended that the several vestries throughout the state 
 should take immediate measures to procure, by voluntary 
 subscriptions, a competent support for the incumbents of 
 their respective parishes : but the evil to which the conven- 
 tion seemed to be most sensibly alive, was the want of 
 some one clothed with authority over the clergy, and com- 
 petent to administer discipline when necessary. Accord- 
 ingly, in this their first convention, after appointing a stand- 
 ing committee, composed of clergy and laity, they instructed 
 them to consider of the proper steps to obtain consecra- 
 tion for a. bishop, and of providing means for his support, 
 
 Ij. * Journal* of the Convention of 1785. 
 
1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 181 
 
 and to make report on these subjects at the next conven- 
 tion. And in the interval, care was taken by certain rules 
 adopted for the order, government, and discipline of the 
 church, to provide for the faithful perfot*manee of their 
 duty, on the part of the clergy, and to punish its non-per- 
 formance. Thus, it vt^as directed that the country should 
 be divided into districts ; that t)ne of the clergy of each dis- 
 trict should be appointed by the convention with the title 
 of visiter, who should preside in the meetings which the 
 clergy of each district were required to hold annually; and 
 that the visiter should annually visit each parish in his dis- 
 trict, should attend to and inspect the morals and conduct 
 of the clergy, should see that the rules of the church were 
 observed, admonish and reprove, privately, those clergy- 
 men who were negligent, or acted improperly, and should 
 make to each convention a report of all offenders among 
 the clergy, and of the state of each parish in his district. 
 
 No person thereafter was to be permitted to enter upon 
 the pastoral care of any parish, who could not produce 
 satisfactory evidence of his moral and religious character 
 to a committee appointed by the cotivention for that pur- 
 pose. 
 
 Provision wa-s also made for the speedy trial of an offend- 
 ing clergyman, and even the bishop (should they succeed 
 in obtaining one) was made amenable to the convention, 
 which was constituted a court for his trial ; and from the 
 decision made by that tribunal, no appeal was to be al- 
 lowed. Pluralities and non-residence were strictly pro- 
 hibited ; the use of the surplice and gown, preaching once, 
 at least, on every Lord's day, catechising the children, ad- 
 ministering the Eucharist at stated periods, and visiting 
 the sick, were positively enjoined. 
 
 And for the purpose of conducting divine service de- 
 cently, it was also resolved that, for the present, the liturgy 
 of the Church of England should be used, with such altera- 
 
182 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785. 
 
 tions only as had been rendered necessary by the American 
 revolution. 
 
 The attention of the convention was called also to an- 
 other subject. It seems that soon after the recognition of 
 American independence, application was made, by some 
 young American gentlemen, to the Bishop of London for 
 orders. Difficulties arose from the operation of certain 
 English statutes, requiring of those ordained such engage- 
 ments as.Americans could not take consistently with the 
 allegiance Avhich they owed to their own country. Mr. 
 Adams, who was then the American minister at the court 
 of St. James, mentioned the case of these young Americans 
 to the Danish minister, and he stated the matter to his own 
 court. The subject was referred to the theological faculty 
 of Denmark, and the result was the expression of a willing- 
 ness on the part of the church, in that country, to confer 
 orders on candidates from this. This was communicated 
 to Mr. Adams from the Count de Rosencrone, privy coun- 
 sellor and secretary of state to the King of Denmark ; and 
 was by him communicated to the presidentof the American 
 congress.* A copy of the Count de Rosencrone's letter 
 was sent, by order of congress, to the executive authority 
 in each of the states ; and at this convention, it was laid 
 before the house, in a communication sent to it from the 
 Governor of Virginia. The convention, however, while it 
 entertained and expressed a proper sense of gratitude to 
 the court and church of Denmark, was not inclined to take 
 any steps, founded on the communication received from 
 that quarter. To the adoption of this course, they wefe 
 probably led by the wish, in a matter of much moment to 
 the future harmony of the several independent Episcopal 
 churches which had been or might be organized in the dif- 
 ferent states of the confederacy, to act with prudent cau- 
 tion, and after consultation with Episcopalians in other 
 
 ♦ Bishop White's Memoirs, 9, 10. 
 
1785.J IN VIRGINIA. 183 
 
 parts of the union : and it is believed also that Virginia 
 partook of the feeling which was general among Episco- 
 palians throughout this country, that the consecration -of 
 American bishops, and obtaining of holy orders, were not 
 to be sought out of England, until all prospect of obtaining 
 them there should seem hopel ss.* 
 
 The incipient steps had already been taken for a general 
 organization of the church; and this fact was known to the 
 convention of Virginia, for it formed the basis of a part of 
 her proceedings in this convention, which we are now to 
 relate. 
 
 On the 13th of May, 1784, a few clergymen from the 
 states of New-York, New-Jersey, and Pennsylvania as- 
 sembled, by appointment, in Briinswkjk, New-Jersey, to 
 consult upon measures for the renewal of a society, (exist- 
 ing before the revolution, under charters of incorporation 
 from the governors of the states above named,) the object 
 of which was to raise a fund for the support of the widows 
 and orphans of deceased clergymen. This was the princi- 
 pal object of the meeting, at which were present nine clergy- 
 men. These gentlemen invited certain laymen of influ- 
 ence, who were attached to the church, and who happened 
 to be in the town, to attend their meetings, and the princi- 
 ples of an ecclesiastical union among the churches of the 
 different states were discussed ; nothing, however, was 
 done towards the accomplishment of such a union beyond 
 an agreement entered into among the gentlemen present, 
 to procure as general an attendance as they could of clergy 
 and laity from the different states, at a meeting to be held 
 on the sixth of the succeeding October. In that month, the 
 contemplated meeting was held in New- York, when gentle- 
 men appeared from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New- York, 
 New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Vir- 
 
 * Address of the General Convention of 1785, to the English prelate*. 
 -Journal of General Convention, 1786. 
 
184 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l785. 
 
 ginia. From the last-named state the Rev. Dr. Griffith at- 
 tended. This assemblage was purely voluntary; and those 
 who were present did not profess to have authority from 
 the churches in their respective states ; indeed, most of the 
 clergy present received their appointments from their re- 
 spective congregations, and the utmost extent of power 
 possessed by any member of the body was to deliberate 
 and propose.* 
 
 The result of the deliberations of this body was the pro- 
 posal ^f certain principles of ecclesiastical union, to be 
 submitted to the churches in the several states, as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 1. That there shall be a general convention of the Epis- 
 copal church in the United States of America. 
 
 2. That the Episcopal church in each state send depu- 
 ties to the convention, consisting of clergy and laity 
 
 3. That associated congregations, in two or more states, 
 may send deputies jointly. 
 
 4. That the said church shall maintain the doctrines of 
 the Gospel, as now held by the Church of England ; and 
 shall adhere to the liturgy of the said church, as far as shall 
 be consistent with the American revolution, and the con- 
 stitutions of the respective states. 
 
 5. That inevcry state, where there shall be a bishop duly 
 consecrated and settled, he shall be considered as a mem- 
 ber of the convention, ex-officio. 
 
 6. That the clergy and laity, assembled in convention, 
 shall dehberate in one body, but shall vote separately: and 
 the concurrence of both shall be necessary to give validity 
 to every measure. 
 
 7. That the first meeting of the convention shall be at 
 Philadelphia, the Tuesday before the feast of St. Michael 
 
 next.t 
 
 On the first day of the meeting of the convention of Vir- 
 
 • Bi«hop White's Memoirs, 65. t lb., 66, 66. 
 
ginia, these proposals were submitted, and after under* 
 going much discussion, in a committee of the whole house* 
 it was determined that deputies should be sent from the 
 Virginia church to the propoised convention in Philadel- 
 phia ; and that they should be furnished with such instruc- 
 tions for their conduct as would leave the convention of 
 Virginia at liberty to approve or disapprove of the pro- 
 ceedings of the genera] convention.* 
 
 As to the proposed principles of union, the convention, 
 after the expression of a willingness to unite in a general 
 ecclesiastical constitution with the members of the Protes- 
 tant Episcopal church in the other states of America, ac- 
 ceded to the first, second, third, and fifth of the articles pro- 
 posed as the basis of union. As to the fourth article, the 
 convention declined binding themselves upon the subject 
 embraced in it, until it should have been revised in the ap- 
 proaching general convention, and reported to the next 
 Virginia convention ; and as to the sixth article, the con- 
 vention refused to accede to it, but assented to the use of 
 the mode of voting therein prescribed at the proposed gen- 
 eral convention, reserving, however, a right to approve or 
 disapprove of the pr ceedings of that body. Thus jealous 
 was the church in Virginia under her new organization to 
 preserve the rights which belonged to her as a distinct and 
 independent portion of the church of Christ. f 
 
 The letter of instructions furnished to the reverend Dr. 
 Grifl[ith, the reverend Mr. M'Croskey, John Page and Wil- 
 liam Lee, esquires, who were elected deputies to the gen- 
 eral convention, was as follows : — 
 
 " During your representation of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal church in the general convention, we recommend to 
 your observance the following sentiments concerning doc- 
 
 * Journal of the Convention of Virffinia, f Ibid. 
 
 1786. 
 
 A A 
 
185 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [178& 
 
 trine and worship. We refer you, at the same time, for 
 these and other objects of your mission, to our resolutions 
 on the proceedings of the late convention at New- York. 
 
 "Uniformity in doctrine and worship will unquestionably 
 contribute to the prosperity of the Protestant Episcopal 
 church ; but we earnestly wish that this may be pursued 
 with liberality and moderation. The obstacles which stand 
 in the way of union among Christian societies, are too 
 often founded on matters of mere form. They are sur- 
 mountable, therefore, by those who, breathing the spirit of 
 Christianity, earnestly labour in this pious work. 
 
 ** From the Holy Scriptures themselves, rather than the 
 comments of men, must we learn the terms of salvation. 
 Creeds, therefore, ought to be simple ; and we are not anx- 
 ious to retain any other than that which is commonly called 
 the Apostles' Creed. 
 
 "Should a change in the liturgy be proposed, let it be 
 made with caution; and in that case, let the alterations be 
 few, and the style of prayer continue as agreeable as may 
 be to the essential characteristics of our persuasion. 
 
 " We will not now decide what ceremonies ought to be 
 retained. We wish, however, that those which exist may 
 be estimated according to their utility ; and that such as 
 may appear fit to be laid aside, may no longer be appen- 
 dages of our church. 
 
 "We need only add, that we shall expect a report of 
 your proceedings to be made to those whom we shall vest 
 with authority to call a convention."* 
 
 The deputies were also instructed to communicate to the 
 general convention the contents of the Count de Rosen- 
 crone's letter, and a standing committee was appointed, to 
 which, among other powers, was confided that of calling a 
 convention. 
 
 • Joiimale of the Convention of 17B5. 
 
1785.] IK viHGiAiA. 1S7 
 
 Having thus endeavoured to give an impulse to the 
 church under its new organization, the convention ad- 
 journed. The hopes entertained of its future prosperous 
 progress were, however, but of short continuance, for its 
 enemies were not disposed to permit it to pursue its course 
 in peace. The Presbyterians and Baptists began to pre- 
 pare and circulate for signatures memorials to the legisla- 
 ture, which prayed, not merely for a repeal of the law in- 
 corporating the church, but, going beyond any former 
 petition, asked also that the property of the church might he 
 disposed of for the benefit of the public* 
 
 While these measures were in progress, the month of 
 September arrived, and the proposed general convention 
 assembled at Christ Church in the city of Philadelphia : 
 Virginia was represented by the Rev. Dr. Griffith and John 
 Page, esquire. 
 
 The most important subjects which came before this 
 body were the preparation of a general ecclesiastical con- 
 stitution, and the adaptation of the liturgy of the Church of 
 England to the changes in the American church, occasioned 
 hy the revolution. The constitution adopted by the con- 
 vention, and submitted by it to the church in the several 
 states for ratification, consisted of eleven articles, and 
 formed the basis of the present constitution of the Protes- 
 tant Episcopal church in the United States. By the very 
 terms of the instrument, however, it was not to become 
 obligatory as the fundamental charter of the church at 
 large, until it had received the approbation of the church 
 in the several states.f 
 
 The labours of the convention in the work of altering the 
 liturgy, gave birth to the publication of what has ever since 
 been known, in the American Episcopal church, by the 
 name of " The Proposed Book." It was the English Book of 
 
 ♦ See Memorials on the Legwla- t Journal of General Convention 
 tive Journals of 1786. of 1785. 
 
1^8 PROTESTANT BFISCOPAL CHURCH [1785. 
 
 Common Prayer, altered, in the first place, to suit the change 
 in our civil relations ; but the alterations were not confined 
 to this particular. The convention availed iiself of the 
 favourable opportunity presented to revise the whole Book 
 of Common Prayer as used in the Church of England, and 
 in the review, saw fit to retain the Apostles' Creed only, and 
 reduced the number of articles to twenty. The proposed 
 book, however, was not set forth authoritatively by the 
 body which prepared it, but was submitted to the church 
 in the sev-eral states for approval. The particular history 
 of this book belongs properly to a future volume of our 
 work, and it is only necessary here, for the illustration of 
 the .progress of the Virginia church, to allyde to the twenty 
 articles of religion as proposed to her for adoption. 
 
 The first of these asserted the doctrine of the Holy Trin- 
 ity, imbodying into one article the substance of the first 
 five in the articles of the Church of England. 
 
 The second was, "of the sufficiency of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures for salvation," and was a transcript of the sixth arti- 
 cle of the English church. 
 
 The third, concerning " the Old and New Testament," 
 was substantially the same as the seventh of the English 
 churchy 
 
 The fourth article asserted the truth of the Apostles^ 
 Creed. 
 
 The fifth was concerning original sin, and expressed in 
 other words the doctrine of the ninth article of the Anglican 
 church. 
 
 The sixth, " of free will," agreed with the English article 
 on the same subject. 
 
 The seventh, on the important doctrine of justification, 
 was a copy of the eleventh article of the parent church. 
 
 The eighth, " of good works," agreed with the English 
 article. 
 
 The thirteenth and fourteenth of the Church of England 
 were omitted ; and the ninth, ** of Christ alone without sin," 
 
1785.] IN VIRGINIA. ^ 189 
 
 did not differ materially from the article of the Church of 
 England bearing the same title. 
 
 The tenth, "of sin after baptism,** set forth the doctrine 
 on this subject held by the parent church. 
 
 The eleventh, *' on predestination," though not agreeing 
 verbatim with the seventeenth article of the Church of Eng- 
 land, yet cannot be construed to teach any other doctrine 
 than that therein set forth. 
 
 The twelfth set forth the words of the eighteenths article 
 of the English -church,. ** of obtaining eternal salvation only 
 by the name of Christ." 
 
 The nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first articles of 
 the Church of England, concerning the church and its au- 
 thority, together with the authority of general councils,* 
 were imbodied in the thirteenth article of the proposed 
 book. 
 
 Omitting entirely the article concerning purgatory, the 
 fourteenth was, "of ministering in the congregation," and 
 differed not from the English article. 
 
 The fifteenth, concerning " the sacraments," was a copy 
 of the first two clauses of the English article on that sub- 
 ject. 
 
 The ^sixteenth, "of baptism," and the seventeenth, " of 
 the Lord's Supper," agreed with the. English articles on 
 those points. ' ' 
 
 The eighteenth was a reprint of the first sentence only 
 of the thirty-first article of the English church, on " the 
 one oblation of Christ finished upon the cross." 
 
 The nineteenth, " of consecration and ordination," adopted 
 the English ordinal, with the exception of such oaths as 
 were inconsistent with the change wrought by the Ameri- 
 can revolution. 
 
 The twentieth and last article repeated in substance the 
 doctrine of the parent church on the subject " of a Christian 
 man's oath."* 
 
 * Proposfed Book. 
 
1^0 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUIICH [1786. 
 
 It was also recommended by the convention to the sev- 
 eral state conventions to elect suitable persons to be recom- 
 mended to the prelates of England for consecration to the 
 episcopate ; and a comniittee was appointed to address the 
 archbishops and bishops of England, requesting them to 
 confer the episcopal character on such persons as might 
 be elected.* 
 
 The next convention of the church in Virginia was held 
 m Richmond, on the 24th of May, 1786, when the report 
 of their representatives in the general convention, with a 
 journal of the proceedings of that body, was laid before it. 
 The first subject of consideration was the proposed consti- 
 tution, which met, for the most part, with a ready adoption. 
 The only articles on which doubts were entertained were 
 those which related to the proposed book, and made its 
 use obligatory upon the church in those states which should 
 adopt the constitution ; these, however, after the liturgy 
 and articles were received, were finally adopted ; and thus 
 the Virginia church, which up to this time acknowledged 
 no authority but that of her own convention, by her volun- 
 tary act, as an organized independent church, expressed 
 her willingness to surrender a portion of her rights, and 
 come into union with the Protestant Episcopal church in 
 the United States. 
 
 The subject of the proposed book led to more discussion 
 than did the constitution ; and it was found, as might have 
 been expected, that there was more conflict of opinion to 
 be reconciled. The articles were referred to a special 
 committee, while the other parts of the book were subjected 
 to revision in- a committee of the whole house. After dis- 
 cussions, which lasted for six days, the house came to a 
 determination upon the articles, as follows : — 
 
 The first, " of faith in the Holy Trinity," was adopted. 
 ^ The second, "of the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures 
 
 * Journal of General Convention, 1785. 
 
1786.] IN vlROiNiiu 191 
 
 for salvation," was amended, verbally, without material 
 alteration of the sense, by sayin^ of the books of Scrip- 
 ture, '* of whose authority there is no doubt in the church," 
 instead of " was never any doubt," &c. And so much of 
 the article as related to the apocryphal books was stricken 
 out. 
 
 The third, "of the Old and New Testament," was 
 adopted. 
 
 The fourth, "of the creed," was altered by an addition. 
 It had been proposed by the general convention, as fol- 
 lows : — " The creed, commonly called the Apostles' Creed," 
 &c. : the additional words inserted were after the word 
 creed — " the creed, as contained in the Book of Common 
 Prayer recommended by the late general convention" The 
 cause of this insertion will be found in the fact that the 
 creed, as set forth by the convention, differed from that in 
 the English liturgy in the omission of the words, **he'de- 
 scended into hell." 
 
 The fifth and sixth articles, " of original sin" and "of 
 free will," were adopted. 
 
 The seventh, "of justification by faith," was slightly al- 
 tered : instead of the expression, " we are justified by faith 
 only," it was changed to, ^*we are thus justified by faith" 
 
 The eighth, ninth, and tenth, "of good works," "of 
 Christ alone without sin," and " of sin after baptism," were 
 adopted. 
 
 The eleventh article, " of predestination," was stricken 
 out. 
 
 The twelfth, " of obtaining eternal salvation only by the 
 name of Christ," 
 
 The thirteenth, "of the church and its authority," and 
 
 The fourteenth, "of ministering in the congregation," 
 were adopted. 
 
 The fifteenth, "of the sacraments," was altered by the 
 entire omission of the first clause, descriptive of the nature 
 of a sacrament* 
 
102 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1780* 
 
 The -sixteenth, "of i)aptism" declared that it was "a 
 sign of regeneration, or new birth, whereby, as by an in- 
 strument, they wh,o receive," &c.: the words, "as by an 
 instrument/' were stricken out. 
 
 In the seventeenth, " of the Lord's Supper," the second 
 clause, relative to transubstantiation, was stricken out. 
 
 The remaining articles, ** of the one oblation of Christ 
 upon the cross," " of consecration and ordination," and-"pf 
 a Christian man's oath," were adopted. 
 
 As \o the residue of the book, the convention resolved 
 that it should be approved, ratified, and used, with the single 
 exception of the rubric before the communion service, 
 which excluded from the sacrament evil livers. The vote 
 on th6 adoption was taken by yeas and nays, when thirty- 
 two were found to be in favour of the adoption of the book, 
 and twenty against it ; among the latter were four of the 
 clergy.* 
 
 Pursuant to the recommendation of the general conven- 
 tion, it was also determined to elect a suitable person to be 
 recommended to the English prelates for consecration to 
 the episcopate in the church of Virginia ; and the choice of 
 the convention fell on the Rev. Dr. Griffith, by a vote of 
 thirty-two out of forty-nine.f 
 
 This particularity of statement is called for by a sense of 
 justice to the memory of Dr. Griffith. Ata subsequent period, 
 this early instance of an election to the episcopate was re- 
 ferred to by a portion of the cl>urch in another diocess^ as 
 furnishing an important precedent. Dr. Griffith was never 
 consecrated, from causes which will hereafter be stated, but 
 of which, it is now only necessary to say that they touched 
 not the purity of his Christian character, or the regularity 
 of his election. In the diocess just referred to, however, a 
 mistaken opinion was entertained by some that he never 
 
 * Journal of Virginia Convention, t Maryland, on occasion of the 
 1786. election of Dr. Kemp, 
 
 f Ibid. 
 
1786.] IN VIRGINIA. 193 
 
 obtained consecration, because he had been elected "in 
 haste, and without due notice."* The records of the con* 
 vention conckisively prove that these opinions were entirely 
 without foundation in fact ; and those who Itnew Dr. Grif- 
 fith, would have found an answer to the charge, had all 
 other evidence been wanting, in the probity of a character 
 too high-minded and honest to have sought or accepted 
 an elevation obtained by disingenuous or dishonourable 
 means.f 
 
 At the same convention, two deputies were appointed to 
 the next general convention, of whom Dr. Griffith was one, 
 and they were furnished with the following letter of in- 
 structions : — 
 
 " You are instructed to move for such alterations in the 
 Book of Common Prayer and articles of religion, as shall 
 be agreed to by this convention, as fit to be proposed to the 
 general convention. 
 
 " We consider the Protestant Episcopal church in 
 America as an incorporate, society, and therefore unity 
 in doctrine and worship, its characteristic; conformably to 
 this, you will not carp at expression, nor carry your objec- 
 tions to unessential points; guarding against schisms by 
 all possible means, and giving our church every benefit and 
 strength it can acquire from union. 
 
 " It is superfluous to observe to you, that the sooner our 
 church can have the benefit of episcopal superintendence, 
 the nearer it will approach to perfection, and to recommend 
 to your attention the aid of this necessary character." 
 
 The state was divided into twenty-four districts, and a 
 visiter was appointed for each, and the powers of the 
 standing committee were specifically defined ; they were 
 to correspond with the bishops in Europe, and with any 
 
 » Bishop White's Memoirs, 171, 307. t Ex relatianey Bishop Whit*. 
 
 B B 
 
194 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1786. 
 
 society of the church in the United States ; to call meet- 
 ings of the convention when necessary; to receive com- 
 plaints against the clergy, and appoint courts of inquiry ; 
 to grant testimonials to all clergymen, not citizens of the 
 state, who might apply for parishes, and, during the recess 
 of conventions, to take care generally of the interests of the 
 church. 
 
 The efforts of the Presbyterians and Baptists to pro- 
 cure memorials to be presented to the legislature for a 
 repeal of the act incorporating the church, and for a 
 distribution of its property for the public benefit, hav<e 
 already been recorded. The convention was not in- 
 sensible to the danger to be apprehended from the deep- 
 seated hostility of these two denominations, and therefore 
 prepared a petition to the legislature to counteract the 
 effect of their memorials, and recommended to the several 
 parishes to prepare and present petitions .>f a similar char- 
 acter. But it was all in vain ; in the next session of the 
 General Assembly of Virginia, which succeeded the con- 
 vention, these memorials and petitions were brought up for 
 consideration; and on the fifth of December, 1786, the 
 House of Delegates, among other resolutions, adopted the 
 following : — 
 
 " That an act ought to be passed to empower all soci- 
 eties formed for religious purposes to hold such property 
 as they are now possessed of, to acquire property of any 
 kind, or to dispose thereof in any manner that may be 
 agreeable to said society. 
 
 " That the act for incorporating the Episcopal church 
 ought to be repealed."* 
 
 On the ninth of January, 1787, the bill to carry into 
 effect these resolutions was passed by the Senate, and thus 
 became the law of Virginia.f 
 
 * Journal of House of Delegates, t Journal of Senate, p. 91. 
 p* 87. 
 
17^^86.] IN VIRGINIA. 195 
 
 It will be seen that the whole object of the enemies of 
 the church had not been attained by this law; they had 
 not succeeded in procuring a distribution of its property ; 
 they had but left it to commence its work anew in a con- 
 dition similar to that in which it stood at the close of the 
 revolution, with this difference in its favour, that it had 
 assumed an organized form and better knew its friends and 
 its enemies. 
 
 Before, however, we proceed to record the steps taken 
 by the church of Virginia to remedy the evils resulting 
 from the repeal of the act of incorporation, it becomes 
 necessary to the correct understanding of our future nar- 
 rative, to withdraw, for a time, our attention from Virginia, 
 and fix it upon the meetings of the general convention 
 which were held in the year 1786. 
 
 By the constitution prepared and submitted by the gen- 
 eral convention of the previous year, it was provided that 
 the first assemblage of that body under it should take 
 place in Philadelphia on the third Tuesday of June, 1786, 
 and afterward triennially, at such place as might be ap- 
 pointed by the convention. Accordingly, on the twentieth 
 of June, 1786, delegates appeared in Philadelphia from the 
 churches in several of the states. Virginia was repre- 
 sented by Dr. Griffith and the honourable Cyrus Griffin, 
 the first named of whom was made president of the con- 
 vention. 
 
 It w^as recommended by this body *' to the church in 
 such of the states as were represented, not to receive to 
 the pastoral charge within their respective limits, clergy- 
 men professing canonical subjection to any bishop, other 
 than those bishops who may be duly settled in the states 
 represented in the convention ;" and inasmuch as a corres- 
 pondence had been commenced with the English prelates 
 on the subject of obtaining at their hands consecration of 
 bishops for America, it was deemed respectful to the Eng- 
 lish bench, also to recommend to the church in the several 
 
1§6 PllOTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l786. 
 
 States not to admit any minister to a cure who might re- 
 ceive ordination from a bishop residing in America, during 
 the pendency of the application then before the bishops of 
 England. 
 
 The constitution which had previously been submitted 
 to the church in the several states again came under re- 
 view, and it was found, as might reasonably have been anti- 
 cipated, that very different instructions had been given by 
 the several state conventions to their respective delegates, 
 both with respect to the constitution and " the proposed 
 book." The wisdom of the excellent man who has so long 
 and so worthily presided over the councils of the American 
 Episcopal church, suggested the expedient of referring all 
 the memorials and communications from the conventions 
 of the several states to the first general convention which 
 should assemble with sufficient powers to determine on the 
 same ; and by a subsequent resolution it was recommended 
 to the several state conventions to empower their deputies 
 to the first general convention which might be held, after 
 a bishop or bishops had been consecrated, to confirm and 
 ratify a general constitution respecting both the doctrine 
 and discipline of the church in the United States. 
 
 Still, however, the proposed constitution was revised 
 and amended. This seems to have been in some degree 
 rendered necessary by intimations in the letters which had 
 been received from the English bishops, objecting, though 
 with great kindness, to some of its provisions; and it was 
 of course desirable, as far as it could be done with propri- 
 ety, to remove every obstacle to the accomplishment of the 
 great object of obtaining the episcopate. 
 
 The convention adjourned after a session of six days, to 
 meet at Wilmington in this state of Delaware when it 
 should be' necessary. Letters having been received from 
 the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, enclosing an act 
 of parliament authorizing the consecration of bishops for 
 the Episcopal church in the United States, the general con- 
 
178G.] IN VIRGINIA. ' 197 
 
 vention was called together, and assembled at Wilmington 
 on the tenth of October, 1786. At this convention Vir- 
 ginia was not represented. The communications from 
 England formed of course the subject of consideration, and 
 in accordance with the wishes therein expressed, an act 
 was adopted by the convention, by which, among other 
 things, it was determined to restore to the Apostles' Creed 
 the words, " i e descended int hell," a d to insert in the 
 liturgy the Nicene Creed ; and a copy of the proceedings 
 was directed to be transmitted to Virginia, accompanied 
 with the expression of a hope that the church in that state 
 would approve and adopt the same. The convention then 
 proceeded to sign the testimonials of those who had been 
 elected for consecration ; and though Virginia was unrepre- 
 sented, yet as there was evidence of Dr. Griffith's election, 
 his testimonials were prepared and signed also. 
 
 We are now ready to resume our narrative of the 
 progress of the church in Virginia. In the month of May, 
 1787, the third convention of that church assembled, but 
 not as before, under an act of incorporation. According to 
 the view then entertained of the effect of the repeal of the 
 act, the powers of government and discipline in the church 
 had returned to the members at large ; and for the legiti- 
 mate and proper exercise of those powers, the members of 
 the church in the several parishes had been invited to elect 
 two deputies from each parish, with full powers to form 
 and establish such regulations for government, discipline, 
 and worship, as they might deem best, and to provide 
 means for the care and proper use of such property as 
 yet remained to the church. The deputies thus elected 
 formed the convention of 1787 ; and the diminished number 
 of those who thus came together will justify the conjecture, 
 that, disheartened by the persevering hostility and success 
 of their opponents of other religious denominations, a large 
 portion of the church had yielded to despondency, and 
 looked upon further contest as hopeless. To supply the 
 
198 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1787. 
 
 want of an act of incorporation, the convention passed an 
 ordinance, as they termed it, by which they constituted the 
 vestrymen, who had been elected under the law of incorpo- 
 ration, trustees to hold the glebes and other property, and 
 made provision for the triennial election of vestrymen 
 thereafter; they secured to such of the clergy as had 
 glebes, the right of unmolested possession and enjoyment 
 against the vestry, and gave to the convention full powers 
 in all matters of doctrine, discipline, and worship. They 
 re-enacted also, in substance, the body of canons which had 
 been adopted in 1785 ; and for the purpose of providing a 
 uniform mode of supporting the clergy, it was recom- 
 mended to the churchwardens or trustees in the several 
 parishes to convene the members of the church, and call 
 upon them to determine the amount of compensation which 
 they were willing to afford their clergyman, to make such 
 amount permanent, and by their voluntary consent to em- 
 power the vestry to receive annually the sum agreed upon 
 from the several members of the church, in proportion to 
 the tithables which each one might possess. 
 
 Having thus performed its duty, the convention next ap- 
 pealed to the members of the church, and asked for the per- 
 formance of theirs in the following affectionate terms : — 
 
 <* The address of the convention to the members of the 
 Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia. 
 
 " We, your pastors and lay deputies in convention as- 
 sembled, have, by the favour of Divine Providence, and ac- 
 cording to the privilege secured by the laws of our country, 
 to every society of Christians of managing its own tem- 
 poral concerns, and of regulating its discipline and wor- 
 ship, instituted certain fundamental c<inons, made neces- 
 sary by the repeal of the incorporating act, and have framed 
 rules for the order, discipline, and worship of our church. 
 We think, however, that to discharge fully the duty we 
 owe on this occasion to God and to you, it is incumbent on 
 
1787.] IN VIRGINIA. 199 
 
 us briefly to put you in mind of some things which remain 
 for you to do, and to which, if you do not attend, all our 
 labours here must be ineffectual. To render our church 
 truly respectable, and our institutions of service to the 
 cause of Christianity, a general and regular attendance on 
 public worship, and the constant practice of piety and mo- 
 rality, in all times and in all places, are indispensable. 
 This is so obvious, that we trust we need only mention it 
 to you. A moderate but adequate provision for your 
 pastor, is another thing which must claim your attention 
 and exertions. Both Scripture and common sense point out 
 this to be your duty; and the omission of it involves con- 
 sequences which no real Christian can think of without 
 horror. The want of proper teachers must be the effect 
 of this omission ; and ignorance and error, with all their 
 train of evils, will follow. The very idea of being the 
 authors of so great an injury to the temporal and eternal 
 concerns of mankind must rouse and alarm you ; and we 
 trust will excite your most seriou endeavours to provide 
 for the preservation of the pure doctrines of religion. The 
 general affairs of the church also require from you a small 
 contribution. We have been careful to frame our institu- 
 tions of a nature as simple and unexpensive as possible, but 
 we could not constitute a church which would call for no 
 support from its members. Recommending these things 
 to your attention, and you to the Almighty guidance and 
 protection, we are your affectionate brethren in Christ.** 
 
 It will doubtless be remembered that in the convention 
 of the preceding year, Dr. Griffith had been selected as the 
 individual to be consecrated to the episcopate for Virginia. 
 It had been originally contemplated that he should cross 
 the Atlantic with the gentlemen who had been selected by 
 the churches of New- York and Pennsylvania. These gen- 
 tlemen had visited England, accomplished the object of 
 their mission, and returned to this country invested with 
 
200 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1787. 
 
 episcopal authority; but Dr. Griffith did not accompany 
 them ; poverty presented an obstacle which he was not 
 able to surmount ; he was not supplied with money for the 
 purpose, and the deranged state of his private concerns 
 prevented him from undertaking the voyage.* The confi- 
 dence of the church in Virginia was however still continued 
 to him ; and the convention, at its session in 1787, directed 
 the standing committee to solicit his consecration at the 
 hands of Bishops Provost and White,t by whom the re- 
 quest would have been granted, but for the obligation to 
 the English bishops, to which they conceived themselves 
 in honour pledged, not to admit any one to consecration 
 until three bishops had been obtained from England. J 
 ^-'Another measure, adopted by the convention of 1787, 
 serves to indicate the deep sense entertained by the church 
 of the necessity of making some provision for a supply of 
 clergymen from among the native sons of the country. 
 The former source of supply was now closed, they could 
 henceforth look for but few clergymen from England, and 
 an experience of which they were now reaping a portion 
 of the bitter fruits, had probably induced them to think that 
 Virginians would make the best ministers for Virginia. 
 Poor therefore as they were, they notwithstanding resolved 
 to recommend it to the parishes to provide funds for the 
 education of two youths, from their early years, that they 
 might be trained for the Christian ministry: the clergy 
 were requested to preach annually a charity sermon in aid 
 of the object ; and the selected youths were to be under the 
 direction of the bishop and standing committee. The fact 
 is recorded to the honour of the Virginia church, for it is 
 believed, that after the revolution, this was the first step 
 made by any portion of the church in this country in the 
 important work of education for the ministry. The spirit 
 
 * Bp. White'* Memoirs, 171, note. % Bishop White's Memoirs, 172, 
 t Journal of Virginia Conven- note, 
 tion, 1787. 
 
1T87.] IN viROiNiA. SOI 
 
 which prompted it is not dead in Virginia, and the future 
 pages of ournarrative will furnish an agreeable manifesta- 
 tion of it in the history of the flourishing school of theology 
 at Alexandria. 
 
 The convention having thus provided for the affairs of 
 the church at home, it only remains to relate their proceed- 
 ings with reference to the church at large, as founded upon 
 the transactions of the two general conventions of 17S6, 
 which have already been brought to our notice. The Vir- 
 ginia church acquiesced in the propriety of the measure 
 recommended by the general convention, that the church 
 in the several states should not receive to a pastoral charge 
 within their respective limits clergymen who professed 
 canonical subjection to any bishop in any state or country, 
 other than those bishops who might be duly settled in the 
 states represented in the general convention ; but they de- 
 clined a compliance with the recommendation not to admit 
 a clergyman who might receive ordination from any bishop 
 residing in America, during the pendency of the application 
 for the episcopate to the English bishops. Bishop Seabury 
 had now been consecrated, and some young gentlemen 
 from the South had received ordination at his hands, others 
 might also apply to him for orders, and among them might 
 be Virginians ; and as the church of Virginia does not ap- 
 pear to have ever entertained a doubt of the validity of 
 Bishop Seabury's consecration, she was probably unwil- 
 ling, in the dearth of clergymen, to preclude herself from 
 the possibility of a partial supply from this source. This, 
 however, is hazarded as a conjecture in the absence of cer- 
 tainty. 
 
 The opposition, which before had been manifested, to the 
 introduction of the phrase, " he descended into hell," in the 
 Apostle's Creed, still continued ; and the deputies appointed 
 to the next general convention were instructed to move 
 that the phrase should be expunged, and also to oppose the 
 restoration to the liturgy of the Nicene Creed. 
 
 c c 
 
^^ PROTESTANT EMSCOrAL CHURCH [1787^ 
 
 As to the amended constitution of the church at large^ 
 Virginia assented to it substantially, declaring only that 
 certain articles were for present emergencies, and there- 
 fore should be considered by her as of a temporary char- 
 acter merely ; and she fully acquiesced in the propriety of 
 conferring on the deputies to the first general convention 
 which should meet, after a bishop or bishops had been con- 
 secrated, full power and authority to confirm and ratify a 
 general constitution for the church in the United States. 
 
 Discipline had been long and shamefully neglected in 
 Virginia, and the want of it had contributed more than any 
 other cause to prostrate the church : it is gratifying there- 
 fore to meet with evidence which shows that under her 
 new organization, a nd^ when permitted, and in fact obliged, 
 to act for herself, the church was not disposed to tolerate 
 offending clergymen. Such evidence is furnished in the 
 ikct that the records of this convention show the return of 
 proceedings of an examining court, constituted under the 
 canon, to examine into the alleged delinquencies of an 
 offending presbyter. We are thus furnished with one 
 more attestation to a fact written in letters of light upon 
 the page of ecclesiastical history — that in the church, per- 
 secution from without is the parent of purification within ; 
 and wrong as it undeniably is, yet, (in the exercise of that 
 high prerogative, by which God brings good out of evil,) 
 even persecution is made in his providence to minister to 
 holy and blessed uses* 
 
1789.1 IN TIROINIA. 203 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 1789-1794. 
 
 Hesignation of Dr. Griffith — Poverty of the Church — Death and Character 
 of Dr. Griffith — Election of Dr. Madison to the Episcopate — Struggles 
 concerning the Church Property — Condition of the Church at the time 
 ■of Dr. Madison's Consecration — Bishop Madison's first Address — Cleri- 
 cal Education — Canon compelling the Bishop to hold a Parish — Preva- 
 lence of Infidelity and Fanaticism — Disastrous consequences to Religion 
 after the War — Bishop Madison's Proposal of a Union among different 
 •Christian Denominations — His Plan of distributing Tracts — Revision of 
 the Canons — Virginia refuses to give the House of Bishops an absolute 
 Veto. 
 
 Under its new organization, the church proceeded, with 
 but little to interrupt the uniformity of its toilsome progr 
 ress; and the first incident, worthy of record, with which 
 we meet, is the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Griffith to the 
 convention of 1789. Three years had now elapsed since 
 his election : the convention had from year to year recom- 
 mended to the several parishes, contributions by which a 
 fund might be raised to defray the expenses consequent on 
 obtaining the episcopate ; but whether it is to be attributed 
 to indifference or poverty, or to both, so it was that funds 
 had hitherto been wanting; and this circumstance, in con- 
 nection with the private affairs of the bishop elect, led him 
 to communicate to the convention of 1789 his relinquish- 
 ment of the appointment. The convention was not pre- 
 pared to appoint another in his place, and directed their 
 deputies to the general convention to inform that body of 
 the relinquishment of Dr. Griffith. 
 
204 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1789. 
 
 There can be no doubt thai the necessity which forced 
 Dr. Griffith to the measure which he adopted, produced in 
 its results a strong effect upon the convention. It was 
 plainly seen that unless some remedy was applied to exist- 
 ing evils, the church in Virginia was likely to languish for 
 a long period of time under the want of episcopal super- 
 vision. The following appeal therefore, more urgent than 
 any which had preceded it, was sent abroad by the stand- 
 ing committee, under the direction of the convention, the 
 language of which exhibits no common degree of anxiety. 
 
 " Brethren, 
 "Convinced that the God whom we worship has fur- 
 nished us, if we be not wanting to ourselves, with ample 
 means for the preservation of that church of which we pro- 
 fess to be members ; satisfied also that it claims a founda- 
 tion the most truly apostolic, and that the proper support 
 of it involves our dearest interests, both temporal and 
 eternal ; it is with the sincerest regret that we contem- 
 plate the situation to which it is now reduced. We trust 
 that, you have also viewed, with sorrow, a situation so 
 humiliating to a Christian society; and we ardently hope, 
 that not unmindful of the blessings which the bountiful hand 
 of Providence hath so liberally bestowed on us in common 
 with other Christian societies, you now feel yourselves 
 conscientiously bound to improve, with gratitude and in- 
 dustry, those means which may tend to promote the pros- 
 perity of our church, and thus render the most pure and 
 rational mode of worship and instruction as extensively 
 beneficial as possible. Under these impressions, brethren, 
 we once more call your attention to the duty of completing 
 the organization of our church. The superintendence and 
 government of the episcopal office are indispensably neces- 
 sary. Without them, our religious concerns, important as 
 they are in the eyes of every serious member, we may add, 
 of every worthy citizen, must rapidly decline. But the at- 
 
1789.] IN VIRGINIA. 205 
 
 tainment of those benefits which result from the episcopal 
 office, requires exertions, of a pecuniary nature, beyond the 
 abilities of a few individuals. It is not just, or consistent 
 with the principles of our religion, that the generous alone 
 should feel those burdens which belong to the whole of 
 the society, and which, if properly distributed, may be 
 borne with ease. We therefore earnestly recommend to 
 all the friends of the Protestant Episcopal church, that they 
 do cheerfully assist in raising the sum necessary for defray- 
 ing the expenses attendant on the consecration of a bishop. 
 Arguments the most pressing might be urged, were they 
 deemed necessary, to induce a ready compliance with this 
 recommendation. But we hope, that as you regard the 
 interests of religion, and of that church in particular of 
 which you are member^; as you estimate the advantages 
 which civil society must receive from a mode of worship 
 conducted on principles the most rational ; as you vene- 
 rate those instructions which so nearly concern your tem- 
 poral and eternal happiness ; and as you would, with a 
 parental tenderness, cherish the best means of improving 
 the morals of the rising generation, no one will on this occa- 
 sion refrain from casting his mite into the common treasury. 
 Let it, we exhort you, brethren, be no longer said, that we, 
 of all Christian societies, are alone inattentive to our re- 
 ligious concerns. It is time to awake from an inattention, 
 which, if continued, must prove fatal to the Protestant Epis- 
 copal church. That the divine wisdom may influence and 
 direct your exertions, at this important crisis of our church, 
 is the fervent prayer of your affectionate brethen in Christ." 
 
 That this appeal was not uncalled for is evident from the 
 fact that the whole sum which the treasurer had received for 
 the specific purpose of defraying the expenses consequent 
 upon the consecration of a bishop, was but little more than 
 twenty-eight pounds.* That the appeal was not made en- 
 
 ♦ Journal of 1789. 
 
206 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1789. 
 
 tirely in vain, appears from the circumstance that the treas- 
 urer's report, at a subsequent period, exhibited contributions 
 to an amount nearly though not quite equal to the expenses 
 of Bishop Madison's consecration; and here let it be recorded 
 with gratitude, (for it was a dark day for the church,) that 
 Ga)d put it into the hearts of some, who were strangers 
 and foreigners, to aid in establishing the episcopate in Vir- 
 ginia.* 
 
 But, to resume our narrative. It was but a short time 
 after the relinquishment of his appointment, that Dr. Griffith 
 found in the grave a release from the sorrows and the 
 cares of life. He had been appointed by the Virginia con- 
 vention df- this year a representative to the general con- 
 vention which met in Philadelphia, in July, 1789, and 
 reached that city, but was never able to take his seat in 
 the convention. He died at the house of the bishop of 
 Pennsylvania, on the third of August, 1789, and the jour- 
 nals of the general convention attest the respect which 
 was entertained for his character. The senior clergyman 
 of the deputation from each state attended his funeral as 
 a pall-bearer, the residue of the convention attended as 
 mourners, while his friend Bishop White, and Mr. An- 
 drews, the lay deputy from Virginia, were chief mourners. 
 Few are now living who knew Dr. Griffith, but of those 
 few there is one whose attestation to his worth will, in the 
 judgment of the church in America, supply the want of 
 many witnesses. In the opinion of the venerable presiding 
 bishop, the confidence which was reposed by the church 
 of Virginia in Dr. Griffith was not misplaced : she had not, 
 in his day, any clergyman within her limits who was more 
 respected, and certainly there was none who had mani- 
 fested more enlightened or persevering zeal in the im- 
 portant work of reviving and organizing the prostrate 
 
 ♦ Mr. Graham Franks, a London merchant, gave five guineas "as a 
 mark of his zeal for the Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia." — Journal 
 of 1791. 
 
1790,] IN VIRGINIA. 207 
 
 church. In his feelings and conduct he was thoroughly 
 American ; he thought the colonies wronged by the mother 
 country, and throughout the struggle for independence, he 
 advocated their cause. He had deliberately cast in his lot 
 with the great majority of his countrymen ; and in the 
 alternations of storm and of sunshine, through which they 
 passed in the achievement of their liberties, he was ever 
 found true to his principles. It doubtless cost him, as it 
 did many other good men, the forfeiture of old friendships 
 and the severance of strong ties, but he felt that he was 
 right, and had the firmness to persevere. There may have 
 been many men more brilliant than Dr. Griffith, but he was 
 practical and active, and when he died, the church lost a 
 useful and a worthy man. 
 
 Many subjects of importance came before the next con- 
 vention, which assembled at Richmond in 1790. Of these, 
 the first was the election of an individual to fill the episco- 
 pate : the choice of the convention fell upon the Rev. James 
 Madison, the president of William and Mary College. 
 This gentleman was a native of Virginia, having been 
 born in Rockingham county in the year 1749. He was 
 educated at the seminary, over which he afterward pre- 
 sided, and was distinguished for his attainments as a classi- 
 cal scholar, and his eloquence as a preacher. He was also 
 well read in the science of law, having made it his study 
 under one of Virginia's most able jurists; and, in fact, he 
 was admitted to the bar, but never became a practitioner. 
 At all periods of his life, he was much devoted to scientific 
 studies, and furnished several valuable papers to literary 
 and philosophical publications. The habits of Bishop 
 Madison were those of a student ; mild and benevolent in 
 dieposition, with simple yet courteous manners, he was 
 much esteemed by the circle of his immediate friends.* 
 His constitution was delicate ; and this circumstance prob- 
 
 * Allen'i Biographical Dictionary. 
 
208 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1790. 
 
 ably made him less able to discharge the active duties of 
 his station : this was the more unfortunate, as the limes 
 called for uncommon activity in the episcopal office. A 
 glance at the map will show, that from the present extent 
 of our diocesses, the situation of a bishop in the American 
 Episcopal church is not a sinecure ; to perform his duties, 
 he must traverse yearly hundreds, and, in some cases, 
 thousands of miles. 
 
 Obliged by canon to visit each church in his diocess at 
 least once in three years, there is not one of the American 
 bishops, not enfeebled by age or disease, who does not aim 
 to do more than this. Many of them pay an annual visit 
 to each parish ; and this course is felt by them to be essen- 
 tial to the growth and prosperity of the church. If in these 
 times such diligence be necessary, it is obvious that less 
 would not suffice when the church was seeking to recover 
 from a blow which had wellnigh destroyed her. 
 
 The situation of the property which had belonged to the 
 church before the revolution, still continued to excite atten- 
 tion. The efforts of other denominations to divest the church 
 of the glebes, had never been discontinued ; each succes- 
 sive leg^islature had been beset with petitions, in which the 
 ground taken was, that, as the property had originally been 
 purchased with funds which were furnished by the people, 
 therefore it now belonged to the people, and should be ap- 
 plied in some mode for the public benefit. From the year 
 1777 up to 1799, the Baptists never failed annually to me- 
 morialize the legislature ; and long after mutual jealousies 
 among themselves had prevented cordial and united action 
 on any other subject, they still continued unanimously to 
 ask for a sale of the glebes ; in fact, that was the only 
 matter which the Baptist "general committee" ever car- 
 ried on to a completion, after the year 1792.* The mem- 
 bers of the church were not idle spectators of these cease- 
 
 * Semple'B History, p. 85. 
 
nOO.] IN VIRGINU. 209 
 
 less efforts. Dr. Madison particularly directed his atten* 
 tion to the subject, and read to the convention an essay, 
 (for which he received the thanks of that body,) asserting, 
 on principles of law, the right of the church to the property 
 in question.* It was probably this production of the bishop 
 elect which led to the adoption, by the convention, of the 
 following resolutions : — 
 
 "Resolved, that it is the opinion of this convention, that 
 the Protestant Episcopal church is the exclusive owner of 
 the glebes, churches, and other property held by the Church 
 of England in Virginia, at the commencement of the revo- 
 lution. 
 
 "Resolved, that the principles upon which the said prop- 
 erty is held, are those only by which the rights of property 
 are regulated. 
 
 "Resolved, that the interference of the legislature in the 
 sale of that property, or in the disposal of it to any other 
 purpose than that for which it is now held, would be a vio- 
 lation of the constitution."! 
 
 The standing committee were also directed to take such 
 measures as might be deemed expedient to sustain the 
 rights asserted in these resolutions ; and that accurate in* 
 formation of the condition of the property of the church 
 might be obtained, the several vestries or parish trustees 
 were desired to prepare a statement of the real and per- 
 sonal property of their respective churches, and transmit 
 the same to the next convention.J 
 
 We have already alluded to the fact that the earliest 
 legislation of the church, after the separation from Eng- 
 land, had reference to the long neglected subject of disci- 
 pline. The same anxiety which prompted this early action 
 still continued. The plan of dividing the country into dis- 
 tricts, and of appointing some respectable presbyter as 
 visiter in each of these districts, had probably been found to 
 
 * Journals of Convention, 1790. f Ibid. X Ibid. 
 
S^IO PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1790, 
 
 aqswer the purposes contemplated in its adoption ; for these 
 officers were still retaiiiedyand the canons which regulated 
 ,the trial of offending clergymen were amended and made 
 more explicit in the convention of 1790. 
 
 Soon after the adjournment of the convention, Dr. Madi- 
 son proceeded to England ; and on the nineteenth pf Sep- 
 tember, 1790, he was consecrated in the chapel of the 
 arehiepiscopal palace at Lambeth^ by the Archbishop of 
 Canterbury and the Bishops of London and Rochester; 
 and thus was the Protestant Episcopal church in this coun- 
 try furnished with three bishops of English consecration; 
 and upon the return of Dr. Madison, the Episcopal church 
 of Virginia, after an existence of one hundred and eighty- 
 four years, saw, for the first time, a bishop within her 
 borders. 
 
 But, favoured as- k was in this particular, the prospects 
 before it were still disheartening enough. As to the clergy, 
 greatly reduced in numbers, most of them were bowed 
 down with want, and felt all the misery of a poverty which 
 was wellnigh hopeless. Dependant upon the voluntary 
 aid which the people might see fit to afford, they were in 
 truth pensioners upon their bounty; that bounty, too, was 
 in many cases necessarily limited ; for in many of the par- 
 ishes the people were poor themselves, and had but little to 
 bestow. Some, too, who might have been willing enough 
 in former times to adhere to the estabHshment, were ready 
 now to shrink from an avowal of attachment, when they 
 found that the church was an object of dislike to a large 
 ajid increasing body of their fellow-citizens, and that its 
 support would subject its acknowledged members to some 
 expense. Those of the clergy who were best paid were 
 but poorly paid ; and the condition of all of them was 
 humiliating enough. Again, when they looked around for 
 those who were to supply their places, after death had 
 removed them from the scene, they looked in vain. The 
 inducements were small, indeed, which invited even the 
 
1790.] IN VIRGINIA. 211 
 
 most pious young men to direct their attention to the min- 
 istry ; for they could not afford to starve, and no law, divine 
 or human, required the sacrifice at their hands : but even 
 had the number been large of those who were disposed to 
 enter upon the sacred office, the means of affording them 
 a -competent clerical education were not to be had; and 
 "we are proud to say, that in the American Episcopal church, 
 even in the darkest period of her history, an unlearaed 
 ministry could find few or no advocates. 
 
 The clergy, too, were constrained from atio the r cause to 
 look forward to the event of their own removal with most 
 melancholy anticipations. Many of them had families ; 
 and they knew not whence their widows and their orphans 
 •were to derive even the necessaries of life: for even sup- 
 posing them to be in possession of a glebe, (which was the 
 best condition of the most favoured,) it could do no more 
 than yield a supply to present necessities, and afforded 
 no surplus which might be reserved for the wants of here- 
 after. 
 
 All these considerations and many more seem to have 
 been present to the mind of Bishop Madison, when he met 
 his clergy in convention for the first time after his conse- 
 cration. In the charge which he addressed to them, enter- 
 ing upon an examination of the causes which had con- 
 tributed to the depression of the church, he does not hesri- 
 tate, with great boldness, to ascribe its unhappy condition 
 to the clergy themselves. *' I do not think," says he, " that 
 I should discharge my duty in the manner which my con- 
 science and my inclination dictate, were I not to speak 
 upon this occasion with all that plainness and freedom 
 which the importance of the subject demands. T know 
 that our church is blessed with many truly pious and zeal- 
 ous pastors,— pastors from whose example the greatest ad- 
 vantage may be derived by all of us ; but at the same time 
 I fear there is too much reason to apprehend that the great 
 dereliction sustained by our ehurch hath arisen, in no small 
 
212 PROTEST ATfT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1791. 
 
 degree, from the want of that ^rvew^, Christian zeal^ which 
 such examples ought more generally to have inspired. 
 Hath the sacred fire committed to our trust been every- 
 where and at all times cherished by us, with that watchful 
 and zealous attention which so holy a deposit required ? 
 Had it been thus cherished, might not that ancient flame 
 which once animated and enlightened the members of our 
 church, still have diff*used its warmth? instead of indiffer- 
 ence to our church, might we not now have beheld many 
 of those members who have forsaken her, still ardent and 
 zealous in her support ? Let us then be renewed, I entreat 
 you, in the spirit of our vocation, in that holy, fervent zeal, 
 which should be the distinguishing characteristic of every 
 minister of the Gospel. But how is that zeal to be dis- 
 played ? I answer, by our conversation and our example. 
 Be thou an example of the believers^ in word, in conversation, 
 in charity t in spirit, in faith, in purity. We are to watch 
 for the souls of others, as they that are to give an account. 
 If such be the nature, such the functions of our sacred em- 
 bassy, what minister, what priest, what bishop is there who 
 will not with pious awe reflect most seriously upon the 
 momentous charge committed to him ; and while he pro- 
 foundly meditates upon the extent of his duties, ardently 
 supplicate at the throne of grace the renewal of that fer- 
 vent zeal, without which the great ends of his ministry can 
 never be accomplished ?"♦ 
 
 This is but a small part of the earnest exhortation ad- 
 dressed by the bishop to his clergy. To the laity also he 
 appealed, and asked their co-operation in reviving the 
 church. After placing before them the value, and, indeed, 
 indispensable necessity of a well-informed, pious, standing 
 ministry to the promotion of the peace of society, to the 
 religious instruction of the rising generation, to the admin- 
 istration of the means of grace in the sacraments of the 
 
 * Journal of Convention, 1791. 
 
1791.] IN VIRGINIA. 213 
 
 church, and to the continuance of the divinely instituted 
 medium of good in the preaching of the Gospel ; he recom- 
 mended that each member of the church should consider it 
 his duty "to contribute in the proportion which the law for- 
 merly prescribed."* 
 
 The convention was not unmindful of the suggestions of 
 the bishop. A resolution was adopted, by which it was 
 declared to be " the duty of every member of the Protes- 
 tant Episcopal church to contribute towards a decent and 
 coinfortable support of their bishop and other pastors, a:nd 
 to defray the necessary expenses of their church.** 
 
 In the absence of a bishop, it was impossible to correct 
 the want of discipline which had been so long and sorely 
 felt; but now that difficulty no longer remained ; accord- 
 ingly, the subject was brought before the convention in the 
 episcopal charge. The bishop, approving most cordially of 
 the visitatorial system, which had now been for some years 
 in operation, enjoined it as an indispensable duty upon the 
 several visiters faithfully to fulfil the purposes of their ap- 
 pointment ; as, without godly discipline and the excision 
 of unworthy members, it would be impossible to resuscitate 
 the church. 
 
 A portion of the clergy, assembled at a visitatorial meet- 
 ing in one of the districts, had been so much impressed with 
 the unfavourable prospect of a future supply of clergymen, 
 that the subject had formed among them a topic of anxious 
 discussion. At the meeting of the convention, they pre- 
 sented the result of their deliberations to that body ; and 
 this gave rise to certain resolutions, and a canon, whereby 
 it was provided, that as there were no divinity schools at 
 present in the church, the instruction of candidates might 
 very properly be made part of the business of each pres- 
 bytery within its own bounds ; and the members of the 
 several presbyteries were required, instead of meeting 
 
 * Journal of Convention, 1791. 
 
214 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1791. 
 
 annua^ly^ on a certain day, to assemble as often as any stu- 
 dent of divinity should make application, to examine the 
 applicant, and, if his literary qualifications satisfied the 
 requisitions of the canon, to assign him a theme or text on 
 which to prepare a discourse to be delivered before them 
 on some future day. 
 
 To remove the solicitude, to which we have alluded, on 
 the subject of a support for the widows and orphans of 
 deceased clergymen, it was resolved by the convention 
 that a society, having for its object their relief, was highly 
 expedient. 
 
 There is to be found among the canons of the conven- 
 tion of 1791, one which very strongly indicates thai a sus- 
 picious apprehension of bishops still lingered in the minds 
 of many Episcopalians : it was doubtless a remnant of old 
 political prejudices, and so far as it begat a watchful jeal- 
 ousy against the abuse of power in the prelacy, it was 
 wholesome in its eflTects. The convention declared the 
 peculiar powers which belonged to a bishop, according to 
 apGTstolic institution, to consist simply in the powers of 
 ordination and confirmation, supervision of the conduct of 
 the clergy, and precedence in ecclesiastical assemblies ; 
 and they accordingly enacted that 'the episcopal oflice 
 should be understood to imply no other rights than those 
 just expressed ; and that every bishop, after his consecra- 
 tion, should hold a 'parish, and perform the duties of a 
 parish minister, when not occupied in the discharge of 
 episcopal duties.* This last provision, it may be remarked, 
 was needless ; for that strong master, necessity, has always 
 obliged, and must long continue to oblige, most of the 
 American bishops to be laborious parish priests ; the 
 church needs clergymen too much to dispense with the 
 services of any who are abte to perform the duties which 
 belong to a parish minister. Congregations are multiplied 
 
 * Canon xi. — C(mvention Journal, 1791. 
 
3 79^1.] < IN VIRGINIA. 215 
 
 faster than clergymen are ; these must be supplied with the 
 ministrations of the Gospel ; and there has never yet been 
 a bishop among us who felt at liberty to withhold hinoself 
 from the duties of a parish, because of his official station 
 and cares. It is true that, in our extensive diocesses, there 
 is enough, and sometimes more than enough, to occupy 
 the time of the individual who has "the care of all the 
 churches ;" and as a measure of policy, it would be well 
 were all our bishops free from parish duties; but the time 
 must be far distant in which such an event is possible; for in 
 many of our diocesses, the bishop's sole income is his salary 
 as rector of a parish. Virginia has long since felt the evil 
 of that very connection with a congregation which is en- 
 joined in this canon as obligatory on her bishop ; but Vir- 
 ginia has never been able to remedy it ; both her bishops 
 are now, and always have been, in charge of parishes. 
 
 The year 1792 presents but little change in the cir- 
 cumstances of the church, and is remarkable for little 
 more than the fact, that it witnessed the first episcopal 
 visitation ever made in Virginia. Upon his visit, the^bishop 
 found the aspect of affairs better than he seems to have 
 anticipated. The clergy, though still wanting a decent 
 maintenance, were, for the most part, exemplary and 
 diligent in the discharge of their sacred functions. The 
 ecclesiastical legislation of this year, however, justifies the 
 inference that cause of complaint existed against some of 
 the clergy. The canon, making provision for l^he trial of 
 an offending minister, underwent revision, and a necessity 
 for its use probably led to that revision. The zeal and 
 piety of the laity had not become entirely extinct. The 
 bishop found on his visitation that the congregations were 
 in general numerous, and attentive to the forms of worship 
 prescribed by the church. 
 
 It is also probable that about this time some difliculties 
 liad arisen from the interference of one clergyman with the 
 proper pastoral duties of another. In the unsettled coi>- 
 
216 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l792. 
 
 dition of the church,, and with the pressure of absolute 
 want to prompt some of the clergy, they were at times in- 
 duced to intrude into some church within the parish of a 
 brother clergyman. This was of coiirse a fruitful source 
 of contention, and it was remedied by a canon which pro- 
 hibited the clergy from officiating within a parish having a 
 rector, without his permission. The right of presentation, 
 it will be remembered, had always heretofore belonged to 
 the vestries ; certainly by statute, and, as they contended, 
 by the common law also.* In 1792, this right was ex- 
 pressly recognised, and continued to the vestries by the 
 canon just alluded to ; which also gave to the vestry the 
 exclusive right of electing the minister. f 
 
 We have already stated that the bishop in his late visita- 
 tion had found the condition of the church better than he 
 anticipated ; he had also seen distinctly the great difficul- 
 ties which impeded its progress; and it is necessary to 
 dwell upon these with some particularity. The two great 
 obstacles which retarded the growth of the church now, 
 were infideKty and fanaticism ; and those ac<^uainted with 
 human nature will not be surprised at the remark, that the 
 last was very often the parent of the first. 
 
 As to infidelity, there never wxis, perhaps, a period in the 
 history of Virginia when it was more prevalent than at 
 this time. How far it had been made fashionable, as an 
 evidence of manly spirit and intellectual independence, by 
 the example of some who filled the highest offices in the 
 state, it is impossible to say ; but there is no doubt that 
 many of those who value names more than things, and fol- 
 low men rather than principles, very quietly dispensed with 
 the labour of thought, and siibmitted to take their infidel 
 opinions upon trust, at the dictation of those who were ele- 
 vated in society. It is an entire mistake to suppose that 
 
 • Vide ante, p. 64. t Journals of the Convention, 1792. 
 
1793.] IN VIRGINIA. 217 
 
 the overthrow of the former state of things had led to the 
 immediate introduction of more serious and heartfelt re- 
 ligion among the people. On this subject there is evidence 
 derived from more than a single source. One who lived 
 both under the old and new condition of religious affairs in 
 Virginia, has left behind him a striking attestation on this 
 subject. "It must be apparent to every man," says he, 
 "that religion was more respected and revered, and had a 
 greater influence on the manners of men in general, while 
 the church had the countenance of the state, than it has 
 now."* And with no partial attempt to conceal the want 
 of religious feeling in the members of the communion to 
 which he belonged ; but depicting in mournful terms the 
 sad depression of the Episcopal church, he thus proceeds : — 
 "Nor do I find the aspect of religious affairs much more 
 encouraging in other societies or denominations. There 
 is an awful falling off on every hand : true, they have 
 larger congregations on Sunday than our ministers have ; 
 and in their public assemblies, they may frequently return 
 thanks to Heaven for their religious liberty, equality, and 
 privileges, &c. But I fear they are so far from making 
 good use of these blessings, and duly availing themselves 
 of their privileges, that many will have an accumulated 
 account to render for misimprovements. By a letter from 
 a pious Presbyterian minister, I learn that religion is at a 
 low ebb among them. The Baptists, I suppose, are equally 
 declining. I seldom hear anything about them. The Meth- 
 odists are splitting and falling to pieces."! 
 
 Lest, however, this should be suspected as the testimony 
 of a prejudiced witness, let it find confirmation in the 
 honest confession of others. The historian of the Baptists 
 informs us that " the war, though very propitious to the 
 liberty of the Baptists, had an opposite effect upon the life 
 of religion among them. From whatever cause, certain it 
 
 * Life of Rev. Devereux Janatt, 155. f Ibid. 180, 
 
218 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1793. 
 
 is that, they suffered a very wintry season. With some 
 few exceptions, the declension was general throughout the 
 state. The love of many waxed cold. Some of the watch- 
 men fell ; others stumbled ; and many slumbered at their 
 posts. Iniquity greatly abounded."* 
 
 It is true that all denominations afterward improved; 
 but during the continuance of such a state of things as these 
 extracts describe, it is not wonderful that deism reaped an 
 abundant harvest. It is not our purpose to assign causes 
 for the general declension of religion ; it may, however, be 
 remarked that fanaticism was not the least efficient. Igno- 
 rance undertook the work of instruction : enthusiasts of 
 warm imaginations, strong passions, and no judgment 
 stood up to teach: they would dream dreams and see 
 visions ; but, unfortunately, when they had a dream, they 
 did not " tell it as a dream ;" their fancied visions were in- 
 spiration :t the silly were deceived ; the more thoughtful 
 disgusted ; and Christianity suffered. 
 
 Ignorance, which supposes itself to be inspired, must be 
 conceited and dogmatical, and is always ready to "com- 
 pass sea and land to make one proselyte :" the industrious 
 zeal, therefore, which was employed in disseminating er- 
 rors, rendered the extirpation of those errors the more dif- 
 ficult. In a survey of the circumstances to which we have 
 alluded, it seems to have been impressed upon the mind of 
 Bishop Madison, that no very effectual check could be 
 offered to the combined evils of infidelity and fanaticism, 
 without more of unity among those who, while they dif- 
 fered on some points, were yet of the same opinion on most 
 of the great truths of the Christian faith. He had very 
 much at heart a plan which has since occupied the thoughts, 
 and called forth the prayers of many good men ; and which 
 they are reluctant to believe is too visionary for accom- 
 
 ♦ Semple'g History of Virginia t Bishop Madison's Address.— 
 Baptists, pp. 35, 36. Convention of 17W. 
 
1793.] IN VIRGINIA. 219 
 
 plishment Bishop Madison desired to make an effort to 
 unite all sincere Christians into one church. He was per- 
 fectly aware that it required an enlarged Christian spiiit to 
 effect such an object. " There is no one," says he, '* but 
 must cordially wish for such a union, provided it did not 
 require a sacrifice of those points which are deemed essen- 
 tials by our church; from them we have not the power to 
 retreat ; but in such mailers as are subject to human altera- 
 tion, if by a candid discussion they could be found capable 
 of being so modified, as to remove the objections of any 
 sect of Christians, who maybe actuated by the same catho- 
 lic spirit, and thereby effect a union; in that case we should 
 surely have reason to rejoice, not only in the event, but 
 also in being the first tx) set an example to Christians, which 
 it is the duty of all to follow ; and in convincing them that 
 there is infinitely more religion in not contending,. than in 
 those things about which they contend."* 
 
 Christians in his day were not prepared to make an 
 effort to bring about such a union, and, yielding to the 
 judgments of those whom he respected, the bishop sub- 
 mitted no proposition on the subject to the convention. It 
 is probable, that on the first statement of such a proposi- 
 tion, a majority of Christians at this day would pronounce 
 such a union to be impossible. Perhaps, however, we call 
 impossible that, which, upon trial, would prove to be very 
 difficult merely. Great and almost incredible results have 
 followed Christian effort, carried out in other directions; 
 and it must be confessed that the consequences of such 
 effort have far surpassed the most sanguine anticipations. 
 No man can certainly say that the effort for union is abso- 
 lutely hopeless, because it has never yet been fairly tried ; 
 but it may with certainty be said that if it ever is tried, 
 Christian men must come to the work with perfect single- 
 ness of heart, and it must be prosecuted in the faith and 
 fear of God alone. 
 
 * Bishop Madison's Address to Convention of 1793. 
 
220 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [17&3. 
 
 The subjects which invited the attention of t' e conven- 
 tion of 1793, were deemed of so nnuch importance by the 
 bishop, that he addressed a circular letter to the several 
 visiters, urging, through them, a general attendance of the 
 clergy. The most important business of the session was 
 an entire revision of the canons ; but, before proceeding to 
 consider them, it is due to Bishop Madison here to record 
 his recommendation of the distribution of religious tracts 
 as a means of doing good, at a time when, it is believed, 
 there was no tract society known in this country. 
 
 The bishop, in his address, proposed that the clergy then 
 assembled, should specify such pamphlets as appeared 
 most useful for doctrinal information, that a sufficient num- 
 ber of copies should be obtained for the congregations gen- 
 erally, ?fnd that through the clergy the people should be 
 supplied. But he wished also that something more should 
 be done than to furnish tracts explanatory of the institu- 
 tions of the church merely. ** Devotional tracts," says he, 
 "such as would inspire and keep alive the spirit of a warm 
 but rational piety, are greatly wanted. Let, then, such of 
 this nature also be dispersed, as the ministry may approve 
 and recommend to their congregations. They would not 
 only be thus called to active piety, but secured against the 
 impressions which the appearance of greater devotion and 
 zeal in other sects must always make upon the minds of the 
 religious. Many, educated in the bosom of our church, 
 desert it, not solely from a conviction of errors in doctrine, 
 but because the great bulk of its members seem indifferent 
 to religious exercises. Another society is sought for, in 
 which the pious are countenanced and stimulated by re- 
 ciprocal example. Why can we not introduce an equal 
 attention to religious duties among the members of our 
 own church? a conduct equally guarded and pious? It 
 must be done, or we shall have only the semblance of reli- 
 gion among us. We have approached too nearly to that 
 verge already." 
 
1793.] Jw vmoiNiA. 221 
 
 He urged it also upon the clergy as an indispensable 
 duty to be diligent in visiting the families in their respective 
 cures, to labour for the general introduction of the custom 
 of family prayers, and to catechise the children. 
 
 The most important provisions of the canons were as 
 follows : — 
 
 The minister, churchwardens, and vestrymen of each 
 parish, were made trustees to hold the church property 
 for the benefit of the Protestant Episcopal church ; and the 
 right of appointing a minister and of presentation was 
 continued in the vestries. 
 
 The convention had conferred upon it the sole power of 
 regulating " all the religious concerns" of the church, ** its 
 doctrines, discipline, and worship ;" but not so as to affect 
 " any powers exclusively vested in the general conven- 
 tion." 
 
 The clergy were divided into r resbyteries of not less 
 than three rior more than ten members, with a visiter at 
 their head; these presbyteries were required to meet an- 
 nually in April, and at any other time when it might be 
 necessary. The convention appointed the visiters, who 
 were required once a year to visit each parish in their 
 respective districts, and particularly to inspect the morals 
 and conduct of the clergy, privately to admonish or re- 
 prove offenders among them, observe violations of the 
 canons, and to report annually to the bishop. The presby- 
 teries were required also to take the oversight of all candi- 
 dates for orders in their districts, to direct their studies, 
 and to examine them. 
 
 The canon compelling the bishop to take the care of a 
 parish was repealed, and it was now declared merely that 
 he might do 'so if he wished. All accusations of the 
 bishop were to be made by three respectable persons on 
 oath. 
 
 Catechising, and the use of the surplice, were enjoined ; 
 and ministers were permitted to ** encourage people to as- 
 
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1793. 
 
 semble together in small societies at convenient times, for 
 their edification ;" and might " visit, superintend, and in- 
 struct such societies at their meetings," provided it was not 
 done to the encouragement of idleness, or the injury of 
 private families. 
 
 No person could be a minister who had not episcopal 
 ordination, and did not take an oath of allegiance to the 
 commonwealth of Virginia, and promise conformity to the 
 doctrines, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal church in the United States, a obedience to the 
 orders and canons of the church in Virginia. He was 
 bound also to declare in writing, that he held his appoint- 
 ment subject to removal according to the canons of Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 Pluralities were forbidden ; and no minister could leave 
 his charge to be absent more than a month, without permis- 
 sion of the vestry. When necessary, the vestry "might 
 allow of non-residence in the minister. 
 
 District courts, composed of the clergy of the district^ 
 with one vestryman from each parish appointed by their 
 respective vestries, were established for examining into 
 and deciding upon complaints exhibited against ministers ; 
 and, if necessary, making arrangements for a trial accord- 
 ing to certain prescribed rules. 
 
 There was but one other subject acted upon by this con- 
 vention which calls for notice at our hands. The general 
 convention, at its meeting in September, 1792, directed 
 that the several diocesan conventions should be informed 
 that, at the next meeting of the general convention, the 
 propriety of giving to the House of Bishops a full negative 
 on the proceedings of the House of Clerical and Lay 
 Delegates, would be considered and determined.* The 
 convention of Virginia, by a unanimous vote, directed 
 their representatives to express on their parts the ** highest 
 
 ♦ Journals of General Convention of 1798. 
 
1703.] IN VIRGINIA. 223 
 
 disapprobation" of investing the House of Bishops with any 
 such negative. They also instructed them to obtain, if 
 possible, a repeal of a canon just passed by the general 
 convention, by which no clergyman was permitted to offi- 
 ciate in the parochial cure of another clergyman, without 
 express permission for that purpose obtained from the 
 incumbent, or, in his absence, from the churchwardens and 
 vestrymen.* The provisions of this law so closely resem- >»j^ 
 
 ble those of a canon of Virginia, passed on this subject 
 only the year before,t but not incorporated in the revision 
 made at this session, of which we have already spoken, 
 that the only reasonable mode of accounting for this oppo- 
 sition to what certainly was a wholesome and necessary 
 provision, seems to be, that the law had been found in Vir- 
 ginia (where a parish sometimes contained several church 
 edifices, all of which could not, from a want of clergymen, 
 be supplied,) to operate injuriously ; and hence its omission 
 in the revised canons, and the opposition of Virginia to its 
 incorporation in the general canons. 
 
 * Journals of Virginia Convention, 1793. t Vide ante, p. 212. ; 
 
224 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1794. 
 
 CHAPTER XIL 
 1794-1804. 
 
 Injurious Effects upon Religion, arising from Disputes about the Church 
 Property — Arguments used for and against a sale of the Glebes — Canon 
 against the Clergy's taking Offices in the Militia — Appeal to Law — 
 Churchmen driven to despair — Law of 1802 for sale of Glebes — Effect of 
 ■ale of Glebes in benefiting the Public — Desecration of the Sacred Ves- 
 sels by Debauchees — The Manchester Case — Consequence to the Church 
 of the Death of the President of Court of Appeals — Constitutionality of 
 Law for the sale of Glebes yet undetermined. 
 
 The history of the church, for several years to come, 
 presents a picture but little different from that which the 
 reader has seen exhibited in the previous pages. The 
 bishop, upon his slender pittance of one hundred pounds, 
 still continued to visit the parishes and make his annual re- 
 ports, which became more and more disheartening; the 
 number of clergy was gradually diminishing by death ; few 
 or none came in to supply their places ; the church lan- 
 guished ; while her opponents, increasing in numbers and 
 influence, never ceased to carry on the warfare against 
 her, and to exert themselves to deprive her of her property 
 in the glebes. The Baptists, as heretofore, were most 
 active in this business ; and here we may properly pause 
 in our narrative, to contemplate the injurious effects of their 
 opposition upon the cause of Christianity, and to review 
 the grounds on which they urged, and Episcopalians re- 
 sisted, the sale of the glebes. 
 
 We have already seen that the condition of religion was 
 greatly depressed in Virginia; truth compels us to say 
 
1794.] IN VIRGINIA. 226 
 
 that the depression must in some degree be attributed to 
 Christians themselves ; it was in part owing to the con- 
 troversies respecting the property of the church. There 
 is always to be found in society a class ready to avail itself 
 of any excuse for its want of personal holiness. In the 
 temper and feelings which were exhibited in the contest in 
 Virginia, between churchmen and their opponents, the ene-* 
 mies of religion readily found the excuse which they de- 
 sired. It is not meant to insinuate, that the disputants ia 
 Virginia were more violent, or worse than others would 
 have been elsewhere, under similar circumstances. But 
 good men (and it is hoped there were such on both sides in 
 this dispute) may, and do often betray those infirmities of 
 human nature which they are, afterward, themselves the 
 first most deeply to lament. Their subsequent repentance 
 meets perhaps no eye but that of God; while the evils which 
 flow from their exhibition of angry passions and unchristian 
 feelings remain to furnish multitudes with an argument where- 
 with to appease a reproving conscience, and fortify them- 
 selves in their wickedness. It would be uncandid to conceal 
 the fact, that the dispute concerning the church property in 
 Virginia was one which called forth, on both sides, much bit- 
 terness of feeling and intemperance of language. It is best 
 that such language should be forgotten ; it is more pleasant 
 to quote the words of an aged minister of the church who 
 sought to allay strife. " This dispute is too nearly con- 
 nected with religion, not to partake of much of that ani- 
 mosity and rancour which are the unhappy effects of re- 
 ligious controversy. How different is this from the mild 
 spirit of that religion which breathes unanimity, forgive- 
 ness, meekness, and peace ! When we ourselves make it 
 appear by our conduct^ that Christianity has so little power 
 over our hearts, can it be supposed that ever we will recom- 
 mend it to the esteem of others ? The infidel will never 
 believe us ; and the libertine will get confirmed in his vi- 
 
 FF 
 
226 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1794 
 
 cious practices. Alas \ we pull down with our own hands 
 that church of Christ which we ought to build up and de- 
 fend. We fill the minds of the community, moreover, with 
 •wrath, hatred, emulations, envyings, and strife.' How 
 long shall it be before the doctrines of the Son of God have 
 full influence on the minds of men 1 How long shall this 
 land be filled with contention I When shall we fully prize 
 the blessings which we enjoy I We might now sit, every 
 man at peace * under his own vine,' and under that fair 
 tree of liberty which we planted. But, alas 1 the canker 
 worm of jealousy feeds ori its foliage ; the whirlwinds of 
 discord threaten to root it out for ever."* 
 
 The increase of irreligion was thus one of the great evils 
 which resulted from this contest. 
 
 Another evil was of a political nature. The question, as 
 to the sale of the glebes, was one of right simply ; circum- 
 stances unavoidably made it in some degree a question of 
 party. It was desirable that the individuals who were to 
 pass upon the question, the members of the legislature, should 
 know no man or body of men in the transaction : the con- 
 stitution and the law were the proper arbiters : the integ- 
 rity of that constitution and law was endangered by every 
 temptation to gratify any body of men in their interpreta- 
 tion: now, when the members of the legislature found 
 themselves beset annually by petitions, asking that the 
 church might be deprived of the property which she held ; 
 when these petitions were numerously signed ; and when 
 those who signed them were the electors by whoni the 
 legislators were placed in the seat of judgment, it must be 
 confessed that there was some temptation to yield to the 
 wishes of the petitioners. But, unless the petitioners were 
 unquestionably right on the points of law involved, to yield 
 was wrong, no matter by what numbers the application 
 
 ♦ Manuscript argument on the sale of the glebes, by one of the old Vir- 
 ginia clergy, in the possession of the author. 
 
1794.] IN VIRGINIA, 227 
 
 was made ; there was no pretence that the multitude who 
 petitioned were the best judges of a disputed matter in the 
 science of jurisprudence ; and as they might be mistaken, 
 the justice of the case was in danger of being sacrificed to 
 the demands of the multitude. It was not an instance of 
 the expression of popular opinion on a point o^ expediency ^ 
 (to which the legislature might perhaps have listened with 
 propriety,) but it was on a subject of right which rested on 
 fixed and unalterable rules. It must therefore be obvious, 
 that after having once expressed a wish to have the ques- 
 tion fairly examined, a perpetual succession of petitions, 
 dictating in effect the decision to be made, could only serve 
 to increase the risk of having that decision finally wrong* 
 As to the arguments by which a sale of the glebes was 
 urged upon the legislature, the principal were as follows : — 
 
 1. That most of the glebe lands were originally pur- 
 chased with money levied upon the people at large, and 
 that, consequently, whenever a majority of the people de* 
 sired a sale of the lands, they should be sold, and the 
 money applied to such other use as might seem best to 
 them. 
 
 2. That if the church was permitted to retain the prop* 
 erty, a certain, pre-eminence and superiority was thereby 
 conferred, which was odious in a republic, and inconsistent 
 with its institutions. 
 
 3. That the fourth article of the declaration of rights of 
 Virginia asserted, " that no man or set of men are en- 
 titled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges 
 from the community, but in consideration of public ser- 
 vices;** but the enjoyment of the glebes did confer upon 
 the church " exclusive emoluments from the community,'* 
 and was consequently unconstitutional. 
 
 To the first of these arguments, it was answered that 
 some of the glebes were a private donation ; that those 
 which were purchased, were bought many years before,-^ 
 
22B PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1704. 
 
 some of them more than a century; and that the " people," 
 with whose money the purchase was made, were not dis- 
 senters, for there were few or none in the colony at that 
 day; but were members of the establishment, and perfectly 
 content that their money should be thus applied ; that 
 having been thus applied, the "people'*^ had voluntarily 
 divested themselves of it, and their descendants could not 
 now take it back, any more than they could other moneys 
 of which their ancestors had seen fit willingly to deprive 
 themselves : it was also answered, that upon this principle, 
 of a restoration to the " people" of money which the ** peo- 
 ple" once gave, there should obviously be returned no 
 more than such a part as would be proportionate to the 
 original number of dissenters among the people who pur- 
 chased ; for if those who now asked for a sale of the 
 glebes had, from conscientious motives, dissented from the 
 faith of their fathers, they should thence learn that their 
 fathers also had consciences ; and with no justice or pro- 
 priety could they seek to undo what their ancestors had 
 done with a good conscience. But as to dissenters among 
 the original purchasers, there were either none at all, or at 
 best the number was very limited, and it was certain that 
 there were no Baptists among them. 
 
 It was also asserted to be very questionable, whether, 
 considering the great emigrations to the western country 
 and to other states, there was one-third of the inhabitants 
 remaining, whose ancestors had contributed to purchase a 
 glebe ; that if they were sold for the benefit of that third, 
 it would be impossible to ascertain to whom the proceeds 
 should be paid. If it should be urged that " the country" 
 first purchased, and that now they should be given back to 
 " the country," then it was to be remembered that that 
 country by a solemn act had declared that " in all time 
 coming" they should not be taken from the church ; and 
 that if it would be unrighteous in an individual to take back 
 
1794.] IN VIRGINIA. 329 
 
 by mere force that which he had once bestowed upon an* 
 other, it required no small skill in casuistry to prove that 
 similar conduct was righteous in a state. 
 
 As to the second argument, it was said in reply, that the 
 question of permitting the church to retain the property 
 was one of rights founded on law, which republics were 
 emphatically bound to respect. That by the very law 
 which released dissenters from all taxes to support the 
 Episcopal church, the assembly of Virginia had pledged 
 its legislative faith, the most solemn pledge and firmest 
 ganction which a free state could give, that the property in 
 dispute should " in all time coming" be saved and reserved 
 to the use of the Episcopal church.* That to order a sale 
 of property thus solemnly reserved, would tend to sap the 
 foundation of those rights by which property in general is 
 held, introduce into the acts of the legislature instability 
 and uncertainty, exhibit a fluctuation in law unprecedented 
 in Virginia, and overturn that confidence and security 
 which the citizens of a republic should always feel in the 
 stability of purpose avowed by their selected representa- 
 tives. It was also said, that if pre-eminence and supe- 
 riority in the church were evils justly dreaded, a declared 
 preference for any other religious denomination was no 
 less to be deprecated ; and that if the glebes were sold to 
 gratify any sect or party, a distinction would be so far 
 manifested in its favour ; and would tend to furnish it, in 
 this patronage of the state, with the means of establishing 
 its own creed upon the ruins of every other. 
 
 To the argument of unconstitutionality, as deduced from 
 the declaration of rights, the answer was, that " the com- 
 munity" under the government established after the revo- 
 lution, certainly had granted to the church no "exclusive 
 emoluments," for it had granted nothing ; it had only con- 
 
 * See Laws of October, I7Y6, ch. u. ; 9 Henmg, 1«4. 
 
830 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHtTRCH [l794. 
 
 firmed to the church that which she had, and owned, and 
 enjoyed for more than a century before. But, in truth, the 
 fourth article of the declaration of rights had no bearing 
 upon the question, as was evident when the whole of it was 
 viewed together. The article declared " that no man, or 
 set of men, are entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments 
 or privileges from the community, but in consideration of 
 public services ; which, not being descendible, neither ought 
 the offices of magistrate, legislator, or judge, to be he- 
 reditary ;" thus showing simply an intention to prevent 
 hereditary honours, offices, or emoluments, in the civil 
 government.* 
 
 These are the principal arguments and answers which 
 from time to time were presented to the legislature upon 
 the question of a sale of the glebes generally ; there are to 
 be found also among the memorials and remonstrances, 
 some which concern the sale of a glebe in some particular 
 parish only, and these affi)rd additional considerations for 
 and against the measure, founded upon the peculiar cir- 
 cumstances of each case, and possessing no general in- 
 terest. 
 
 In the midst of this warm contest concerning the glebes, 
 the convention of 1794 assembled, and repeating the former 
 instructions to the Virginia delegates to oppose in the gen- 
 eral convention the absolute negative which it was contem- 
 plated to give to the House of Bishops, and to seek the 
 repeal of the canon which forbade a clergyman to officiate 
 without permission in the cure of another, it separated, 
 without any other action on the subject of the glebes than 
 to direct the standing committee to address the members 
 of the church on the subject of its critical situation. 
 
 The state of depression to which the church was now 
 reduced, is attested by the fact that, in 171)5, no convention 
 
 • These arguments and answers are compiled from MSS., copies of 
 memorials, <Sa;«., la the possefision of tho author. 
 
1796.] . - IX VIRGINIA. 231 
 
 was held; and it is probable that such would have con- 
 tinued for many years to be the case, but for the necessity 
 imposed by a sense of duty upon the little remnant of the 
 clergy, to spare no effort on their parts to save to the 
 church the property which it had in the glebes. In this 
 course they persisted, notwithstanding the obloquy which 
 attached to them ; and accordingly, in 1796, it was unani- 
 mously resolved by the convention, *'that by various acts 
 of the legislature of Virginia, the property of the church, 
 formerly established by law, has been confirmed to the 
 Protestant Episcopal church in this stale ; and that there- 
 fore any legislative interference, without the consent of 
 the said church, by which its right to the said property 
 would be affected, would be a violation of the rights of 
 private property, and of one of the fundamental principles 
 of the present civil government." A memorial to the legis- 
 lature in the name of the convention was also prepared ; 
 but so hopeless did the prospect begin to be, that it was 
 left to the bishop to present it or not, according to his views 
 of expediency. 
 
 It has already been intimated that all this strife concern- 
 ing property helped no man's growth in grace; and so 
 completely secular in their practices had some of the clergy 
 now become, that it actually became necessary to pass a 
 canon prohibiting them from holding military commissions. 
 It would, however, be most unjust to extend the censure 
 implied in this canon to the clergy generally. The number 
 of those for whom such a law could have been necessary 
 was very small. 
 
 Bishop Madison, in the exercise of the discretion con- 
 fided to him by the convention of 1796, submitted to the 
 legislature of that year the memorial touching the sale of 
 the property of the church. It was not acted upon by the 
 Assembly ; but the subject, according to some former pre- 
 cedents in matters concerning the church, already recorded. 
 
232 PllOTESTANi EPISCOPAL CHURCB [1706. 
 
 was submitted to the consideration of the people. Episco- 
 palians began now to think that their only mode of saving 
 the glebes was, if possible, with the concurrence of the 
 legislature, to draw the determination of the question from 
 before that tribunal, and submit its decision to the courts 
 of law. With the concurrence of the standing committee, 
 the bishop, therefore, resolved to obtain professional advice; 
 and an opinion was sought at the hands of some of the ablest 
 jurists of Virginia. Bushrod Washington, Edmund Ran- 
 dolph, and John Wickham were consulted, and, as the result 
 of their deliberations, stated : — 
 
 1. That the Protestant Episcopal church was the exclu- 
 sive owner of the glebes. 
 
 2. That so far was the title of the church from being 
 impaired by the Bill of Rights, that on no sound construc- 
 tion did they clash, but that the title of the church stood 
 upon precisely the same grounds with the rights of private 
 property, which had been recognised and secured by the 
 principles of the revolution and by the constitution. 
 
 3. That any question concerning the right of property in 
 the glebes could constitutionally be decided by the judiciary 
 alone. 
 
 Having obtained this opinion, the bishop called together 
 the convention in December, 1797, and in his address, di- 
 recting their attention to the church property, laid before 
 them the opinion just recited. 
 
 The convention appointed a committee to attend the dis- 
 cussion of their memorial before the legislature, and in- 
 structed them to propose to that body that the controversy 
 should be submitted to the decision of a proper tribunal of 
 justice. 
 
 The task becomes truly painful, of following through the 
 ecclesiastical records of this period the gradual but sure 
 descent of the church from level to level, each a little lower 
 than the former ; and of witnessing effort after effort made 
 
17t)9.] IN VIRGINIA. 238 
 
 in vain by her few remaining friends to stay her down- 
 ward course. The picture presented by the bishop in one 
 of his addresses about this time, offers to our contemplation 
 a suffering clergy, temples in every stage of dilapidation 
 and decay, and an increasing indifference to the interests 
 of the church, which told too plainly that the protracted 
 struggle was fast driving Churchmen into the hopelessness 
 of despair.* 
 
 The last conventional effort of which we have any record 
 was made in 1799. By a resolution of that year, the bishop 
 was directed to employ counsel to defend the rights of the 
 church before the judiciary, whenever it should be deemed 
 most proper to bring the question before it ; and it is to be 
 presumed that the church now sat down in patience to 
 await the blow, which probably was seen by all to be 
 inevitable. The crisis came at last ; and on the twelfth of 
 January, 1802, the legislature passed the law, by virtue of 
 which the glebes of Virginia were ordered to be sold for 
 the benefit of the public. The warfare begun by the Bap- 
 tists seven-and-twenty years before, was now finished ; the 
 church was in ruins, and the triumph of her enemies was 
 complete. 
 
 Whether the argument of the friends of the church, 
 founded upon the constitution, the bill of rights, and 
 former enactments of the legislature, was deemed so 
 plausible as to require the interference of the Assembly 
 to deprive it of its force, it is not possible to say ; but 
 so it was, that in January, 1799, an act was passed "to 
 declare the construction of the bill of rights and constitu- 
 tion, concerning religion," whereby every act which had 
 been passed since the revolution, touching the church 
 or its property, was repealed, as being " inconsistent with 
 the principles of the constitution and of religious freedom," 
 aod as tending "manifestly to the re-establishment of a 
 
 Bishop Madison's Address, May, 1799. 
 O G 
 
5584 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1802. 
 
 national church;" and it was further declared that Mr. 
 Jefferson's celebrated law ** for establishing religious free- 
 dom," was a true exposition of the principles of the bill 
 of rights and constitution.* 
 
 The preamble to the law directing the sale of the glebes, 
 recited, that "the General Assembly, on the twenty-fourth 
 day of January, 1799, by their act of that date repealed 
 all the laws relative to the late Protestant Episcopal church, 
 and declared a true exposition of the principles of the bill 
 of rights and constitution respecting the same to be con- 
 tained in the act entitled * An act for establishing religious 
 freedom ;' thereby recognising the principle that all prop- 
 erty formerly belonging to the said church, of every de- 
 scription, devolved on the good people of this common- 
 wealth on the dissolution of the British government here, 
 in the same degree in which the right and interest of the 
 said church was therein derived from them ;" and that 
 although the General Assembly possessed the right of au- 
 thorizing a sale of all such property indiscriminately, yet 
 being desirous to reconcile all the good people of this com- 
 monwealth, it was deemed inexpedient at that time to dis- 
 turb the possession of the present incumbents. It then 
 proceeded to enact, that in any county where any glebe 
 was or should become vacant, the overseers of the poor 
 should have full power to sell the same. The proceeds of 
 the sale were directed to be appropriated to the poor of the 
 parish, or to any other object -which a majority of free- 
 holders and housekeepers in the parish might by writmg 
 direct, provided that nothing should authorize an appropri-^ 
 ation of it " to any religious purpose whatever." The. 
 church edifices, with the property contained in them, and 
 churchyards, were not to be sold under the law, neither 
 were any private donations made before the year 1777, if 
 there was any person in being entitled to hold property 
 
 * Laws of Virginia, edition of 1803, p. 388 
 
1802.] IN viRaiNiA. 235 
 
 under the original donor. Gifts and subscriptions made 
 after the year 1777 were left untouched. 
 
 If there should be those who are disposed to view this 
 law as an illegal encroachment upon the vested rights of 
 the church, it is proper to remind them of the reasons 
 which satisfied those who enacted it that they Were doing 
 right. They supposed that from the beginning the jtrop- 
 erty of the glebes was in the people* not in the clergy, and 
 that, as the number of Episcopalians in the parishes which 
 remained was not a majority of the people, therefore no 
 injustice was done by the act in question. Many who 
 voted for the law felt compelled to do so by the force of 
 popular opinion. 
 
 The very natural inquiry will here be proposed, " What 
 was the effect of this law, and how far were the people 
 benefited by the sale of the glebes?" We answer this 
 inquiry in the words of one of our contemporaries, who 
 has always lived in Virginia: — "Under this act not only 
 glebes, but churches, and even the communion plate, have 
 been sold.^f " The purchasers of the glebes have, in every 
 instance where a sale has been made, paid, as it were, 
 almost nothing for them."J " After all that has been done, 
 how has the public been benefited, either in a moral or pe- 
 cuniary way ? If it has been benefited, let those who can, 
 show it. It is denied that the public has in any way derived 
 the least benefit from the sale of any of the glebes which 
 have been sold. It is well known that in some counties the 
 money has got into the hands of some of the overseers of 
 the poor, and there it has remained."^ 
 
 Nay, at this moment, should we ask where are the ves- 
 sels which were once consecrated to the service of Almighty 
 God, to be used in that holy sacrament which the Redeemer 
 
 Vide ante, p. 55. et al. vs. the overseers of the poor 
 
 t Lee's Review of the Chancel- of Loudoun county et aL p. 16. 
 lor*s opinion in the case of Selden X Ibid. p. 26. 
 
 Ibid. p. 16. 
 
d36 FROTESfANT EPISCOFAL CHURCH [180^. 
 
 instituted " for a perpetual memory of his death and sacri- 
 fice, until his coming again," what must be the answer? 
 The sacred vessels of the temple have been scattered, they 
 have passed in some instances into impious hands. Within 
 our own times has the fact occurred that a reckless sensur- 
 alist has administered the morning dram to his guests from 
 the silver cup which has often contained the consecrated 
 symbol of his Saviour's blood I* In another instance, the 
 entire set of communion plate of one of the old churches 
 is in the hands of one who belongs to the society of Bap- 
 tists.f It has fallen to the lot of the Bishop of Virginia, ia 
 the course of his visitations, to witness the conversion of a 
 marble baptismal font into a watering-trough for horses. 
 These facts last recorded did not take place by virtue of the 
 law of 1802 ; for that authorized no sale of the furniture 
 of the church : but still they are a consequence of that law;' 
 tliey prove that when once the decree has gone forth which 
 touches what a church claims as its lawful rights — whea 
 once the public are taught that their legislators feel obliged, 
 on such a subject, to yipld to their demands^the barrier is 
 broken down ; might makes right ; and no man can foretell 
 how far the zeal of the people will outstrip the intentions of 
 their legislators. It is a fact worthy of notice that the 
 reoords of history present few or no instances in which the 
 spoliation of property devoted to literary or ecclesiastical 
 purposes, has not failed, first, to accomplish the benefit 
 which was avowed as the cause of the interference with 
 it ; and, secondly, to be stayed within the limits contem- 
 plated by those who advised it. 
 
 In view of the facts just related, we are constrained to 
 say, that if in her former prosperous condition the church 
 in Virginia had sinned more deeply than she is accused of 
 having done, even by her enemies, verily, in the ruin which 
 
 • MS. letter in the author's possession, from one of the Virginia 
 clergy. , 
 t Ibid. 
 
1804.] IN riROiNiA. 2»7 
 
 we have now seen overtake her, she has made an ample, 
 and, to her, costly atonement. 
 
 It was not long after the passage of the act of 1802, 
 before the church found it necessary to bring the constitu- 
 tionality of that law before the proper tribunal for consid- 
 eration. This was done in the year 1804, in the celebrated 
 case of Turpin et al. vs. Locket et al., commonly known as 
 the Manchester case. The defendants, as overseers of the 
 poor, had undertaken to sell the glebe lands of the parish 
 of Manchester, under the act of 1802; and the plaintiffs, 
 who were the churchwardens and vestrymen, filed a bill in 
 chancery, to prevent the sale by an injunction.* 
 
 The cause finally, by an appeal from the decree of Chan- 
 cellor Wythe, came before the court of appeals, the highest 
 tribunal in Virginia ; which, at that time, was composed of 
 Judge Pendleton, the president, with Judges Carrington, 
 Lyons, Roane, and Fleming. The last named gentleman, 
 however, did not sit in the cause, because he considered 
 himself interested in the decision.f 
 
 As the principles involved in the case were of great im* 
 portance, and the property of the glebes was of much 
 value, it may readily be supposed that the cause excited a 
 deep interest; and, after an elaborate argument, the court 
 declined then giving an opinion, and held it under advise- 
 ment. In the vacation which succeeded. Judge Pendleton 
 prepared his opinion in writing ; it was, that the act of 
 1802 was unconstitutional, and that the glebes belonged to 
 the Protestant Episcopal church. But, on the night before 
 the opinion was to have been pronounced. Judge Pendleton 
 died;X and as Judges Carrington and Lyons were both 
 known to be of a similar opinion, the judgment of the court, 
 but for the death of its president, would have been rendered 
 on the next day for the church. 
 
 * 6 Call's Reports, 113. overseers of the poor of Loudoun", 
 
 t Lee's Review of the Chancel" p. 17. 
 lor's opinion in Selden et al. w. % 6 Call's Reports, 187. 
 
238 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1804. 
 
 After the death of Judge Pendleton, Judge Tucker was 
 appointed to succeed him, and the cause was again argued. 
 The grounds taken were briefly these : on the part of the 
 defendants it was argued, 1. That if the church had power 
 to hold the glebes before the American revolution, that 
 event destroyed such power ; and upon a dissolution of the 
 former political system, the glebes devolved upon the com- 
 monwealth. 
 
 To this it was answered, that by various legislative acts 
 adopted after the change in government, the very framers 
 of the constitution, who adopted these acts, conclusively 
 showed that they did not suppose the revolution had de- 
 stroyed the church : thus, on the very day after the decla- 
 ration of independence, the convention of Virginia altered 
 the Book of Common Prayer, to accommodate it to the 
 change in affairs ; and it should here be added, that Judges 
 Carrington and Lyons, both of whom were members of the 
 convention of Virginia, declared, in their opinion, that the 
 destruction of the church was not supposed, at the time, to 
 have resulted from the change of government. It was also 
 answered, that revolutions are intended to preserve rights, 
 not to take them away ; and that alterations in the form 
 of a government do not affect the rights of private prop- 
 erty. 
 
 2. It was urged that a distinction obtains between a na- 
 tural person and an artificial body, such as a corporation : 
 that even admitting the rights of the first to be unmolested 
 by a revolution, yet the rights of the latter are thereby 
 lost. 
 
 In reply, it was said, that as all property was matter of 
 civil institution, and the right to it was not natural, but in 
 all cases created by law, the ground on which private prop- 
 erty was held sacred applied as forcibly to a society as it 
 did to an individual. 
 
 3. It was argued that the church, as a society, lost its 
 corporate existence by the revolution: first, because the 
 
1804.] IN VIRGINIA. 289 
 
 king, one of its integral parts, was gone ; secondly, because 
 incorporated religious societies were contrary to the six- 
 teenth article of the bill of rights ; and, thirdly, because 
 the profits of the glebes were emoluments^ which were for- 
 bidden by the fourth article. 
 
 It was answered, that neither of these positions was 
 true. 
 
 First, the king never was an integral part of the estab- 
 lished church, even in England ; but, if he were, then a 
 society is not destroyed by the removal of one of its parts, 
 provided enough be left to carry on its operations. 
 
 Secondly, the sixteenth article of the bill of rights relates 
 simply to the rights of conscience, and the mutual charities 
 due from man to man.* 
 
 Thirdly, the fourth article does not relate to property at 
 all, but to emoluments and privileges subsequently to be 
 created in favour of the great officers of government; and 
 refers to magistrates, legislators, and judges only. 
 
 Upon the second argument. Judges Carrington and Lyons 
 still retained their former opinion. Judge Tucker concurred 
 in opinion with Judge Roane that the act of 1802 was con- 
 stitutional, and that the glebes might be sold ; while Judge 
 Fleming, who was known to agree with Judges Carrington 
 and Lyons, still declined, for the reason before given, to sit 
 in the case. Thus the court was equally divided ; and, of 
 course, the decree below, from which an appeal had been 
 taken, was affirmed ; though it has never yet been deter- 
 mined by a majority of the court of appeals in Virginia, 
 that the law of 1802 is constitutional. 
 
 * The article is in these words : — " That religion, or the duty which we 
 owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by 
 reason and conviction, not by force or violence, and therefore all men are 
 equally entitled to the free exercise of reUgion, according to the dictates of 
 conscience ; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practise Christian for- 
 bearance, love, and charity towards each other." 
 
240 PROTESTANT BFISCOPAL CHURCH [1805. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 1805-1816. 
 
 Ctmvention of 1805 — An assistant Bishop proposed— Itinerating Clergy 
 jrecommended — Suspension of Conventions — Death of Bishop Madison 
 —Election of Dr. Bracken to the Episcopate — He declines — Utter Pros- 
 tration of a part of the Church — First dawn of Improvement in her Pros- 
 pects — Election of Bishop Moore to the Episcopate — Clergy not more 
 numerous than they were about Two Hundred Years before — Revival of 
 the Church — Zeal and Labours of the Bishop and Clergy — Bequest to 
 the Church — Discipline of the Laity — A number of new Churches built 
 — Old ones repaired — Difficulties arising from the Bishop's being a 
 Parish Minister — Theological Education. 
 
 The convention of 1805 opened with an attendance of 
 fifteen clergymen and sixteen laymen; and when it is re- 
 membered that the posture of affairs was now such as put 
 in peril everything to which the church had a claim, and 
 therefore, made a loud call upon Episcopalians to come to 
 her aid with their counsels, we are constrained to con- 
 sider the limited number of attendants upon the convention 
 as evidence, that in the minds of Churchmen generally the 
 further prosecution of their cause was deemed useless. 
 
 Such, however, was not the sentiment of the few who did 
 assemble. Though feeble in numbers, they were yet reso- 
 lute in purpose ; and considering the great question of the 
 title to the glebes as yet undecided, they did not Tail to put 
 upon their records a solemn protest against the law of 1802 
 as being unconstitutional, and unanimously resolved that the 
 bishop and standing committee should be authorized and 
 requested " to pursue to the end" the defence of the rights 
 and property of the church. They called also upon every 
 parish to send its contribution towards a fund for the pur- 
 
1805.J IN VIRGINIA. 241 
 
 pose of defraying any and all expenses which might be in- 
 curred in carrying into effect their resolution ; and that the 
 precise condition of every portion of the property in dis- 
 pute might be well understood, they required of the visiters 
 to report without delay to the bishop and standing com- 
 mittee the name of every parish, and of every incumbent 
 of a parish within their respective districts, what glebes had 
 been sold under the law of 1802, and what were then in 
 litigation. 
 
 Having thus disposed of the most important matter be- 
 fore them, they next directed their attention to the more 
 effectual government of the church ; both clergy and laity 
 were laid under more restraints than were common in 
 practice, and to a disciplined layman was allowed the right 
 of appeal to the convention from the sentence of his minister 
 and vestrymen. 
 
 Bishop Madison began now to feel the weight of years 
 and incessant occupation. He was verging towards three- 
 score, and in addition to the anxieties created by the con- 
 dition of the church, as exhibited in our previous pages, he 
 was also burdened with the cares of William and Mary 
 College, of which he still continued to be the head. Urging 
 therefore upon the convention the feebleness of a failing 
 body, he asked that an assistant bishop might be appointed 
 to aid him in the discharge of his duties. The convention 
 resolved that it was expedient to appoint such an officer, 
 but postponed the nomination of him until the next conven- 
 tion. This, it is believed, is the first instance in the history 
 of the American Episcopal church in which mention is 
 made of assistant bishops. 
 
 There was one other measure brought before the con- 
 vention of X805, which, according to the disposition of dif- 
 ferent minds, may be deemed an exhibition of commend- 
 able zeal, or a stroke of calculating policy. Many of the 
 parishes were without pastors ; it was therefore deter- 
 mined that they should be supplied by itinerating minis- 
 
 H H 
 
242 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1805. 
 
 ters, to be selected by the bishop and standing committee, 
 and to be paid out of a fund to be raised by general sub- 
 scription in the churches. It is not improbable, that in a 
 newly settled country, where the population is scattered, 
 and society can scarcely be said to be organized, the sys- 
 tem of itinerancy may be advantageously resorted to for a 
 time at least ; and even in older countries, when the desti- 
 tution of clergymen has become great, it may be highly 
 expedient to introduce the same system ; it is in fact but a 
 primitive species of missionary labour, and we know it to 
 have been often blessed in its results. There was doubt- 
 less in Virginia a necessity for more ministerial labours- 
 than could be had, and the measure adopted by the con- 
 vention may therefore have been prompted by zeal alone ; 
 but inasmuch as many of the parishes possessed glebes, 
 which, under the law of 1802, were liable to be sold in all 
 cases where there was no incumbent, the expedient of itin- 
 erating ministers, who periodically should visit destitute 
 parishes, may by some be uncharitably supposed to have 
 been a scheme intended merely to furnish the parishes with 
 ministers, so far at least as might be necessary to prevent 
 the sale of their property, A more probable and kind con- 
 jecture is, that there were exhibited such beneficial results 
 in the adoption of an itinerating ministry by the Method- 
 ists, that'Churchmen were taught wisdom by their example. 
 The subject of an assistant bishop did not again come 
 under consideration ; indeed, the depressed condition of the 
 church was such, that there was no conventional meeting 
 before which it could be brought ; for it is believed that 
 from the period now under consideration up to the year 
 1812, no convention assembled in Virginia. It was the 
 dark day of the church : Bishop Madison was gradually 
 sinking under the combined weight of college cares and 
 episcopal anxieties, and seems to have yielded, in some 
 degree at least, to that despair which had already settled 
 on the minds of so many Churchmen. The rest of the 
 
1812.] IN VIRGINIA. 243 
 
 clergy, greatly diminished however in numbers, still con- 
 tinued to officiate, and occasionally some one among them, 
 in whose case some peculiarity of circumstance was sup- 
 posed to exist, which exempted it from the ordinary appli- 
 cation of the law for the sale of the glebes, ventured to as- 
 sert his right by an appeal to the tribunals of the country ; 
 and sometimes such an appeal was not without success. 
 With the exception of such occasional claims on the part 
 of the clergy, the evidence is nearly uniform, that all hope 
 of raising the church from the dust had been well nigh 
 abandoned by Episcopalians. 
 
 The death of Bishop Madison, which occurred on the 
 sixth of March, 1812, was the first circumstance which in- 
 terrupted this state of stagnation, and compelled the church 
 once more to assemble in convention. Thirteen clergymen 
 and twelve laymen accordingly met in Richmond, about 
 two months after the death of the bisliop ; and among the 
 names of the clergy is to be found that of one, who, de- 
 scended from one of the best families of Virginia, and then 
 a very young man, but just ordained, had presented the 
 example, rare enough at that day, of relinquishing the 
 prospects which wealth and family influence might have 
 opened before him, and of devoting himself to the ministry 
 in the church of his fathers. That gentleman is now the 
 assistant bishop of Virginia, and is thus mentioned because 
 he was one of those who were most active in the resuscita- 
 tion of the church in his native state. 
 
 One of the most important measures of this convention 
 was the election of a successor to Bishop Madison. The 
 choice of the convention fell upon the Rev. Doctor Bracken, 
 by an almost unanimous vote. If additional evidence were 
 needed of the almost entire ruin of the church, it might be 
 gathered from another act of the convention. The number 
 of members required by canon to form a quorum was fif- 
 teen ; and the number necessary to adopt any canon was 
 twenty-five. Under this law of the church, it may well be 
 
244 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1813. 
 
 questioned whether the body which assembled was legally 
 a convention ; and it is not improbable that a compliance 
 with the canon, as to the number of clergy, was at that 
 time very difficult, if not actually impossible. The con- 
 vention, therefore, from necessity altered the canon, and 
 made nine members competent to transact business, and 
 fifteen necessary to pass a canon in the conventions of a 
 state, which could once number its hundred ministers. 
 
 The effort to provide a successor in the episcopate proved 
 abortive, for in May, 1813, Dr. Bracken declined the ap- 
 pointment, and the convention of that year, which barely 
 had a quorum, did not proceed to another election. Such 
 had now become the poverty of some of the churches which 
 once supported their clergymen without difficulty, that the 
 convention felt the necessity of making some effort to save 
 them from entire destruction. This feeling gave birth to 
 the following resolutions: — 
 
 " Whereas, from the destitute state of the churches in 
 this state, many piously disposed persons who are attached 
 to the doctrine, worship, and discipline of the Protestant 
 Episcopal church are deprived of the means of worshipping 
 God according to her venerable forms, to the great un- 
 happiness of themselves, as well as to the great detriment 
 of the church at large ; 
 
 "Resolved, therefore, that it is expedient to raise a fund 
 for the purpose of aiding in the support of such clergymen 
 of piety and talents as may be obtained to perform divine 
 service in such districts in the state as may be assigned to 
 them by the convention. 
 
 " Resolved, that the clergy and vestry, or any influential 
 members of the church in the several parishes in the state 
 be, and are hereby requested to use their best endeavours, 
 either by subscriptions or otherwise, to promote this ob- 
 ject. 
 
 " Resolved, that the members of this church generally, 
 are hereby most earnestly entreated to consider the neces- 
 
1813.] IN VIRGINIA. 245 
 
 sity of adopting zealous measures for the restoration of re- 
 ligion among us; that they endeavour to manifest their 
 gratitude to Almighty God, and their sense of the awful 
 importance of his blessed revelation ; that they consider 
 the unspeakable rewards they will receive from that gra- 
 cious master to whom they belong, whose goodness de- 
 mands the warmest returns of love, duty, and obedience; 
 and that they will contribute to the utmost in their power 
 to render this most acceptable service to his cause." 
 
 The standing committee was directed to prepare and 
 distribute an address upon the condition of the church ; 
 and an idea of its character may be gathered from the 
 tenor of the resolutions just recorded. Disheartening 
 however as is their language, it is proper to mention that 
 the journals of this year do exhibit some symptoms, faint 
 indeed, but still cheering, of reviving zeal for the church of 
 Christ. The period through which, for some years, our 
 narrative has been taking us, is one for the most part of 
 such gloomy darkness, that the smallest ray of light is felt 
 to be a blessing. The record is therefore made with grati- 
 tude, that, at this convention, contributions in aid of the 
 church were sent in from twelve parishes: let us not de- 
 spise them because they amounted in the aggregate to but 
 fifty-five pounds. We must not forget that there was a 
 time when nothing was contributed. 
 
 Thankful should we be also that we are about to emerge 
 from the darkness which has so long shrouded the church. 
 The fact recorded in the last paragraph was the dawning 
 light of a brighter day; the church in Virginia was now 
 about entering upon a course which has steadily continued 
 to the present day to be upward. The event which most 
 prominently marked its commencement was the election 
 to the episcopate of its present venerated diocesan, the 
 Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore. This event took 
 place in May, 18.4, and the journals of the convention, by 
 which the election was made, show the presence of but 
 
246 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1814. 
 
 seven clergymen and seventeen laymen. We look back 
 upon the past, and are struck with the contrast. Seven 
 clergymen were all that could be convened to transact the 
 most important measure which our conventions are ever 
 called on to perform ; and this in a territory where, once, 
 more than ten times seven regularly served at the altar. 
 We look back farther still, and find the church, after the 
 lapse of two hundred years, numbering about as many 
 ministers as she possessed at the close of the first eight 
 years of her existence. 
 
 The choice made by this little handful of clergy and laity 
 was well and wisely made. If the Bishop of Virginia were 
 gathered to the rest of that blessed inheritance which awaits 
 him, it would be alike an act of duty and of pleasure to 
 permit ourselves freely to render that affectionate and 
 well-earned tribute of respect which, in doing justice to 
 him, would therein also do honour to ourselves ; but we 
 must not forget what is due to the sensitive modesty of 
 living worth. 
 
 The individual who truly deserves the esteem of his 
 fellows, is apt to possess a delicacy of feeling which pre- 
 fers that men should love him rather than praise him. In 
 our notice of the diocesan of Virginia, we would not shock 
 that delicacy. 
 
 The Right Reverend Richard Channing Moore, bishop 
 of the diocess of Virginia, was born in the city of New- 
 York, on the twenty-first day of August, 1762. His father 
 was Thomas Moore, son of the Honourable John Moore, 
 Esq., one of his majesty's council, for what, at that time, 
 was the province of New- York. 
 
 At the age of eight years, the subject of this sketch was 
 placed under the care of Mr. Alexander Leslie, professor 
 of languages in King's (now Columbia) College ; and, under 
 his instruction, he continued until the commencement of 
 the war of the revolution, at which period he had com- 
 pleted his classical studies. 
 
1814.] IN VIRGINIA. 247 
 
 At the early age of sixteen he entered upon the study of 
 medicine, under the direction of Doctor Richard Bayley, a 
 celebrated physician and surgeon of that day; and after 
 completing his professional studies, he entered on the prac- 
 tice of medicine, in which he continued until the year 
 1787. 
 
 The religious impressions of Doctor Moore commenced 
 at a very early period, as he remembers their existence 
 even in his boyhood : during his practice of medicine, how- 
 ever, they returned upon him with increased force ; and 
 the result was a determination to devote himself to the 
 Christian ministry. The profession of an Episcopal clergy- 
 man was one which then held out no worldly temptation 
 to him who sought it; for it offered in most parts of the 
 country no recompense at all for his labours, because in 
 most parts the church had been prostrated by the war ; 
 and its remuneration was but scanty, even in those places 
 where the church had survived the storm. But Doctor 
 Moore had no worldly ends to answer, and therefore did 
 not hesitate to devote himself to a cause, not the less dear 
 or honoured in his eyes for being humble in the eyes of 
 the world. His purpose being fixed, he immediately en- 
 tered on a course of preparatory study, and under the 
 superintendence of his old preceptor, Mr. Leslie, he revised 
 his classical reading. 
 
 In the month of July, 1787, he was admitted to deacon's 
 orders by the Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, the first 
 bishop of the diocess of New- York. There were several 
 circumstances connected with his ordination which im- 
 parted to it more than usual interest in his eyes. He was 
 the first individual who received orders at the hands of the 
 new bishop, and probably the first who ever received 
 episcopal ordination in his native city: at the time of his 
 admission into the ministry, he constituted the sixth or 
 seventh clergyman in the large diocess of New- York, 
 which now contains more than two hundred Episcopal 
 
248 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1814. 
 
 clergymen ; and the ordination took place in St. George's 
 Chapel, where he had been baptized, and confirmed, and 
 at the altar of which he had first received the Eucharist. 
 In the following September, he received priest's orders in 
 the same chapel^ and from the same bishop, and immedi- 
 ately took charge of the parish of Grace Church, in the 
 township of Rye, Westchester county. 
 
 The edifice in which the congregation at Rye now wor- 
 ships, is a monument of his zeal, and a part of the first 
 fruits of his labours in promoting the temporal as well as 
 spiritual welfare of the church, which he has so long and 
 so truly loved : it was by his exertions that the money 
 was raised with which this church was built. 
 
 In the latter part of 1788 he was invited to accept of the 
 rectorship of St. Andrew's Church, on Staten Island; to 
 which place he removed in the month of October of that 
 year. This field of his labours he continued to occupy for 
 twenty-one years, and he here reared for himself a me- 
 morial such as a Christian minister may contemplate with 
 gratitude. The flock committed to his charge increased 
 so greatly, that it was found necessary to erect a chapel 
 on the north side of the island, which was soon filled with 
 attentive hearers. 
 
 As a preacher, Bishop Moore has been eminently success- 
 ful : indeed, it may well be questioned whether the labours 
 of any one clergyman in the Episcopal church in the United 
 States have been more abundantly blessed than have those 
 of this prelate. With a manner the most persuasive and af- 
 fectionate, mingled with great earnestness of feeling, and un- 
 doubted piety, his preaching has, by the Spirit's blessing, 
 found its way to the heart of many a hearer. An incident oc- 
 curred in the course of his ministry on Staten Island so re- 
 markable, that it deserves to be recorded. The bishop was 
 never at any time disposed to countenance the unnatural and 
 feverish excitement in congregations, which, often the result 
 of animal emotion powerfully wrought upon, perhaps, by 
 
1814.] IN VIRGINIA. 249 
 
 artificial machinery of man's inventions, sometimes passes 
 current for a work of the Spirit of God. He did not, how- 
 ever, perceive why the same Spirit, which by its blessed 
 influences operates on the heart and conscience of one 
 sinner, bringing him to repentance towards God, and a 
 living faith in the Redeemer, might not also operate simul- 
 taneously on many sinners with the same happy result ; 
 though, for the production of such an end, he knew of no 
 means, except such as were sanctioned in the orderly ser- 
 vices of the church to which he belonged. Prayer, public 
 and private, the stated worship of the church, her comfort- 
 able sacraments, and the faithful preaching of the Gospel, 
 were all the machinery of which he knew either the law- 
 fulness or the use. He had been perseveringly engaged in 
 the use of these for a length of time, until, at an hour, when 
 nothing unusual had seemingly occurred to produce any 
 solemn effect, the minds of his people seemed to be simul- 
 taneously awakened to the infinite value of divine things. 
 
 It was at one of his stated lectures in the church, that 
 after the usual services had concluded, and the benediction 
 been pronounced, he sat down in his pulpit, waiting for the 
 people to retire. To his great surprise, he soon observed 
 that not an individual present seemed disposed to leave 
 the church ; and, after the interval of a few minutes, during 
 which a perfect silence was maintained, one of the mem- 
 bers of the congregation arose, and respectfully requested 
 him to address those present a second time. After sing- 
 ing a hymn, the bishop delivered to them a second dis- 
 course, and once more dismissed the people with the 
 blessing. But the same state of feeling, which had be- 
 fore kept them in their seats, still existed, and once more 
 did they solicit the preacher to address them ; accord- 
 ingly he delivered to them a third sermon; and, at its 
 close, exhausted by the labour in which he had been en- 
 gaged, he informed them of ihe impossibility of continuing 
 
 1 1 
 
Iihfi PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1814. 
 
 the services on his part, once more blessed them, and 
 affectionately entreated them to retire to their homes. 
 
 It was within the space of six weeks, after the scene 
 above described, that more than sixty members of the con- 
 gregation became communicants; and, in the course of 
 the year, more than one hundred knelt around the chancel 
 of St. Andrew's, who had never knelt there before as par- 
 takers of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 It is not wonderful that in the retrospect of the facts we 
 have here related, the bishop should entertain an opinion, 
 best expressed in his own words, that, " although we have 
 the promise of heaven to be always present with the 
 church, still, there are particular seasons in which the 
 Almighty displays his power in a manner so overwhelm- 
 ing, as to command the attention of his rational creatures ; 
 to dispel that coldness which makes them indifferent to the 
 calls of duty ; to excite their gratitude to God for his mer- 
 cies; to melt obdurate offenders into contrition, and to 
 oblige them to sue for forgiveness at the throne of grace." 
 Nor is it matter of surprise that the good bishop should be 
 led by this incident in his own ministerial experience, often 
 to impress, as he does, especially upon his younger clergy, 
 the duty, at seasons in which the Almighty manifests his 
 presence in a more than ordinary way, gladly to avail 
 themselves of such propitious times to put forth redoubled 
 efforts in their Master's cause. 
 
 In the spring of 1809, the bishop was invited to become 
 the rector of St. Stephen's Church, in the city of New- 
 York, and removed thither in June of the same year, leav- 
 ing his son, the Rev. David Moore, at the desire of the 
 congregation, in charge of St. Andrew's parish, on Staten 
 Island. 
 
 The new situation in which he found himself was one 
 beset with many difficulties. The parish was young, and, 
 at that time, the church, which time has since placed in the 
 centre of a crowded population, was on the outskirts of the 
 
1S14.] ,; ^ji J |i^ VIRGINIA. 251 
 
 city, with but little more than thirty families attending it ; 
 among which might be found about twenty communicants. 
 The bishop continued here ministering to an affectionate 
 and constantly increasing congregation for five years ; at 
 the. expiration of which time, he was elected to the episco- 
 pate of Virginia, and left in St. Stephen's about four hun- 
 dred communicants. 
 
 The first invitations which the bishop received from Vir- 
 ginia were from several of the clergy of that diocess ; these 
 were, in fact, but proposals to permit them to elect him 
 for their bishop ; but New- York was his native city, he 
 felt that to him no other place would for a long time be 
 home; and, as he says himself, his heart dwelt upon the 
 tomb of his forefathers, with whom he desired, at last, to 
 rest in death, in the cemetery of Trinity Church ; he there- 
 fore declined their proposals. In a few weeks, however, 
 he received further proposals from some distinguished 
 gentlemen of the laity in Virginia, and then felt it to be his 
 duty to submit the matter to the consideration of Bishop 
 Hobart and the clergy of the city; and, after mature re- 
 flection, they were of opinion that he ought to accept the 
 charge; he then gave his assent, was elected bishop of 
 Virginia, and, as we have seen, was consecrated in May, 
 1814. 
 
 The previous pages of our book will show the amount 
 of difficulties which he was called to meet in his new char- 
 acter ; the success with which he met them will, also, be 
 gathered from our narrative. The clergy were not nu- 
 merous, as we have seen ; and many of them were aged, 
 and, though faithful to the last, were not able to do much. 
 There were, however, four gentlemen of the clergy, whose 
 names deserve a place in the records of the Virginia church, 
 and who should be held by future Episcopalians in honour- 
 able remembrance, as instruments in the hands of God in 
 aiding Bishop Moore to revive the prostrate church. 
 Three of them are now with God ; ^nd the fourth still 
 
252 PllOTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1814. 
 
 lives and labours with all the zeal of his earlier years. 
 These gentlemen were, the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, the Rev. 
 Mr. Norris of Alexandria, the Rev. Mr. Dunn of Loudon 
 county, and the present assistant bishop of Virginia. 
 
 It only remains to be added, that the bishop is now in 
 the seventy-fourth year of his age, the forty-ninth of his 
 ministry, and the twenty-second of his consecration ; and 
 at a period of life when, as it would seem, he might fairly 
 ask for a little repose, he is contemplating the resignation 
 of his office as rector of the Monumental Church in Rich- 
 mond, not that he may sit down in idleness, but to devote 
 his labours exclusively to the duties of his higher office. 
 
 The convention, which" immediately followed the elec- 
 tion of Bishop Moore, affiDrded most gratifying evidence 
 of the benefits which resulted from the fresh impulse 
 created by his presence, and almost by that alone, for he 
 had been able, from the shortness of the time, to do but 
 little. Men's hearts, however, were not now, as in times 
 past, " failing them for fear" that all was lost. Accord- 
 ingly, the assemblage of the clergy at the convention of 
 1815 was just double what it had been twelve months be- 
 fore, while the presence of twenty-eight lay representatives 
 attested the renewed interest which the laity began to feel 
 in the revival of the church of their fathers. The bishop 
 in his address informed the convention that he had found 
 in every parish which he had visited the most animated 
 wish in the people to repair the waste places, and restore 
 the church of their ancestors to its primitive purity and 
 excellence. He had seen congregations, upon the bare 
 mention by him of that glory which once irradiated with 
 its beams the church of Virginia, burst into tears, and by 
 their emotions show that they would.no longer be idle 
 spectators of its present prostration. In two instances, at 
 least, parishes which had been for years destitute of min- 
 isterial services, and which to all human appearance had 
 fiunk into the sleep of death, suddenly aroused themselves 
 
1815.] IN VIRGINIA. 253 
 
 in all the vigour of perfect health. Nor were these out- 
 ward -marks of prosperity all which the bishop was per- 
 mitted to witness : he found the minds of the people alive 
 to the truths of religion, and manifesting a sensibility to 
 divine things, which, he said, bordered on the spirit of 
 gospel times. 
 
 In the production of this pleasant change in the aspect 
 of affairs, much must be ascribed to the zeal and piety of 
 the younger clergy. It is not intended hereby to dis- 
 parage their elder brethren. Some were yet alive who 
 had known the church before the revolution, and passed 
 with her through all her subsequent struggles ; they still 
 laboured for her with a love which no adversities had 
 been able to kill ; and in their limited spheres, limited only 
 because the infirmities of age forbade their enlargement, 
 they were found faithfully contributing their best efforts to 
 advance the cause to which their lives had been conse- 
 crated. But the younger clergy, fired with zeal, gave to 
 the work every faculty they possessed ; they laboured as 
 missionaries wherever and whenever they could. In the 
 language of the bishop, " they carried the standard of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ through a considerable portion of the 
 church: they went out into the highways and hedges, 
 preaching the truths of their Divine Master ; and by their 
 holy conversation with the people, adorned the gospel of 
 Christ." 
 
 Nor would it be just to the laity of Virginia not to men- 
 tion the cheerful discharge, on their part, of the duty of 
 making provision for the support of their clergymen, who 
 were generally left dependant on the liberality of their 
 congregations. An instance of this increasing interest of 
 the laity in the prosperity of the church was furnished, 
 about this time, by a devise made to the president, pro- 
 fessors, or masters of William and Mary College, of a 
 tract of land with certain slaves, in trust for the mainte- 
 nance of the clergymen within one of the older parishes, 
 
254 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1915. 
 
 and for the payment of a small sum annually as a fund, 
 to be applied towards defraying the general expenses of 
 the church. 
 
 An increase in the number of the clergy was also one 
 of the happy fruits of the first year of Bishop Moore's 
 episcopate. He admitted three to the ministry, and en- 
 rolled four as candidates for orders. 
 
 The subject of theological education which had hereto- 
 fore, as we have seen, excited attention in the minds of 
 some, began again to awaken interest. The circumstance 
 which was the immediate cause of now bringing it into 
 notice, was a communication from the president of William 
 and Mary College, addressed to the convention, upon the 
 expediency of providing a fund for the support of the theo- 
 logical chair in that institution, which had long been va- 
 cant. The matter was referred to the bishop and standing 
 committee, and it is probable that this incident contributed 
 in the hands of Providence to produce, a few years after- 
 ward, the theological school at Alexandria. 
 
 There was a topic of great delicacy which also came 
 up at this time for consideration. It is a fact, familiar to 
 the student of ecclesiastical history, that modern times 
 exhibit an almost total relaxation of the ancient ecclesias- 
 tical discipline : an entire restoration of it would probably 
 be neither expedient nor practicable, and yet nothing is 
 more certain than that it is ruinous to the spiritual welfare 
 of the church to permit crime in its members to escape 
 with impunity. If the church be really a society, it is 
 evident that there must be government in it ; government 
 implies law ; and law implies penalties ; the infliction of 
 penalties is discipline. The only point of danger is, lest 
 discipline should degenerate into tyranny: let this be 
 guarded against, and no reasonable objection can be made 
 against the punishment of an offender, whether clerical 
 or lay. 
 
 The church in her rubrics, relative to communicants, 
 
1816.] .>.i>i- IN VIRGINIA. 265 
 
 has made provision for certain cases where the facts are 
 known to the clergyman, and the congregation has been 
 offended by the wickedness of the communicant, and these 
 rubrics were in existence at the period now under review ; 
 but offences for which a layman might, be tried, and the 
 mode of trial, were not defined, either by rubric or canon. 
 Ample provision had been made for bringing to deserved 
 punishment a clergyman who offended ; and now the 
 church in Virginia legislated for the discipline of the laity 
 also. Two canons were adopted (not, however, to take 
 effect until after the lapse of a twelvemonth.) By the first 
 of these it was declared that " drunkenness, incontinence, 
 profane swearing, general neglect of public worship, Sab- 
 bath breaking, irreverent behaviour during divine service, 
 gaming, extortion, and any other viciousness of life, are 
 crimes and misdemeanors for which lay members, who 
 are communicants of this church, may be reproved, pub* 
 licly censured, or repelled from the holy communion, ac- 
 cording to the degrees of the offence, and the age and other 
 circumstances of the offender." The other canon pointed 
 out the mode of proceeding: the clergyman, to whose 
 parish the offender might belong, upon information and 
 satisfactory evidence of his guilt, was required privately 
 to admonish him : if this failed to produce reformation, the 
 wardens and vestrymen were constituted a court for his 
 trial ; and upon his conviction by them, the minister was 
 to pronounce sentence ; which sentence could only be, re- 
 proof before the wardens and vestrymen, public censure in 
 the church, or repelling from the holy communion. 
 
 Whatever may be thought of the necessity for this act of 
 legislation, it affords, at least, evidence of the purity of heart 
 and high sense of the value of Christian consistency, which 
 belonged to the laity of the convention which passed it. 
 They were not unwilling to bring themselves under its 
 operation, because they wished no blot to rest upon the 
 honour and purity of the church. At this day, for con- 
 
256 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1816. 
 
 sistent piety, the communicants of Virginia will compare 
 with those of any diocess in the confederacy. 
 
 Further reflection, probably, convinced the Churchmen 
 of Virginia that such legislation as had taken place was 
 not the most judicious ; but they never lost sight of the 
 importance to the church of consistency in its members. 
 The canons just mentioned never went into execution : in 
 1816 they were repealed, and a substitute was provided 
 for them in the following terms: "Whereas, the present 
 state of the Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia has 
 experienced many and great inconveniences from the want 
 of such regulations and provisions as ihe good and whole- 
 some government of the said church required, and from 
 the non-performance of existing canons: now, in order that 
 such inconveniences may be removed, so far as lieth in this 
 convention, and that the rules and canons of the said church, 
 and also those of the general convention may be strictly 
 observed and enforced in all time to come : that all the 
 members of the said church, whether clergymen or laymen, 
 may be excited to the most zealous and commendable exer- 
 tions to further, by all justifiable means, the future pros- 
 perity of the church : be it ordained, that any lay mem- 
 ber of the church, being a communicant thereof, conduct- 
 ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Christian, may, and 
 ought to be, admonished by the minister and vestry of the 
 parish or congregation ; and if such member persevere in 
 such conduct, he shall be suspended, or expelled by the 
 minister and vestry; in which case he may appeal to the 
 ordinary, who shall have power to confirm or reject the 
 sentence." 
 
 This law gave rise to an opinion that the convention 
 intended thereby to withdraw from the clergy those 
 powers which the rubrics had given them of repelling 
 unworthy communicants. Such, however, was not the 
 fact ; but the discovery was ere long made that the uniting 
 of the wardens and vestrymen with the clergy, in trying 
 
1816.] IN VIRGINIA. •" 257 
 
 the case of an unworthy communicant, and administering 
 discipline, was not in accordance with the rubrics ; and 
 therefore it was enacted that the minister alone should 
 admonish or suspend an offending brother, " according to 
 the rubric." Thus ended the legislation of the Virginia 
 church, on the delicate subject of lay discipline ; and it 
 will be seen that it gradually found its way back pre- 
 cisely to the point from which it set out ; furnishing thereby 
 another attestation to the prudence, wisdom, and modera- 
 tion of the excellent men, both abroad and at home, to 
 whom the church is indebted for the " Book of Common 
 Prayer." 
 
 The impulse given to the church was exhibited during 
 this year, in the fact that no less than ten new churches 
 were reported as being in the progress of erection, or 
 about to be built ; while eight of the old ones were under- 
 going repairs. A society was also formed for the distri- 
 bution of the prayer book and tracts ; and a fund was 
 commenced for the support of the episcopate. This last 
 measure was one of much importance. It will be recollected 
 that, at a former period, the bishop was required by canon 
 to be a parish minister ; but long before this time it had 
 been seen that the requisition was unwise. The vast ex- 
 tent of territory within the jurisdiction of the bishop of 
 Virginia covered about seventy thousand square miles, 
 and to do justice to this immense region, required all the 
 time of one man. It, therefore, was obviously desirable 
 to release him from all duties but those which belonged 
 to his episcopal office. The value of an arrangement, 
 whereby he should be released from parochial duty, was, 
 at this time, more sensibly felt, from an observation of the 
 happy effects which followed upon his visitations : wher- 
 ever he went, he diffused a portion of that zeal which in- 
 spired his own labours, and in these labours no one could 
 have been more abundant ; he traversed his diocess from 
 north to south ; and, crossing the mountains more than 
 
 KK 
 
5^ PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1818. 
 
 once, his presence was both seen and felt east and west of 
 the Blue Ridge. He was compelled to be a missionary, 
 or see his diocess go backward. Churches began to in- 
 crease, and the laity were forward in the good work of 
 -estoring old edifices and building new ones, while the 
 cry came to the ears of the bishop with a distressing fre- 
 quency, (for it could not be answered,) "give us min- 
 isters." 
 
 Much, indeed, was done, but it was seen that more re- 
 nained to be done. The prostration of the church' was 
 not the work of a day ; nor was its revival to be accom- 
 plished in any short time. The want which was most 
 severely felt, was that just alluded to, a want of clergy- 
 men : the whole number now amounted to about thirty, 
 while the parishes were much more numerous ; and, as 
 was natural under such circumstances, the subject of 
 theological education became daily one of increasing in- 
 terest. Indeed, this topic, together with that of a fund for 
 the support of the episcopate, were from this time onward 
 more prominent than any other subjects brought before 
 the church.* 
 
 The history has already been given of the attempt made 
 to introduce discipline, and of the final opinion that it 
 was most judicious to leave the subject where it had been 
 placed by the rubric concerning communicants ; but in 
 the convention of 1818, it was deemed proper to put upon 
 record, in the form of a recommendation rather than of an 
 injunction, the solemn testimony of the convention against 
 certain fashionable amusements, indulgence in which was 
 viewed as inconsistent with the purity of the Christian 
 
 ♦ The fund for the support of the episcopate increased but slowly in Vir- 
 ginia. Indeed, in all our diocesses such has been the fact. As an in- 
 stance, however, of the interest felt by some in this matter, the fact is here 
 recorded of a donation of one hundred dollars to the fund, made by the aged 
 widow of the excellent Mr. Jarratt, who was for so many years a faithful 
 labourer in the vineyard. 
 
1818.] IN VIRGINIA. 259 
 
 character. The introduction of this proposition into the 
 convention gave rise to much discussion, and several sug- 
 gestions and amendments to the proposed measure were 
 offered : it is, however, to be remarked, that all the amend- 
 ments proposed recognised the principle that conformity 
 to the world does not become the followers of Christ ; the 
 difference was therefore simply as to the mode in which 
 the church should express this principle to her members 
 The resolution was finally adopted, by the unanimous 
 vote of the clergy, and by seventeen out of twenty-six of 
 the lay members, in the following terms: '-Whereas, dif- 
 ferences of opinion prevail as to certain fashionable amuse- 
 ments ; and it appears desirable to many that the sense of 
 the convention should be expressed concerning them ; the 
 convention does hereby declare its opinion, that gaming, 
 attending on theatres, public balls, and horse racing, should 
 be relinquished by air communicants of this church, as 
 having the bad effects of staining the purity of the Christian 
 character, of giving offence to their pious brethren, and of 
 endangering their own salvation by their rushing volun- 
 tarily into those temptations, against which they implore 
 the protection of their heavenly Father ; and this conven- 
 tion cherishes the hope that this expression of its opinion 
 will be sufficient to produce conformity of conduct, and 
 unanimity of opinion, among all the members of our com- 
 munion." 
 
 In the adoption of this resolution, the church in Virginia 
 did no more than give back a faithful echo to the opinion 
 expressed by the House of Bishops, in the general conven- 
 tion of the previous year, that the amusements above enu- 
 merated, " from their licentious tendency, as well as from 
 the strong temptations to vice which they afford, ought 
 not to be frequented" by the members of the church. 
 
 But the incident for which this year is most remarkable, 
 was the formation of an institution, from which the church, 
 not of Virginia only, but in various parts of our country, 
 
260 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1818. 
 
 has reaped benefits worthy of remembrance. This was 
 the " Education Society." It began in what many will 
 consider a fortunate accident ; the Christian, however, will 
 probably be disposed to think that the accident was God's 
 design. In the year 1818, a number of clergymen, with 
 several lay gentlemen of character and influence, had as- 
 sembled at Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, to 
 witness the services connected with the laying of the corner 
 stone of an Episcopal church, then about to be erected. 
 Among the gentlemen of the laity then present, there was 
 one who had taken under his protection an indigent youth 
 of piety, with the view of educating him for the Christian 
 ministry, which he earnestly desired to enter. The topic 
 of preparatory and theological education, as we have seen, 
 was familiar to the minds of all the Churchmen of Vir- 
 ginia J and the case of this young man having led to an 
 interchange of opinion, they found that all were ready for 
 'action. Accordingly, those present agreed to support the 
 youth, whose case was before them, by their voluntary 
 contributions ; and scarcely was this determined on, be- 
 fore their minds were led to the reflection that there were 
 probably many other young men whose situation was simi- 
 lar to that of their newly adopted beneficiary: this thought 
 gave rise to a suggestion, that a society might be advan- 
 tageously formed for the purpose of educating any number 
 of pious young men desirous of entering into the ministry 
 of the Protestant Episcopal church. The suggestion was 
 so favourably received, that the individuals present re- 
 solved to meet shortly thereafter in the city of Washington, 
 and form the society. They did meet, and the society was 
 duly organized ; but little, indeed, did those concerned sup- 
 pose that they were accomplishing a work so important 
 as theirs has proved itself to be. They did not dare to an- 
 ticipate the extensive results which have flowed from their 
 effort. As soon as the existence of the society was known, 
 young men from various parts of the union sought and 
 
1818.] IN VIRGINIA. 261 
 
 received its bounty. The plan adopted in the commence- 
 ment of its operations was one, suited to what it was sup- 
 posed would be the society's limited sphere of action. If 
 an applicant required preparatory education, he was placed 
 in some college most convenient to himself; and if ready 
 to pursue his theological studies, he was commonly put 
 under the supervision of the clergyman to whose congre- 
 gation he belonged. The expenses in either case were 
 defrayed by the society. This was not the most economi- 
 cal mode of accomplishing the ends in view, and it was 
 also liable to the objection that the beneficiaries were not 
 brought under the superintendence and care of the execu- 
 tive committee of the society. These considerations led 
 to measures, (more fully detailed on a future page,) which 
 contributed in part to a result not dreamed of in the 
 fondest expectations of the society ; this was the establish- 
 ment of the theological school at Alexandria. 
 
 As our allusion to the society, hereafter, will be little 
 more than incidental in pointing out what it has done for 
 the theological seminary, it may be well here to dispose of 
 its history. It has then steadily pursued its course of use- 
 fulness, and commended itself to the affectionate interest, 
 and cordial support, of its friends, both in Virginia and 
 elsewhere. In proof of this, it is only necessary to relate 
 what it has done. Nearly one-tenth of the clergy, of the 
 Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, have, in 
 whole or in part, been assisted by this society. One-sixth 
 of the present clergy of Ohio ; one-eighth of those of Penn- 
 sylvania ; one-fifth of those of Maryland, and a large pro- 
 portion of those in Virginia, have derived aid from its 
 funds ; while it is now affording assistance to about one- 
 seventh of all the students in the several theological 
 schools of the church in the United States.* 
 
 But to return from this digression. In the course 
 
 * For these statements, the author is indebted to the secretary of the 
 society. See them also in the " Southern Churchman," vol. i. pp. 38, 46. 
 
262 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l820. 
 
 of the succeeding year, a subject of much general in- 
 terest was brought to the consideration of the Virginia 
 church, which has subsequently been revived. It re- 
 lated to the division of large diocesses. In the general 
 convention of 1 817, on the motion of one of the lay delega- 
 tion from Virginia, an alteration was proposed in the con- 
 stitution of the church at large, whereby every state or 
 territory of the United States might be made to constitute 
 of itself, or in union with the whole, or certain portions of 
 any other state or territory, one diocess ; or might be di- 
 vided into two or more diocesses by the general conven- 
 tion, with the consent of the local ecclesiastical authority, 
 to be affected by such union or division. The subject of 
 a division of Virginia had before this time been agitated, 
 though it was never brought before the convention ; and 
 this probably led to the alteration in the constitution which 
 was now proposed. The voice of the church in Virginia, 
 however, was against any division : the fear was, inas- 
 much as it was also proposed to fix the representation of 
 the diocesses in the general convention, in the proportion 
 of one clerical deputy for every five clergymen, and one 
 lay representative for every ten congregations in the dio- 
 cess represented, that jealousies would be engendered be- 
 tween the larger and smaller diocesses ; and, therefore, 
 Virginia refused her sanction to the proposed alteration in 
 the constitution. 
 
 In the year 1820, the convention gladly availed itself of 
 circumstances which seemed to present a favourable open- 
 ing to commence advantageously the work of clerical edu- 
 cation. It has already been stated, that the attention of 
 the church had been called by a communication from the 
 president of William and Mary College, to the expediency 
 of providing a fund for the support of the chair of theology 
 in that institution. It seems that about this time there 
 was a strong probability that a clerical professor would be 
 appointed to take charge of any theological students who 
 might desire his aid ; and as a valuable library of divinity 
 
1821.] IN VIRGINIA. 268 
 
 (for which the college was much indebted to Doctors Blair 
 and Bray) belonged to the institution the convention 
 duly appreciating these favourable circumstances, recom- 
 mended them to the attention of the members of the 
 church ; and it is beUeved, that under the supervision of 
 Doctor Keith, then a professor in the college, some few 
 young gentlemen availed themselves of the advantages 
 there afforded. 
 
 This was, however, but the commencement of the work 
 in the cause of theological education. In the succeeding 
 year, the subject was brought forward in the report of the 
 committee on the state of the church. The importance 
 of retaining within her own borders for education such of 
 her sons as desired to devote themselves to the Christian 
 ministry, was sensibly felt in Virginia. Indeed, a similar 
 feeling is found now to prevail, in a greater or less degree, 
 throughout the different parts of the confederacy. The 
 best clergymen for the respective portions of our country 
 are generally found to be natives of those portions ; and 
 in some regions, climate presents a serious obstacle to the 
 labours of any but natives. But when sent from home for 
 education, in addition to the risk incurred of diminished 
 local attachments by the formation of new ties and new 
 associations, on the part of those thus sent abroad, there 
 is another evil which is at present unavoidable : the de- 
 mand for clergymen exceeds the supply, and consequently 
 the student finds fields of labour which invite his entrance 
 in various portions of an extensive country. If no peculiar 
 circumstances call him back to his native state, he does 
 not pause long to make his selection, but is apt to enter 
 that which first solicits his labours, and it is often far dis- 
 tant from the place of his birth. Hence the evil has been 
 more than once complained of; and several of the dio- 
 cesses have exerted themselves, and with success, to pro- 
 vide the means of theological instruction within themselves. 
 This measure, however, has not been adopted in a spirit 
 
264 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l823. 
 
 of hostility towards the general seminary of the church at 
 large; nor has it operated at all to innpair its usefulness; 
 on the contrary, that institution has steadily advanced ever 
 since the diocesan seminaries have existed, and is now 
 more prosperous than at any previous point of its history; 
 nor is there any portion of the church which would inter- 
 rupt that prosperity. But at the time of which we now 
 write, fears were entertained of a different result. The 
 right of any diocess to establish a seminary within its 
 limits was never doubted ; but many questioned the expe- 
 diency of a measure which they admitted to be lawful. 
 Virginia was anxious not to be misunderstood in her course 
 on this subject ; and, therefore, while she recommended 
 the establishment of a theological school at Williamsburg, 
 the seat of William and Mary, and appointed trustees to 
 carry the recommendation into effect, by soliciting funds and 
 appointing professors, she made also a formal declaration, 
 that so far from meditating herein opposition to the general 
 seminary, she cordially desired to witness the prosperity 
 of an institution so vitally connected with the reputation 
 and interest of the church. Experience, it is believed, has 
 long since removed all apprehensions of conflicting inter- 
 ests between the seminaries, and the prosperity of both 
 now calls for thankfulness. 
 
 The measures adopted by the convention of 1821 met 
 with a favourable reception from the members of the 
 church. The appeal made to them by the trustees was so 
 successful, that within a twelvemonth, more than ten thou- 
 sand dollars were subscribed within the diocess : a consti- 
 tution was adopted, by which, among other things, the 
 seminary was placed under the direction of the conven- 
 tion, and the course of study was made conformable to the 
 directions of the House of Bishops. In 1823, the funds of 
 the institution had been still more increased ; and an ex- 
 amination of the list of contributors will show, that in pro- 
 portion to the extent, both of numbers and means, no class 
 
1825.] IN VIRGINIA. 265 
 
 was more liberal than the clergy; donations of valuable 
 theological works had been made by individuals ; and the 
 first professorship had been filled by the appointment of 
 the Rev. Dr. Keith. But the most important measure in 
 the history of the institution, was its removal to Alexan- 
 dria, which took place about this time. By this removal, 
 the aid of the Rev. Dr. Wilmer and the Rev. Mr. Norris 
 was secured in the work of instruction, and but a short 
 time elapsed before eleven young men were enrolled as 
 students of the infant seminary. And here it is proper to 
 record the well-timed and acceptable help which the Edu- 
 cation Society afforded, by a vote of several hundred dol- 
 lars towards the payment of the professor's salary: indeed, 
 it is not improbable that this vote of the society, together 
 with its promised aid for the future, encouraged the church, 
 more than any other circumstance, in fixing the seminary 
 at Alexandria. 
 
 The pledge thus given by the society had the happy 
 effect of bringing the two institutions thus united con- 
 spicuously before the members of the church, and hence 
 they afforded to each other mutual aid. Pursuing its course 
 of gradual prosperity, the Alexandria school increased in 
 the number of its pupils, so that it was soon found neces- 
 sary permanently to establish another professorship. The 
 Rev. Edward Lippitt was appointed in 1825 to the chair 
 of systematic theology, and it is believed that his salary 
 has been entirely furnished from the funds of the Educa- 
 tion Society ever since his appointment. But the import- 
 ance of the society to the seminary was to be more fully ex- 
 hibited still. In the purchase of the farm, near Alexandria, 
 on which the buildings of the institution are placed, and in 
 the erection of those buildings, several thousand dollars 
 came from the treasury of the Education Society ; while 
 it has never failed to redeem also its undertaking, publicly 
 made, to afford assistance to every properly qualified ap- 
 
 L L 
 
266 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1825. 
 
 plicant, seeking an education for the ministry of the Pro- 
 testant Episcopal church. 
 
 Of the present state of the seminary, it -is gratifying to 
 record the fact, that it never before was in so prosperous 
 a condition. Within the past year, no less a sum than 
 twelve thousand dollars has been given to it, by private 
 contributions, for the purpose of founding a third professor- 
 ship ; additional buildings have been erected, and instruc- 
 tion has been afforded to thirty-two candidates for holy 
 orders. But much still remains to be done, and it would 
 be wrong to distrust Providence by the fear that this insti- 
 tution will not be so provided for as greatly to enlarge its 
 sphere of usefulness. It now stands, even in its present 
 condition, an honourable monument to the piety and zeal 
 of the Churchmen of Virginia, for it has derived but little 
 aid out of the diocess in which it is placed. 
 
1825.] IN VIRGINIA. 267 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 1825-1835. 
 
 Difficulties arising from Bishop's Parochial Charge — Comparison of the 
 Church in Northern Neck with its Condition a Century before — Churches 
 devoted to secular purposes — Care of St. Paul's Parish, in King George 
 county — Bishop Moore offers to pay half the Salary of an assistant Min- 
 ister in the Monumental Church — Irregularity of Virginia Clergy in the 
 Use of the Liturgy — Bishop Moore's Warning — Refusal of Virginia to 
 agree to changes or alterations in the Use of the Common Prayer — 
 Death of Dr. Wilmer — Bishop Moore proposes to the Convention to elect 
 an assistant Bishop — Dr. Meade elected — Restriction on the Right of 
 Succession — Proceedings of General Convention thereon — Dr. Meade's 
 Consecration — Sketch of his Life — Virginia removes the Restriction on 
 his succession — Conclusion. 
 
 The exemption of the bishop from parochial cares was, 
 as we have seen, an object of much solicitude, which the 
 increasing state of the church was not calculated to di- 
 minish. A comparison of the condition of some parts of 
 the diocess with their former state, will illustrate most 
 strikingly the importance of leaving the bishop to look 
 after his diocess alone ; and at the same time show the 
 extent of the injury which the church had been called to 
 sustain. 
 
 In the year 1722, within the six counties of the northern 
 neck, there were twelve parishes, and more than twelve 
 churches and chapels,* all supplied with the ministrations 
 of the Gospel. 
 
 After the lapse of nearly one hundred years, what was 
 the spectacle which the Northern Neck presented ? Over 
 an extent of country, about one hundred miles long, and 
 fifteen miles broad, every church and chapel had ceased 
 
 » Vide ante, p. 84. 
 
268 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l825, 
 
 to be used for sacred purposes. In pursuing the road 
 through this district of Virginia to the Chesapeake, here and 
 there might be seen some sacred edifice, which still bore 
 the appearance of a decent Christian temple. So compactly- 
 had it been built, that it was able to withstand the storms 
 of half a century ; and the cause of its preservation is prob- 
 ably to be found in the laborious toil which was necessary 
 for its destruction. But in other and more numerous 
 instances, .unsightly heaps of ruins, which once were 
 churches, met the eye, and everything in the vicinity 
 wore an aspect of desolation. Such is not now, exactly, 
 the picture presented, but churches in ruins are still com- 
 mon enough in Virginia. 
 
 Sometimes it happened that the buildings were by 
 special acts of the legislature appropriated to other pur- 
 poses. Thus, in the region of country alluded to above, 
 the church of St. Paul's parish, in King George county, 
 was converted into a schoolhouse, while the produce of the 
 glebe was made a school fund for its support ; and this 
 was done at the request of the inhabitants of the ^parish. 
 After the church had been for some time used for purposes 
 of education, the school fund, as usual, was mismanaged, 
 and ceased to answer the end to which it was directed to be 
 applied, the school was broken up, and the building began 
 to exhibit symptoms of decay. The Episcopalians pe- 
 titioned the legislature for the repeal of the act which had 
 deprived them of the church ; and to the honour of those 
 who were not Episcopalians, it should be mentioned that 
 many of them joined with the members of the church in 
 their application to the legislature. The petition was 
 granted, the edifice was repaired ; and having been conse- 
 crated to the service of God by the present bishop of Vir- 
 ginia, it is now regularly frequented by a congregation of 
 devout and attentive worshippers.* 
 
 * MS. letter in the author's possession, from one of the Virginia clergy. 
 
1826.] IN VIRGINIA. 269 
 
 In consideration of the circumstances which have been 
 related on our previous pages, it is not to be wondered at, 
 that Bishop Moore, in the convention of 1825, should have 
 signified to that body his intention to employ an assistant 
 to aid him in the discharge of his duties as rector ofthe 
 Monumental Church in Richmond, and expressed his readi- 
 ness to pay one half of his salary out of his own purse. 
 The convention, fully sensible that such a measure vWas 
 absolutely necessary, from the great increase of episcopal 
 duty, resolved, that when the bishop had obtained an as- 
 sistant, he should communicate the fact to the several min- 
 isters and vestries of the diocess, and inform them of what 
 would be required on their parts for his support. 
 
 From some cause, which it would, perhaps, be difficult 
 now to discover, an evil had gradually found its way 
 into the practice of the clergy, which calls for our no- 
 tice. The general tone of piety in the church of Virginia, 
 both among the clergy and laity, was of a character so 
 consistent with their professions of Christianity, that they 
 had no need to shrink from a comparison, in this particu- 
 lar, witli any diocess in the Union ; but there was, notwith- 
 standing, in the public ministrations of some of the clergy 
 an irregularity which, at first view, may seem to be trivial , 
 but which involves consequences of a very serious nature, 
 so long as uniformity aflfords evidence of unity. The ir- 
 regularity was to be found in the use of the liturgy ; the 
 rubrics, on this head, were not always regarded. There 
 is, probably, no clergyman of the Episcopal church who 
 does not feel contempt for the vulgar calumny, sometimes 
 propagated, by those who ought to know better, that on no 
 occasion can he pray without the use of the " Book of 
 Common Prayer." In this particular, the clergy all under- 
 stand the liberty which they possess ; and there is prob- 
 ably not one who does not, on certain occasions, pray with- 
 out the use of that book ; but there are other occasions on 
 which he does not desire that liberty. These are occa- 
 
S70 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1826. 
 
 sions of public worship. It must not be understood that 
 the liturgy was entirely laid aside by any of the Virginia 
 clergy: all used some portions of it, but all did not use it 
 according to the directions of the rubrics ; and the conse- 
 quent inconvenience, to use the mildest term, induced the 
 bishop to call attention to the subject. Reminding the 
 clergy of the solemn promise of conformity to the rubrics, 
 made by them before ordination, he forcibly depicted the 
 effect upon devout worshippers, who, instead of following 
 the fixed rules of the church, with which they were fa- 
 miliar, found themselves embarrassed in their feelings, and 
 disturbed in their devotions by the capricious practices of 
 the clergyman in reading the services of the church. 
 
 It would seem that this conduct of some few of the 
 clergy (for they were few) had arisen, in the language of 
 the bishop, " more from inconsideration than design ;" for 
 the convention heartily responded to the sentiment ex- 
 pressed by their diocesan, arid recommended " to the min- 
 isters a punctual observance of the rubrics, warning them 
 of the danger of yielding to prejudices supposed to exist 
 against the liturgy." 
 
 There was the soundest wisdom in this warning : where 
 prejudices exist against the liturgy, or against anything 
 else belonging to the church, (and, unfortunately, there are 
 parts of the land where they are common enough,) the 
 best mode of eradicating the prejudice will never be found 
 to consist in yielding to its demands. The demands of 
 prejudice are always insatiable ; no concessions ever yet 
 satisfied it ; for concessions only foster its conceit of in- 
 fallibility. 
 
 Nothing of unusual interest is to be found in the records 
 of the Virginia church for the year 1826 ; in that which im- 
 mediately succeeded, however, we find evidence of a de- 
 cided attachment to the liturgy. In the general convention 
 of 1826, a proposition was made and agreed to in the House 
 of Bishops, to introduce certain changes in the use of the 
 
1826.] IN VIRGINIA. 271 
 
 liturgy, as follows : — The minister was to be permitted, in- 
 stead of the portion of the Psalter, appointed for the day, to 
 read any psalm or psalms which he chose to select, except 
 on those days for which " proper psalms" were appointed : 
 a wide discretion was also allowed the minister in the 
 reading of the other parts of the Scripture in the daily 
 service ; thus, instead of the entire lessons, he might read 
 suitable portions thereof, not less than fifteen verses ; and 
 the use of what is ordinarily termed the aw/e-communion, 
 was enjoined on all Sundays and other holy days. It is 
 worthy of remark, that in the zeal which led the bishops 
 so earnestly to labour for uniformity in the use of the ante- 
 communion, they should not have perceived that they were 
 paying for it by the destruction of that very uniformity 
 which they were so sedulously guarding. It was of very 
 little moment whether different practices prevailed in dif- 
 ferent churches, with reference to the use of the ante-com- 
 munion, or to the use of the psalms and lessons : of the two 
 evils, the entire omission of the ante-communion service is 
 fprobably less than would be the capricious selection of 
 psalms or lessons by the officiating clergyman. This 
 proposition, however, which certainly threatened the most 
 dangerous innovation on the liturgy that the church has 
 yet seen, was sent to the House of Clerical and Lay Dele- 
 gates, and by joint action of the two houses, was submitted 
 to the several diocesan conventions pursuant to the pro- 
 visions of the constitution.* 
 
 Bishop Moore was prevented by sickness from attend- 
 ing the general convention of 1826, and of course took no 
 part in the measures touching the liturgy, which have just 
 been presented. In his address, however, to his own con- 
 vention, in 1827, he betrays the anxiety of his mind on the 
 truly momentous question of a change in the liturgy. " The 
 church," says he, " has hitherto prospered in the use of the 
 
 • Journals of Geiwral Convention, 1886. 
 
272 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1828. 
 
 liturgy, as it has been handed down to us by our fathers. 
 That uniformity of worship which has distinguished us as 
 a society, should the proposed alterations be carried into 
 effect, will be destroyed : the public worship of God will 
 be as various as the constitutions of our minds. To touch 
 a matter of so much consequence without the deepest re- 
 flection — to alter a service of such acknowledged worth, 
 without years of consideration, should not be ventured on. 
 The church in Virginia will never be induced, I trust and 
 pray, to depart from her prescribed forms ; but will defend 
 the liturgy in all its integrity, and prove to the Christian 
 world that we reverence the opinions of our fathers, and 
 are satisfied with that system of doctrine which they vene- 
 rated, and which they so highly valued."* 
 
 These sentiments met with the cordial approbation of 
 the laity and clergy of Virginia ; and long may they con- 
 tinue to do so ; for, whenever that period comes, in which 
 tliere shall be found in the church a spirit of innovation, 
 ready to tamper rashly with the liturgy, or a spirit of in- 
 difference, ready to countenance such rashness, the time 
 will also have arrived in which men may see the first 
 movements of her departing glory. 
 
 This year witnessed, also, the interest felt in Virginia 
 towards a general institution of the church, then but re- 
 cently established, now greatly enlarged, and still grow- 
 ing into an increasing importance. This was the Pro- 
 testant Episcopal Sunday School Union, which had been 
 founded by the general convention of 1826. The com- 
 mittee on the state of the Virginia church in 1827, brought 
 it to the notice of the convention ; and it was by that body 
 recommended to the churches throughout the diocess. 
 
 The annual meeting of the clergy and laity in 1828 was 
 marked by the absence of one who for many years had 
 been seen in the counsels of the church in the diocess, as 
 
 * Journal of Virginia Convention of 1837. 
 
1828.] IN VIRGINIA. 273 
 
 well as in those of the general church. He was one who 
 had so much aided in the revival of the church in Virginia, 
 that he well deserved honourable remembrance. Doctor 
 Wilmer, who for many years had been a delegate from 
 Virginia to the general convention, and who had long sat as 
 president of the House of Clerical and Lay Delegates, had 
 been called to rest from his earthly labours. There was, 
 probably, no gentleman of the clergy in the diocess whose 
 loss would have been more deeply lamented. " He was," 
 says Bishop Moore, " a man of business and of piety. He 
 loved his God, and the interest of the church was near his 
 heart. As a preacher, he was faithful, energetic, eloquent. 
 Like the Apostle Paul, he not only taught his people pub- 
 licly, but went from house to house exhorting them to pre- 
 pare to meet their God." 
 
 The respect of the convention for the memory of this 
 faithful and excellent clergyman, was attested by the mem- 
 bers wearing mourning during the session which next suc- 
 ceeded his death, and for some time thereafter. 
 
 The circumstance, however, which gave most import- 
 ance to the convention of 1828 was this: Bishop Moore, 
 then in the sixty-seventh year of his age, felt admonished 
 by the fact, that, though as yet the infirmities of age had 
 not disabled him from labour, or compelled him to diminish 
 aught of his allotted annual task, yet that it would be 
 wise to make provision for the consecration of some gen- 
 tleman of the clergy as his suffragan, or assistant bishop. 
 The bishop, therefore, brought forward the subject in his 
 annual address, and expressed his earnest desire, should it 
 meet with the views of the convention, that an assistant 
 bishop should be appointed while their diocesan yet re- 
 mained ; that in the hour of his departure, he might have, 
 at least, the satisfaction of knowing the individual who was 
 to carry on the work which God had so far prospered in 
 his hands. 
 
 There was, however, an obstacle in the way, to which 
 
 MM 
 
274 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1829. 
 
 the bishop alluded. The constitution of the church in Vir- 
 ginia expressly declared, in one of its articles, that there 
 should "be but one bishop" to superintend its concerns. 
 Before, therefore, a suffragan or assistant could be elected, 
 it became necessary to alter the constitution, and for this, 
 the interval of a year was necessary. The committee to 
 whom the subject was referred reported that the contem- 
 plated officer was needed, and recommended the neces- 
 sary measures for effecting the desired change in the con- 
 stitution, and thus the matter remained until 1829. 
 
 In this year, the convention assembled at Charlotteville, 
 and as it was supposed that business of more than ordinary 
 importance would come before the body, the attendance 
 was numerous, both on the part of the clergy and laity : 
 the bishop, however, was prevented by illness from being 
 present. It has already been stated, that the opinions of 
 the diocesan, on the subject of a change in the liturgy, met 
 with the hearty approbation of the convention ; and at this 
 meeting, (as a general convention was to come together be- 
 fore another annual assemblage of the clergy and laity of 
 Virginia,) the delegates to the general convention were in- 
 structed to use their exertions to prevent any of the pro- 
 posed changes in the use of the Book of Common Prayer, 
 After the formation of a diocesan missionary society, the 
 convention proceeded to the consideration of the proposed 
 alteration in the constitution, without which, as we have 
 seen, no suffragan or assistant bishop could be elected. A 
 large majority of the convention was found to be favour- 
 able to the change, when the following resolution was pre- 
 sented, and finally adopted by a vote of fifty against thir- 
 teen : " Resolved, that this convention deem it expedient, 
 considering the age and bodily infirmity of our most ven- 
 erated bishop, to proceed to the election of an assistant 
 bishop, who is not to be considered as entitled to the succes- 
 sion, but that it shall be the right and duty of the conven- 
 tion of the diocess of Virginia, on the demise of our ven- 
 
1829.] IN VIRGINIA. 275 
 
 erated bishop, to proceed to the election of a principal 
 bishop, as a successor to the said deceased bishop." 
 
 The precise ground on which the convention proceeded 
 in withholding the right of succession from the assistant, 
 it would, perhaps, be difficult distinctly to specify : it was 
 deemed expedient to do so ; and the 7nght of the Virginia 
 church to pursue this course, seems to have been unques- 
 tioned by a very large majority. Under the resolution 
 the Revr. William Meade, D.D., was nominated by an 
 almost unanimous vote of the clergy, (two only out of 
 twenty-seven having deposited blanks,) and the nomina 
 tion was approved by the laity without a dissentient voice : 
 he was therefore declared to be duly elected. 
 
 The case of a diocess, having a bishop and an assistant, 
 was not without precedent in the Episcopal church in the 
 United States. Such examples had occurred, but they 
 were few, and hence resulted the difficulty of clearly de- 
 fining the respective duties of the diocesan and his assist- 
 ant ; or of guarding against a conflict in the exercise of 
 episcopal power. The delegation _from Virginia was, 
 therefore, instructed to bring the subject before the general 
 convention, that the number of bishops which a diocess 
 might have should be settled ; and that the circumstances 
 might be prescribed under which a suffragan or an assist- 
 ant might be chosen. The convention then proceeded to 
 sign the testimonial of the newly elected bishop. 
 
 We must now direct our attention to the general con- 
 vention of 1829. The election of Dr. Meade having been 
 made within one year before the meeting of that body, the 
 consideration of the case came before it, under the pro- 
 visions of the constitution, and there underwent a discus- 
 sion of some days continuance. Before we enter upon 
 the views which were entertained, it is due to Dr. 
 Meade to remark that no speaker expressed himself in any 
 terms but those of the utmost respect towards the bishop 
 elect. His worth and fitness were not questioned ; but a 
 
276 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1829. 
 
 matter of principle was supposed to be involved in the 
 restriction put upon the right of succession. 
 
 The argument against the consecration turned chiefly 
 upon constitutional objections. It was, in substance, that 
 the constitution did not contemplate the possibility of a 
 bishop without a diocess ; and that, according to the spirit of 
 that instrument, it was at variance with the system of epis- 
 copacy, (as received by the Protestant Episcopal church in 
 the United States, associated under that constitution,) not to 
 guard against the possibility of such an event in the church, 
 as that of a bishop at large. It was said that Virginia had 
 not the right to impose any such restriction ; and on this 
 head an argument was deduced from the state of the church 
 under the several colonial governments ; when, notwith- 
 standing the distinct rule exercised over the several colo- 
 nies, the church was one, and but one, united under its 
 only diocesan, the Bishop of London. That, consequently, 
 after the revolution, it continued to be one, and was not 
 made up of many independent churches then coming into 
 union for the first time, and reserving certain rights while 
 they surrendered others. How far this opinion is correct, 
 may be learned from some of our previous pages.* Cer- 
 tain it is, that the church in Virginia (whatever may be 
 the proper theory on the subject) always was in her 
 practice independent, and deemed herself at liberty to act 
 accordingly, up to the period when she gave her assent to 
 the great charier of union. In fact, (as was correctly re- 
 marked in the course of the discussion,) our ecclesiastical 
 legislature was here perplexed with the same delicate and 
 intricate question which has been so much agitated in the 
 halls of civil legislation: state sovereignty and the powers 
 of the general government came into collision. 
 
 It was also contended, that to impose the restrictions 
 under discussion, was a deviation from the general course 
 
 * Vide ante, pp. 179, 184, 186, 190, 
 
1829.] IN VIRGINIA. 277 
 
 pursued relative to coadjutors or assistant bishops. In- 
 stances might indeed be adduced to the contrary, and 
 some too in very early times ; but these are to be deemed 
 exceptions to the rule. 
 
 On grounds of policy, also, it was agreed that a restric- 
 tion upon the succession was to be deprecated. Factious 
 and ambitious presbyters would be tempted to raise parties 
 for themselves, in opposition to those possessed of an epis- 
 copate, the exercise of which was to cease upon the death 
 of the diocesan : and laymen of influence, it was said, (if 
 such restriction was countenanced,) might be led to im- 
 pose it for the purpose of keeping a temporary bishop in 
 subjection to their control, and thereby destroying his in- 
 dependence. 
 
 The result of the deliberations and discussions in the 
 House of Clerical and Lay Delegates was, that the testimo- 
 nials of Dr. Meade were signed by a majority of the mem- 
 bers, and sent up to the House of Bishops. Before, how- 
 ever, that body proceeded to the consecration, it sent down 
 to the lower house a declaration, as follows : " The bishops 
 cannot proceed to this important measure without declaring 
 their disapprobation of the provision in the election of Dr. 
 Meade, which prevents immediate succession to the epis- 
 copacy, on the decease of the present bishop of the diocess. 
 Nevertheless, this being a new case, in questions of conse- 
 cration in the church, in this country, the bishops, enter- 
 taining no doubt of Dr. Meade's succeeding to the dio- 
 cesan episcopacy, in the event of his surviving of the pres- 
 ent bishop, have not permitted the preceding consideration 
 to be a bar to his consecration. But they cannot proceed 
 to it without declaring unanimously their determination, 
 nor without recommending to the future members of this 
 house, now that the peculiarities of this case will have 
 ceased, not to give such further countenance to the innova- 
 tion, as might be construed to bind it on the church to her 
 lasting injury." And with this proiestandOf the bishops 
 
S78 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1829. 
 
 proceeded to the consecration, which took place in Phila- 
 delphia, on the nineteenth of August, 1829. 
 
 William Meade, D.D., assistant bishop of Virginia, was 
 born in Frederick county, Virginia, on the eleventh of No- 
 vember, 1789. His father v^^as Major R. K. Meade, one 
 of the aids of General Washington during the war of the 
 revolution. His mother was a woman of eminent piety ; 
 and to her early instruction, under God, does the bishop 
 ascribe his own religious character, and subsequent devo- 
 tion to the ministry. Until the age of ten years, when, for 
 the first time, he went to school, he was educated entirely 
 by his mother : at this school he remained until he reached 
 the age of seventeen, when he was sent to Princeton Col- 
 lege. Here he continued until 1809, when he completed 
 his course of study. During his residence at college, the 
 fruit of an early religious education exhibited itself in an 
 increase of all his previous impressions, and a resolution to 
 devote himself to the ministry of the Episcopal church, in 
 which he had been baptized and trained, and to which his 
 -parents belonged. After leaving college, he spent some 
 time in reading, with a view to the ministry, with a pious 
 and excellent clergyman, the Rev. Walter Addison of Mary- 
 land. In the fall of 1809 he returned to Princeton, with 
 the view of enjoying more advantages in the prosecution 
 of his studies than he could procure in Maryland. In this 
 purpose, however, he was disappointed, for in a few days 
 after his arrival he became sick, and continued so for some 
 weeks. As soon as he became convalescent, and was able 
 to travel, he returned to Virginia, so that he never pursued 
 his theological studies at Princeton. He, however, prose- 
 cuted them in private until March, 1811, when he was or- 
 dained deacon by Bishop Madison in Williamsburg. He 
 immediately commenced his ministry among his relations, 
 in the place of his nativity, where he had been ofliciating 
 as a lay reader for more than half a year preceding. In 
 the autumn of that year, he accepted an invitation to Christ 
 
1829.] IN VIRGINIA. 279 
 
 Church, Alexandria, where he remained eighteen months, 
 and then returned to his congregation in Frederick county, 
 of which he has ever since been rector. The bishop has 
 of necessity been much of an itinerant in his ministry, and 
 without having been so, his services had been less valuable 
 than they were in resuscitating the church. He is still in 
 the vigour of his days, and of his usefulness, and pos- 
 sesses a persevering industry, which promises much for the 
 cause of religion. 
 
 It will be remembered that the convention of Virginia 
 had directed its delegates to bring before the general con- 
 vention the subject of assistant bishops, with the view of 
 settling the point as to the number of bishops which any 
 diocess might have. Without any direct agency on the 
 part of the representatives of Virginia to produce this 
 end, the circumstances of Dr. Meade's case presented 
 forcibly to the general convention the fact that some legis- 
 lation was necessary. Accordingly a canon was passed, 
 giving in all cases the right of succession to an assistant 
 bishop, who should survive the diocesan ; and permitting 
 the election of one assistant whenever the bishop of a dio- 
 cess became " unable, by reason of old age, or other per- 
 manent cause of infirmity, to discharge his episcopal 
 duties." 
 
 When the convention of 1830 assembled, the subject 
 came again under discussion ; and the course pursued by 
 that body, representing, as it did, one of the most important 
 diocesses in the Union, was one which did honour to Vir- 
 ginia ; while at the same time it illustrated the happy 
 effects which flow from prudent counsels. Had matters 
 been pushed to an extreme in the general convention of 
 1829, and consecration being refused to Dr. Meade, on the 
 ground merely that he was excluded from the succession, 
 while it was admitted that his piety and talents entitled 
 him to the place which he had been selected to fill, and 
 while his elevation was desired almost unanimously by the 
 
280 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1829. 
 
 Churchmen of Virginia, the consequences must have been 
 of a most serious character, and fatal to the harmony and 
 union of the church. Virginia, probably, never would have 
 submitted to the decision : but the course pursued was one 
 which, wisely guarding against the introduction of a dan- 
 gerous precedent, compromised no principle, and still grati- 
 fied Virginia in all that she asked : it inflicted no wound on 
 the feelings of the excellent gentleman who had been elected 
 assistant bishop, and left the diocess untouched, in the atti- 
 tude of independence which she had assumed. It was a ju- 
 dicious course ; and, as usual, the church is indebted for it 
 to the wisdom, the prudence, and calm thought of the ven- 
 erated man whom God has so long preserved to watch over 
 the infancy of the American Episcopal church, and to assist 
 in laying securely its foundations : the prelate who thinks 
 wisely, because he thinks dispassionately. Bishop White 
 drew up the protestation which has already been spread 
 upon our pages. 
 
 By adopting this course, the surest method was hit upon 
 of accomplishing all that the general convention desired in 
 the establishment of an important principle ; and of inducing 
 Virginia, by her own voluntary act, to bring herself within 
 the operation of that principle, though she had previously 
 rejected it. It was an appeal made to the generous feel- 
 ings of the members of the Virginia convention ; and it 
 was not made in vain ; for in the convention of 1829, a 
 resolution was adopted, in the following terms : " Whereas, 
 the general convention of the Protestant Episcopal church 
 in the United States have, by the fifth canon of 1829, pro- 
 vided that every assistant bishop, who may hereafter be 
 elected in the said church, shall be in all cases entitled to 
 succeed the bishop of the diocess in which he may be 
 elected ; and, whereas, the convention is desirous of pre- 
 serving, as far as possible, the harmony and uniformity of 
 the church, and of testifying its confidence in the assistant 
 bishop of this diocess : therefore, resolved, that the restric- 
 
1835.] IX VIRGINIA,. 2iS,l 
 
 tion annexed to the election of the assistant bishop of Vir- 
 ginia, be hereby removed." 
 
 If fidelity in the discharge of duty, and unwearied per- 
 severance be desirable qualities in a bishop, and may be 
 deemed sufficient to entitle him to exercise the episcopal 
 office while he lives, then the removal of the restrictions 
 on Bishop Meade's right to succession may be placed on 
 the ground of simple equity. His reports, made annually 
 to the convention, show that he is " in journeyings often ;" 
 and he is very far from belonging to the class of " un- 
 preaching prelates." 
 
 In 1832, the assistant bishop, besides discharging a full 
 share of duties in his own diocess, visited, by request, both 
 the infant diocesses of Kentucky and Tennessee. This 
 labour occupied three months, and contributed in no small 
 measure to forward the complete organization of those dio- 
 cesses ; both of which are now supplied with episcopal 
 services by their respective bishops. 
 
 But little remains to be added to our narrative. The 
 present condition of the church in Virginia is one of grati- 
 fying prosperity. With more than one hundred churches, 
 some of them the fruit of reviving zeal in parishes which 
 once flourished, but have long been almost dead, the dio- 
 cess now numbers more than seventy clergymen; and 
 with a missionary fund, unemployed in part, because mis- 
 sionaries are not to be had, the diocess is labouring to sup- 
 ply in some measure its necessities, by means of its semi- 
 nary at Alexandria. Of this institution, it is only necessary 
 to remark, in addition to what has already been said, that 
 it has afforded instruction during the last three years to 
 sixty candidates for orders, and has given thirty-six clergy- 
 men to the church. 
 
 Not to bear testimony, in conclusion, to the zeal and 
 piety of our Virginia brethren, both of the clergy and laity, 
 would be to prove a traitor to the cause of worth and good- 
 ness; which surely deserve honourable notice, none the 
 
 N N 
 
282 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA. [1835. 
 
 less because they do not stoop to seek it. The author of 
 these sheets, in taking leave of a subject which has, at in- 
 -^ . tervals, for a long time engaged his thoughts and occupied 
 
 his pen, hopes to be pardoned, should he indulge the ex- 
 pression of personal and national feeling: he cannot leave a 
 topic which, if it has brought some labour, has also brought 
 more pleasure, without tendering to southern brethren the 
 affection of a southern man's heart ; who, while he loves all, 
 yet holds it no sin to prefer some. His affection may at 
 times have blinded his judgment ; but that affection will 
 not diminish the fervour of the prayer which he offers, that 
 while prospered of Heaven, the Churchmen of Virginia 
 may not forget that prosperity brings danger with it; and 
 that in their own past history, the lesson is written, that 
 abused prosperity is apt to find its corrective, sooner or 
 later, in the purifying touch of persecution. 
 
 THE END. 
 
[Note A, page 64.3 
 
 THE LOYALTY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 It was not until recently that the loyalty of Virginia, immediately be- 
 fore and during the protectorate, was questioned. In the reference to this 
 note, the author, it will be seen, classes the last writer on American history 
 with those who have intimated doubts on this subject. It would be doing 
 great injustice to Mr. Bancroft, not to acknowledge the merit of his work. 
 It is especially valuable for its references to early authorities. The labour 
 of research, in the preparation of the published volume of the " History of the 
 United States," must have been great ; and the author of this note thinks 
 that he can appreciate it, because he has had to encounter a similar task. 
 Almost every rare and early tract or volume referred to by Mr. Bancroft 
 had been examined by the author of this book; and, therefore, in the 
 perusal of Mr. Bancroft's volume, he found himself on familiar ground. To 
 the general accuracy of that volume, and the propriety of its references, the 
 present writer bears cheerful testimony. Feeling some American pride in 
 Mr. Bancroft's book, as being decidedly superior to anything yet written on 
 the subject of this country, the author regretted to find that he seemed to 
 doubt what appeared (to him at least) capable of proof as an historical fact, 
 most honourable to Virginia, and affording the only key to a solution of 
 some of the peculiarities both of individual and national character. In an 
 interview with Mr. Bancroft, (had since the page referring to this note was 
 printed,) it was with no little gratification the writer heard him disclaim the 
 intention of representing Virginia as wanting in loyalty ; under such cir- 
 cumstances, he of course retracts his observations on Mr. Bancroft's sup- 
 posed mistake. Having said thus much, as an act of justice to the author 
 of the History of the United States, the evidence which, to the mind of the 
 writer, established the fact of the loyalty of Virginia, and which it was 
 originally intended should alone constitute this note, is subjoined. 
 
 1. The uniform testimony of all the first historians of Virginia. The 
 question, it must be remembered, was one of fact, and evidence upon that 
 fact must have been afforded the one way or the other, in the everyday 
 intercourse of life. It would, therefore, seem strange that a mistake on the 
 subject should be made, and perpetuated without discovery, until modern 
 times. Those who lived nearest to the time, and wrote upon the subject, 
 could not, without contradiction, have asserted the fact to be one way, when 
 
284 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 all around them knew it to be otherwise. The presumption, therefore, is 
 in favour of the correctness of the early historians. 
 
 2. The known state of the colony at that time, with reference to the char- 
 acter of its population. Beyond all dispute, Berkley, the governor, was a 
 devoted adherent to the royal family. The cavaliers at home looked upon 
 the colony of Virginia as their place of refuge, and the land in which they 
 might indulge all their feelings of loyalty without stint or apprehension. 
 One of them gives this account of the matter. After relating the death of 
 the king, he proceeds — 
 
 " The sad prospect of affairs in this juncture, gave such a damp to all the 
 royal party who had resolved to persevere in the principle which engaged 
 them in the war, that a very considerable number of nobility, clergy, and 
 gentry so circumstanced, did fly from their native country." " Of the num- 
 ber who chose to steer their course for America, such of them as inclined 
 to try their fortunes at Surinam, Barbadoes, Antigua, and the Leeward 
 Islands, were to be men of the first rate, who wanted not money or credit," 
 &c., &c. The writer himself being, as he states, " nearly related to Sir 
 William Barkeley the governor," on that account came with his com- 
 panions to Virginia. The same writer informs us that Berkley " showed 
 great respect to all the royal party who made that colony their refuge. His 
 house and purse were open to all that were so qualified :" and the fact is 
 put beyond dispute, that the stanch old loyalist kept up a correspondence 
 with the king ; for the very writer, from whom we quote, was himself sent 
 over at Berkley's expense, to find out the king in Holland, and have an 
 interview with him. — See Norwood's Journal of a Voyage to Virginia ; 
 6 ChurchilVs Collection of Voyages, 145. It is evident, then, that the 
 cavaliers were strong in Virginia. At the commencement of the civil wars 
 in England, the population of Virginia was about twenty thousand. — See 
 1 Holmes's Annals, 315. It will not be disputed that of these, a proportion, 
 at least, was attached to the reigning family. Let it be supposed to be one 
 half; it probably was more. At the restoration, the population of Virginia, 
 from the influx of cavaliers, (few others had any reason to come,) amounted 
 to thirty thousand. — See 1 Holmes, 315. Here, then, is an increase of 
 ten thousand ; add it to the one half of the former population, and the nu- 
 merical strength will be on the side of the loyalists : add but the half of this 
 increase, and parties are equally balanced ; so that Virginia can not be pro- 
 nounced to be either republican or loyal. Are not the probabilities all on the 
 side of there being in the colony a majority of cavaliers 1 If such was the 
 fact, Virginia must have been loyal. 
 
 3. Berkley remained in the colony, keeping up a correspondence with the 
 king, as we have seen, and the records of that day show the names of many, 
 high in oflSces of trust and profit, who are known to have been cavaliers. 
 There must have been a lamentable scarcity of men of a different stamp, 
 which would hardly have been the case, had a majority been commonwealth 
 
NOTE. 286 
 
 men; or, if the majority were commonwealth men, we must admit that they 
 entertained a singular preference for officers to whose political opinions they 
 were bitterly opposed. Be this however as it may, it cannot reasonably be 
 supposed that there was not a perfect understanding between Berkley and 
 the leading cavaliers ; and if so, then all were in correspondence with the 
 king. Couple this with two well-known facts, viz. that Berkley never left 
 the colony, (though the right to do so within a year was saved to him by the 
 treaty of surrender,) and that, the protector having died in September, 1658, 
 and the governor of Virginia soon after, Berkley was immediately appointed 
 governor in January, 1659. It matters not whether this appointment was 
 made upon the demand of a tumultuous assemblage, as the early historians say, 
 Or not ; one thing is certain, that it could not have been made, had a tumul- 
 tuous assemblage opposed it. We must consequently admit, that the people 
 understood the matter and were content ; or we must suppose that in their 
 ignorance they followed their leaders — these leaders must have been loyal- 
 ists ; and in either case, the political character of the colony must have been 
 loyal. As to this matter of the tumultuous assemblage, a word of remark 
 may not be misplaced. It seems to be the particular most questioned, be- 
 cause it apparently contradicts existing records. Mr. Hening, in the Statutes 
 at Large, (the best History of Virginia, by-the-way, which has yet been 
 written,) doubts it, because he finds Berkley elected precisely as the other 
 governors had been in Virginia, during the protectorate. It is admitted ; but 
 is by no means inconsistent with the fact of a multitude having demanded 
 of him to take upon him his old office of governor. There may have been 
 a popular call to office, but not a popular election. That in the unsettled 
 state of the times was left to go on in the old mode, and probably because it 
 was well known, that those who were to make it were cavaliers, and conse- 
 quently ready enough to elect him whom the multitude preferred. Berkley 
 himself looked upon his election as one made in the exigency of circum- 
 stances, and did not consider himself as in, of his old official appointmentr 
 The truth seems to be, that there was a temporizing policy pursued in this 
 matter, which was founded on existing circumstances. Oliver Cromwell was 
 dead — Richard had succeeded him. During Oliver's life, there was no prospect 
 of the restoration of the king, and Virginia submitted, however reluctantly : 
 but was Richard to prove an Oliver 1 This was a question which time only 
 could determine. If he did, then Virginia had nothing to do but continue 
 her former submission : if he did not, then Virginia was very willing to 
 place herself in a position in which she might advantageously raise the 
 standard of royalty. She elected Berkley in the old mode ; that suited the 
 commonwealth, if the commonwealth continued. Berkley had also the royal 
 commission, and no other man in the colony had ; this gave the cavaliers a 
 vantage ground on which to stand, should the commonwealth cease, and an 
 auspicious time arrive for unfurling the standard of the king. May not con- 
 siderations like these have operated in that day] On this theory, the seem- 
 
286 NOTE. 
 
 ing contradiction of the records of that day may all be harmonized. Accord- 
 ing to the view of Berkley himself, though elected by the assembly, (and, 
 therefore, in one sense their servant,) neither he nor they had any power be- 
 yond that which the necessity of the times forced some one to exercise. 
 Writing to Governor Stuyvesant, he says, ** I amJurt a servant of the As- 
 sembly ; neither do they arrogate any power to themselves, further than the 
 miserable distractions of England force them to. For when God shall be 
 pleased in his mercy to take away and dissipate the unnatural divisions of 
 their native country, they will immediately return to their own professed 
 obedience." — 1 Smith'' s J^ew- York, 11. 
 
 4. Cromwell always viewed Virginia with suspicion : and the text fur- 
 nishes an instance of it, in the reproof with which he visited them for their 
 kindness to Maryland. 
 
 5. Contemporaries, actors in the scenes, residents in Virginia, have left 
 behind them their testimony, and it has come down to us to prove the loyalty 
 of Virginia. We have already mentioned in the text that, after the restora- 
 tion, when Sir William Berkley was called home on a visit, by the king, a 
 pamphlet was presented to the Bishop of London, which it is supposed 
 was prepared by direction of Berkley : it is entitled " Virginia's Cure, an 
 advisive Narrative concerning Virginia," &c., «&c., and was printed in 
 1G61. In a passage, quoted in the text, the author (who was himself in Vir- 
 ginia) states, that the naval force of the parliament " had reduced the colony 
 under the power (but never to the obedience) of the usurpers." And as a 
 proof of it, in part, he states that " the people generally bear a great love to 
 the stated constitutions of the Church of England in her government and 
 public worship ;" and the especial claim of Virginia to the kind and prompt 
 attention of his lordship, is urged upon the ground that, " in the late times of 
 our church's persecution, her people alone cheerfully and joyfully embraced, 
 encouraged, and maintained the orthodox ministers that went over to them 
 in their public conformity to the Church of England in her doctrine and 
 stated manner of public worship." A part of that public worship included 
 a prayer for the king, the use of which was, indeed, prohibited by one of the 
 articles of the surrender, but which the language of our authority would 
 justify us in supposing was, notwithstanding, used, particularly as we know 
 that other articles of the surrender were disregarded. Another contempo- 
 rary publication, to which we have referred in the text, is explicit on the 
 subject. The book is entitled " Leah and Rachell ; or, the two fruitful! 
 Sisters of Virginia and Maryland," printed in 1656. It was written by 
 John Hammond, who lived in both colonies, and in fact gives the first con- 
 temporary history which was written of the subjugation of Virginia by the 
 parliamentary commissioners. Speaking of Virginia, during the protecto- 
 rate, his words are, " Virginia being whole for monarchy." 
 
 Upon the testimony herein presented, the author has considered the fact 
 of Virginia's loyalty as one which is sustained by sufficient evidence. 
 
 ^; 
 
 ■^ 
 
JOURNALS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CONVENTIONS 
 
 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
 
 DIOCESS OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 FROM 1786 TO 183 5, IN O L U S 1 V E. 
 
^ 
 
 JOURNALS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CONVENTIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA, 
 
 FROM THE YEAR 1785 TO THE PRESENT DAY. 
 
 AN ACT FOR INCORPORATING THE PROTESTANT 
 EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 Whereas the Clergy of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church, by their petition presented, have 
 requested that their church may be incorporated, 
 Be it enacted hy the General Assembly, That 
 every minister of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church, now holding a parish within this com- 
 monwealth, either by appointment from a vestry 
 or induction from a governor, and all the ves- 
 trymen in the different parishes now instituted, 
 or which hereafter may be instituted, within this 
 commonwealth, that is to say, the minister and 
 vestrymen of each parish respectively, or, in case 
 of a vacancy, the vestry of each parish, and 
 their successors for ever, are hereby made a 
 body corporate and politic, by the name of the 
 minister and vestry of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the parish where they respectively 
 reside ; and by the name, style, and title afore- 
 said, they and their successors shall for ever 
 lawfully have, hold, use, and enjoy all and every 
 tract or tracts of glebe-land already purchased, 
 the churches and chapels already built, with the 
 burying-grounds belonging to them, and such as 
 were begun and contracted for before the first 
 day of January, in the year 1777, for the use of 
 the parishes, with their hereditaments and apper- 
 tenances, and all books, plate, and ornaments 
 appropriated to the use of, and every other thing 
 the properly of the late established church, to 
 the sole and only proper use and benefit of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Churcn in the parish where 
 the respective ministers and vestries reside (ex- 
 cept the glebe in the county of Augusta ; the 
 rents or ])rofits arising from which that are now 
 due, or that shall become due, until a sufficient 
 number of the professors of the church now in- 
 corporated by this act shall be formed into a 
 society in the said county, shall be, by the over- 
 seers of the poor, applied to the repairing the 
 church and chnrchyard, and for the support 
 of the poor of the said county), and where 
 the property is situate and being, agreeable to 
 the true intent for which it was purchased or 
 given ; and by the name, style, and title afore- 
 said, they shall be capable in law to hold, main- 
 lain, and recover all their estates, rights, and 
 
 privileges, and to sue and be sued, plead and be 
 empleaded, answer and be answered unto, de- 
 fend and be defended, in all suits, controversies, 
 causes, actions, matters, and things, in any court 
 or courts of law or equity whatsoever, and shall 
 have one common seal and perpetual succession. 
 Provided always and be it further enacted., That 
 in all proceedings of the aioresaid ministers and 
 vestries, all matters shall be decided by a major- 
 ity of votes, and the minister shall in no case 
 have a negative on the proceedings of the said 
 corporation, except where his vote shall be with 
 or make a majority of the votes present at any 
 meeting of the said corporation. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That the respective 
 incorporated ministers and vestries of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church shall have full power, 
 good right, and lawful authority, to have, take, 
 receive, acquire, purchase, use, and enjoy lands, 
 tenements, and hereditaments, and all goods and 
 chattels, and to demise, alien, improve, and lease 
 (glebe-lands intended for the minister's resi- 
 dence excepted, and those to lease and improve 
 during a vacancy) the said lands, tenements, and 
 hereditaments, and to use and improve such 
 goods and chattels to the use and benefit of the 
 said church within their respective parishes, 
 not to exceed eight hundred pounds yearly rent 
 or income, any law, usage, or custom to the 
 contrary notwithstanding : And that it shall be 
 lawful for the said ministers and vestries of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church to apply any goods 
 or chattels belonging to the said church, to the 
 purpose of erecting or repairing churches, cur 
 building or repairing dwelling or other houses 
 for the use of their ministers, or school-houses, 
 as they shall from time to time think necessary 
 within their respective parishes. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That the minister, oty 
 in case of absence or vacancy, the church-war- 
 dens, shall call a meeting of the incorporated 
 body as often as it shall be deemed needful, and 
 seven of the said body shall be a sufficient num- 
 ber to constitute a meeting for the despatch of 
 business, and shall have power, except in cases 
 of demising, alienation, or leasing, in which 
 cases a concurrence of a majority of the whole 
 shall bs necessary to make such rules and or- 
 ders for managing all the temporal affairs and 
 
2 
 
 ACT OF INCORPORATION. 
 
 concerns of said chnrch as they, or the major 
 part of them so met, shall agree upon, and shall 
 think most conducive to the interest and pros- 
 perity of that church, and shall have the sole dis- 
 position and ordering of all payments of the 
 moneys belonging to the said church, and also 
 the appointing a clerk, a treasurer, and collect- 
 or, whenever they judge it necessary, and the 
 said clerk, treasurer, and collector at their pleas- 
 ure to remove, and to appoint others in their 
 stead. All which orders and rules they shall 
 cause to be fairlv entered and preserved in 
 books to be provided for that purpose. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That in whatever 
 parish or parishes within this commonwealth, 
 ministers and vestrymen are-wanting to form a 
 body corporate and politic, agreeable to the di- 
 rections of this act, it shall be lawful for any 
 two reputable inhabitants, members of the Epis- 
 copal Church, to call together at some conve- 
 nient place, by notice duly given, the members 
 of the said church residing within such parish 
 or parishes, and there elect, by a majority of 
 votes, twelve able and discreet men, members 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church, who shall 
 be a vestry to all intents and purposes, and who, 
 with their minister, or during a vacancy, with- 
 out a minister, shall be a body corporate and 
 politic by the same name, and shall enjoy all the 
 rights, powers, privileges, and immunities, as 
 by this act are given to the respective ministers 
 and vestries of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 within this commonwealth. 
 
 And be it further enacted. That at all future 
 elections of vestries, no person shall be allowed 
 to vote who does not profess himself a member 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and actual- 
 ly contribute towards its support. There shall 
 be elections of vestrymen every third year for 
 ever ; the first election to be held on Monday in 
 next Easter-week, if fair, if not, the next fair 
 day, and all succeeding elections on the same 
 day, except as before excepted, in every third 
 year ; which elections shall be held and con- 
 ducted in the following manner, viz : The mem- 
 bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church shall 
 assemble at their respective parish churches, or 
 at some other convenient place in the parish, on 
 Easter-Monday, except as before excepted, every 
 third year, and then and there elect twelve able 
 and discreet men, members of the same church, 
 who shall, previous to their entering on the 
 office of vestrymen, subscribe in vestry to be 
 conformable to the doctrine, discipline, and wor- 
 ship of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Two 
 of the vestry so chosen shall, by a majority of 
 the vestry assembled, be nominated church- 
 wardens, who, or either of whom, and their suc- 
 cessors, shall preside at all future elections, 
 shall take care that the elections are conducted 
 in a fair and orderly manner, and shall be judges 
 of the qualifications of electors. And to the 
 intent that vacancies in vestries may be filled 
 up, Be it enacted, That whenever vacancies in 
 vestries shall happen, either by death, resigna- 
 tion, or removal from the parish, the remaining 
 vestrymen, or a quorum of them, shall choose 
 such persons als theymay judge prop'er to supply 
 
 the office of vestrymen ; who, on their subscri- 
 bing in vestry as before directed, shall continue 
 in office until the next general election of ves- 
 tries, except they remove from the parish for 
 which they were elected, or shall resign. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That the ministers 
 and vestries of the respective parishes, or the 
 person or persons authorized by them to manage 
 the temporal concerns of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in the respective parishes, shall, and 
 they are hereby required, on the court-day of 
 their respective counties next following the tri- 
 ennial elections, and so continually once in 
 every three years, at the court aforesaid, to ex- 
 hibit upon oath an account and inventory of all 
 the estate, both real and personal, belonging to 
 their respective churches or religious societies, 
 together with the account of the annual revenue 
 arising therefrom ; and in case the vestry of any 
 parish, or the person or persons intrusted with 
 the care of the temporalities of the respective 
 churches or religious societies of th^ Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, shall fail to exhibit an ac- 
 count and inventory of the estate and annual rev- 
 enue of the said churches respectively, for the 
 space of twelve months after the expiration of 
 the three years within which time they are 
 hereby required to render such account and in- 
 ventory, the vestry for the parish thus failing 
 shall forfeit and pay the sum of one hundred 
 pounds, to the use of the commonwealth, to be 
 recovered by action of debt in any court of rec- 
 ord ; and in case the account and inventory shall 
 not be returned at the time appointed after the 
 next general election, the vestry thus failing 
 shall cease to be a body corporate. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That in all cases 
 where it shall appear by the account and inven- 
 tory rendered as aforesaid, that the annual rev- 
 enue of any church exceeds the said sum of 
 eight hundred pounds, the court before whom 
 such account is rendered is hereby required to 
 report the same, together with the account and 
 inventory by which such excess appears, to the 
 executive, to be by them laid before the General 
 Assembly at their next session. And to the in- 
 tent that the Protestant Episcopal Church may 
 be released from those restraints which are yet 
 imposed on her by the laws of this common- 
 wealth, 
 
 Be it enactedy That all former acts relating to 
 the elections, qualifications, powers, and duties 
 of vestrymen and church-wardens, all former 
 acts for the support of the clergy, all former acts 
 relating to the appointment or qualifications or 
 duties of ministers, all acts enjoining the obser- 
 vance of any particular liturgy or form of wor- 
 ship, the use of any particular catechism or mode 
 of faith, and the observance of fasts and festi- 
 vals, and all former acts imposing penalties on 
 clergymen for neglecting to keep registers, or 
 neglecting to give notice of any observance, or 
 publishing any law, and every other act or 
 clauses of acts within the purview of this act, 
 are hereby repealed ; and all the vestries within 
 this commonwealth are, on the day before the 
 Monday of next Easter-week, declared to be dis- 
 solved ; and the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 
CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 within this commonwealth is hereby authorized ' 
 to regulate (in conventions of their church to be ' 
 held so often as, and where they think proper, | 
 and to consist of a deputation of two persons 
 from each parish, whereof the minister shall al- 
 ways be one, if there be a minister m the parish, 
 and the other person or persons shall be ap- 1 
 pointed by the vestries) all ihe religious con- , 
 cerns of that chnrch, its doctrines, discipline, 
 and worship, and to institute such rules and reg- , 
 ulations as they may judge necessary for the j 
 good government thereof, and the same to re- I 
 Yoke and alter at their pleasure. Forty persons ' 
 so appointed shall be a convention, and the first , 
 meeting may be at the call of any three minis- 
 ters of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Pro- 
 vided, that no rules or regulations shall be in- 
 stituted that shall be repugnant to the laws and 
 constitution of this commonwealth, or by which 
 a minister may be received into or turned out 
 
 of a parish contrary to the consent of a majority 
 of a vestry. 
 
 And be it further enacted. That the ministers 
 and laymen met in general convention shall 
 have full power and authority, on good cause to 
 them shown, to remove from any parish any 
 minister accused of unworthy behaviour, or neg- 
 lecting the duties of his office. 
 
 Atid belt further enacted, That where it shall 
 have happened that the present vestries have 
 failed in any parish to jay their parish levy, and to 
 make provision for their poor, or other legal de- 
 mands against such vestry at the time prescribed 
 by law, such vestries having so failed are here- 
 by authorized to levy on their respective parishes 
 ail arrearages due from the said vestry, in the 
 same manner as they might have done before 
 the passing of this act, any thing in this act to 
 the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 begun and holden in the City of Richmond, Wednesday, May 18, 1785. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Counties. 
 
 Accomack, 
 
 Albemarle, 
 Brunswick and 
 Greensville, 
 Berkeley, 
 
 Caroline, 
 
 Charles City, 
 Chesterfield, 
 
 Culpepper, 
 
 Cumberland, 
 Dinwiddle, 
 
 Elizabeth City, 
 
 Essex, 
 
 Fairfax, 
 
 Fauquier, 
 
 Frederick, 
 
 Gloucester, 
 Goochland, 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 Henrico, 
 James City, 
 
 King George, 
 
 King and Queen, 
 
 King William, 
 
 1 
 
 Parishes. 
 ( Accomack, 
 \ St. George, 
 
 Fredericitsville, 
 ) St. Andrew, 
 \ Meherrin, 
 
 Norborne, 
 
 /Drysdale, 
 St. Asaph, 
 
 St. Margaret^ 
 
 St. Mary, 
 
 Westover, 
 
 Manchester, 
 
 Dale, 
 ( St. Mark, 
 \ Bromfield, 
 
 Lyttleton, 
 
 Bath, 
 
 Elizabeth City, 
 
 j South Farnham, 
 
 i St. Anne, 
 
 Fairfax, 
 
 Leeds, 
 
 Frederick, 
 I Abingdon, 
 < Petsworth, 
 ' Kingston, 
 
 St. James's Nor- 
 tham, 
 
 ^ St. Paul, 
 
 f St. Martin, 
 
 Henrico, 
 
 James City, 
 ( Hanover, 
 \ St. Pauls, 
 
 St. Stephen, 
 
 St. John, 
 
 St. David, 
 
 A2 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 Jabez Pittis. 
 
 Levin Joynes and Tully Wise. 
 John Walker. 
 Drury Stith. 
 Thomas Claiborne. 
 Morgan Morgan. 
 William Lyne. 
 John Page, jun. 
 Samuel Hawes. 
 Robert Gilchrist. 
 John Tyler. 
 
 Archibald Cary. 
 
 James Pendleton. 
 
 Reuben Beall. 
 
 Benjamin Wilson. 
 
 Robert Walker. 
 c Wilson Miles Cary and 
 { George Wray. 
 K Spencer Roane and 
 \ Newman Brockenbrough. 
 
 Robert Beverley. 
 
 Bryan Fairfax. 
 
 Philip Mallory. 
 
 John Page. 
 Matthew Anderson. 
 Thomas Smith. 
 
 > Thomas Underwood. 
 
 K John Pendleton and 
 ( Bartlett Anderson. 
 
 John Winston. 
 
 Edmund Randolph. 
 
 William Lee. 
 
 Burditt Ashton. 
 
 Townsend Dade. 
 
 Anderson Scott and Henry Young 
 
 Carter Braxton. 
 
 Benjamin Temple. 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Thomas Lundie. 
 
 Carter. 
 
 Samuel Shield. 
 Archibald Dick. 
 
 Charles Clay. 
 William Leigh. 
 James Stephenson. 
 
 Christopher Macrae. 
 Devereaux Jarratt. 
 
 David Griffith. 
 Alexander Belmain. 
 
 Robert Barret. 
 John Buchanan. 
 James Madison. 
 
 William Skyring. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 Counties. 
 Lancaster, 
 Louisa, 
 Lunenburg, 
 Middlesex, 
 Mecklenburg, 
 
 Nansemond, 
 New Kent, 
 Norfolk, 
 
 Northumberland, 
 
 Northampton, 
 Orange, 
 Pittsylvania, 
 Powhatan, 
 
 P. George, 
 
 P, Anne, 
 P. William, 
 Richmond, 
 Southampton, 
 
 Spotsylvania, 
 
 Stafford, 
 
 Surry, 
 Warwick, 
 Westmoreland, 
 Williamsburg, 
 
 York, 
 
 Parishes. 
 Christ Church, 
 Trinity, 
 Cumberland, 
 Christ Church, 
 St. James, 
 Upper, 
 Suffolk, 
 Blisland, 
 St. Peter, 
 Elizabeth, 
 Portsmouth, 
 Wicomico, 
 St. Stephen, 
 Hungars, 
 St. Thomas, 
 Camden, 
 Southam, 
 Martin's Brandon, 
 Bristol, 
 Lynhaven, 
 Dettingen, 
 Farnham, 
 St. Luke, 
 St. George, 
 Berkeley, 
 Over Wharton, 
 Brunswick, 
 Southwark, 
 Warwick, 
 Washington, 
 Bruton, 
 
 York Hampton, 
 Charles, 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 James Ball. 
 
 Garret Minor and Chas. Yancey. 
 Thomas Buford. 
 
 Lewis Burwell. 
 
 Willis Riddick and Richard Baker 
 
 Solomon Shepherd, 
 
 Burwell Bassett. 
 
 William Hartwell Macon. 
 
 James Taylor and George Kelly. 
 
 John Hudson. 
 
 Thomas Gaskins. 
 
 Hudson Meuse. 
 
 Thomas Barbour. 
 Abraham Shelton. 
 Vincent Maikham. 
 Nathaniel Harrison. 
 Robert Boiling. 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 James Craig. 
 Samuel Klug. 
 
 Arthur Emmerson. 
 Price Davies. 
 James Semple. 
 
 John Leland. 
 Thomas Davis. 
 Samuel S. M'Croskey. 
 
 Jesse Ewell. 
 William Peachey. 
 
 Joseph Brock. 
 
 Beverley Winslow and J. Dawson 
 
 Charles Carter. 
 
 William Fitzhugh. 
 
 Carter B. Harrison. 
 
 Richard Cary. 
 
 John Blair. 
 Nathaniel Nelson. 
 Robert Shield. 
 
 John H. Saunders. 
 Benjamin Blagrove. 
 John Cameron. 
 Simpson. 
 
 George Gurley. 
 
 Robert Buchan. 
 Thomas Thornton. 
 H. John Burgess. 
 William Bland. 
 Francis Wilson. 
 John Bracken. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 Joseph Davenport. 
 
 A SUFFICIENT number of clergymen and lay 
 deputies to form a Convention agreeable to the 
 act of Assembly for incorporating the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church having met, 
 
 The Rev. James Madison, D. D., was unani- 
 mously elected President of the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Robert Andrews, A. M., was unan- 
 imously appointed Secretary of the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine and report to the Convention the cer- 
 tificate of appointment of the sitting members. 
 And a committee was appointed of Mr. Lee, 
 Mr. Wilson M. Cary, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Page, 
 of Gloucester, Rev. Mr. Griffith, and Rev. Mr. 
 Shield. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will observe 
 the standing rules of the House of Delegates. 
 
 Ordered, That two door-keepers be appointed. 
 
 The act of Assembly for incorporating the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church, and a paper con- 
 taining the proceedings of a Convention of Cler- 
 gymen and Lay Deputies of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church, held at New- York, on the 6th 
 and 7th of October, 1784, were read. 
 
 Ordered, That the said act and paper lie on 
 the table. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will to-mor- 
 row resolve itself into a committee of the whole 
 Convention to take into consideration the state 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this com- 
 monwealth. 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary be authorized 
 to employ an asedstant^ 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will attend 
 divine service to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock, 
 at the church in this city : And that divine ser- 
 vice shall afterward be performed every morning 
 in the capitol when the president takes the chair. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow 
 morning, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 19, 1785. 
 
 The Convention having met according to ad- 
 journment. 
 
 Ordered, That the thanks of the Convention 
 be given to the Rev. John Bracken for the ex- 
 cellent sermon preached by him this morning. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention to take into consideration the 
 state of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this 
 commonwealth. 
 
 Mr. Braxton in the chair. 
 
 Mr. Braxton, from the committee of the whole 
 Convention to take into consideration the state 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this com- 
 monwealth, reported. That the committee had, 
 according to order, tiiken the same into consid- 
 eration, and come to the following resolution 
 thereupon, which was read and agreed to as fol- 
 loweth : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that an address be prepared to the mem- 
 bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir- 
 ginia, representing the condition of that Church, 
 and eihorting them to unite in its eupjtttt. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee of eight members 
 be appointed to prepare the address : And a 
 committee was appointed of Mr. Page, of Glou- 
 cester, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Walk- 
 er, Rev. Mr. Griffith, Rev. Mr. Burgess, Rev. 
 Mr. Bracken, and Rev. Mr. Andrews. 
 
 The Convention again resolved itself into a 
 committee of the whole Convention on the state 
 of the Church, and after some time spent there- 
 in, Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
 Braxton reported that the committee had, ac- 
 cording to order, taken the state of the Church 
 under consideration, and had come to several res- 
 olutions thereupon, which were read and agreed 
 to by the Convention, as followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that deputies be appointed to represent 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, in 
 the General Convention to be holden in the city 
 of Philadelphia on the Tuesday before the feast 
 of St. Michael next. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that the deputation to the General Con- 
 vention consist of two clergymen and two lay- 
 men ; any two of whom shall be considered as 
 a representation. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that instructions be prepared for the con- 
 duct of the said deputies. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that the said instructions be so framed as 
 to leave the Convention of this state at liberty 
 to approve or disapprove of the proceedings of 
 the General Convention. 
 
 Mr. Braxton informed the Convention that 
 the committee of the whole Convention on the 
 state of the Church had not gone through the bu- 
 siness to them referred ; and moved that the said 
 committee have leave to sit again, whereon it was 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention will again, to- 
 morrow, resolve itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention on the state of the Church. 
 
 Ordered, That the committee appointed to 
 prepare the address to the members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this commonwealth, 
 also prepare the instructions for the conduct of 
 the deputies to the General Convention; and 
 that the Rev. Mr. M'Croskey and Mr. Lee be 
 added to the committee. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 prepare a plan for the support of the deputies to 
 the General Convention : And a committee was 
 appointed of Mr. Randolph, Rev. Mr. Griffith, 
 Mr. Walker, and Rev. Mr. Davis. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention will on Sat- 
 urday next proceed by ballot to the choice of 
 deputies to attend the General Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appohited to 
 prepare and report fit rules for the order, gov- 
 ernment, and discipline of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in this commonwealth. And a 
 committee was appointed of Mr. N. Harrison, 
 Rev. T. Davis, Rev. Mr. Shield, Rev. Mr. Sky- 
 ring, Rev. Mr. Davenport, Rev. Mr. Cameron, 
 Rev. Mr. Griffith, Rev. Mr. M'Croskey, Rev. 
 Mr. Burgess, Mr. Page, Mr. W. M. Cary, Mr. 
 Taylor, Mr. Lee, Mr. Gilchrist, Mr. Nelson, and 
 Mr. Peachey. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow 
 morning, 11 o'clock. 
 
 Feiday, May 20, 1785. 
 
 Mr. Page, from the committee appointed to 
 prepare instructions for the deputies to the Gen- 
 eral Convention, presented a draught of such in- 
 structions, which were read, and ordered to be 
 referred to a committee of the whole Conven- 
 tion to-morrow. 
 
 Mr. Randolph, from the committee appointed 
 to prepare a plan for the support of the deputies 
 to the General Convention, reported, That the 
 committee had, according to order, had the same 
 under consideration, and had come to some res- 
 olutions thereupon, which were read and agreed 
 to, as followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of your com- 
 mittee that it be recommended to the several 
 vestries of this commonwealth to procure by sub- 
 scription, from the members of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church within their respective par- 
 ishes, the sum of five pounds, for the purpose 
 of defraying the expenses of the deputies of the 
 said church to the General Convention, to be 
 holden at Philadelphia on the Tuesday before 
 the feast of St. Michael next, and to forward 
 the same to the Rev. John Buchanan, of the 
 city of Richmond, on or before the twentieth 
 day of August next. 
 
 Resolved, That the said Rev. John Buchanan 
 be requested to receive the moneys raised by 
 the aforesaid subscription ; and to pay the same 
 in equal proportions to such of the said deputies 
 as shall undertake the business, or to their or- 
 der, as far as the sum of forty pounds each, and 
 to retain the balance in his hands, subject to the 
 order of the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the representatives of the sev- 
 eral parishes in this Convention will exert them- 
 selves for the payment of the sum aforesaid. 
 
 Resolved, That his excellency the Governor, 
 the members of the Council, and the judges of 
 the Supreme Courts, be admitted to seats within 
 the bar. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Thomas Davis, from the com- 
 mittee appointed to prepare fit rules for the or- 
 der, government, and discipline of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church in Virginia, informed the 
 Convention that the said committee had, ac- 
 cording to order, framed several rules for the 
 attainment of those ends ; which were read, and 
 ordered to be referred to a committee of the 
 whole Convention to-morrow. 
 
 Ordered, That the secretary procure a copy of 
 the Canons of the Church of England for the 
 use of the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the proceedings of the Con- 
 vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 holden at New- York on the 6th and 7th days 
 of October, 1784, be referred to the committee 
 appointed to draw up the instructions for the 
 deputies to the General Convention ; and that 
 Mr. A. Cary and Rev. Mr. Leigh be added to 
 the said committee. 
 
 Resolved, That the order of the day that the 
 Convention resolve itself into a committee of 
 the whole Convention on the state of the Prot- 
 
s 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 estant Episcopal Church in this commonwealth 
 be put off until to-morrow. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 10 
 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 21, 1785. 
 
 Mr. Lee, from the committee appointed to 
 examine and report the certificates of appoint- 
 ment of the sitting members, reported, That the 
 said committee had, according to order, exam- 
 ined the same, and had come to some resolu- 
 tions thereupon, which were read. 
 
 Ordered, That the said resolutions lie on the 
 table. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention on the draught of the instruc- 
 tions for the deputies to the General Conven- 
 tion ; and after some time spent therein, Mr. 
 President resumed the chair, and Mr. Braxton, 
 from the said committee, reported. That ths 
 committee had gone through the business to them 
 referred, and had made several amendments, 
 which he was ready to report when the Con- 
 vention should be pleased to receive them. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention will on Mon- 
 day next receive the said report. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention on the rules for the order, 
 government, and discipHne of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Virginia, and after some 
 time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the 
 chair, and Mr. Braxton reported, That the com- 
 mittee had, according to order, taken under con- 
 sideration the business to them referred, and 
 had m.ade some progress therein, but not having 
 had time to go through the same, he moved that 
 the committee have leave to sit again. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention will on Mon- 
 day next again resolve itself into a committee 
 of the whole Convention on the rules for the 
 order, government, and discipline of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in Virginia. 
 
 Resolved, That the several orders of the day 
 be put off until Monday next. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till Monday next, 
 10 o'clock. 
 
 Monday, May 23, 1785. 
 
 Mr. Randolph, from the committee to which 
 the proceedings of the Convention holden at 
 New- York were referred, reported. That the 
 committee had, according to order, had the 
 same under consideration, and had come to some 
 resolutions thereon, which were read and agreed 
 to as followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention are willing 
 to unite in a general ecclesiastical constitution 
 with the members of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Churcb in the other states of America. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention do accede to 
 the following recommendations of the late Con- 
 vention at New- York, as fundamental principles 
 in the said ecclesiastical constitution ; — 
 
 1. Tiiat there shall be a General Convention 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America. 
 
 2. That the Episcopal Church in each state 
 
 send deputies to the said Convention, consisting 
 of clergy and laity. 
 
 3. That associated congregations in two or 
 more states may send deputies jointly. 
 
 4. That in every state where there shall be a 
 bishop consecrated and .settled, he shall be con- 
 sidered as a member of the said Convention, ex 
 officio. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention cannot bind 
 themselves on the subject of the fourth article, 
 until the same shall be revised at the next Gen- 
 eral Convention at Philadelphia, and reported to 
 the next Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention cannot ac- 
 cede to the sixth article, recommended as a fun- 
 damental principle of the said ecclesiastical con- 
 stitution. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will however 
 accede to the mode of voting, recommended in 
 the sixth article, with respect to the Convention 
 to be holden at Philadelphia, reserving a right 
 to approve or disapprove their proceedings. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of the 
 day, proceeded to consider the amendments 
 made to the instructions for the conduct of the 
 deputies appointed to attend the General Con- 
 vention at Philadelphia, and, having made some 
 other amendments, agreed to the instructions, as 
 followeth : — 
 
 Gentlemen, — During your representation of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in the General 
 Convention, we recommend to your observance 
 the following sentiments concerning doctrine 
 and worship. We refer you, at the same time, 
 for these and other objects of your mission, to 
 our resolutions on the proceedings of the late 
 Convention at New-York. 
 
 Uniformity in doctrine and worship will un- 
 questionably contribute to the prosperity of the 
 Protestant JKpiscopal Church. But we earnestly 
 wish that this may be pursued with liberality 
 and moderation. The obstacles which stand in 
 the way of union among Christian societies are 
 too often founded on matters of mere form. 
 They are surmountable therefore by those who, 
 breathing the spirit of Christianity, earnestly 
 labour in this pious work 
 
 From the Holy Scriptures themselves, rather 
 than the comments of men, must we learn the 
 terms of salvation. Creeds, therefore, ought to 
 be simple : And we are not anxious to retain 
 any other than that which is commonly called 
 the Apostles' Creed. 
 
 Should a change in the liturgy be proposed, 
 let it be made with caution : And in that case 
 let the alterations be few, and the style of prayer 
 continue as agreeable as may be to the essential 
 characteristics of our persuasion. 
 
 We will not now decide what ceremonies ought 
 to be retained. We wish, however, that those 
 which exist may be estimated according to their 
 utility ; and that such as may appear fit to be 
 laid aside, may no longer be appendages of our 
 church. 
 
 We need only add, that we shall expect a re- 
 port of your proceedings to be made to those 
 whom we shall vest with authority to call a Con- 
 vention. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 Done in Convention this 22d day of May, in 
 the year of our Lord 1785. 
 
 On a motion made, Resolved, That it be rec- 
 ommended to the several vestries to ascertain, 
 by the best means in their power, the number 
 of the members of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church within their respective parishes, and re- 
 port the same to the next Convention. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of the 
 day, proceeded by ballot to the appointment of 
 deputies to attend the General Convention, to 
 be holden in Philadelphia in September next ; 
 and Mr. Harrison, Mr. Randolyjh, Rev. Mr. 
 Burgess, and Rev. Mr. Shield, were appointed 
 a committee to examine the ballots, who, hav- 
 ing withdrawn and examined the same, reported, 
 That they had found the numbers for the sev- 
 eral persons balloted for to be as followeth : — 
 
 For Rev. David Griffith, 71 ; John Page, 
 Esq., 67; Wilham Lee, Esq., 43 ; Rev. Sam- 
 uel S. M'Croskey, 38 ; Rev. Robert Andrews, 
 35 ; Carter Braxton, Esq., 33 ; Rev. John 
 Bracken, 2 ; Rev. John Burgess, 2 ; Bryan 
 Fairfax, Esq., 1 ; Dr. James lay lor, 1. 
 
 And it appearing from the report that the 
 majority of the whole Convention were in fa- 
 vour of Mr. Griffith, Mr. Page, Mr. Lee, and 
 Mr M'Croskey, 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That the Rev. David Grif- 
 fith, John Page, Esq., William Lee, Esq., and 
 the Rev. Samuel Smith M'Croskey, be appointed 
 deputies to the General Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church, to be holden at Phil- 
 adelphia on the Tuesday before the feast of St. 
 Michael next. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention on the rules for the order, 
 government, and discipline of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church ; and after some time spent 
 therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, and 
 Mr. Harrison reported, That the said commit- 
 tee had, according to order, had under their con- 
 sideration the business to them referred, and 
 had made some progress in the same, but that 
 not having had time to go through it, he was di- 
 rected to move that the said committee have 
 leave to sit again. 
 
 Resolved, That the said committee sit again 
 to-morrow. 
 
 A letter from his excellency the Grovernor, di- 
 rected to the President of the Convention, and 
 enclosing an extract of a letter from Count de 
 Rosencrone, respecting the means of procuring 
 ordination of American clergymen in Denmark, 
 was, together with the said extract, read and or- 
 dered to be referred to a committee : And a 
 committee was appointed of Mr. Braxton, Mr. 
 Page, Rev. Mr. Davis, and Rev. Mr. Shield. 
 
 Resolved, That the order of the day for the 
 Convention to resolve itself into a committee of 
 the whole Convention on the state of the church 
 be put off" until to-morrow. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow 
 morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Tuesday, May 24, 1785. 
 
 Mr. Page, from the committee appointed to 
 
 prepare an address to the members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church, reported, That the 
 said committee had prepared such an address ; 
 which was read and agreed to, as followeth ; — 
 
 The Address of the Convention to the Members 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 For more than eight years our church hath 
 languished under neglect. We will not, how- 
 ever, believe that her friends have revolted, and 
 therefore trust that a knowledge of her present 
 condition will rekindle their former affections. 
 
 Religion does not invite by inducements from 
 eternal interest alone ; society feels her benig- 
 nity in remedying the defects of laws. Secret 
 injuries to social rights escape the censures of 
 government. From the constitution of human 
 affairs, human wisdom cannot be certain, that 
 an antidote applied to one evil will not produce 
 another ; and many are the duties of imperfect 
 obligation, which no legislative provision can 
 enforce. Nor can society at all times furnish 
 incitements to virtuous conduct by rewards ; and 
 even if this were practicable, the most enlight- 
 ened tribunal on earth could not be assured of 
 the purity of the motive which gave birth to the 
 action rewarded. Religion, on the contrary, fixes 
 the eye of conscience on deeds however remote 
 from public view ; arrests the hand of vice by 
 holding forth the responsibility of man to his 
 Creator; rescues benevolence from the vortex 
 of self-love ; administers self-complacency, that 
 highest prize of merit ; and withholds it in spite 
 of partiality when it is not due. 
 
 From the earUestday, and in every clime, has 
 the efficacy of religion been acknowledged. Un- 
 der various forms have her benefits been soli- 
 cited, and we have enlisted ourselves under the 
 banners of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 Let us not then desert this object of our choice, 
 but, conscious of her scriptural authority, devote 
 ourselves to her relief. 
 
 Of what is the church now possessed ! Noth- 
 ing but the glebes and your affections. Since 
 the year 1776, she hath been even without reg- 
 ular government, and her ministers have re- 
 ceived but little compensation for their services. 
 Their numbers are diminished by death and 
 other causes, and we have as yet no resource 
 within ourselves for a succession of ministers. 
 Churches stand in need of repair, and there is 
 no fund equal to the smallest want. 
 
 By the favour of Providence, indeed, the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church is incorporated by law, 
 and under this sanction are we now assembled. 
 We have accepted the invitation of a Conven- 
 tion, lately holden at New-York, to send depu- 
 ties to another to be holden at Philadelphia in 
 the fall. We shall not enter into a revision of 
 doctrine and worship, until their return and re- 
 port of the sentiments of those of our commu- 
 nion with whom they may be associated. We 
 have, however, organized the government of the 
 church. 
 
 But whither must our labours tend without 
 your assistance 1 To contempt they cannot ; 
 for we have the consciousness of aiming at our 
 
8^ 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 common welfare alone. To almost every thing 
 under the sun belongs a crisis, which, if em- 
 braced, stamps our endeavours with success — if 
 lost, with ruin. In this situation does our 
 church now stand : and why do you hesitate 1 
 Are the doctrines of our church less excellent 
 than at any former period 1 Have you embraced 
 the persuasion of that church, to abandon it in 
 the hour of difficulty 1 Common justice requires 
 that those who profess themselves to be members 
 of a society, should unite in cherishing it ; and 
 let us not be the only example of a religious asso- 
 ciation withering from the want of support from 
 its own members. 
 
 But do not believe that by thus exhorting you 
 to zeal for our church, we mean to provoke an 
 aversion to other Christian societies. It is vain 
 to expect unanimity among mankind ; and who 
 can with confidence declare himself infallible 1 
 We rather conceive that Christians of every de- 
 nomination, who are sincere in their opinion, are 
 not less our brethren for maintaining different 
 tenets. It is our duty to be ready to unite upon 
 principles consistent with the gospel, and bring 
 the Christian Church to unity, as nearly as con- 
 science will permit. 
 
 We therefore entreat you in the most solemn 
 manner, we conjure you by all the- ties of reli- 
 gion, to co-operate fervently in the cause of our 
 church. Should these our earnest efforts be 
 abortive, we shall always with truth call the 
 Searcher of hearts to witness, that the downfall 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church is not to be 
 named among our offences, and to this admoni- 
 tion shall we ever appeal. 
 
 Ordered, That copies of the address be 
 
 immediately printed. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the sev- 
 eral vestries to take the most effectual measures 
 for procuring by voluntary subscriptions a com- 
 petent support for the incumbents of their re- 
 spective parishes ; and to report the result of 
 their endeavours to the next Convention. 
 
 The proceedmgs of a vestry holden for North 
 Farnham parish, April 9, 1785, were laid before 
 the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That they lie on the table. 
 
 The Rev. T. Davis, from the committee to 
 whom were referred the letter from his excel- 
 lency the Governor, and the extract of a letter 
 from the Count de Rosencrone, reported. That 
 the said committee had, according to order, had 
 under consideration the papers to them referred, 
 and had come to some resokitions thereon, 
 which were read and agreed to, as followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention 
 are due to his excellency the Governor for this 
 mark of his attention to their interests, and that 
 the President of the Convention be requested to 
 write a letter expressive of their thanks, and to 
 assure him that they hav6 a proper sense of the 
 indulgence granted by his Danish majesty to the 
 Episcopalians of these United States. 
 
 Resolved, That the deputies be instructed to 
 communicate to the General Convention at Phil- 
 adelphia the contents of the Count de Rosen- 
 crone's letter. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention on the rules for the order, 
 government, and discipline of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, and after some time spent 
 therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, and 
 Mr. -Harrison reported. That the said committee 
 had, according to order, had the said rules under 
 consideration, and made several amendments 
 therein, which were r-ead and agreed to ; and 
 the rules, as amended, were ordered to be fairly 
 transcribed and read to-morrow. 
 
 Resolved, That the committee of the whole 
 Convention on the state of the church be dis- 
 charged from sitting again. 
 
 On a motion made, 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Con- 
 vention that the Canons of the Church of Eng- 
 land have no obligation on the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church within this commonwealth. 
 
 Resolved, That until the farther order of the 
 Convention, the liturgy of the Church of Eng- 
 land be used in the several churches throughout 
 this commonwealth, with such alterations as the 
 American Revolution has rendered necessary. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow 
 morning, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Wednesday, May 25, 1785. 
 
 The rules for the order, government, and dis- 
 cipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church, hav- 
 ing been fairly transcribed, were read, and the 
 blanks filled up : And then it was resolved unan- 
 imously that the said rules do pass, as follow- 
 eth : — 
 
 Rules for the Order, Government, and Disci- 
 pline of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 Virginia. 
 
 1. Conventions shall be holden annually on 
 the fourth Wednesday in May, in the city of 
 Richmond : Provided nevertheless. That if a 
 sufficient number of members to form a Con- 
 vention shall not attend on the said day, any 
 fourteen then assembled shall have power to ad- 
 journ. 
 
 2. A person shall preside in Convention with 
 the title of president, who shall always be a 
 bishop, when there is one properly consecrated 
 and settled in this church, till which time a pres- 
 ident shall be appointed by the Convention out 
 of their own body. If more than one bishop is 
 found necessary in this church, they shall pre- 
 side alternately. 
 
 3. A secretary shall be appointed by the Con- 
 vention, and dismissed by them at their pleas- 
 ure, who shall take an oath of office, keep a rec- 
 ord of their resolves and proceedings, and have 
 the records in his custody so long as he shall 
 continue in office. 
 
 4. Standing rules shall be established for the 
 preservation of decorum, and the orderly man- 
 agement of business. 
 
 5. All questions, whether they relate to the 
 order, government, discipline, doctrine, or wor- 
 ship of this church, or to any other matter 
 which is properly before the Convention, shall 
 be determined by a maj^ority of votes. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 6. "At all future Conventions, each member 
 (whether minister or layman) shall, previous to 
 his admission, produce a testimonial of his being 
 regularly appointed, which testimonial shall be 
 signed by one or both of the chnrch-wardens or 
 by the clerk of the respective vestries. 
 
 7. All the ordinances and other proceedings 
 of the Convention shall be attested by the sec- 
 retary. 
 
 8. The clergy of several neighbouring par- 
 ishes, not less than three nor more than ten, shall 
 assemble in presbytery annually on the second 
 Wednesday in April, at some convenient place 
 in the district, to be appointed by a majority of 
 the ministers in the same district : One in each 
 district shall be appointed by the Convention to 
 preside in their meetings with the title of vis- 
 iter, who shall annually visit each parish in his 
 district — shall attend to and inspect the morals 
 and conduct of the clergy — shall see that the 
 canons and rules of the church are observed, 
 and that no abuses are practised — shall admon- 
 ish and reprove privately those clergymen who 
 are negligent, or act in an unbecoming manner, 
 and shall report yearly to the bishop, if there be 
 one, or, if there be no bishop, to the next Con- 
 vention, the state of each parish in his district, 
 noting down the offenders and their offences. 
 
 9. The clergy who shall minister in this 
 church shall be the three orders of bishops, 
 priests, and deacons. 
 
 10. Every person hereafter to officiate in this 
 church as a bishop, shall be nominated by the 
 Convention ; and having received episcopal con- 
 secration before he enters on his office, shall 
 take the oath of allegiance to this commonwealth, 
 and subscribe to conform to the doctrine, disci- 
 pline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia : And no person shall be re- 
 ceived into the church as a bishop until he shall 
 have completed the 30th year of his age. 
 
 11. As we conceive the office of a bishop, ac- 
 cording to the true Apostolic institution, differs 
 in nothing from that of other ministers of God's 
 Word, except in the power of ordination and con- 
 firmation, and the rights of superintending the 
 conduct of the clergy, and of precedency in ec- 
 clesiastical assemblies, that office shall accord- 
 ingly be so exercised in this church : And every 
 bishop, after his promotion to the episcopal 
 order, shall continue to hold a parish and to do 
 the duty of a parish minister, except when he is 
 necessarily employed in the discharge of his 
 episcopal office. 
 
 12. No bishop shall inflict any censure upon, 
 or exercise any power over the clergy under his 
 inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the 
 laws and institutions of this church made in 
 Convention. 
 
 13. No priest or minister shall hereafter be 
 received into any parish within this common- 
 wealth unless he first produce to the vestry suf- 
 ficient testimonials of his having been regularly 
 ordained a priest by some Protestant bishop — 
 take the oath of allegiance to this common- 
 wealth, and subscribe to be conformable to the 
 doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church. Provided, That any 
 
 person who hath been ordained by a bishop of 
 the Church of Rome may also be received as a 
 minister, who shall produce satisfactory testi- 
 monials respecting his ordination, morals, and 
 conduct — renouncing the errors of that church 
 — take the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid. 
 
 14. No minister shall hereafter be received 
 into a parish who does not first produce to the 
 vestry satisfactory testimonials of his morals, 
 conduct, and conversation, from the person or 
 persons appointed by the Convention to inquire 
 into such matters and grant such testimonials. 
 
 15. The right of presentation or appointing 
 ministers to serve in the parishes shall continue 
 in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its 
 own minister. 
 
 16. Every person to be ordained priest or 
 deacon, by any bishop of this church, shall 
 first produce testimonials of his good morals 
 and orderly conduct from the clergy, assembled 
 in the district where he for some time last re- 
 sided, and from the vestry of the parish where 
 he last lived : Provided there be in the district 
 a sufficient number of clergymen to form a 
 presbytery, otherwise a testimonial from the 
 minister and vestry of his parish, or from the 
 vestry tilone, if the parish is vacant, shall be 
 deemed sufficient : Provided also, the candi- 
 date is not an inhabitant of some other state, 
 and intended to minister in some parish or con- 
 gregation in a neighbouring state : Of the suf- 
 ficiency of these testimonials, as well as of the 
 literary and other quahfications of the candi- 
 dates, the bishop shall be the judge, and shall 
 approve or reject at his discretion. 
 
 17. No person shall be admitted to priest's 
 orders until he shall have completed the twenty- 
 fourth year of his age, and is assured of the 
 willingness of some parish or congregation to 
 receive him as their minister, to be certified 
 from under the hands of the church- wardens, 
 and attested by the clerk of the vestry. 
 
 18. Every person approved of by the bishop, 
 whether for priest's or deacon's orders, shall be 
 ordained according to the form prescribed in the 
 Book of Common Prayer, &c., directed to be 
 used in this church. But no person shall be 
 ordained priest until he has served six months 
 in the office of deacon. 
 
 19. No person shall be ordained a deacon 
 until he shall have completed the twenty-first 
 year of his age. 
 
 20. No person having deacon's orders only 
 shall be allowed to hold a parish. But a deacon 
 may, during a vacancy, officiate in a parish, 
 if chosen by the vestry to do so. He shall 
 preach the gospel and baptize. He may assist 
 in administering the sacrament of the Lord's 
 supper, but not consecrate the elements. He 
 may solemnize marriages, and shall attend to 
 the situation and circumstances of the poor 
 where it may be necessary. 
 
 21. A person may be ordained a deacon 
 though he shall have no assurance of being 
 called to minister in a parish or congregation, 
 provided his testimonials and qualifications are 
 satisfactory to the bishop. 
 
 23. A deacon may minister as a probationer 
 
10 
 
 CON\^NTION OF 1785. 
 
 or missionary under the direction of the Con- 
 vention or the bishop. 
 
 23. It being directed by the incorporating act 
 that church-wardens shall be appointed, it shall 
 be their duty to superintend the building and 
 repairing of churches and other buildings be- 
 longing to the parish — to see that they are done 
 agreeably to the directions of the vestry and 
 according to contract — to restrain and check 
 disorderly behaviour during time of worship — 
 to prosecute, under the direction of the vestry, 
 persons offending in such instances — to furnish 
 books, ornaments, surplices, elements for the 
 sacrament, and every other thing judged ne- 
 cessary by the vestry, out of the church reve- 
 nues, and to have, together with the minister, 
 the care of and superintendence over the 
 churches and burying-grounds. Church-war- 
 dens are to be considered as the acting part of 
 the vestry, who are to see their orders and reso- 
 lutions carried into execution : and they are to 
 report the state of the parish to the bishop and 
 visiter at their visitations. 
 
 24. The parish clerk shall be appointed by 
 the minister and vestry, and displaced by them 
 whenever his services are not satisfactory to the 
 people : whenever he shall neglect his duty, or 
 otherwise misbehave himself. 
 
 25. Sextons shall be appointed by the vestries, 
 and dismissed by them when they think proper. 
 It shall be their duty to keep the keys of the 
 church, subordinate to the minister or church- 
 wardens, to keep the church in decent order, 
 and to have the charge of the books, ornaments, 
 and other necessaries. 
 
 26. Bisliops shall be amenable to the Conven- 
 tion, who shall be a court to try them, from 
 which there shall be no appeal. On all such 
 occasions a president shall be chosen by the 
 Convention to sit as judge, and they shall also 
 appoint a clerk to the court. 
 
 27. All accusations against a bishop, as such, 
 shall come from the vestries ; but no accusa- 
 tion against a bishop shall be received unless 
 three vestries join in the complaint. All com- 
 plaints against a bishop shall be lodged with 
 such persons as may be appointed to call a Con- 
 vention, and a copy of the charge or charges to 
 be brought against him shall be communicated 
 to him in wrtting at least two months before 
 the trial. Counsel may be employed on both 
 sides ; and none but legal evidence shall be 
 admitted. 
 
 28. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con- 
 duct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules 
 and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to 
 grant either ordination or a recommendation for 
 a vacant parish, shall be considered as offences 
 in a bishop, for which he may be brought to 
 trial, and, on his being convicted of any of these, 
 he shall be reproved, suspended, or dismissed, 
 at the discretion of the court. 
 
 29. Courts shall be instituted to examine 
 into complaints exhibited against ministers or 
 deacons, to consist of six members, viz., three 
 clergymen and three vestrymen, from the nearest 
 and most convenient parishes, one from each. 
 The appointment of the said vestrymen shall be 
 
 determined by lot. The oldest clergyman in 
 orders shall preside as judge. On conviction 
 of the minister, the court shall report the facts 
 and state the evidence to the Convention, who 
 shall proceed without delay to pronounce such 
 sentence as a majority of them shall think the 
 offence deserves ; which shall be either reproof, 
 suspension, or dismission. 
 
 30. No vestryman shall sit on the examina- 
 tion of a minister belonging to the parish 
 wherein such vestryman resides. The exami- 
 nation shall be held in the parish where the ac- 
 cused minister officiates, and at a place to be 
 appointed by the vestry. The judges shall ap- 
 point a clerk occasionally for such examinations. 
 
 31. Complaints against a minister shall be 
 received from the vestry of the parish where the 
 minister officiates, and from no other person or 
 persons whatever. They shall be signed by a 
 majority of a vestry, without which no com- 
 plaint shall be received. They shall be directed 
 to the bishop, or to the persons who may be 
 vested by the Convention with authority to re- 
 ceive such complaints, and to direct courts of 
 examination. In every complaint the offence 
 or offences shall be stated, and the minister 
 shall be furnished with a copy of the charges 
 brought against him, and with notice of his in- 
 tended examination, at least one month before 
 the examination. Viv^ voce evidence only shall 
 be admitted, and that on oath ; and counsel 
 may be employed on both sides. 
 
 32. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con- 
 duct ; neglect of duty ; a disregard to the rules 
 and canons of the church ; or taking a bribe to 
 recommend either for ordination or a parish, are 
 to be considered as among the offences for 
 which a minister may be brought to trial. 
 
 33. The bishop, or persons vested with au- 
 thority for this purpose, shall, on receiving a 
 complaint against any minister, immediately in- 
 stitute a court, as before described, to examine 
 into the complaint, and shall take care that the 
 ministers and vestrymen who aire to compose 
 the court shall be informed in time. The 
 bishop or persons so vested with authority shall 
 cite the accused person before the appointed 
 court, which shall (unless the accused person 
 is prevented from attending by sickness) pro- 
 ceed to examine the testimony against the of- 
 fender, and take the depositions of the witnesses. 
 They shall then report the case, with the testi- 
 mony, to the Convention at their next meeting, 
 who shall, if they think proper, proceed to pass 
 sentence against the accused person at their 
 discretion : P*rovided, That no sentence shall be 
 other than reproof, suspension, or dismission. 
 
 34. Deacons behaving in a scandalous, dis- 
 orderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect the 
 duty they have undertaken, shall, on full and 
 satisfactory proof, be suspended, or silenced by 
 the bishop, until the sense of the Convention 
 shall be known. And the salary accruing du- 
 ring the suspension of a minister or deacon, 
 who is afterward found guilty, shall go to the 
 vestry for the use of the church. 
 
 35. Bishops shall visit the different parishes 
 under their inspection once in three years at 
 
CONVENTION OF 1785. 
 
 11 
 
 least, of which visitation the clergy or church- 
 wardens shall have timely notice. In their vis- 
 itations they shall confirrn such as choose to re- 
 ceive confirmation. They shall inspect the state 
 of the parishes, and the conduct of the clergy, 
 who shall give them what information they can 
 respecting such ecclesiastical matters as they 
 may choose to be informed of. They shall re- 
 ceive complaints against ministers and deacons, 
 and inquire into the ground of them, and at their 
 discretion shall admonish or suspend the person 
 accused : And, if they think the offence de- 
 serving a severer sentence, shall cause the ac- 
 cused person to be brought to trial. 
 
 36. Bishops shall hold ordinations at such 
 times and places as they may judge necessary 
 and convenient. 
 
 37. Bishops, after every visitation, shall re- 
 port the state of^the church in the different 
 parishes to the Convention. 
 
 38. No minister or bishop shall be allowed 
 to hold more than one parish at the same time. 
 Nevertheless a minister may, if called thereto 
 by the vestry, preach in a neighbouring parish 
 or parishes during a vacancy in such parish or 
 parishes, and may receive a compensation for his 
 services; Provided he has the consent of his 
 own vestry, and shall not neglect the duties of 
 his parish. 
 
 39. Every minister shall reside withm his 
 parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall agree 
 to dispense with his residence ; and shall at no 
 time leave it for more than one month without 
 the consent of the said vestry. 
 
 40. Ministers shall, at their churches or other 
 convenient places, instruct children, and such 
 ignorant persons as may require it, in their cate- 
 cliism, and the principles of the Christian reli- 
 gion as maintained by this church. Provided 
 this duty may be dispensed with during the in- 
 clement winter months. They shall also explain 
 the nature of confirmation, and instruct and 
 prepare their parishioners for it. 
 
 41. Ministers and deacons shall wear a sur- 
 plice during the time of prayer at public wor- 
 ship, in places where they are provided ; shall 
 wear gowns when they preach, where they con- 
 veniently can ; and shall at all times wear ap- 
 parel suited to the gravity of their profession ; 
 — such as may distinguish them from laymen. 
 
 42. Ministers and deacons may encourage 
 people to assemble together in small societies 
 at convenient times for their edification, and 
 may visit, superintend, and instruct such so- 
 cieties at their meetings. Provided they shall 
 not do it to the encouragement of idleness, or 
 to the injury of private families. 
 
 43. Ministers officiating in this church, 
 whether bishops, priests, or deacons, shall 
 preach once at least on every Lord's day, and 
 at other staled seasons, unless prevented by 
 some sufficient cause. They may, at their dis- 
 cretion, preach also at other times when oppor- 
 
 tunities shall offer of edifying the church. 
 Bishops and priests shall administer the sacra- 
 ment at least four tinies in the year at each 
 church or place of worship in their respective 
 parishes ; and shall visit the sick when called 
 on for that purpose. 
 
 Resolved, That a standing committee be ap- 
 pointed, whose business it shall be to corre- 
 spond with any society or societies of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in the United Slates, 
 on any matters relating thereto ; to call a meet- 
 ing of the Convention whensoever it shall seem 
 necessary ; to receive complaints against the 
 clergy, and to direct courts of examination, 
 pursuant to the rules for the government of the 
 church ; to make such representations on behalf 
 of the church as may from time to time be ex- 
 pedient ; to give advice on difficulties propounded 
 to them concerning the church during the recess 
 of the Convention, and to report their proceed- 
 ings to every succeeding Convention, to be con- 
 firmed or rescinded. 
 
 Resolved, That the said committee consist 
 of four members ; that they continue in office 
 until the next Convention ; and that vacancies 
 by death, resignation, or removal from the 
 country, be supplied by the votes of the remain- 
 ing members : And a standing committee was 
 appointed of the Rev. Robert Andrews, the Rev. 
 John Bracken, Hon. John Blair, and John Page, 
 Esquire. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee frame 
 rules for the orderly management of business in 
 future Conventions, and report them to the next 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be 
 instructed to consider of the proper means of 
 obtaining consecration for a bishop to officiate 
 in this church ; of sending the person who may 
 be hereafter appointed to be consecrated ; and 
 of supporting him during his continuance in 
 office ; and to make their report to the next 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 several vestries always to keep in office a depu- 
 tation to the Convention of this church. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 revise and publish the journals of the Conven- 
 tions : And a committee was appointed of Mr. 
 Blair, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Fairfax, Rev. Mr. 
 Griffith, Rev. Mr. Andrews, and Rev. Mr. 
 Buchanan. 
 
 Resolved, That the committee appointed to 
 revise and publish the journals apply the money 
 now contributed to the payment of the door- 
 keepers, publishing the proceedings, and de- 
 fraying other necessary expenses of this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The Convention adjourned. 
 
 Signed by order of the Convention, 
 
 James Madison, President. 
 Attest, Robert Andrews, Secretary. 
 
12 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1786. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia^ begun and held at the 
 Public Buildings in the City of Richmond, on Wednesday, the 24<A of May, 1786. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Counties. 
 
 Accomack, 
 
 Albemarle, 
 
 Amherst, 
 
 Brunswick, 
 
 Chesterfield, 
 
 Cumberland, 
 
 Caroline, 
 
 Chesterfield, 
 
 Culpepper, 
 
 Charles City, 
 
 Dinwiddie, 
 
 Elizabeth City, 
 
 Essex, 
 
 Fairfax, 
 
 Gloucester, 
 Goochland, 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 Henrico, 
 Isle of White, 
 King William, 
 
 King and Queen, 
 
 Lunenburg, 
 Louisa, 
 Lancaster, 
 Middlesex, 
 
 Mecklenburg, 
 
 Nansemond, 
 
 Norfolk, 
 
 Northumberland, 
 
 Orange, 
 
 Prince William, 
 
 Prince George, 
 
 Richmond, 
 
 Spotsylvania,' 
 
 Stafford, 
 Southampton, 
 Williamsburg, 
 York. 
 
 Parishes. 
 i St. George, 
 ! Accomack, 
 Fredericksville, 
 
 Lexington, 
 
 St. Andrews, 
 Manchester, 
 Littleton, 
 ^ St. Asaph, 
 St. Margarets, 
 St. Mary, 
 Dale, 
 St. Mark, 
 Westover, 
 Bath, 
 Bath, 
 
 South Farnham, 
 Fairfax, 
 Abindon, 
 Petsworth, 
 
 St. James Northam, 
 
 St. Paul, 
 Henrico, 
 
 St. Johns, 
 St. David, 
 
 St. Stephens, 
 
 Cumberland, 
 Trinity, 
 Christ Church, 
 Christ Church, 
 
 St. James, 
 
 Suffolk, 
 
 Portsmouth, 
 
 Wicomico, 
 
 St. Thomas, 
 
 Dettingen, 
 < Bristol, 
 ( Martin's Brandon, 
 
 Farnham, 
 
 Berkeley, 
 
 Brunswick, 
 St. Luke, 
 Bruton, 
 York Hampton, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 Theophilus Nugent. 
 
 Charles Clay. 
 
 James Taylor. 
 Archibald Dick. 
 
 John Dunbar. 
 William Bland. 
 David Griffith. 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 Henry Skyring. 
 
 Craig. 
 
 Samuel King. 
 
 John Leland. 
 
 John Cameron. 
 Benjamin Blagrove. 
 
 John Bracken. 
 Samuel Shield. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 
 A. Armstead. 
 John Walker. 
 
 ( Hugh Rose 
 
 Roderic M'Culloch. 
 John Jones. 
 William Fleming. 
 Mayo Carrington. 
 John Page. 
 
 Robert Gilchrist. 
 Archibald Cary. 
 Robert Slaughter. 
 
 William Withers. 
 Wilson Miles Cary. 
 John Edmondson. 
 
 John Page. 
 
 Matt. Anderson. 
 ( Thomas M. Randolph. 
 \ Thomas Underwood. 
 3 John Pendleton. 
 \ Park Goodall. 
 
 Nathaniel Wilkinson. 
 
 John S. Wells. 
 
 Carter Braxton. 
 ( Benjamin Temple. 
 I William Spiller. 
 ( Anderson Scot. 
 \ Thomas Hill. 
 
 Thomas Buford. 
 
 Charles Yancy. 
 
 Cyrus Griffin. 
 
 Ralph Wormeley. 
 
 < Samuel Goode. 
 
 < William Hepburn. 
 William Eley. 
 William Westcote. 
 Thomas Gaskins. 
 
 ( William Moore. 
 ( Thohnas Barber. 
 
 Jesse Ewell. 
 
 Robert Boiling. 
 
 William Peachey. 
 { John Dawson. 
 ( Beverley Winslow. 
 
 William Fitzhugh. 
 
 Benjamin Blunt. 
 
 John Blair. 
 
 Hugh Nelson. 
 
 The Convention met according to appoint- 
 ment ; but there not being a sufficient number 
 of members to proceed on business, they ad- 
 journed till to-morrow, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 25, 1786. 
 
 The Convention having met according to 
 adjournment, 
 
 The Reverend John Bracken was unanimou»- 
 ly appointed Secretary to the ConvBntion. 
 
 The Reverend James Madison, D. D., was 
 unanimously elected President. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine and report to the Convention the cer- 
 tificates of appointment of the sitting members ; 
 and a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 Mr. Shield, Mr. Page, of Gloucester, Rev. Mr. 
 Griffith, and Mr. Wilson M. Cary. 
 
 Mr. Blair, from the Standing committee, laid 
 bisfoTB the Convention the report of the depu- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1786. 
 
 13 
 
 ties to the late General Convention held at 
 Philadelphia, with the journal of the same, and 
 also a letter from the archbishops and sundry 
 bishops of the Church of England to the cleri- 
 cal and lay deputies of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in sundry of the United States of 
 America, which were read, and ordered to lie 
 on the table. 
 
 On a motion made, Resolved, That the report 
 of the late delegates of this church in General 
 Convention made to the standing committee, 
 and by them laid before this Convention, be re- 
 ferred to a select committee ; and that they be 
 directed to collect into one view the several 
 alterations made in the Book of Common Prayer, 
 and report the same to this Convention : And a 
 committee was appointed of the Reverend Mr. 
 Griffith, Mr. Page, of Gloucester, Reverend Mr. 
 Shield, Mr. Braxton, Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Mr. 
 Walker, Hon. Mr. Fleming, and Rev. Mr. Clay. 
 
 The treasurer laid before the Convention an 
 account of all moneys received and disbursed by 
 him. 
 
 Ordered, That it lie on the table. 
 
 On a motion made, Resolved, That the General 
 Ecclesiastical Constitution of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the United States of Ameri- 
 ca, recommended by the General Convention 
 held at Philadelphia, be now referred to a com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention. 
 
 The Convention, according to order, resolved 
 itself into a committee of the whole Conven- 
 tion, to take into consideration the General 
 Ecclesiastical Constitution of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in America ; and, after some 
 time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the 
 chair, and Mr. Braxton reported, that the com- 
 mittee had, according to order, taken the same 
 into consideration, and come to the following 
 resolution, which was read, and agreed to. 
 
 Resolved, That the General Ecclesiastical 
 Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the United States of America, as proposed by 
 the late General Convention held at Philadel- 
 phia, be approved and ratified, except as to the 
 4th, 9th, and 10th articles, which are reserved 
 for farther consideration. 
 
 Ordered, That his excellency the Governor, 
 the members of the Council, and the Judges of 
 the Supreme Courts, be admitted to seats within 
 the bar. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That a petition be pre- 
 sented to the next General Assembly, praying 
 that the act incorporating the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church may not be repealed ; and that it 
 be recommended to the several parishes to pre- 
 sent petitions of a similar nature. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 prepare the petition. And a committee was 
 appointed of the Honourable John Blair, Rever- 
 end Mr. Griffith, Hon. A. Gary, Reverend Mr. 
 Shield, Mr. Page, of Gloucester, Mr. Braxton, 
 Rev. Mr. Skyring, and Rev. Mr. Buchanan. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That it be referred to 
 the select committee to collect the matters unfin- 
 ished by the last Convention, which were refer- 
 red to this Convention, and make report thereof. 
 
 A report iiota the standing commiltce was 
 
 presented by the Honourable John Blair, and 
 read, as followeth : — 
 
 The committee, to whom it was referred to 
 frame rules for the orderly management of busi- 
 ness in future Conventions, and report them to 
 this Convention, have had that subject under 
 consideration, and after the maturest reflection, 
 are of opinion, that they can devise no set of 
 rules fitter to be adopted than those which 
 regulate the proceedings of the House of Dele- 
 gates : — That with respect to another part of 
 their instructions, which was to consider of the 
 proper means of obtaining consecration for a 
 bishop to officiate in their church, they thought 
 it unnecessary for them to take any step of that 
 sort, after it came to their knowledge that the 
 late General Convention held at Philadelphia 
 had taken up that business in behalf of this 
 church in the several United States of Ameri- 
 ca ; but with respect to the means of supporting 
 a bishop during his continuance in office, they 
 are of opinion, it can only be done by a regular 
 subscription throughout the several parishes. 
 
 Adjourned till to-morrow, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 26, 1786. 
 
 The Convention having met according to ad- 
 journment. 
 
 Ordered, That the thanks of the Convention be 
 given to the Reverend Mr. Madison for his ser- 
 mon preached this morning, and that he be de- 
 sired to print the same. 
 
 The Reverend Mr. Griffith, from the select 
 conunittee appointed to take under considera- 
 tion the report of the late delegates of this 
 church in General Convention, made to the 
 standing committee, and by them laid before 
 this Convention, and to collect into one view 
 the several alterations made in the Book of 
 Common Prayer, reported. That they had, ac- 
 cording to order, gone through the business to 
 them referred, and that he was ready to tnake 
 report when the Convention should be pleased 
 to receive it. 
 
 Resolved, That the report be now received, 
 and referred to a committee of the whole Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The Convention, according to order, resolved 
 itself into a committee of the whole Convention, 
 to take under consideration the aforesaid report ; 
 and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Presi- 
 dent resumed the chair, and Mr. Braxton re- 
 ported, That the said committee had, according 
 to order, taken under consideration the busi- 
 ness to them referred, and had made some 
 progress in the same ; but that not having had 
 time to go through it, he was directed to move 
 that the said committee have leave to sit again. 
 
 Ordered, That the said committee sit again 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Honourable Mr. Blair, from the committee 
 appointed to prepare a petition to the next 
 General Assembly, presented a draught of such 
 petition, which was read, and ordered to be re- 
 ferred to a committee of the whole Convention 
 to-morrow. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 
 10 o'clock. 
 
14 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1786. 
 
 Saturday, May 27, 1786. 
 
 Reverend Mr. Shield, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the certificates of appoint- 
 ment of the sitting members, reported. That the 
 said committee had, according to order, ex- 
 amined the same, and had come to a resolution 
 thereupon, which was read, and ordered to lie 
 on the table. 
 
 On a motion, Ordered, That the secretary at 
 the table add to the list of sitting members re- 
 ported by the aforesaid committee, the names 
 of such other members as shall produce satis- 
 factory proofs of their appointment. 
 
 Reverend Mr. Griffiih, from the select com- 
 mittee to whom it was referred to collect the 
 matters unfinished by the last Convention, re- 
 ported, That the said committee had, according 
 to order, gone through the business to them re- 
 ferred, and come to some resolutions thereon, 
 which were read, and agreed to, as followeth : 
 
 Resolved, That the difierent parishes which 
 have not made a return of the provision made 
 for their clergymen, be now addressed to make 
 such returns to the standing committee appoint- 
 €d by this Convention : And that it be also rec- 
 ommended to those parishes which have not 
 paid in their five pounds, required by the last 
 Convention, now to make payment. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 lay off this state into districts, and to nominate 
 a visiter in each, agreeably to the eighth canon 
 of thi? church ; and a committee was appointed 
 of the Hon. A. Gary, Honourable Mr. Fleming, 
 Mr. Mayo Oarrington, Mr. John S. Wells, Rev. 
 Mr. Clay, Rev. Mr. Craig, Mr. John Walker, 
 Rev. Mr. Shield, Mr. Barber, Rev. Mr. Sky- 
 ring, Mr. Armstead, Rev. Mr. Nugent, Rev. 
 Mr? Griffith, Rev. Mr. Leland, Mr. Peachey, 
 Rev. Mr. King, and Mr. Jones. 
 
 Resolved, That a standing committee ought 
 to be appointed to correspond with the English 
 bishops, and to carry into effect the directions 
 of this Convention, and that their powers be de- 
 fined. And a committee was appointed of the 
 Rev. Mr. Madison, Hon. Mr. Blair, Mr. Page, 
 pf Gloucester, Rev. Mr. Shield, Rev. Mr. 
 Bracken, and Mr. H. Nelson. 
 
 Resolved, That delegates be appointed to the 
 General Convention to be held at Philadelphia 
 in June next, and that their powers be defined 
 by instructions. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 adjust the treasurer's accounts, and the ac- 
 counts of the late delegates to the General 
 Convention, and make report thereof: And a 
 committee was appointed of the Honourable 
 Mr. Braxton, Rev. Mr. Skyring, Mr. Griffin, 
 and Rev. Mr. Shield. 
 
 Resolved, That the journals of this Conven- 
 tion be printed, and paid for by the treasurer, 
 and that cop-es be transmitted to such parishes 
 as were represented in the last and in the pres- 
 ent Convention ; and that one or two copies of 
 the journal of the late General Convention now 
 on hand be also sent to the different parishes. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be requested to 
 send such recommendations to the different 
 
 parishes as are directed by this Convention, and 
 to desire that returns may be mad.e to him in 
 pursuance thereof. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to consider what powers oughc to be 
 committed to the standing committee, and also 
 to draw up instructions to the delegates who 
 shall be appointed to the next General Conven- 
 tion. And a committee was appointed of Mr. 
 Wormeley, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Page, of Caroline, 
 Mr. Walker, Mr. W. M Gary, Reverend Mr. 
 Skyring, Reverend Mr. Buchanan, Reverend 
 Mr. Iceland, Reverend Mr. Craig, and Reverend 
 Mr. Clay. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That two committees 
 be appointed with powers to grant testimonials 
 to candidates far parishes ; that they be con- 
 fined within certain districts ; and that the said 
 districts be laid oft" by the committee appointed 
 to define the powers of the standing committee. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention, to take under consideration 
 the report of the select committee on the seve- 
 ral alterations in the Book of Common Prayer, 
 as recommended by the laie General Conven- 
 tion ; and after some time spent therein, Mr. 
 Priesident resumed the chair, and Mr. Braxton 
 reported. That the said committee had, accord- 
 ing to order, taken uruler consideration the 
 business to them referred, and had made some 
 progress in the same ; but that not having had 
 time to go through it, he was directed to move 
 that the said committee have leave to sit again. 
 
 Ordered, That the Convention will, on Mon- 
 day next, resolve itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention, to take under consideration 
 the aforesaid report. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That the report of 
 the select committee, so far as relates to the 
 articles of religion, be referred to the considera- 
 tion of a private committee, and that the com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention be discharged 
 from the farther consideration of the same. 
 And a committee was appointed of Mr. Page, 
 of Gloucester, Hon. Mr. Blair, Rev. Mr. Shield, 
 Rev. Mr. Griffith, Rev. Mr. Bracken, Mr. W. 
 M. Gary, Rev. Mr. Clay, Mr. Wormeley, Rev. 
 Mr. Skyring, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Walker, Rev. 
 Mr. Buchanan, Rev. Mr. Craig, Rev. Mr. Tay- 
 lor, Mr. Rose, Rev. Mr. Cameron, Rev. Mr. 
 Bland, Hon. Mr. Fleming, Mr. Edmondson, 
 Rev. Mr. DicH, Mr. Gilchrist, and Rev, Mr. 
 Leland. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of 
 the whole, to take under consideration the 
 draught of a petition to the next General Assem- 
 bly ; and after some time spent therein, Mr. 
 President resumed the chair, and the Hon. Mr. 
 Blair reported. That the said committee had, 
 according to order, considered the same, and 
 made some amendments therein, which were 
 read, and agreed to. 
 
 Ordered, That the secretary be authorized to 
 employ an assistant. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till Monday next, 
 10 o'clock. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1786. 
 
 15 
 
 Monday, May 29, 1786. 
 The Convention haviiig met according to ad- 
 journment, 
 
 Mr. Page, from the committee appointed to 
 consider the report of the select committee, so 
 far as relates to the articles of religion, reported, 
 That they had gone through the business to them 
 referred, and come to several resolutions there- 
 on, which were read, and ordered to be referred 
 to a conwnittee of the whole Convention. 
 
 The Convention having, according to order, 
 resolved itself into a committee of the whole 
 Convention on the report above referred — after 
 some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed 
 the chair, and the Hon. Mr. Blair reported. That 
 the said committee had, according to order, 
 gone through the business to them referred, 
 and made some amendments therein, which 
 were read, and, when farther amended, agreed 
 to, as followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That the first article of religion be 
 agreed to. 
 
 In the second article, lines 13th and 14th, 
 strike out the words was never any, and insert, 
 there is no. 
 
 Resolved, That such part of the second arti- 
 cle as relates to the books commonly called 
 Apocryphal, ought to be expunged. 
 
 Resolved, That the third article be agreed to. 
 In the fourth article, after the word creeds in- 
 sert, as contained, in the Book of Common 
 Prayer recommended by the late General Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Resolved, That the fifth and sixth articles be 
 agreed to. 
 
 In the 7th article, strike out the words justi- 
 fied by faith only, in the seventh line, and in- 
 sert, thiis justified by faith. 
 
 Resolved, that the 8th, 9th, and lOth arti- 
 cles be agreed to. 
 
 Resolved, That the eleventh article on pre- 
 destination be omitted. 
 
 Resolved, That the 12th, 13th, and 14th ar- 
 ticles be agreed to. 
 
 In the 15th article, strike out the first clause 
 as unnecessary. 
 
 In the 16th article, strike out the words, as 
 by an instrument, in the seventh line. 
 
 In the 1 7th article, strike out all that relates 
 to tvansubstaniiation. 
 
 Resolved, That the 18th, 19th, and 20th arti- 
 cles be agreed to. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 will to-morrow proceed by ballot to the appoint- 
 ment of deputies to the next General Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That the committee 
 appointed to draw up instructions for the depu- 
 ties to the General Convention be directed, 
 among other things, to instruct them to move 
 for such alterations in the Book of Common 
 Prayer and Articles of Religion as shall be 
 agreed to by this Convention, as fit to be pro- 
 posed to the General Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the order of the day for the 
 Convention to resolve itself into a committee 
 of the whole Convention on the report of the 
 sfelect committee, be put off until fb-morrow. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 
 10 o'clock. 
 
 Tuesday, May 30, 1786. 
 
 On a motion, Ordered, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be given to the late deputies 
 who attended the General Convention held at 
 Philadelphia, for their diligent attention to the 
 interests of the church, and faithful discharge 
 of the duties of their appointment. 
 
 Mr. Wormeley, from the committee appointed 
 to draw up instructions for the deputies to the 
 next General Convention, presented a draught 
 of such instructions, which were read, and, with 
 some amendments, agreed to as followeth : — 
 
 Gentlemen, — You are instructed to move for 
 such alterations in the Book of Common Pray- 
 er and Articles of Religion as shall be agreed 
 to by this Convention as fit to be proposed to 
 the General Convention. 
 
 We consider the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in America as an incorporate society, and there- 
 fore unity in doctrine and worship its character- 
 istic : Conformably to this, you will not carp at 
 expression, nor carry your objections to unes- 
 sential points ; guarding against schisms by all 
 possible means, and giving our church every 
 benefit and strength it can acquire from union. 
 
 It is superfluous to observe to you, that the 
 sooner our church can have the benefit of 
 episcopal superintendence, the nearer it will 
 approach to perfection ; and to recommend to 
 your attention the aid of this necessary character. 
 
 Mr. Wormeley, from the committee to whom 
 was referred the consideration of the powers to 
 be given to the standing committee, reported, 
 That they had, according to order, had the same 
 under their consideration, and had come to the 
 following resolution thereon, which was read 
 and agreed to. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee ap- 
 pointed by this Convention shall have power 
 to correspond with the Protestant archbishops 
 and bishops in Europe, and with any society 
 or societies of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in these United States, on any matters relating 
 to the church ; — to call a meeting of the Con- 
 vention whensoever it shall to them seem 
 necessary ; — to receive complaints against the 
 clergy, and to direct Courts of Examination 
 pursuant to the rules for the government of the 
 church ; — to grant testimonials to all persons, 
 candidates for parishes, and not citizens of this 
 state, who may apply for the same ; — to make 
 such representations on behalf of the church, 
 as may from time to time be expedient ; — to 
 give advice on difficulties propounded to them 
 concerning the church during the recess of 
 Convention ; — and to do all other things rec- 
 ommended by the Convention, and not by them 
 assigned to others to execute ; — and to report 
 their proceedings to every succeeding Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 The Honourable A. Gary, from the committee 
 appointed to lay off this state into districts, in 
 conformity to the eighth canon for the order, 
 government, and discipline of the Protestant 
 Epfiscopal Church, reported. That they had gone 
 
16 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1786. 
 
 through the business to them referred, and had 
 come to some resolutions thereon, which were 
 read and agreed to, as foUoweth : — 
 
 Resolved, That the State of Virjginia ought 
 to be divided into twenty-four districts, for as- 
 sembling the ministers annually in presbytery, 
 and for several other purposes, as set forth in 
 the eighth canon. 
 
 Resolved, That the twenty-four districts be 
 adjusted according to the senatorial division, 
 except where the line of a district divides a 
 parish ; in which case the parish so divided 
 shall be considered as belonging to that district 
 in which its glebe is situate. 
 
 District No. 1, containing the counties of 
 Chesterfield, Amelia, Cumberland, and Powhat- 
 an, of which district the Rev. Mr. William 
 Leigh is appointed Visiter, 
 
 District No. 2, containing the counties of 
 Brunswick, Greensville, Lunenburg, and Meck- 
 lenburg, the Rev. Mr. Craig, Visiter 
 
 District No. 3, containing the counties of 
 Charles City, James City, New Kent, the Rev. 
 Mr. Madison, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 4, containing the counties of 
 Henrico, Goochland, Louisa, the Rev. Mr. Bu- 
 chanan, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 5, containing the counties of 
 Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenan- 
 doah. 
 
 District No 6, containing the counties of 
 Lancaster, Richmond, and Northumberland, the 
 Rev. Mr. Leland, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 7, containing the counties of 
 Isle of Wight, Surry, and Prince George, the 
 Rev. Mr. Burgess, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 8, containing the counties of 
 Charlotte, Halifax, and Prince Edward. 
 
 District No. 9, containing the counties of 
 Gloucester and Middlesex, the Rev. Mr. Klug, 
 Visiter. 
 
 District No. 10, containing the counties, of 
 Spotsylvania, Orange, and Culpepper, the Rev. 
 Mr. Stevenson, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 11, containing the counties of 
 Loudoun and Fauquier, the Rev. Mr. Craig, 
 Visiter. 
 
 District No. 12, containing the counties of 
 Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire, and Hardy. 
 
 District No. 13, containing the counties of 
 Dinwiddie, Southampton, and Sussex, the Rev. 
 Mr. Gurley, Visiter. 
 
 • District No. 14, containing the counties of 
 Botetourt, Washington, Montgomery, Jefferson, 
 Fayette, Lincoln, Nelson, Greenbrier, and such 
 other counties as were made from thes6 the last 
 session of Assembly. 
 
 District No. 15, containing the counties of 
 Hanover and CAroUne, the Rev. Mr. Dick, 
 Visiter, 
 
 District No. 16, containing the counties of 
 Essex, King William, King and Queen, the 
 Rev. Mr. Skyring, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 17, containing the counties of 
 Prince William and Fairfax, the Rev. Mr. 
 Griffith, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 18, containing the counties of 
 Ohio, Monongahala, and Harrison, 
 
 District No. 19, containing the counties of 
 Accomack and Northampton, the Rev. Mr. 
 M'Croskey, Visiter. 
 
 District No, 20, containing the counties of 
 Princess Anne, Norfolk, and Nansemond, the 
 Rev. Mr. Emmerson, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 21, containing the counties of 
 Buckingham, Albemarle, Amherst, and Fluvan- 
 nah, the Rev. Mr. Maury, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 22, containing the counties of 
 Bedford, Henry, Campbell, Pittsylvania, and 
 FrankUn, the Rev. Mf. Holt, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 23, containing the counties of 
 Elizabeth City, Warwick, and York, the Rev. 
 Mr. Bracken, Visiter. 
 
 District No. 24, containing, the counties of 
 Westmoreland, Stafford, and King George, the 
 Rev. Mr. Thornton, Visiter. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That a third com- 
 mittee be appointed to grant testimonials to 
 citizens candidates for parishes, who may apply 
 within the district of the same. 
 
 The Convention resolved jtself into a com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention, to take under 
 their farther consideration the report of the se- 
 lect committee on the several alterations made 
 in the Book of Common Prayer recommended 
 by the late General Convention ; and after 
 some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed 
 the chair, and Mr. Braxton reported. That the 
 committee bad, according to order, gone through 
 the business above referred to them, and had 
 come to a resolution on the same, which was 
 read, and, after some amendments, agreed to, as 
 followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That the Book of Common Prayer, 
 as recommended by the late General Conven- 
 tion, be approved, ratified, and used, except the 
 Rubric before the Communion Service, and such 
 alterations of the Articles as are referred to the 
 consideration of the next General Convention ; 
 and that the Psalms be used as heretofore, un- 
 til a sufficient number of the new books can be 
 procured. 
 
 On a motion by Mr. W. M. Gary, that the 
 yeas and nays be taken on the above resolution, 
 they stood as foUoweth :■ — 
 
 John Walker, Robert Slaughter, W^illiam 
 Withers, John Edmondson, John Page, John 
 Pendleton, Nathaniel Wilkinson, Carter Brax- 
 ton, Thomas Buford, Rev. Archibald Dick, 
 Rev. William Bland, Rev. D. Griffith, Rev. 
 John Buchanan, Rev. Jame& Craig, Charles 
 Yancey, Ralph Wormeley, Thomas Barber, Jes- 
 se Ewell, Benjamin Blunt, Robert Bolhng, 
 Rev. S. Klug, Rev. Samuel Shield, Rev. 
 John Cameron, Rev. John licland. Rev. John 
 Bracken, Samuel Goode, John Jones, William 
 Peachey, Archibald Gary, Thomas Gaskins, A. 
 Armstead, Anderson Scot, voted in the affirma- 
 tive. 
 
 Rev. James Madison, William Fleming, Mayo 
 Carrington, Robert Gilchrist, Wilson M. Gary, 
 Thomas Underwood, Matt. Anderson, Benjamin 
 Temple, William Spiller, Rev. Charles Clay, 
 Rev. James Taylor, Rev. Henry Skyring, Cyrus 
 Griffin, William Westcote, William Eley. Wil- 
 liam Moore, John Dawson, Beverley Winslow, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1786. 
 
 n 
 
 William Fitzhugh, Thomas Hill, voted in the 
 negative. 
 
 Mr. Braxton, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, 
 That they had, according to order, examined the 
 same, and found the balance in his hands to be 
 133/. 6*. 9d. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That the order of the 
 day for the Convention to proceed by ballot to 
 the appointment of deputies to the next General 
 Convention, be put off till to-morrow. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That only one cleri- 
 cal and one lay deputy be appointed to the next 
 General Convention. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow 
 morning, 8 o'clock. 
 
 Wednesday, May 31, 1786. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John Bracken have 
 leave of aljsence during the remainder of this 
 Convention, on Mr. M. Anderson's supplying 
 his place as secretary. 
 
 Mr. Wormeley, from the committee to whom 
 it was referred to lay off districts for granting 
 testimonials to candidates for parishes, reported. 
 That they had, according to order, gone through 
 the business to them referred, and had come to 
 some resolutions thereon, which were read, 
 and, with some amendments, agreed to, as fol- 
 loweth : — 
 
 Resolved, That the first or southern distric 
 be bounded by James river and the North 
 Carolina line, extending westward to our 
 limits. 
 
 Resolved, That the second district be be- 
 tween James river and Rappahannock, extend- 
 ing westward to our limits, and that it include 
 the two counties on the eastern shore. 
 
 Resolved, That the third district be that 
 tract of country known by the name of the 
 Northern Neck, including all that territory not 
 included in the two former districts. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That three commit- 
 tees for granting testimonials to citizens candi- 
 dates for parishes be now appointed, one for 
 each district. 
 
 And a committee was appointed for the first 
 district, of the Rev. Mr. Leigh, Rev. Mr. Cam- 
 eron, Rev. Mr. Blagrove, Hon. A. Cary, Mr. 
 Bannister, and Mr. R. BolUng, or any three of 
 them. 
 
 For the second district a committee was ap- 
 pointed of the Hon. Edmund Pendleton, Rev. 
 Mr. Dick, Rev. Mr. Waugh, Rev. Mr. Taylor, 
 Mr. Gilchrist, and Mr. Hoomes, or any three of 
 them. 
 
 For the third district a committee was ap- 
 pointed of the Rev. Mr. Griffith, Mr. Grayson, 
 Mr. Buckner, Mr. Fitzhugh, of Chatham, Mr. B. 
 Fairfax, and Mr. Jesse Ewell, or any three of 
 them. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 different vestries within this state to collect 
 from their parishioners such sums of money as 
 they can get subscribed, for the purpose of 
 raising a fund to pay the expenses of obtaining 
 consecration for a bishop, and for his support 
 when appointed. The money, when collected, 
 
 B 
 
 must be sent to the treasurer appointed by the 
 Convention, who is directed to report the 
 amount of such returns to the standing com- 
 mittee ; and they are hereby required, upon the 
 appointment of a bishop, and after paying the 
 expenses attending his consecration, to lay or 
 let out the residue in such manner as shall to 
 them appear most advisable. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do now pro- 
 ceed, by ballot, to the appointment of a person 
 proper to be recommended for consecration as 
 bishop of this state. 
 
 Honourable Mr. Braxton, Mr. Page, Rev. 
 Mr. Cameron, and the Rev. Mr. Craig, were 
 appointed a committee to examine the ballots, 
 who, having withdrawn and examined the same, 
 reported, That they had found the numbers for 
 the several persons balloted for to be as follow- 
 eth:— 
 
 For the Reverend David Griffith, 32 ; Rev- 
 erend John Bracken, 10 ; Reverend Samuel 
 Shield, 7. 
 
 And it appearing from the report that a ma- 
 jority of the whole Convention was in favour of 
 the Reverend Mr. Griffith, 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That the Reverend D. 
 Griffith be recommended as a proper person to 
 be consecrated bishop for this state. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will, after 
 consecration, receive the said D. Griffith as 
 bishop. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, proceeded by ballot to the appointment 
 of deputies to attend the General Convention 
 appointed, to be held in Philadelphia ; and Mr. 
 Page, Mr. Edmondson, the Rev. Mr. Cameron, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Craig, were appointed a com- 
 mittee to examine the ballots ; who, having 
 withdrawn and examined the same, reported. 
 That they found the numbers for the several per- 
 sons balloted for to be as followeth : 
 
 For Cyrus Griffin, Esq., 40 ; the Reverend 
 David Griffith, 32 ; Reverend John Bracken, 9 ; 
 Reverend Samuel Shield, 4 ; John Walker, 
 Esq., 2 ; Ralph Wormeley, Esq., 1. 
 
 And it appearing from the report that a ma- 
 jority of the whole Convention were in favour 
 of Cyrus Griffin and Mr. Griffith, 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That Cyrus Griffin, Esq. 
 and the Rev. David Griffith be appointed 
 deputies to the General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church, appointed to be 
 held in the city of Philadelphia on the third 
 Tuesday of June next. 
 
 The Convention resolved itself into a com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention, to take under 
 their consideration the 4th, 9th, and lOth arti- 
 cles of the General Ecclesiastical Constitution 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and after 
 some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed 
 the chair, and Mr. W. M. Cary reported, that 
 the committee had, according to order, con- 
 sidered the same, and come to a resolution 
 thereon, which was read, and agreed to, as fol- 
 loweth : — 
 
 Resolved, That the 4th, 9th, and 10th arti- 
 cles of the General Ecclesiastical Constitution 
 be agreed to. 
 
18 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1787. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That the treasurer 
 De directed to pay to the two deputies appoint- 
 ed to attend the next General Convention the 
 sum of forty pounds each. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed 
 to pay to Mr. William Pierce the sum of five 
 pounds for his services. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be allowed the 
 sum of twenty pounds for his last year's services. 
 The Convention then adjourned. 
 Signed by order of the Convention, 
 
 James Madison, President. 
 Attest, J. Bracken, Secretary. 
 
 M. Anderson, Sec. -pro tern. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, 
 Buildings, in the City of Richmond, May I6th, 1787. 
 
 held at the Public 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Counties. 
 Brunswick, 
 
 Caroline, 
 
 Charles City, 
 
 Chesterfield, 
 
 Fairfax, 
 Gloucester, 
 Frederick, 
 Goochland, 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 Henrico, 
 James City, 
 King and Queen, 
 
 King William, 
 
 Lunenburg, 
 New Kent, 
 Norfolk, 
 Northumberland, 
 
 Parishes. 
 St. Andrews, 
 
 SDrysdale, 
 St. Asaph, 
 St. Margaret, 
 Westover, 
 c Dale, 
 
 i Manchester, 
 
 Fairfax, 
 
 Abingdon, 
 
 Frederick, 
 
 St. Jas. Northam, 
 
 5 St. Paul, 
 St. Martins, 
 Henrico, 
 James City, 
 St. Stephens, 
 St. John, 
 
 St. David, 
 
 Cumberland, 
 Blisland, 
 St. Brides, 
 Wicomico, 
 Southam, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Jesse Carter. 
 James Taylor. 
 Archibald Dick. 
 Benjamin Blagrove. 
 
 D. Griffith. 
 
 Powhatan, 
 
 Prince George, 
 
 Spotsylvania, 
 
 Williamsburg, 
 York, 
 
 j King William, 
 
 Bristol, 
 
 ( St. George, 
 
 \ Berkeley, 
 Bruton, 
 York Hampton, 
 
 Wednesday, May 16. 
 
 The Convention met, and there not being a 
 sufficient number of members to proceed to 
 business, adjourned till to-morrow 10 o'clock. 
 Thursday, May 17. 
 
 The Convention having met, the Rev. J. 
 Bracken was unanimously appointed Secretary 
 to the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Griffith was unanimously elect- 
 ed President. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine and report the certificates of appoint- 
 ment of the sitting members. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of the Hon. 
 James Wood, Rev. Mr. Madison, Rev. Mr. 
 Cameron, and Mr. Pendleton. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Madison, from the standing 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 James Madison. 
 
 Henry Skyring. 
 
 James Craig. 
 
 Needier Robinson. 
 John Leland. 
 John H. Saunders. 
 
 John Cameron. 
 
 John Bracken. 
 Samuel Shield. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 John Jones. 
 
 John Baylor. 
 
 Robert Mickleborough. 
 
 Jerman Baker. 
 ( David Patterson. 
 < George Markham. 
 
 Bryan Fairfax. 
 ( John Page. 
 ( Thomas Lewis. 
 
 James Wood. 
 i Thomas Underwood. 
 ( Major Saunders. 
 { John Pendleton. 
 I Thomas Tinsley, 
 
 Garland Anderson. 
 
 Thomas Hill. 
 Wm. D. Claiborne. 
 Wm. Spiller. 
 Ben. Temple. 
 Henry Stokes. 
 Burwell Bassett. 
 
 David Ball. 
 Littlebury Mosley. 
 John Harris. 
 Thomas Turpin. 
 John Shore. 
 Thomas Ryan. 
 Beverley Winslow. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 Wm. Nelson. 
 
 committee, laid before the Convention the jour- 
 nal of a General Convention held at Philadelphia, 
 September 27, 1786, the journal of another Gen- 
 eral Convention, held at Wilmington, October 
 10, 1786, and the proceedings of the standing 
 committee, with some other papers, which were 
 read, and ordered to lie on the table. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That this Convention 
 will, in their proceedings, observe the standing 
 rules of the House of Delegates so far as they 
 may be applicable ; except that the Convention 
 will not on any occasion resolve itself into a 
 committee of the whole Convention, that the 
 president shall, in the chair, enjoy, in common 
 with the other members of the Convention, the 
 right of delivering his sentiment on any question, 
 and that the yeas and nays shall not be called 
 for on any question. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1787. 
 
 19 
 
 Rev. Mr. Leland reported the proceedings of 
 the examining court, had on the trial of Edward 
 Jones, clerk, rector of the parish of Northfam- 
 ham, Northumberland county, which were read, 
 and ordered to lie on the table. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to frame such rules and regulations 
 for the government of the church, as the repeal 
 of the act of incorporation has rendered neces- 
 sary, and to revise the canons formerly made, 
 and prepare such alterations in them as the 
 present situation of the church requires. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 Mr. Madison, the Rev. Mr. Bracken, the Rev. 
 Mr. Shield, the Rev. Mr. Taylor, the Rev. Mr. 
 Cameron, the Rev. Mr. Craig, the Honourable 
 James Wood, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Baker, Mr. 
 Andrews, Mr. Pendleton, and Mr. Nelson. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to take into consideration the pro- 
 ceedings of the General Convention held in 
 Philadelphia in June, 1786, the proceedings of 
 another General Convention held in Wilming- 
 ton in October, 1786, and the other papers laid 
 before this Convention by the standing com- 
 mittee, and that they report thereon. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 Mr. Dick, Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Rev. Mr. Ryan, 
 Rev. Mr. Fairfax, Rev. Mr. Leland, Major Saun- 
 ders, Mr. Baylor, Mr. Shore, and Mr. T. Lewis. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 10 
 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 18. 
 
 The Convention having met, according to 
 adjournment, the Rev. Mr. Madison, from the 
 committee appointed to frame such rules and 
 regulations for the government of the church 
 as the repeal of the act of incorporation has 
 rendered necessary, and to revise the canons 
 formerly made, reported, That they had, accord- 
 ing to order, had under their consideration the 
 business to them referred ; and had in conse- 
 quence thereof prepared an ordinance for ap- 
 pointing vestries and other purposes ; and had 
 also gone through the revision of the canons. 
 
 Ordered, That the said ordinance and revision 
 of the canons be now received and read. 
 
 On a motion. Ordered, That the ordinance for 
 appointing vestries and for other purposes be 
 read a second time. 
 
 The ordinance for appointing vestries and for 
 other purposes was read a second time, and, 
 with the amendments, ordered to be transcribed 
 and read to-morrow a third time. 
 
 On a motion. Ordered, That the rules for the 
 order, government, and discipline of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in Virginia, be now 
 read a second time. 
 
 The rules for the order, government, and dis- 
 cipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church being 
 read a second time, and amended, were ordered 
 to be transcribed with the amendments, and 
 read to-morrow a third time. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Dick, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to take under their consideration the 
 proceedings of a General Convention held at 
 Philadelphia in June, 1786, and also the pro- 
 B2 
 
 i ceedings of another General Convention held 
 at Wilmington in October, 1786, and the other 
 papers laid before this Convention by the stand- 
 ing committee, reported. That they had, ac- 
 cording to order, gone through the business to 
 them referred, and had come to several resolu- 
 tions thereon, which were read, and, 
 
 On a motion, Ordered to be recommitted. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Baker, Mr. Jones, Mr. 
 Underwood, the Rev. Mr. Madison, the Rev. 
 Mr. Shield, and Mr. Andrews, be added to the 
 aforesaid committee. 
 
 On a motion. Ordered, That the treasurer be 
 requested to lay his accounts before the Con- 
 vention to-morrow. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 will, to-morrow, proceed by ballot to apppint 
 deputies to the next General Convention. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned till to- 
 morrow, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 19. 
 
 The Convention having met, according to 
 adjournment, the Rev. Mr. Dick, from the com- 
 mittee appointed to take under consideration 
 the proceedings of a General Convention held 
 in Philadelphia in June, 1786, the proceedings 
 of another General Convention held in Wil- 
 mington in October, 1786, and the other papers 
 laid before this Convention by the standing 
 committee, reported, That they had, according 
 to order, gone through the business to them 
 referred, and had come to several resolutions 
 thereon, which were read, and, when amended, 
 agreed to, as follows : — 
 
 L Resolved, That it is the opinion of this 
 committee, that the recommendation to the 
 churches therein represented, not to receive 
 to the pastoral charge, within their respective 
 limits, clergymen professing canonical subjec- 
 tion to any bishop, in any state or country, 
 other than those bishops who may be duly set- 
 tled in the states represented in the said Gen- 
 eral Convention, ought to be acceded to. 
 
 IL Resolved, That it is the opinion of this 
 committee, that the 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 
 10th, and 11th articles of the General Constitu- 
 tion be acceded to, and that the 4th and 9th 
 articles be also acceded to, but as articles of a 
 temporary nature, and not as forming a part of 
 the General Constitution. 
 
 IIT. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this 
 committee, that the recommendation from the 
 General Convention not to admit any person as 
 a minister within this church who should receive 
 ordination from any bishop residing in America, 
 during the application pending to the Enghsh 
 bishops for episcopal consecration, cannot be 
 complied with. 
 
 IV. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this 
 committee, that the deputies to be appointed to 
 attend the next General Convention, be instruct- 
 ed to move the General Convention to expunge 
 the words, " He descended into hell," inserted 
 in the Apostles' Creed by the General Conven- 
 tion held at Wilmington, and also whatever 
 relates to the restoration of the Nicene Creed. 
 
 V. Resolved, That it is the opinion of thi« 
 
20 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1787. 
 
 committee, that the alteration made in the form 
 of subscription prescribed in the 10th article of 
 the General Constitution is not necessary, the 
 object of it appearing to us to be provided for 
 by what are called the 4th, 9th, and 10th articles 
 of the General Constitution. 
 
 VI. Resolved, That the recommendation from 
 the General Convention to the Convention of 
 the several states, to authorize and empower 
 their deputies to the next General Convention, 
 after a bishop or bishops shall be obtained in 
 the church, to confirm and ratify a General 
 Constitution respecting both the doctrine and 
 discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 of the United States of America, ought to be 
 complied with. 
 
 VII. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this 
 committee, that the standing committee have 
 shown a proper and diligent attention to the in- 
 terests of this church during the recess of the 
 Convention. 
 
 The Hon. James Wood, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the certificates of appoint- 
 ment of the sitting members, reported. That they 
 had, according to order, examined the business to 
 them referred, and had come to a resolution there- 
 on, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That two deputies be 
 appointed to attend the General Convention. 
 
 The Convention, according to order, pro- 
 ceeded to ballot for deputies to attend the next 
 General Convention ; and the Rev. Mr. Shield and 
 Mr. Jones were appointed to examine the ballots, 
 who, having withdrawn and examined the same, 
 reported. That they had found the numbers for the 
 several persons balloted for to be as followeth : — 
 
 Mr. Andrews, 34; Rev. Dr. GriflBth, 23 ; Rev. 
 Mr. Madison, 13. 
 
 And, it appearing from the report, that a ma- 
 jority of the whole Convention was in favour 
 of Mr. Andrews and the Rev. Mr. Griffith, 
 
 Resolved, therefore, That Mr. Andrews and 
 the Rev. Mr. Griffith be appointed deputies to 
 attend the next General Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church. 
 
 The treasurer, according to order, laid his 
 accounts before the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That they be referred to a committee ; 
 and a committee was appointed of the Rev. Mr. 
 Skyring, Mr. Baker, Mr. Jones, Mr. Underwood, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Craig. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to draw up a recommendation of one 
 xmiform mode of supporting the clergy in this 
 state ; and a committee was appointed of Mr. 
 Jones, Mr. Page, Hon. James Wood, Mr. Baker, 
 Mr. Andrews, Rev. Mr. Madison, Rev. Mr. 
 Cameron, Rev. Mr. Shield, Rev. Mr. Craig, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Skyring. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That an address be 
 prepared to the members of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in this state, and that it be refer- 
 red to the committee last appointed to draught 
 the same. 
 
 Resolved, That the order of the day be put off 
 till Monday next. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till Monday, 7 
 o'clock. 
 
 Monday, May 21. 
 
 The Convention having met, according to 
 adjournment, Mr. Baker, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 reported. That they had, according to order, ex- 
 amined the same, had found them fairly stated, 
 and that the balance remaining in his hands was 
 103^. 6*. lOid. 
 
 The ordinance for appointing vestries and 
 trustees, and for other purposes, having been 
 fairly transcribed, it was read, and the blanks 
 filled up ; and then it was resolved that the said 
 ordinance do pass. 
 
 The rules and canons for regulating the order, 
 government, and discipline of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in Virginia having been fairly trans- 
 cribed, were read, and the blanks filled up, and 
 then it was resolved that the said rules do pass. 
 
 Mr. Jones, from the committee appointed to 
 prepare and recommend one uniform mode of 
 supporting the clergy, reported. That they had, 
 according to order, had under consideration the 
 business to them referred, and had come to some 
 resolutions thereon, which were read and agreed 
 to, as followeth : — 
 
 In order that one uniform mode of supporting 
 the clergy may be adopted throughout this church. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 church- wardens or trustees in the different par- 
 ishes, where the incumbent is not satisfied with 
 the provision already made for him, so soon as 
 convenient after vestries and trustees are duly 
 elected, to convene the members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in their respective 
 parishes, and propose to such members, when 
 convened, that they do there deliberate and de- 
 termine upon the sum which they are willing 
 annually to contribute to the support of the 
 minister ; and that they do, by their voluntary 
 consent, authorize the vestry to receive such 
 sum from the members of the said church in 
 proportion to the titheables possessed by each. 
 
 Resolved, That it be further recommended to 
 the different parishes, that they do agree such 
 sum, when fixed upon, shall be permanent, until 
 changed or altered by a majority of the society. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the dif- 
 ferent church-wardens to have similar provision 
 made for the clerks, sextons, and necessary ex- 
 penses of the church. 
 
 Mr. Jones, from the committee appointed to 
 prepare an address to the members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church, reported. That they 
 had, according to order, had under consideration 
 the business to them referred, and had prepared 
 the same, which was read and agreed to, as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 The Address of the Convention to the Members of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia. 
 
 We, your pastors and lay deputies, in Con- 
 vention assembled, have, by the favour of Divine 
 Providence, and according to the privilege secu- 
 red by the laws of the country to every society 
 of Christians of managing its own temporal con- 
 cerns, and of regulating its discipline and wor- 
 ship, instituted certain fundamental canons, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1787. 
 
 n 
 
 made necessary by the repeal of the incorpora- 
 ting act, and have framed rules for the order, 
 discipline, and worship of our church. We 
 think, however, that to discharge fully the duty 
 we owe on this occasion to God and to you, it 
 is incumbent on us briefly to put you in mind 
 of some things which remain for you to do, and 
 to which, if you do not attend, all our labours 
 here must be ineffectual. To render our church 
 truly respectable, and our institutions of service 
 to the cause of Christianity, a general and reg- 
 ular attendance on public worship, and the con- 
 stant practice of piety and morality, in all times 
 and in all places, are indispensable. This is so 
 obvious, that we trust we need only mention it 
 to you. A moderate but adequate provision for 
 your pastor, is another thing which must claim 
 your attention and exertions. Both Scripture 
 and common sense point out this to be your 
 duty, and the omission of it involves conse- 
 quences which no real Christian can think of 
 without horror. The want of proper teachers 
 must be the effect of this omission ; and igno- 
 rance and error, with all their train of evils, will 
 follow. The very idea of being the author of 
 so great an injury to the temporal and eternal 
 concerns of mankind must rouse and alarm you ; 
 and, we trust, will exxite your most serious en- 
 deavours to provide for the preservation of the 
 pure doctrines of religion. The general affairs 
 of our church also require from you a small con- 
 tribution. We have been careful to frame our 
 institutions of a nature as simple and unex- 
 pensive as possible ; but we could not constitute 
 a church which would call for no support from 
 its members. Recommending these things to 
 your attention, and you to the Almighty gui- 
 dance and protection, we are your affectionate 
 brethren in Christ. 
 
 On a motion. Ordered, That 200 copies of 
 the ordinance for regulating the appointment of 
 vestries, &c., and of the address to the mem- 
 bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church, be im- 
 mediately printed ; and that the treasurer be re- 
 quested to transmit them to the several parishes. 
 
 I. On a motion, Resolved, That the several 
 parishes of this state be divided into 24 dis- 
 tricts, for assembling the ministers annually in 
 presbytery, and for other purposes, as set forth 
 in the eighth Canon. 
 
 II. Resolved, That the 24 districts be ad- 
 justed according to the senatorial division, ex- 
 cept where the line of a district divides a parish ; 
 in which case, the parish so divided shall be 
 considered as belonging to that district in which 
 its glebe is situated. 
 
 III. Resolved, That the several visiters ap- 
 pointed by the last Convention be continued in 
 their respective districts, as thereby provided ; 
 except that the Rev. Mr. Fairfax be appointed 
 visiter in the room of Dr. Griffith, nominated 
 to be bishop ; and the Rev. John H. Saunders 
 in the room of Mr. Leigh, deceased. 
 
 IV. Resolved, That three committees be ap- 
 pointed to grant testimonials to citizens, candi- 
 dates for parishes, who may apply within the 
 divisions of the same. 
 
 V. Resolved, That the first or southern di- 
 
 vision be bounded by James river and the 
 North Carolina line, extending westward to the 
 limits of this state. 
 
 VI. Resolved, That the second division be be- 
 tween James river and Rappahannock, extend- 
 ing westward to the limits of this state, and that 
 it include the two counties on the eastern shore. 
 
 VII. Resolved, That the third division be 
 that tract of country known by the name of the 
 Northern Neck, and that it include all the ter- 
 ritory not comprehended within the two former 
 divisions. 
 
 VIII. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Cameron, 
 the Rev. Mr. Craig, the Rev. Mr. Gerard, Col. 
 Banister, Mr. Robert Boiling, Mr. Jerman Baker, 
 or any three of them, be appointed a committee 
 for the first division. 
 
 IX. Resolved, That the Hon. Edmund Pen- 
 dleton, the Rev. Mr. Dick, the Rev. Mr. Waugh, 
 the Rev. Mr. Taylor, Mr. Gilchrist, and Mr. 
 Hoomes, be appointed a committee for the 
 second division, or any three of them. 
 
 X Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Grayson, 
 the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, the Rev. Mr. Fairfax, Mr. 
 Fitzhugh, of Chatham, Mr. Jesse Ewell, and Dr. 
 Brown, be appointed a committee for the third 
 division, or any three of them. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That the'Rev. Mr. 
 Madison, the Rev. Mr. Bracken, the Rev. Mr. 
 Shield, the Hon. John Blair, Mr. Page, of Rose- 
 well, and Mr. Andrews, be appointed a standing 
 committee ; and that they have power to cor- 
 respond with the Protestant archbishops and 
 bishops in Europe, and with any society or so- 
 cieties of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 these United States, on any matters relating to 
 the church ; to call a meeting of the Convention 
 whensoever it shall to them seem necessary ; 
 to receive complaints against the clergy, and to 
 direct courts of examination pursuant to the 
 rules for the government of the church ; to 
 grant testimonials to all persons candidates for 
 parishes, and not citizens of this state, who 
 may apply for the same ; to make such repre- 
 sentations on behalf of the church as may from 
 time to time be expedient ; to give advice on 
 difficulties propounded to them concerning the 
 church during the recess of Convention ; and 
 to do all other things recommended by the Con- 
 vention, and not by them assigned to others to 
 execute ; and to report their proceedings to 
 every succeeding Convention. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That all reasonable 
 expenses be allowed the deputies appointed to 
 attend the next General Convention, and that 
 the sum of thirty pounds be advanced to them 
 on account. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That the standing 
 committee, without delay, request of the Right 
 Rev. Dr. White, Bishop of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in the State of Pennsylvania, and 
 the Right Rev. Dr. Provost, bishop of the said 
 church in the State of New-York, that they, 
 or either of them, admit to consecration the 
 Rev. Dr. Griffith, nominated by the last Con- 
 vention bishop of the church in this state. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That the standing 
 committee be authorized to appoint a deputy or 
 
CONVENTION OF 1787. 
 
 deputies to the General Convention, should both 
 or either of the gentlemen appointed by this 
 Convention be prevented from attending. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That it be recom- 
 mended to the several parishes (who have not 
 complied with the recommendation of the last 
 Convention, to collect from their parishioners 
 such sums of money as they could get subscri- 
 bed, for the purpose of raising a fund to pay the 
 expenses of obtaining consecration for a bishop, 
 and for his support when consecrated), to hasten 
 such collections, and to forward the money when 
 collected to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, 
 who is directed to report the amount to the 
 standing committee ; and they are hereby re- 
 quired, after paying the above-mentioned ex- 
 penses, to lay or let out ihe residue in such 
 manner as shall to them appear most advisable. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That the members 
 of this Convention proceed to sign the testimo- 
 nials of the Rev. Dr. Griffith. 
 
 On a motion. Resolved, That it be recom- 
 mended to the different parishes to provide funds 
 for the education of two youths from their early 
 years, in such a manner as to be properly quali- 
 fied for discharging the important duties of the 
 ministry in this church. And towards effecting 
 this purpose, be it further recommended to the 
 clergy, to preach annually a charity sermon in 
 their respective parishes, and transmit the money 
 so collected to the treasurer, which money shall 
 be subject to the disposal of the bishop and the 
 standing committee, who shall conjointly have 
 the direction of the education of the two youths. 
 
 And be it further resolved, That the choice 
 of such youths shall reside in the bishop and the 
 standing committee. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That the treasurer be 
 allowed five per cent, on all moneys received 
 since last Convention. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That 150 copies of 
 the Journal of this Convention be printed under 
 the inspection of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan. 
 
 On a motion, Resolved, That Mr. Pierce be 
 allowed the sum of five pounds for his services. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be called 
 to meet in the city of Richmond. 
 
 The Convention then adjovurned. 
 
 D. Griffith, President. 
 J. Bracken, Secretary. 
 
 AN ORDINANCE FOR REGULATING THE APPOINT- 
 MENt OF VESTRIES AND TRUSTEES, AND FOR 
 OTHER PURPOSES. 
 
 Whereas an act of General Assembly, which 
 was passed in the year one thousand seven 
 hundred and eighty-four, entitled, "An act for 
 incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church," 
 hath been repealed by an act of the last session ; 
 in consequence of which, it is supposed that the 
 several powers of government and discipline in 
 the said church are returned to the members at 
 large ; and in order to exercise those powers, 
 the members of the said church, in their several 
 parishes, have elected two deputies to represent 
 them in a Convention, to be held in the city of 
 Richmond, on this sixteenth day of May, one 
 
 thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, with 
 full powers to deliberate upon, form, and estab- 
 lish such regulations as they should judge to 
 be necessary and proper for the government, 
 discipline, and worship of the said church, and 
 the care and direction of the social property ; in 
 order to effect which purposes, it is judged ne- 
 cessary that vestries should forthwith be elected 
 in each parish. 
 
 Be it therefore ordained by the deputies so 
 appointed, and now met in Convention at the 
 time and place prefixed, That the church- wardens 
 and vestrymen in the several parishes within 
 this commonwealth, who were elected into office 
 in conformity to an act of General Assembly, 
 passed in the year one thousand seven hundred 
 and eighty-four, entitled, " An act for incorpo- 
 rating the Protestant Episcopal Church," be, 
 and are hereby declared and acknowledged as 
 trustees for the members of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, until a new election shall 
 take place, and to hold the property, both real 
 and personal, belonging to the said church, for 
 their use and benefit, subject to such regula- 
 tions as shall be made from time to time by the 
 Convention of deputies elected by the members 
 of the said church. And be it further ordained, 
 that as soon as may be after notice of this ordi- 
 nance, the late church-wardens, or any other 
 two reputable inhabitants (being members of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church) in each parish, 
 do call together, at some convenient time and 
 place, by notice duly given, all the freeholders 
 and housekeepers in such parish who are mem- 
 bers of the said church, and contribute to the 
 support thereof; then and there to elect twelve 
 of the most able and discreet men of their so- 
 ciety to be a vestry for such parish, and trustees 
 of their property ; to continue in office until the 
 Monday in Easter-week, in the year one thousand 
 seven hundred and ninety, and on that day, if 
 fair, otherwise the next day which is so, there 
 shall be a new election of vestrymen ; and such 
 elections shall continue to be made triennially 
 on Easter-Monday, if fair, or the next fair day, 
 until the Convention shall otherwise direct ; in- 
 termediate vacancies occasioned by death, re- 
 moval, or resignation, to be filled by the remain- 
 ing vestrymen, and those so chosen to act until 
 the period of the next general election. 
 
 Every vestryman, before he acts in office, 
 shall subscribe in vestry to be conformable to 
 the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Each vestry, at their first meeting after their 
 election, shall choose two of their members to 
 be church-wardens, who shall superintend the 
 next general election of vestrymen ; judge of 
 the qualifications of voters, and certify the names 
 of the persons chosen. They shall be consid- 
 ered as the acting part of the vestry, and shall 
 see that the orders and resolutions of the vestry 
 be carried into execution. 
 
 The vestries respectively, with the minister, 
 where there is one, shall hold and enjoy all 
 glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and other 
 property, now belonging or hereafter accruing 
 to the said church, as trustees for the benefit 
 
CONVENTION OF 1787. 
 
 23 
 
 'of the society, and may improve or demise the 
 lands during the vacancy of a minister ; but may 
 not demise lands allowed for the minister's hab- 
 itation or use, when they have one, without his 
 consent. They may also use, improve, or dis- 
 pose of all personal property, and the produce, 
 rents, and profits of lands (not appropriated for 
 the minister) belonging to the church, for the 
 benefit of the society, in erecting or repairing 
 churches, glebe-houses, or otherwise ; and may 
 make such rules and orders for managing the 
 temporal aflfairs and concerns of the church, 
 within their respective parishes, as they shall 
 think most conducive to its interest and pros- 
 perity, and for carrying into execution such 
 orders and rules for government and discipline, 
 or other spiritual purposes, as shall be directed 
 by this or any future Convention. They shall 
 have the sole power of directing the payment 
 of money belonging to the church within their 
 respective parishes, and of appointing a clerk, 
 treasurer, and collector, when they think neces- 
 sary. All of which proceedings shall be fairly 
 entered in a book to be kept for that purpose. 
 
 A meeting of the body (to be called by the 
 minister, or, if he be absent, or, in case of a 
 vacancy, by the church-wardens, or by a church- 
 warden, if but one within the parish, or by any 
 two vestrymen, if there be no minister or church- 
 warden) shall be had as often as is necessary, 
 the minister to have a vote equal to, and not 
 greater than a vestryman in all questions, ex- 
 cept for the demise of the glebe-lands assigned 
 for his residence or use, in which he shall have 
 a negative. Seven members shall be sufficient 
 to constitute a meeting, and all questions shall 
 be decided by a majority of those present. 
 
 Future Conventions shall consist of two depu- 
 ties from each parish, of whom the minister 
 shall be one, if there be a minister, the other a 
 layman, to be annually chosen by the vestry, 
 who shall also choose another where there is no 
 minister in the parish. And twenty -five deputies 
 thus qualified and appointed shall be a Convention. 
 
 Conventions shall regulate all the religious 
 concerns of the church, its doctrines, discipline, 
 and worship, and institute such rules and regu- 
 lations as they may judge necessary for the good 
 government thereof, and the same revoke and 
 alter at their pleasure. 
 
 CANONS. 
 
 I. Conventions shall be holden annually on 
 the first Wednesday in May, provided neverthe- 
 less, that if a sufficient number of members to 
 form a Convention shall not attend on the said 
 day, any five then assembled shall have power 
 to adjourn. 
 
 II. A person shall preside in Convention with 
 the name of president, who shall always be a 
 bishop, when there is one present properly con- 
 secrated and settled in the church, till which 
 time a president shall be appointed by the Con- 
 vention out of their own body ; if more than 
 one bishop is found necessary in this church, 
 they shall preside alternately. 
 
 III. A secretary shall be appointed by the 
 
 Convention, who shall continue in office during 
 good behaviour, who shall keep a record of their 
 resolves and proceedings, and have the records 
 in his custody so long as he shall continue in 
 office. 
 
 IV. Standing rules shall be established for 
 the preservation of decorum, and the orderly 
 management of business. 
 
 V. All questions, whether they relate to the 
 order, government, discipline, doctrine, or wor- 
 ship of this church, or to any other matter which 
 is properly before the Convention, shall be de- 
 termined by a majority of votes. 
 
 VI. At all future Conventions, each member 
 (whether minister or layman) shall, previous to 
 his admission, produce a testimonial of his being 
 regularly appointed, which testimonial shall be 
 signed by one or both of the church-wardens, or 
 by the clerk of the respective vestries. 
 
 VII. All the ordinances and other proceed- 
 ings of the Convention shall be attested by the 
 secretary. 
 
 VIII. The clergy of several neighbouring 
 parishes, not less than three nor more than 
 ten, shall assemble in presbytery annually, on 
 the second Wednesday in April, at some con- 
 venient place in the district, to be appointed by 
 a majority of the ministers in the same district ; 
 one in each district shall be appointed by the 
 Convention, to preside at their meetings with 
 the title of visiter, who shall annually visit each 
 parish in his district — shall attend to and in- 
 spect the morals and conduct of the clergy — 
 shall see that the canons and rules of the church 
 are observed, and that no abuses are practised 
 — shall admonish and reprove privately those 
 clergymen who are negligent, or act in an un- 
 becoming manner ; and shall report yearly to 
 the bishop, if there be one, or if there be no 
 bishop, to the next Convention, the state of each 
 parish in his district, noting down the offenders 
 and their offences. 
 
 IX. The clergy who shall minister in this 
 church shall be the three orders of bishops, 
 priests, and deacons. 
 
 X. Every person hereafter to officiate in this 
 church as a bishop, shall be nominated by the 
 Convention ; and having received episcopal con- 
 secration before he enters on his office, shall 
 subscribe to conform to the doctrine, discipline, 
 and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 of Virginia ; and no person shall be received 
 into the church as a bishop until he shall have 
 completed the thirtieth year of his age. 
 
 XI. As we conceive the office of a bishop, 
 according to the true apostolic institution, dif- 
 fers in nothing from that of other ministers of 
 God's word, except in the power of ordination 
 and confirmation, and the rights of superintend- 
 ing the conduct of the clergy, and of precedency 
 in ecclesiastical assemblies, that office shall be 
 accordingly so exercised in this church ; and 
 every bishop, after his promotion to the episcopal 
 order, shall continue to hold a parish, and to do 
 the duty of a parish minister, except when he is 
 necessarily employed in the discharge of his 
 episcopal office. 
 
 XII. No bishop shall inflict any censure upon, 
 
24 
 
 CONVENTION OF HST. 
 
 or exercise any power over, the clergy under his 
 inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the 
 laws and institutions of this church made in 
 Convention. 
 
 XIII. No priest or minister shall hereafter 
 be received into any parish within this common- 
 wealth, unless he first produce to the vestry 
 sufficient testimonials of his having been reg- 
 ularly ordained a priest by some Protestant 
 bishop, and of havmg taken the oath of allegiance 
 to this conamonwealth, and subscribe to be con- 
 formable to the doctrine, disciphne, and worship 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; nor till he 
 shall have entered into a contract in writing 
 with the vestry or trustees on behalf of the 
 society within such parish, by which it shall be 
 stipulated and declared that he holds the ap- 
 pointment subject to removal upon the deter- 
 minations of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in this state. Provided, That 
 any person who hath been ordained by a bishop 
 of the Church of Rome, may also be received 
 as a minister, who shall produce satisfactory 
 testimonials respecting his ordination, morals, 
 and conduct, renounce the errors of that church, 
 take the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid. 
 
 XIV. No minister shall hereafter be received 
 into a parish who does not first produce to the 
 vestry satisfactory testimonials of his morals, 
 conduct, and conversation, from the person or 
 persons appointed by the Convention to inquire 
 mto such matters, and grant such testimonials. 
 
 XV. The right of presentation, or appointing 
 ministers to serve in the parishes, shall continue 
 in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its 
 own minister. 
 
 XVI. Every person to be ordained priest or 
 deacon by any bishop of this church, shall pro- 
 duce testimonials of his good morals and orderly 
 conduct from the clergy assembled in the district 
 where he for some time last resided, and from 
 the vestry of the parish where he last lived, 
 provided there be in the district a sufllicient 
 number of clergymen to form a presbytery ; 
 otherwise a testimonial from the minister and 
 vestry of his parish, or from the vestry alone, 
 if the parish is vacant, shall be deemed suffi- 
 cient : Provided also, the candidate is not an 
 inhabitant of some other state. No person shall 
 be ordained until due examination had by the 
 bishop and two priests. 
 
 XVII. No person shall be admitted to priest's 
 orders until he shall have completed the twenty- 
 fourth year of his age, and is assured of the 
 willingness of some parish or congregation to 
 receive him as their minister, to be certified 
 under the hands of the church-wardens, and at- 
 tested by the clerk of the vestry. 
 
 XVIII. Every person who shall be admitted 
 either to priest's or deacon's orders, shall be 
 ordained according to the form prescribed in 
 the Book of Common Prayer, &c., directed to 
 be used in this church ; but no person shall be 
 ordained priest until he has served six months 
 in the office of deacon. 
 
 XIX. No person shall be ordamed deacon 
 until he shall have completed the twenty-first 
 year of his age. 
 
 XX. No person having deacon's orders only 
 shall be allowed to hold a parish ; but a deacon 
 may, during a vacancy, officiate in a parish, if 
 chosen by the vestry to do so ; he shall preach the 
 gospel, and baptize ; he may assist in administer- 
 ing the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, but not 
 consecrate the elements ; he may solemnize mar- 
 riages, and shall attend to the situation and cir- 
 cumstances of the poor when it may be necessary. 
 
 XXI. A person may be ordamed a deacon 
 though he shall have no assurance of being 
 called to minister in a parish or congregation, 
 provided his testimonials and qualifications are 
 satisfactory. 
 
 XXII. A deacon may minister as a proba- 
 tioner or missionary, under the direction of the 
 Convention or the bishop. 
 
 XXIII. The parish clerk shall be appointed 
 by the minister and vestry, and displaced by 
 them whenever his services are not satisfactory 
 to the people, whenever he shall neglect his 
 duty, or otherwise misbehave himself. 
 
 XXIV. Sextons shall be appointed by the 
 vestries, and dismissed by them when they think 
 proper. 
 
 XXV. Bishops shall be amenable to the 
 Convention, who shall be a court to try them, 
 from which there shall be no appeal ; on all 
 such occasions, a president, who shall be a 
 bishop, shall be chosen by the Convention to sit 
 as judge ; and they shall also appoint a clerk to 
 the court. 
 
 XXVI. All accusations against a bishop, as 
 such, shall come from the vestries ; but no ac- 
 cusation against a bishop shall be received un- 
 less three vestries join in the complaint ; all 
 complaints against a bishop shall be lodged with 
 such persons as may be appointed to call a Con- 
 vention ; and a copy of the charge or charges 
 to be brought against him shall be communi- 
 cated to him in writing, at least two months be- 
 fore the trial ; counsel may be employed on 
 both sides, and none but viva voce evidence shall 
 be admitted. 
 
 XXVII. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral 
 conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules 
 and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to 
 grant either ordination or a recommendation for 
 a vacant parish, shall be considered as ofiences 
 in a bishop, for which he may be brought to 
 trial ; and on his being convicted of any of 
 these, he shall be reproved, suspended, or dis- 
 missed, at the discretion of the court. 
 
 XXVIII. Courts shall be instituted to ex- 
 amine into complaints exhibited against minis- 
 ters or deacons, to consist of six members, viz., 
 three clergymen and three vestrymen from the 
 nearest and most convenient parishes, one from 
 each ; the appointment of said vestrymen shall 
 be by lot ; the oldest clergyman in orders shall 
 preside as judge ; on conviction of the minis- 
 ter, the court shall report the facts, and state 
 the evidence to the Convention, who shall pro- 
 ceed without delay to pass such sentence as a 
 majority of them shall think the offence de- 
 serves, which shall be either reproof, suspension, 
 or dismission. 
 
 XXIX. No vestryman shall sit on the ex- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1787. 
 
 25 
 
 amination of a minister belonging to the parish 
 wherein such vestryman resides ; the examina- 
 tion shall be held in the parish where the accu- 
 sed minister officiates, and at a place to be ap- 
 pointed by the vestry ; the judges shall appoint 
 a clerk occasionally for such examinations. 
 
 XXX. Complaints against a minister shall be 
 received from the vestry of the parish where the 
 minister officiates, and from no other person or 
 persons whatsoever ; they shall be signed by a 
 majority of a vestry, without which no com- 
 plaint shall be received ; they shall be directed 
 to a bishop, or to the persons who may be ap- 
 pointed by the Convention with authority to 
 receive such complaints, and to direct courts of 
 examination ; in every complaint, the offence or 
 offences shall be stated, and the minister shall 
 be furnished with a copy of the charges brought 
 against him, and with notice of his intended ex- 
 amination, at least one month before the ex- 
 amination ; viva voce evidence only shall be ad- 
 mitted, anil that on oath, and counsel may be 
 employed on both sides. 
 
 XXXI. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral 
 conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the 
 rules and canons of the church, or taking a 
 bribe to recommend either for ordination or a 
 parish, are to be considered as among the offences 
 for which a minister may be brought to trial. 
 
 XXXII. The bishop,' or persons vested with 
 authority for this purpose, shall, on receiving a 
 complaint against any minister, immediately in- 
 stitute a court, as before described, to examine 
 into the complaint, and shall take care that the 
 ministers and vestrymen who are to compose 
 the court shall be informed in time. The 
 bishop, or persons so vested with authority, shall 
 cite the accused person before the appointed 
 court, which shall (unless the accused person is 
 prevented from attending by sickness) proceed 
 to examine the testimony against the offender, 
 and take the depositions of the witnesses. 
 
 XXXIII. Deacons behaving in a scandalous, 
 disorderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect 
 the duty they have undertaken, shall, on full 
 and satisfactory proof, be suspended or silenced 
 by the bishop until the sense of the Convention 
 shall be known. And the salary accruing during 
 the suspension of a minister or deacon, who is 
 afterward found guilty, shall go to the vestry for 
 the use of the church. 
 
 XXXIV. Bishops shall visit the different 
 parishes under their inspection once in three 
 years at least ; of which visitation the clergy 
 or church-wardens shall have timely notice ; in 
 their visitation, they shall confirm such as choose 
 to receive confirmation ; they shall inspect the 
 
 state of the parishes, and the conduct of the 
 clergy, who shall give them what information 
 they can respecting such ecclesiastical matters 
 as they may choose to be informed of. 
 
 XXXV. Bishops shall hold ordinations at such 
 times and places as they may judge necessary 
 and convenient. 
 
 XXXVI. Bishops, after every visitation, shall 
 report the state of the church in the different 
 parishes to the Convention. 
 
 XXXVII. No minister or bishop shall be 
 allowed to hold more than one parish at the 
 same time. Nevertheless, a minister may, if 
 called thereto by the vestry, preach in a neigh- 
 bouring parish or parishes during a vacancy in 
 such parish or parishes, and may receive a com- 
 pensation for his services, provided he has the 
 consent of his own vestry, and shall not neglect 
 the duties of his parish. 
 
 XXXVIII. Every minister shall reside within 
 his parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall 
 agree to dispense with his residence, and shall 
 at no time leave it for more than one month 
 without the consent of the said vestry. 
 
 XXXIX. Ministers shall, at their churches 
 and other convenient places, instruct children, 
 and such ignorant persons as may require it, in 
 their catechism, and the principles of the Chris- 
 tian religion as maintained by this church : Pro- 
 vided this duty may be dispensed with during 
 the inclement winter months. They shall also 
 explain the nature of confirmation, and instruct 
 and prepare their parishioners for it. 
 
 XL. Ministers and deacons shall wear a sur- 
 plice during the time of prayer at public wor- 
 ship, in places where they are provided ; shall 
 wear gowns when they preach, where they con- 
 veniently can ; and shall at all times wear ap- 
 parel suited to the gravity of their profession. 
 
 XLI. Ministers and deacons may encourage 
 people to assemble together in small societies 
 at convenient times for their edification, and 
 may visit, superintend, and instruct such socie- 
 ties at their meetings ; provided they shall not 
 do it to the encouragement of idleness, or to 
 the injury of private families. 
 
 XLII. Ministers officiating in this church, 
 whether bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach 
 once at least on every Lord's day, and at other 
 stated seasons, unless prevented by some suffi- 
 cient cause ; they may at their discretion preach 
 also at other times, when opportunities shall 
 offer of edifying the church ; bishops and priests 
 shall administer the sacrament at least four times 
 in the year, at each church or place of worship 
 in their respective parishes, and shall visit the 
 sick when called on for that purpose. 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1788. 
 
 The hope was at one time entertained that a copy could be procured of the proceedings of 
 every Convention which has been held in Virginia, and no pains have been spared on the part of 
 the author of this work to obtain such copies. In some few instances, however, his efforts have 
 been fruitless ; and he has been led to doubt whether any record of two or three of the earlier 
 Conventions is now in existence. He has never seen or heard of a copy of the proceedings of 
 ihe Convention of 1788. ♦ 
 
CONVENTION OF 1789. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the 
 CUy of Richmond, from May 6 to May 9, 1789. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Counties. 
 Amherst, 
 Caroline, 
 Charles City, 
 Chesterfield, 
 Cumberland, 
 Elizabeth City, 
 Goochland, 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 Henrico, 
 
 Lancaster, 
 
 Lunenburg, 
 
 Middlesex, 
 
 Norfolk, 
 
 New-Kent, 
 
 Northumberland, 
 
 Powhatan, 
 
 Prince George, 
 
 Spotsylvania, 
 
 Surry, 
 
 Williamsburg, 
 
 York, 
 
 Parishes. 
 Lexington, 
 St. Margaret, 
 Westover, 
 Manchester, 
 Littleton, 
 Elizabeth City, 
 St. James Northam, 
 St. Paul, 
 St. Martin, 
 Henrico, 
 Christ Church, 
 Cumberland, 
 Christ Church, 
 Elizabeth river, 
 St. Peter, 
 Wicomico, 
 
 \ King William, 
 
 ( Soulham, 
 
 Bristol, 
 ( St. George, 
 \ Berkeley, 
 
 Southwark, 
 
 Bruton, 
 
 York-Hampton, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 William Cameron. 
 
 Elkanah Talley. 
 Peter Nelson. 
 John Buchanan. 
 David Ball. 
 
 Alexander Whitehead. 
 Benjamin Blagrove. 
 
 Jolin Cameron 
 Hugh C. Boggs. 
 John Bracken. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 Josiah Ellis. 
 Thomas Rootes. 
 Charles Carter. 
 David Patterson. 
 Mayo Carrington. 
 Wilson Miles Cary. 
 Thomas Underwood. 
 John Pendleton. 
 
 William Foushee. 
 
 Martin Sherman. 
 
 Henry Stokes. 
 
 Phihp L. Gryraes. 
 
 John Boush. 
 
 William H. Macon. 
 
 Onesiphorus Harvey. 
 I Thomas Harris. 
 \ John Harris. 
 
 Edward Carrington. 
 
 William Robertson. 
 
 Francis Thornton, jun. 
 
 William Allen. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 Abraham Archer. 
 
 Wednesday, May 6, 1789. 
 The Convention met, and there not being a 
 sufficient number of members to proceed to busi- 
 ness, adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 7. 
 
 The Convention having met, according to ad- 
 journment, the Rev. John Bracken was unani- 
 mously elected President of the Convention. 
 
 Mr. Robert Andrews was unanimously ap- 
 pointed Secretary. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine and report the certificates of appoint- 
 ment of the silting members : And a commit- 
 tee was appointed of the Rev. Mr. J. Cameron, 
 Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Underwood, and Dr. 
 Foushee. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will observe 
 in their proceedings the standing rules of the 
 House of Delegates, so far as they may be ap- 
 plicable. 
 
 A letter from the Rev. David Griffith, D. D., 
 addressed to the President of the Convention, 
 and relinquishing the appointment of bishop 
 elect of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this 
 state ; also, a letter from the Rev. Mr. Emmer- 
 son, addressed to the president, and containing 
 a report of the state oi the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in the district of which he is the 
 visiter, were read, and ordered to lie on the 
 table. 
 
 Mr. Andrews, of the standing committee, re- 
 ported sundry proceedings of the said commit- 
 tee, accompanied with letters and papers, which 
 
 were read and ordered to be refeired to a com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention on the state of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church within this 
 Commonwealth. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 adjourn until noon. 
 
 Thursday, May 7, at 12 o'clock. — The Con- 
 vention having met, according to adjournment, 
 the Rev. Mr. J. Cameron, from the committee 
 appointed to examine and report the certificates 
 of appointment of the sitting members, re- 
 ported. That the committee had, according to or- 
 der, examined the same, and had come to a res- 
 olution thereon, which was read, and agreed to 
 by the Convention, as followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee, that the certificates of appointment from 
 the parishes of King William, Southam, Hen- 
 rico, Manchester, St. James Northam, St. Paul, 
 St. Martin, Westover, Christ Church, in Middle- 
 sex county, St. Margaret, Bristol, Wicomico, 
 Christ Church, in Lancaster county, Littleton, 
 St. Peter, Elizabeth City, Bruton, Berkeley, 
 and Southwark, are satisfactory. 
 
 The Rev. J. Cameron farther reported from 
 the said committee, That they had found in the 
 return from the parish of St. George, Spotsyl- 
 vania county, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Thornton, 
 Mr. John Legg, and Mr. Francis Thornton, jun., 
 or any two of them, appointed deputies to this 
 Convention : And also that from the parish of 
 Elizabeth river and county of Norfolk there 
 were two returns ; viz., one appointing the Rev. 
 Mr. Whitehead and Mr. John Boush, which 
 
CONVENTION OF 1789. 
 
 27 
 
 was certified by William Ingram, church-war- 
 den ; the other appoinlmg Mr. John Calvert, as 
 a layman, which was certified by John Seymour, 
 clerk of the vestry. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the report, so far 
 as it relates to the return from the parish of 
 St. George, Spotsylvania county, ^be recommit- 
 ted : And that the clause relating to the returns 
 from Elizabeth river parish, Norfolk county, 
 be referred to a committee of the whole Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Mr. Abraham Archer having produced satis- 
 factory evidence of his appointment to repre- 
 sent the parish of York-Hampton as a lay dep- 
 uty in this Convention, was admitted to his 
 seat. 
 
 The Convention resolved itself into a com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention, to take into 
 consideration the returns from the parish of Eliz- 
 abeth river, Norfolk county ; and after some 
 time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the 
 chair, and Mr. E. Carrington reported, That the 
 committee had, according to order, taken the 
 said returns under their consideration, and had 
 come to several resolutions thereon, which were 
 read, amended, and agreed to, as followeth ; — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that all appointments of trustees of par- 
 ish property prior to the ordinance of the last 
 Convention for the appointment of vestries and 
 trustees, where subsequent appointments have 
 taken place agreeably to the regulations and di- 
 rections of the said ordinance, are null and void. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that Paul Loyall, Thomas Matthews, 
 Paul Proby, William Ingram, Alexander Mose- 
 ly, George Kelly, John Boush, Matthew God- 
 frey, Robert Taylor, Robert Boush, Thomas 
 Newton, jun., and Edward Archer, are duly 
 elected vestrymen and trustees of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church for the parish of Ehza- 
 beth riv'cr, Norfolk county, agreeably to an or- 
 dinance regulating the appointment of vestries 
 and trustees, and for other purposes. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that the Rev. Alexander Whitehead and 
 Mr. John Boush are legal deputies to represent 
 the parish of Elizabeth river, Norfolk county, 
 in this Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that Mr. John Calvert is not legally ap- 
 pointed a deputy to represent the parish of Eliz- 
 abeth river, Norfolk county, in this Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 Ordered, That the treasurer be requested to 
 lay his accounts before the Convention to-mor- 
 row. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 8. 
 
 Mr. Josiah Ellis, lay deputy from Lexington 
 parish, Amherst county, and Henry Stokes, lay 
 deputy from the parish of Cumberland, Lunen- 
 burg county, produced their certificates of ap- 
 pointment, and were admitted to their seats. 
 
 The treasurer, according to order, laid his 
 accounts before the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That they be referred to a commit- 
 tee . And a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 Mr. J. Cameron, Mr. Underwood, Rev. Mr. 
 Tally, and Mr. Boush. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Cameron, from the committee 
 to whom the return from the parish of St. 
 George, Spotsylvania county, was re-commit- 
 ted, reported, That the committee had, according 
 to order, had the same under their consideration, 
 and had come to a resolution thereon, which 
 was read and agreed to, as followeth : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee, that as Mr. John Legg, one of the lay 
 deputies mentioned in the said return, has vol- 
 untarily withdrawn himself, the return should be 
 amended by striking out his name. 
 
 On the motion of Mr. Andrews, 
 
 Ordered, That leave be given to bring in an or- 
 dinance to amend the ordinance for regulating 
 the appointment of vestries and trustees, and for 
 other purposes : And Mr. Andrews, Mr. Gary, 
 Mr. Buchanan, and Mr. Whitehead, were ap- 
 pointed a committee to prepare the same. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the present mem- 
 bers of the standing committee be continued 
 and remain in office until the end of the next 
 session of Convention, and that Edmund Ran- 
 dolph, of the city of Wrlliamsburg, be added 
 thereto. 
 
 The Convention adjourned until 1 o'clock 
 P. M. 
 
 Friday, May 8, 1 o'clock P. M.— The Con- 
 vention having met, according to adjournment, 
 the Rev. Mr. Cameron, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 reported. That they had, according to order, ex- 
 amined the same, had found them fairly stated, 
 and that there was in his hands the sum of 
 107^. 8s. ; of which the sum of 28/. 175. lO'^d. 
 was paid him to enable the bishop to obtain con- 
 secration, and that the balance, being 78Z. 10s. 
 lid., is for the general support of the church. 
 
 Mr. Andrews, from the committee appointed 
 to prepare an^ ordinance to amend the ordinance 
 for regulating the appointment of vestries and 
 trustees, and for other purpust-s, reported. That 
 the committee had, according to order, prepared 
 the same. The ordinance was received, read 
 three times, and passed, as followeth : — 
 
 An Ordinance to amend an Ordinance, entitled 
 " An Ordinance for regulating the appoint- 
 ment of Vestries and Trustees, and for other 
 purposes y 
 
 Be it ordained by the clergy and lay deputies 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in Conven- 
 vention, that in case of the neglect or refusal 
 of any minister of a parish to call a meeting of 
 the vestry, when required to do so by two or 
 more vestrymen, the church-wardens, or church- 
 warden, if but one within the parish, or any two 
 vestrymen, if there be no church- warden, may 
 call a meeting. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Griffin Peachy 
 be appointed a member of the third district in 
 the room of Mr. John Banister, deceased. 
 
 Resolved, That the deputies appointed to at- 
 tend the next General Convention of the Prot- 
 
28 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1789. 
 
 estant Episcopal Church, be desired to notify 
 to the General Convention that the Rev. Dr. 
 Griffin, bishop elect of the said church in this 
 state, has relinquished the said appointment, 
 and that no person has been elected in his 
 room. 
 
 Resolved, That 150 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed under the inspection 
 of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, and that the ordi- 
 nance for regulating the appointment of vestries 
 and trustees, and for other purposes, and the 
 canons passed by the last Convention, be an- 
 nexed. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be re- 
 quested to frame an address to the members of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church, to hasten and 
 forward the necessary contributions from their 
 respective parishes, for defraying the expenses 
 of the consecration of a bishop for the said 
 church in this state, and that the same be 
 printed at the end of the journal of this Con- 
 vehtion. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. John Cameron 
 be appointed visiter of the 7th district in the 
 room of the Rev. Mr. Burgess, who has re- 
 moved out of the said district. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Boggs be ap- 
 pointed a member of the committee of the 2d 
 or middle district of recommendation, in the 
 room of the Rev. Mr. Taylor, who has removed 
 out of the said district. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be open- 
 ed with a sermon, and that the Rev. Mr. John 
 Cameron be requested to preach the same. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be called 
 to meet in the city of Richmond. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned. 
 
 John Bracken, President, 
 Robert Andrews, Secretary. 
 
 Address of the Standing Committee to the mem- 
 bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Brethren, — Convinced that the God whom we 
 worship hath furnished us, if we be not wanting 
 to ourselves, with ample means for the preser- 
 vation of that church of which we profess to 
 be members ; satisfied also that it claims a foun- 
 dation the most truly apostolic, and that the 
 proper support of it involves our dearest inter- 
 ests, both temporal and eternal ; it is with the 
 sincerest regret that we contemplate the situa- 
 tion to which it is now reduced. We trust that 
 you have also viewed with sorrow a situation so 
 humiliating to a Christian society ; and we ar- 
 dently hope that, not unmindful of the blessings 
 which the bountiful hand of Providence hath so 
 liberally bestowed on us, in common with other 
 Christian societies, you now feel yourselves con- 
 scientiously bound to improve, with gratitude 
 
 and industry, those means which may tend to 
 promote the prosperity of our church, and thus 
 render the most pure and rational mode of wor- 
 ship and instruction as extensively beneficial as 
 possible. Under these impressions, brethren, 
 we once more call your attention to the duty 
 of completing the organization of our church. 
 The superintendence and government of the 
 episcopal office are indispensably necessary. 
 Without them our religious concerns, important 
 as they are in the eyes of every serious mem- 
 ber — we may add of every worthy citizen, must 
 rapidly decline. But the attainment of those 
 benefits which result from the episcopal office, 
 requires exertions of a pecuniary nature beyond 
 the abilities of a few individuals. It is not just 
 nor consistent with the principles of our reli- 
 gious union, that the generous alone should feel 
 those burdens which belong to the whole of the 
 society, and which, if properly distributed, may 
 be borne with ease. We therefore earnestly 
 recommend to all the friends of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, that they do cheerfully assist 
 in raising the sum necessary for defraying the 
 expenses attendant on the consecration of a 
 bishop. Arguments the most pressing might 
 be urged, were they deemed necessary, to in- 
 duce a ready compliance with this recommenda- 
 tion. But we hope, that as you regard the in- 
 terests of religion, and of that church in partic- 
 ular of which you are members ; as you esti- 
 mate the advantages which civil society must re- 
 ceive from a mode of worship conducted on 
 principles the most rational ; as you venerate 
 those instructions which so nearly concern your 
 temporal and eternal happiness ; and as you 
 would with a parental tenderness cherish the 
 best means of improving the morals of the ri- 
 sing generation, no one will, on this occasion, 
 refrain from casting his mite into the common 
 treasury. Let it, we exhort you, brethren, be 
 no longer said that we, of all Christian societies, 
 are alone inattentive to our religious concerns. 
 It is time to awake from an inattention which, 
 if continued, must prove fatal to the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 We do not think it necessary to point out the 
 particular mode in which the contributions may 
 be collected ; but suggest it to the consideration 
 of the several ministers how far this end may 
 be facilitated by their preaching occasional ser- 
 mons at their respective churches, and in those 
 of such vacant parishes as may be convenient. 
 
 That the divine wisdom may influence and di- 
 rect your exertions, at this important crisis of 
 our church, is the fervent prayer of your afTec- 
 tionate brethren in Christ. 
 
 *^f* Note that the contributions are to be for- 
 warded to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, of the city 
 of Richmond. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1790. 
 
 20 
 
 Journal of a Contention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the 
 Capitol in the City of Richmmd, from May bih to May Sth, 1790. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Counties. 
 Accomack, 
 Amelia, 
 Amherst, 
 Amherst, 
 Albemarle, 
 Charles City, 
 Chesterfield, 
 Chesterfield, 
 Cumberland, 
 Caroline, 
 Dinwiddle, 
 Elizabeth City, 
 Frederick, 
 Goochland, 
 Halifax, 
 Hanover, 
 Henrico, 
 Hanover, 
 James City, 
 James City, 
 King and Queen, 
 King William, 
 Lancaster, 
 Lunenburg, 
 Norfolk, 
 Northampton, 
 Northumberland, 
 Northumberland, 
 Nottoway, 
 Orange, 
 Prince George, 
 Princess Anne, 
 Powhatan, 
 Prince George, 
 Suffolk, 
 Surry, 
 
 Spotsylvania, 
 Southampton, 
 York. 
 
 Parishes. 
 St. George, 
 Rawleigh, 
 Amherst, 
 Lexington, 
 Fredericksville, 
 Westover, 
 Dale, 
 
 Manchester, 
 Lyttleton, 
 St. Margaret, 
 Bath, 
 
 Elizabeth City, 
 Frederick, 
 St. J. Northam, 
 Antrim, 
 St. Martin, 
 Henrico, 
 St. Paul, 
 Bruton, 
 James City, 
 St. Stephen, 
 St. David, 
 Christ Church, 
 Cumberland, 
 Elizabeth River, 
 Hungars, 
 St. Stephen, 
 Wicomico, 
 Nottoway, 
 St. Thomas, 
 Bristol, 
 Lynnhaven, 
 King William, 
 Mar. Brandon, 
 Suffolk, 
 Southwark, 
 Berkeley, 
 St. Luke, 
 York Hampton, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 William Vere. 
 
 Isaac Darneille. 
 Charles Crawford. 
 
 James Henderson. 
 Needlet Robinson. 
 William Cameron. 
 Elkanah Talley. 
 
 Devereaux Jarratt. 
 
 Alexander Balmain. 
 Charles Hopkins. 
 
 Peter Nelson. 
 John Buchanan. 
 
 John Bracken. 
 James Madison. 
 
 Reuben Clopton. 
 David Ball. 
 James Craig. 
 James Whitehead. 
 S. S. M'Croskey. 
 Thomas Davis. 
 
 John Cameron. 
 Anthony Walke. 
 
 John J. Spooner. 
 James Taylor. 
 Samuel Butler. 
 Hugh C. Boggs. 
 
 Samuel Shield. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 John Royall. 
 
 Francis Walker. 
 Charles Carter. 
 
 David Patterson. 
 Mayo Carrington. 
 Anthony New. 
 
 George Wray. 
 
 James Wood. 
 
 Archibald Brice. 
 
 J. Coleman, E. Ragland. 
 
 William Fontaine. 
 
 William Foushee. 
 
 T. White, W. Norvell. 
 
 Robert Andrews. 
 
 John Ambler. 
 
 Thomas Hill. 
 
 Nathaniel Burwell. 
 
 James Ball. 
 
 Edward Ragsdale. 
 
 William White. 
 
 Isaac Avery. 
 
 Isaac Besye. 
 W. and F. Fitzgerald. 
 T. Barber and J. Daniel. 
 James Campbell. 
 
 John and Thomas Harris. 
 Edward Bland. 
 Michael King. 
 
 John Rogers. 
 
 Wednesday, May 5th, 1790. 
 
 A SUFFICIENT number of clergymen and lay 
 deputies to form a Convention having met, ac- 
 cording to appointment, 
 
 The Rev. James Madison, D. D., was unani- 
 mously elected President. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Davis was unanimously ap- 
 pointed Secretary. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine and report to the Convention the cer- 
 tificates of appointment of the sitting members, 
 and a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 John Bracken, the Rev. John Cameron, Hon. 
 James Wood, and Mr. Walker. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will observe 
 in their proceedings the standing rules of the 
 House of Delegates, as far as they may be ap- 
 plicable. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Bracken reported a journal of 
 the General Convention held in the city of Phil- 
 adelphia, from July 28th to the Sth of August, 
 
 and continued by adjournment from Sept. 30th 
 to the 10th of October, 1789, which was read 
 and ordered to lie on the table. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned till 2 o'clock. 
 
 The Convention having met, according to ad- 
 journment, 
 
 The Rev. John Bracken, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the certificates of appoint- 
 ment of the sitting members, reported, That the 
 committee had, according to order, examined the 
 same, and found the certificates from the fol- 
 lowing parishes to be made agreeably to the 
 canons, viz., St. George, &c. ;* they also found 
 a double return from Elizabeth river parish, ap- 
 pointing different deputies, and each return 
 signed by different persons, styling themselves 
 church- wardens. 
 
 Ordered, That so much of the aforesaid re- 
 
 * As in the list prefixed to this journal, except- 
 ing Elizabeth river parish. 
 
30 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1790. 
 
 port as relates to the double return from Eliza- 
 beth river parish be recommitted to the same 
 committee, and that the Kev. S. S. M'Oroskey, 
 the Rev. Anthony Walke, the Rev. Thomas 
 Davis, Mr. Wray, Mr. Avery, and Mr. Barber, 
 be added thereto. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 9 
 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 6. 
 
 The Convention having met, the Rev. J. 
 Bracken read prayers, and a sermon was deliv- 
 ered by the Rev. John Cameron. 
 
 Ordered, On motion of Mr. Avery, that the 
 thanks of this Convention be presented to the 
 Rev. J. Cameron, for his judicious, affectionate, 
 and seasonable discourse delivered, and that he 
 be requested to prepare a copy for the press. 
 
 The Rev. J. Bracken, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the double return of certifi- 
 cates from Elizabeth river parish, reported, That 
 they had, according to order, examined and consid- 
 ered the business to them referred, and had come 
 to some resolutions thereon, which were read, 
 and, when amended, agreed to, as follows : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Con- 
 vention, that the Rev. Mr. Wm. Whitehead 
 and Mr. W. White are legal deputies to repre- 
 sent the parish of Elizabeth river, Norfolk 
 county, in this Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Con- 
 vention, that the Rev. William Bland is not 
 legally appointed a lay deputy for Elizabeth river 
 parish in this Convention. 
 
 A journal of the proceedings of the standing 
 committee, with some other papers respecting 
 the rights of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 were presented by Mr. Andrews, and read. 
 
 Ordered, That they be referred to a commit- 
 tee of the whole Convention on the state of tlie 
 Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will to-mor- 
 row resolve itself into a committee of the whole 
 Convention on the state of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That this Convention 
 will to-morrow proceed to the nomination of a 
 bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 Virginia. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to amend the canons which respect 
 the trial of offending clergymen. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 S. Shield, the Rev. J. Cameron, the Rev. S. S. 
 M'Croskey, the Rev. Mr. Jarratt, the Rev. Mr. 
 Craig, Messrs. R. Andrews, M. Carrington, A. 
 New, Ja. Avery, and J. Campbell. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That leave be given to 
 bring in an ordinance to amend the ordinance 
 for the appointment of vestrymen and trustees, 
 and for other purposes, and that the committee 
 appointed to revise and amend certain canons 
 do prepare and bring in the same. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till to-morrow^ 
 morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 7. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of the 
 day, proceeded by ballot to the nomination of a 
 
 bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 this state ; and the Rev. Mr. Craig, the Rev. 
 Mr. Cameron, Mr. New, ana Mr. Andrews, were 
 appointed a committee to examine the ballots : 
 who, having withdrawn and examined the same, 
 reported. That they found the numbers for the 
 persons balloted for to be as followeth : — 
 
 For the Rev. James Madison, 46 ; Rev. 
 Samuel Shield, 9. 
 
 And it appearing from the report that a ma- 
 jority of the whole Convention was in favour of 
 the Rev. James Madison, 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That the Rev. James 
 Madison, D. D., be recommended as a proper 
 person to be consecrated bishop of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Alexander Balmain 
 be appointed visiter for District No. 12, including 
 the counties of Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire, 
 and Hardy. 
 
 That the Rev. Thomas Davis be appointed 
 visiter for District No. 6, including the counties 
 of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and 
 Westmoreland. 
 
 That the Rev. Elkanah Talley be appointed 
 visiter for District No. 1, in the room of the 
 Rev. J. H. Saunders, who is discontinued. 
 
 That the Rev. Abner Waugh be appointed 
 visiter of District No. 15, including the coun- 
 ties of Hanover and Caroline, in the room of 
 the Rev. Mr. Dick, who hath resigned. 
 
 That the Rev. Jesse Carter be appointed 
 visiter of District No. 16, including the counties 
 of Essex, King William, and King and Queen, 
 in the room of the Rev. H. Skyring, who hath 
 removed out of that district. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the members of 
 this Convention do advance for their respective 
 parishes two dollars, to be applied to the general 
 purposes of the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, and make 
 report thereof ; and a committee was appointed 
 of Mr. R. Andrews, Mr. Walker, the Rev. J. 
 Cameron, and the Rev. Mr. Walke. 
 
 Resolved, on the motion of the Rev. J. Cam- 
 eron, That this Convention do recommend it to 
 the bishop, to whom Mr. Stephen Johnson, a 
 candidate for holy orders, shall apply for ordina- 
 tion, to dispense with, in the examination of the 
 said Johnson, that knowledge of the Greek and 
 Latin languages which is required by the sev- 
 enth general canon of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the United States of America. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Devereaux Jarratt 
 have leave of absence for the remainder of this 
 Convention. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of 
 the day, resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole Convention on the state of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church ; and, after some tinie 
 spent therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, 
 and the Rev. S. Shield reported, That the said 
 committee had, according to order, taken under 
 consideration the business to them referred, and 
 had come to several resolutions thereon, which 
 were read and agreed to as follows : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Cwi- 
 
CONVENTION OP 1790. 
 
 31 
 
 vention, that the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 is the exclusive owner of the glebes, churches, 
 and other property held by the Church of Eng- 
 land in Virginia, at the commencement of the 
 revolution. 
 
 Resolved, That the principles upon which the 
 said property is held, are those only by which 
 the rights of property are regulated. 
 
 Resolved, That the interference of the legis- 
 lature in the sale of that property, or in the dis- 
 posal of it to any other purpose than that for 
 which it is now held, would be a violation of 
 the constitution. 
 
 Resolved, That the several documents now 
 referred to the Convention be referred to the 
 standing committee : And that they be instructed 
 to adopt such measures, and to make such pub- 
 lications or representations, as to them shall 
 seem advisable on the premises. 
 
 The Convention adjourned until 9 o'clock to- 
 morrow morning. 
 
 Saturday, May 8, 
 
 The Convention having met, the Rev. S. 
 Shield, from the committee appointed to bring in 
 an ordinance to amend the ordinance for the 
 appointment of vestries and trustees, and for 
 other purposes, reported. That they had, ac- 
 cording to order, prepared the same, which was 
 read, and ordered to be read a second time. 
 
 The Rev. Mr Shield, from the same committee, 
 reported, That they had, according to order, had 
 the canons respecting the trial of ofTending 
 clergymen under consideration, and had prepared 
 some new canons relative thereto, which were 
 read, and ordered to be read a second time. 
 
 Mr. Andrews, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the treasurer's account, reported. 
 That the committee had, according to order, ex- 
 amined the same, and found them justly and 
 fairly stated, and that the balance in his hands 
 for general purposes is 301. 17 s. Qd. That the 
 committee, however, thought it their duty to 
 observe, that the treasurer had advanced to the 
 deputies who went to the last General Conven- 
 tion 15/. 2*. l^d. more than was directed by the 
 resolution of the last Convention : That they 
 had farther found that the said deputies have 
 still a claim on account of their expenses for 
 the following balances, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. John Bracken, for a balance of 71. 
 8s. ; Mr. Robert Andrews, for a balance of 71. 
 9*. lOiii. 
 
 That the committee had also found in the 
 hands of the treasurer a balance of 126/. 11^. 
 lOjd. due to the bishop's fund : Whereupon the 
 Convention carae to a resolution that the treas- 
 urer's account do pass ; and that he pay to the 
 Rev. Mr. Bracken and Mr. Andrews the bal- 
 ances reported lo be due to them. 
 
 It appearing that the Rev. Mr. Buchanan had 
 declined receiving any compensation for his ser- 
 vices as treasurer of the Convention for the last 
 year, 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan 
 for his faithful and disinterested discharge of the 
 duties of the office of treasurer. < 
 
 On motion of Mr. Walker, Resolved, That the 
 thanks of this Convention be given to the Rev. 
 Dr. James Madison, for his vnluable essay read 
 before the Convention, containing a defence 
 of certain rights of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John Bracken, Or- 
 dered, That the treasurer of this Convention ad- 
 vance to the Rev. Dr. James Madison such a 
 sum of money as may be directed by the stand- 
 ing committee, for the purpose of defraying his 
 expenses in obtaining consecration, provided 
 such sum does not exceed 200/. ; and that it be 
 advanced out of the money in the bishop's 
 fund. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That deputies be ap- 
 pointed to attend any General Convention of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church which may be 
 called before the month of May, 1791 : And 
 the Rev. John Bracken and Mr. Robert An- 
 drews were accordingly appointed. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Campbell, Resolved, That 
 the deputies to the next General Convention be 
 instructed to endeavour to procure the following 
 amendment to the 7th general canon, viz., after 
 " required," in the 5th line, to insert, " and can 
 also satisfy the bishop that he hath a competent 
 knowledge of moral philosophy, church history, 
 and the belles lettres, and hath paid particular 
 attention to acquire rhetoric and pulpit elo- 
 quence, as the means of giving additional effi- 
 cacy to his labours." 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the parish trus- 
 tees be desired to transmit to the Rev. Mr. 
 Buchanan, of the city of Richmond, to be laid be- 
 fore the next Convention, an account of the 
 property of the church, both real and personal, 
 within their respective parishes, with a state of 
 the condition and supposed value of their glebes. 
 
 Resolved, That a register of the ministers of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church, who hold 
 parishes within this state, and also of assistant 
 ministers, be kept by the Secretary of the Con- 
 vention ; and that for this purpose, the vestries 
 be desired to certify to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan 
 the names of the ministers who hold their re- 
 spective parishes, and of the assistant min- 
 isters. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Andrews, Resolved, That 
 the trustees of the parish of Bruton have the 
 consent of this Convention to sell the glebe of 
 the said parish, provided it shall be the opinion 
 of the trustees that it can be done with ad- 
 vantage to the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Ordered, That a standing committee be ap- 
 pointed, to continue in office until the end of 
 the next session of Convention, and that their 
 powers be the same as those vested in the former 
 standing committees. A standing committee 
 was accordingly appointed, of the Rev. James 
 Madison, Rev. John Bracken, Rev. Samuel 
 Shield, Hon. John Blair, Robert Andrews, Esq., 
 Hon. Edmund Randolph, Hon. Joseph Preniis, 
 and Rev. Henry Skyring. 
 
 Resolved, That the said committee be re- 
 quested to frame standing rules for regulating 
 the proceedings of Conventions, and to report 
 the same to the next ConTeution. 
 
32 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1790. 
 
 Ordered, That 200 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed, under the inspection 
 of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; and that the or- 
 dinances and canons of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in this state which shall be in force at 
 the end of this session, together with the Gen- 
 eral Constitution and canons framed by the late 
 General Convention, be annexed to the journal. 
 
 An ordinance to amend an ordinance, entitled 
 ** An ordinance for regulating the appointment 
 of vestries and trustees, and for other purposes," 
 was read the second time, and ordered to be 
 read a third time. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 several parishes within this commonwealth, to 
 send the sum of twelve dollars to the Rev. Mr. 
 Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first 
 Tuesday of May next ; to be applied by the 
 Convention to the general purposes of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this state. 
 
 An ordinance to amend the ordinance for the 
 appointment of vestries and trustees, and for 
 other purposes, was read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the ordinance do pass ; and 
 that the title be, ♦' An ordinance to amend farther 
 the ordinance entitled An ordinance for regu- 
 lating the appointment of vestries ^and trustees, 
 and for other purposes. ^^* 
 
 The reported canons respecting the trial of of- 
 fending clergymeri, were read a second time. 
 
 Resolved, That they be agreed to ; and that 
 they be numbered as the 28th and 29th canons, t 
 
 Resolved, That the former 28th, 30th, and 
 32d canons be, and they are hereby, abrogated. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be 
 opened with a sermon, and that the Rev. Thomas 
 Davis be requested to preach the same. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be call- 
 ed to meet on the first Tuesday in May, 1791, 
 unless the standing committee shall think it ne- 
 cessary to call a Convention at an earlier pe- 
 riod : and that the next Convention meet in the 
 city of Richmond. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned. 
 
 James Madison, President. 
 Thomas Davis, Secretary. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 An Ordinance for regulating the Appointment 
 of Vestries and Trustees, and for other pur- 
 poses. 
 
 Whereas an act of the General Assembly, 
 which was passed in the year one thousand seven 
 hundred and eighty-four, entitled, " An act for 
 incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church," 
 hath been repealed by an act of the last session ; 
 in consequence of which it is supposed that the 
 several powers of government and discipline in 
 the said church are returned to the members 
 at large ; and in order to exercise those pow- 
 ers, the members of the said church, in their ^ 
 several parishes, have elected two deputies to 
 represent them in a Convention to be held in the 
 city of Richmond, on this sixteenth day of May, 
 
 * See Appendix. 
 
 f. See 28th and 29th canons in the Appendix. 
 
 one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, 
 with full powers to deliberate upon, form, and 
 establish such regulations as they should judge 
 to be necessary and proper for the government, 
 discipline, and worship of the said church, and 
 the care and 'direction of the social property ; in 
 order to effect which purposes, it is judged ne- 
 cessary that vestries should forthwith be elect- 
 ed in each parish. 
 
 Be it therefore ordained by the deputies so 
 appointed, and now met in Convention at the 
 time and place prefixed, That the church-war- 
 dens and vestrymen in the several parishes 
 within this commonwealth, who were elected 
 into office in conformity to an act of the General 
 Assembly, passed in the year one thousand seven 
 hundred and eighty-four, entitled, " An act for 
 incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church," 
 be, and are hereby declared and acknowledged 
 as trustees for the members of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church until a new election shall take 
 place, and to hold the property, both real and per- 
 sonal, belonging to the said church, for their use 
 and benefit, subject to such regulations as shall 
 be made from time to time by the Convention 
 of deputies elected by the members of the said 
 church. And be it further ordained, that as 
 soon as may be after notice of this ordinance, 
 the late church-wardens, or any two other repu- 
 table inhabitants (being members of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church) in each parish, do call 
 together, at some convenient time and place, by 
 notice duly given, all the freeholders and house- 
 keepers in such parish who are members of the 
 said church, and contribute to the support 
 thereof ; then and there to elect twelve of the 
 most able and discreet men of their society to 
 be a vestry for such parish, and trustees of their 
 property ; to continue in office until the Mon- 
 day in Easter-week, in the year one thousand 
 seven hundred and ninety, and on that day, if 
 fair, otherwise the next day which is so, there 
 shall be a new election of vestrymen ; and such 
 elections shall continue to be made triennially on 
 Easter-Monday, if fair, or the next fair day, 
 until the Convention shall otherwise direct ; in- 
 termediate vacancies occasioned by death, re- 
 moval, or resignation, to be filled by the remain- 
 ing vestrymen, and those so chosen to act until 
 the period of the next general election. 
 
 Every vestryman, before he acts in office, 
 shall subscribe in vestry to be conformable to 
 the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Each vestry, at their first meeting after their 
 election, shall choose two of their members to 
 be church-wardens, who shall superintend the 
 next general election of vestrymen ; judge of 
 the qualifications of voters, and certify the 
 names of the persons chosen. They shall be 
 considered as the acting part of the vestry, and 
 shall see that the orders and resolutions of the 
 vestry be carried into execution. 
 
 The vestries respectively, with the minister, 
 where there is one, shall hold and enjoy all 
 glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and other 
 property, now belonging or hereafter accruing to 
 the said church, as trustees for the benefit of the 
 
CONVENTION OF 1790. 
 
 33 
 
 society, and may improve or demise the lands 
 during the vacancy of a minister, but may not 
 demise lands allowed for the minister's habita- 
 tion or use, when they have one, without his 
 consent. They may also use, improve, or dis- 
 pose of all personal property, and the produce, 
 rents, and profits Of lands (not appropriated for 
 the minister) belonging to the church, for the 
 benefit of the society, in erecting or repairing 
 churches, glebe-houses, or otherwise ; and may 
 make such rules and orders for managing the 
 temporal affairs and concerns of the church, 
 within their respective parishes, as they shall 
 think most conducive to its interest and pros- 
 perity, and for carrying into execution such or- 
 ders and rules for government and discipline, or 
 other spiritual purposes, as shall be directed by 
 this or any future Convention. They shall have 
 the sole power of directing the payment of 
 money belonging to the church withtn their re- 
 spective parishes, and of appointing a clerk, 
 treasurer, and collector, when ihey think neces- 
 sary. All of which proceedings shall be fairly 
 entered in a book to be kept for that purpose. 
 
 A meeting of the body (to be called by the 
 minister, or if he be absent, or in case of a va- 
 cancy, by the church-wardens, or by a church- 
 warden, if but one within the parish, or by any 
 two vestrymen, if there be no minister or church- 
 warden) shall be had as often as is necessary, 
 the minister to have a vote e,qual to, and not 
 greater than a vestryman, in all questions ex- 
 cept for the demise of the glebe-lands assigned 
 for his residence or use, in which he shall have 
 a negative. Seven members shall be sufficient 
 to constitute a meeting, and all questions shall 
 be decided by a majority of those present. 
 
 Future Conventions shall consist of two depu- 
 ties from each parish, of whom the minister 
 shall be one, if there be a minister, the other a 
 layman, to be annually chosen, by the vestry, 
 who shall also choose another where there is no 
 minister in the parish : And twenty-five depu- 
 ties thus qualified and appointed shall be a Con- 
 vention. 
 
 ■ Conventions shall regulate all the religious 
 concerns of the church, its doctrines, discipline, 
 and worship, and institute such rules and regu- 
 lations as they may judge necessary for the good 
 government thereof, and the same revoke and 
 alter at their pleasure. 
 
 An Ordinance to amend the foregoing Ordi- 
 nance. 
 
 Be it ordained by the clergy and lay depu- 
 ties of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in 
 Convention, that in case of neglect^t refusal of 
 any minister of a parish to call a meeting of the 
 vestry, when required to do so by two or more 
 vestrymen, the church-wardens, or church- 
 warden, if but one within the parish, or any two 
 vestrymen, if there be no church-warden, may 
 call a meeting. 
 
 vl« Ordinance to amend further the Original 
 Ordinance. 
 Be it ordained by the clergy and lay depu- 
 ties of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in Con- 
 
 C 
 
 vention, that in any parishes which have neglect- 
 ed to elect vestries and trustees agreeably to 
 the ." Ordinance for regulating the appomtment 
 of vefjtries and trustees, and for other purpos- 
 es," or which shall hereafter neglect to make 
 such election, the members of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church within such parishes may at 
 any time afterward within six months elect 
 vestries and trustees, in the manner directed by 
 the aforesaid ordinance. And in all cases 
 where elections have not been held, or shall not 
 be held, at the periods fixed by the said ordi- 
 nance for general elections, the former vestries 
 and trustees shall continue to act until elections 
 shall be held as hereby directed ; or, if no elec- 
 tions shall be held, until a future Convention 
 shall take some farther order in the matter. 
 Provided nevertheless. That where any parish 
 which had failed to elect vestrymen and trus- 
 tees at the time appointed by the said ordinance 
 for a general election, hath since elected the 
 Same, such election is hereby declared to be 
 valid. 
 
 If any person elected a vestryman and trus- 
 tee shall neglect or refuse to attend two suc- 
 cessive meetings of the body, having had due 
 notice thereof, he may be considered as having 
 vacated his office ; and the remaining vestrymen 
 and trustees may elect into his place some other 
 able and discreet man of their society. 
 
 In case of the nonattendance of the church- 
 wardens at an election of vestrymen and trus- 
 tees in any parish, the minister, or, if he be 
 absent, or, if there be no minister in the parish, 
 any two vestrymen, or, if there be no vestrymen 
 present, any two reputable inhabitants of the 
 parish who are members of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church, may be appointed to superintend 
 the election. 
 
 No sale of such property as is of the nature 
 of principal or stock, belonging, to the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church in any parish, shall be 
 made without the consent of a Convention. 
 
 Any ordinance or part of an ordinance which 
 is contrary to this ordinance, is hereby declare4 
 null and of no effect. 
 
 CANONS. 
 
 I. Conventions shall he holden annually on 
 the first Wednesday in May, provided nevetthe- 
 Ipss, that if a sufficient number of members to 
 form a Convention shall not attend on the said 
 day, any five then assembled shall have power 
 to adjourn. 
 
 II. A person shall preside in Convention with 
 the name of president, who shall always be a 
 bishop, when there is one present properly con- 
 secrated and settled in the church,' till which 
 lime a president, shall be appointed by the Con- 
 vention out of their own body ; if more than 
 one bishop is found necessary in this church, 
 they shall preside alternately. 
 
 III. A secretary shall be appointed by the 
 Convention, who shall continue in office during 
 good behaviour, who shall keep a record of 
 their resolves and proceedings, and tl*v© the 
 
34 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1790. 
 
 records in his custody so long as he shall con- 
 tinue in office. 
 
 IV. Standing rules shall be established for 
 the preservation of decorum, and the orderly 
 management of business. 
 
 V. All questions, whether they relate to the 
 order, government, discipline, doctrine, or wor- 
 ship of this church, or to any other matter which 
 is properly before the Convention, shall be de- 
 termined by a majority of votes. 
 
 VI. At all future Conventions, each member 
 (whether minister or layman) shall, previous to 
 his admission, produce a testimonial of his being 
 regularly appointed, which testimonial shall be 
 signed by one or both of the church-wardens, or 
 by the clerk of the respective vestries. 
 
 VH. All the ordinances and other proceed- 
 ings of the Convention shall be attested by the 
 secretary. 
 
 VIII. The clergy of several neighbouring 
 parishes^ not less than three nor more than ten, 
 shall assemble in presbytery annually on the 
 second Wednesday in April, at some convenient 
 place in the district, to be appointed by a major- 
 ity of the ministers in the same district ; ofte in 
 each district shall be appointed by the Conven- 
 tion to preside at their meetings with the title 
 of visiter, who shall annually visit each parish in 
 his district — shall attend to and inspect the 
 morals and conduct of the clergy — ;shall see that 
 the canons and rules o{ the church are observ- 
 ed, and that no abuses are practised — shall ad- 
 monish and reprove privately those clergymen 
 who are negligent, or act in an unbecoming 
 manner, and shall report yearly to the bislrop, if 
 there be one, or, if there be no bishop, to the next 
 Convention, the state of each parish in his dis- 
 trict, noting down the ofi'enders and their offences. 
 
 IX. The clergy who shall minister in 4his 
 church shall be the three orders of bishops, 
 priests, and deacons, 
 
 X. Every person hereafter to officiate in this 
 church. as a bishop, shall be nominated by the 
 Convention ; and having received episcopal con- 
 secration before he enters on his office, shall 
 subscribe to conform to the doctrine, discipline, 
 and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 of Virginia ; and no person shall be received into- 
 the church as a bishop until he shall have com- 
 pleted the thirtieth year of his age. 
 
 XI. As we conceive the office of a bishop, 
 according to the true apostolic institution, dif- 
 fers in nothing from that of other ministers of 
 God's word, except in the power of ordination 
 and confirmation, and the rights of superintend- 
 ing the conduct of the clergy, and of precedency 
 in ecclesiastical assemblies, that office shall be 
 accordingly so exercised in this church ; a,nd 
 every bishop, after hjs promotion to the episco- 
 pal order, shall continue to hold a parish and to 
 do the duty of a parish minister, except when 
 he is necessarily employed in the discharge of 
 his episcopal office. 
 
 XII. No bishop shall inflict ajiy censure 
 upon, or exercise any power over, the clergy 
 under bis inspection, other than he is allowed to 
 do by th<i laws and institutions of this church 
 jmade in Convwiliutt. 
 
 XIII. No priest or minister shall hereafter 
 be received into any parish within this common- 
 wealth, unless he first produce to the vestrv suf- 
 ficient testimonials of his having been regularly 
 ordained a priest by some Protestant bishop, and 
 of having taken the oatl^ of allegiance to this 
 commonwealth, and subscribe to be conformable 
 to the doctrine, discipline, and 'worship of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church ; nor till he shall 
 have entered ijito a contract in writing with the 
 vestry or trustees on behalf of the society within 
 such parish, by which it shall be stipulated and 
 declared that he holds the appointment subject 
 to removal upon the determinations of the Con- 
 vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 this state. Provided, That any person who hath 
 been ordained by a bishop of the Church of Rome 
 may also he received as a minister, who shall 
 produce satisfactory testimonials respecting his 
 ordination, morals, and conduct, renounce the 
 errors of that church, take the oath, and sub- 
 scribe as aforesaid. 
 
 XIV. No minister shall hereafter be received 
 into a parish who does not first produce to the 
 vestry satisfactory testimonials of his morals, 
 conduct, and conversation, from the person or 
 •persons appointed by the Convention to inquire 
 into such matters, and grant such testimonials. 
 
 XV. The right of presentation or appointing 
 ministers to serve in the parishes shall continue 
 in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its 
 own minister. 
 
 XVI. Every person to be ordained priest or 
 deacon by any bishop of this church, shall pro- 
 duce testimonials of his good morals and orderly 
 conduct from the clergy assembled in the dis- 
 trict where he for some time last resided, and 
 from the vestry of the parish where he last 
 Hved, provided there be in the district a suffi- 
 cient number of clergymen to form a presby- 
 tery ; otherwise a testimonial from the minister 
 and vestry of his parish, or from the vestry 
 alone, if the parish is vacant, shall be deemed 
 sufficient : Provided also, the candidate is not 
 an inhabitant of some other slate, and intended 
 to- minister in some parish or congregation in a 
 neighbouring state. No person shall be or- 
 dained until due examinaticm had by the bishop 
 and two priests. 
 
 XVII. No person shall be admitted to priest's 
 orders until he shall have completed the twenty- 
 fourth year of his age, and is assured of the 
 willingness of some parish or congregation to re- 
 ceive him as their minister, to be certified under 
 the hands of the church-wardens, and attested 
 by the clerk otf the vestry. 
 
 XVIII. Every person who shall be admitted 
 either to priest's or deacon's orders, shall be or- 
 dained according to the form prescribed in tho 
 Book of Common Prayer, &,c. directed to be used 
 in this church ; but no person shall be ordained 
 priest until he has served six months in the of- 
 fice of deacon. 
 
 XIX. No person shall be ordained deacon 
 uniil he shall have completed the twenty-first 
 year of his age. 
 
 XX. No person having deacon's orders only 
 fthali bb allowed to hold a parish ; but a deacon 
 
CONVENTION OF 1790. 
 
 35 
 
 may^ during a vacancy, officiate in a parish, if 
 chosen by the vestry to do so ; he shall preach 
 the gospel, and baptize ; he may assist in admin- 
 istering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, but 
 not consecrate the elements ; he may solemnize 
 marriages, and shall attend to the situation and 
 circumstances of the poor when it may be ne- 
 cessary. 
 
 XXI. A person may be ordained a deacon 
 though he shall have no assurance of being 
 called to minister in a parish, or congregation, 
 provided his testimonials and qualifications are 
 satisfactory. 
 
 XXII. A deacon may minister as a proba- 
 tioner or missionary under the direction of the 
 Convention or the bishop. 
 
 XXIII. The parish clerk shall be appointed 
 by the minister and vestry, and displaced by 
 them whenever his services are not satisfactory 
 to the people, whenever he shall neglect his 
 duty, or otherwise misbehave himself 
 
 XXIV. Sextons shall be appointed by the 
 vestries, and dismissed by them when they think 
 proper. 
 
 XXV. Bishops shall be amenable to the Con- 
 vention, who shall be a court to try them, from 
 which there shall be no appeal ; on all such oc- 
 casions a president, who shall be a bishop, shall 
 be chosen by the Convention to sit as judge, 
 and they shall also appoint a clerk to the court. 
 
 XXVI. All accusations against a bishop, as 
 fiuch, shall come from the vestries ; but no ac- 
 cusation against a bishop shall be received un- 
 less three vestri6s join in the complaint. All 
 complaints against a bishop shall be lodged 
 with such persons as may be appointed to call a 
 Convention ; and a copy of the charge or charges 
 to be brought against him sh^ll be communicated 
 to him in writing at least two months before the 
 trial ; counsel may be employed pn both sides, 
 and none but vtvd voce evidence shall be ad- 
 mitted. 
 
 XXVII. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral 
 conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the 
 rules and canons of the church, or taking a bribe 
 to grant either ordination or a recommendation 
 for a vacant parish, shall be considered as of- 
 fences in a bishop, for which he maybe brought 
 to trial ; and on his being convicted of any of 
 these, he shall be reproved, suspended, or dis- 
 missed, at the discretion of the court, 
 
 XXVIII. Cijurts shall be instituted to exam- 
 ine into complaints exhibited against ministers 
 or deacons, which courts shall be composed of 
 one clergyman and one vestryman from each 
 parish of the district in which the accused min- 
 ister resides, the parish excepted to which the 
 minister belongs. The appointment of the ves- 
 trymen shallbe by lot ; and the visiter of the dis- 
 trict, unless he shall be the accused person, 
 shall preside as judge ; and in that case, the 
 oldest clergyman in orders shall be the judge : 
 Provided nevertheless. That where the number 
 of settled clergymen in the district shall be less 
 than two, the visiter shall call for a clergyman 
 from a neighbouring district ; and, moreover, if, 
 when the court assembles, the number of vestry- 
 men shall be found to exceed the number of cler- 
 
 C 3 
 
 gymen present, so many vestrymen shall be 
 withdrawn by lot as shall be necessary to 
 equalize the number of the two orders. 
 
 Any number of members, not less than three, 
 two of whom shall be clergymen, shall be suf- 
 ficient to constitute a court. 
 
 On conviction of a minister, the court shall 
 proceed to pass sentence ; which shall be none 
 other than reproof or suspension ; and in all 
 cases where the offence shall be thought to de- 
 serve suspension, the court shall without delay 
 report the facts and state the evidence to the 
 bishop, or, until a bishop shall be consecrated 
 for the church in this state, to the chairman of 
 the standing committee, who, with the standing 
 committee, or three fourths of the same, shall 
 be, and are hereby constituted and appointed, a 
 court in the last resort to try the offender ; and 
 who, if they do not acquit him, shall either con- 
 firm the sentence of the examining court, or pass 
 such other sentence as a majority of them shall 
 think the offence deserves ; which shall be 
 either reproof, dismission, or degradation. 
 
 XXIX. Complaints against a minister shall 
 be received from the vestry of the parish where 
 the, minister officiates, aiid from no other per- 
 son oi^ persons whatever. They shall be signed 
 by a majority of a vestry, without which no 
 complaint shall be received. They shall be 
 directed to the visiter of the district in which 
 the accused minister resides, or, whete there is 
 no visiter, or if the visiter be the person accused, 
 to a member of the presbytery in the said district, 
 who shall forthwith appoint a convenient time 
 and place for the trial ; and take care that the 
 members who are to compose the court shall 
 have timely information thereof. 
 
 In every complaint, the offence or offences 
 shall be stated ; and the minister shall be fur- 
 nished with a dopy of the charges brought 
 against him, and with notice of his intended 
 trial, at least one month before the trial. Viva 
 voce evidence only shall be admitted, and that 
 upon oath, or the evidence of authenticated 
 records ; and coqnsel may be employed ou both 
 sides. 
 
 The visiter, or the person to whom the com- 
 plaint shall be made, shall cite the accused per- 
 son before the appointed court ; which shall (un- 
 less the person accused is prevented from at- 
 tending by sickness) proceed to the trial, exam- 
 ine the testimony against the offender, and take 
 the depositions of the witnesses. 
 
 XXX. No vestryman shall sit on the exam- 
 ination of a minister belonging to the parish 
 wherein such vestryman resides ; the examina- 
 tion shall be held in the parish where the ac- 
 cused minister officiates, and at a place to be 
 appointed by the vestry ; the judges shall appoint 
 a clerk occasionally for such examinations. 
 
 XXXI. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral 
 conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the 
 rules and canons of the church, or taking a 
 bribe to recommend either for ordination or a 
 parish, are to be considered as among the offen- 
 ces for which a minister may be brought to trial. 
 
 XXXII. Deacons behaving in a scandalous, 
 disorderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect 
 
36 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 the duty they have undertaken, shall, on full and 
 satisfactory proof, be suspended or silenced by 
 the bishop until the sense of the Convention 
 shall be 44nown. A nd the salary accruing during 
 the suspension t)f a minister or deacon, who is 
 afterward found guilty, shall go to' the vestry 
 for the use of the church. 
 
 XXXIII. Bishops shall visit the different 
 parishes under their inspection once in three 
 years at least ; of which visitation the clergy 
 or church-wardens shall have timely notice ; in 
 their visitation they shall confirm such as choose 
 to receive confirmation, they shall inspect the 
 state of the parishes, and the conduct of the 
 clergy, who shall give them what information 
 they can respecting such ecclesiastical matters 
 as they may choose to be informed of 
 
 XXXIV. Bishops shall hold ordinations at 
 such times and places as they may judge neces- 
 sary and convenient. 
 
 XXXV. Bishops, after every visitation, shall 
 report the state of the church in the different 
 parishes to the Convention. 
 
 XXXVI. No minister or bishop shall be al- 
 lowed to hold more than one parish at the same 
 tinie. Nevertheless, a minister may, if called 
 thereto by the vestry, preach in a. neighbouring 
 parish or parishes during a vacancy in «uch par- 
 ish or parishes, and may receive a compensation 
 for his services, provided he has the consent of 
 his own vestry, and shall not neglect the duties 
 of his parish. 
 
 XXXVII. Every minister shall reside within 
 his parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall 
 agree to dispense vyith his residence, and shall 
 
 at no time leave it for more than one month 
 without the consent of the said vestry. 
 
 XXXVIII. Ministers shall, at their churches 
 and other convenient places, instruct children, 
 and such ignorant persons as may require it, 
 in their catechism, and the principles of the 
 Christian religion as maintained by this church ; 
 provided this duty may be dispensed with during 
 the inclement winter months. They shall also 
 explain the nature of confirmation, and instruct 
 and prepare their parishioners for it. 
 
 XXXIX. Ministers and deacons shall wear 
 a surplice during the time of prayer at public 
 worship, in places where they are provided ; 
 shall wear gowns when they preach, where they 
 conveniently can ; and shall at all times wear 
 apparel suited to the gravity of their profession. 
 
 XL. Ministers and deacons may encourage 
 people to assemble together in small societies 
 at convenient times for their edification, and 
 may visit, superintend, and instruct such socie- 
 ties at their meetings ; provided they shall not 
 doit to the encouragement of idleness, oi to the 
 injury of private families. 
 
 XLI Ministers officiating in this chuTch, 
 whether bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach 
 once at lezist on every Lord's day, and at other 
 stated seasons, unless prevented by some suffi- 
 cient cause ; they may at their discretion preach 
 also at other times, when opportunities shall 
 offer of edifying the church ; bishops and priests 
 shall administer the sacrament at least four 
 times in the year at each church or place of 
 worship in their respective parishes, and shall 
 visit the sick when called on for that purpose. 
 
 Journal of a Convention pf the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the 
 Capitol in the -City of Richmond/from. May 2d to May Qth, 1791, inclusive. 
 
 A List of the Memrers of the Convention. 
 
 Parishes. 
 Abingdon, 
 Antrim, ' 
 Bath, 
 Berkeley, . 
 Bristol, 
 Bruton, 
 Charley 
 Christ Church, 
 Cumberland, 
 BsIg, 
 Drysdale, 
 Elizabeth River, 
 Fairfax, 
 Henrico, 
 Hungars, 
 James City, 
 King William, 
 . Lexington, 
 Littleton, 
 Lynnhaven, 
 Manchester, 
 Meherrin, 
 
 Nottoway, 
 
 Raleigh, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 James Price. 
 Alexander Hay, 
 Devereaux Jarratt. 
 Hugh C. Boggs. 
 John Cameron. 
 John Bracken. , 
 
 Sarawel Shield 
 David Ball. 
 James Craig. 
 Needier Robinson. 
 Jesse Carter. 
 James Whitehead. 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 
 James Madison (Bishop and Pres.). 
 
 Charles Crawford. 
 Elkanah Talley, 
 Anthony Walke. 
 William Cameron. 
 Stephen Johnson. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 John Page. 
 John Coleman 
 
 Thos. G. Peachy. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 Starkey Robinson. 
 James Ball. 
 John Stevenson. 
 
 William Lyne. 
 
 Robert T. Hooe. 
 William Foushee. 
 John L. Fulwell. 
 John Ambler. 
 Thomas Harris. 
 
 Mayo Carrington. 
 Edward H. Moseley. 
 David Patteson. 
 
 < Rowland Ward. 
 I p. Robinson. 
 Jo^n RoyalL 
 
Parishes. 
 St. 'Asaph, 
 St. Bride, ^ . 
 St. David, 
 St. George (Acco.)» 
 St George, (Spot.), 
 St. James Noxaham, 
 St. Margaret, 
 St. Mark, 
 St. Martin, 
 St. Mary, 
 
 St. Paul, ~. 
 
 Southam, 
 Southwark, 
 Suffolk, 
 Trinity, 
 Upper Parish 
 
 (Nansemond), 
 Westover, 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 Clergymen. 
 
 James Morris. 
 Reuben Olopton. 
 Wilham Vere. 
 John Woodville. 
 Charles Hopkuis. 
 
 87 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 John Hoomes. 
 
 Peter Nelson. 
 Abner Waugh. 
 
 Samuel Butler. 
 James Tavlor. 
 
 James Henderson. 
 
 On Tuesday, the third of May, in the year of 
 our Lord one thousand seven hundred and nine- 
 ty-one, being the day appointed for the meeting 
 of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a 
 sufficient number of members to proceed on bu- 
 siness being present, 
 
 Ordered, That Robert Andrews b6 appointed 
 SecreUry to the Convention. 
 
 The Right Rev. James Madison, D. D., hav- 
 ing laid before the Convention his letters of con- 
 secration to the office of bishop of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this Commonwealth, 
 took his seat as President of the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee of elections be ap- 
 pointed, to examine the returns of the sitting 
 members, and to report thereon : And a com- 
 mittee was appointed of Mr. New, Mr. Craig, 
 Mr. Page, and Mr. Buchanan. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, and to report 
 thereon : And a committee was appointed of 
 Mr. New, Mr. Bracken, Mr. Hoomes, and Mr. 
 Shield. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That a committee be 
 appointed to revise the canons : And a com- 
 mittee was appointed of Mr. Shield, Mr. Jar- 
 ratt, Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Page, and Mr. E. 
 Carrington. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned till to- 
 morrow morrring, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Wednesday, May 4. 
 
 The Right Rev. the President having, on his 
 taking the chair this morning, delivered a charge 
 to the Convention, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be given to the Right Rev. Dr. 
 Madison for the seasonable, judicious, and affec- 
 tionate charge delivered them this day, and that 
 he be requested to furnish, a copy of the same 
 for the purpose of having it published. 
 
 4n Address to the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Virginia, by the R>. Rev. 
 J. Madison, D. D., Bishop of the said Church. 
 
 Brethren, — The office to which it hath 
 
 Robert Twiford. 
 
 Archibald Brice. 
 Anthony New. 
 David Jameson. 
 
 James Taylor. 
 ( Thomas Tinsl&y. 
 (John Garland. 
 
 Edwd. Carrington. 
 
 James A. Bradley. ■, -^ 
 
 Mills Godwin, 
 
 Charles Yancey. 
 • ^ Arch. Richardson. 
 I John Driver. 
 
 Charles Carter. 
 
 pleased the church, by the permission of Provi- 
 dence, to call me, is attended with duties of a 
 very serious and interesting nature. Would to 
 God I were capable of discharging them in a 
 manner equal to that full conviction which I 
 have of the importance of the trust, or to that 
 ardent but charitable zeal far the prosperity of 
 our church, which it shall be my endeavour at 
 all times to evince. I should then anticipate a 
 satisfaction from the expected fruits of my la- 
 bours replete with the highest reward, and esteem 
 myself happy indeed in being called to an office 
 which enabled me to be extensively useful in a 
 cause the most interesting to mankind. But 
 when I reflect upon my own imperfections ; 
 when I consider the present situation of our 
 church ; and further, when I cast my eyes to- 
 wards the many obstacles to its prosperity which 
 present themselves on every side, I confess to 
 you that, struck with the arduous enterprise, I ^ 
 feel myself for a moment intimidated ; that for 
 a moment despondency instead of hope, fear of 
 evils greater than, we have yet experienced in- 
 stead of the consolatory anticipation of better 
 prospects, take possession of my soul. 
 
 It is from you, my brethren, from this re- 
 spectable assembly, from the strenuous and 
 zealous support of the many worthy members 
 of our church, and particularly from the zealous 
 co-operation of her pastors ; but^ above all, it is 
 from the favour of Heaven itself that 1 derive 
 hope and animation. Yes, my brethren ; while 
 I can flatter myself With your zealous co-opera- 
 tion, while I can behold the ministers of our 
 church anxious, nay, ardent in the great Work 
 in which we are engaged, so long I will indulge 
 the pleasing, the animated ^hope, that Heaven 
 will smile upon our labours, that the obstacles 
 which now surround us will vanish before our 
 united exertions, and that religion, pure and spot- 
 less as she sprung from the Eternal, will once 
 more regain her blissful empire in the hearts of 
 men. Let us reflect that ditlBculties, instead 
 of depressing, often serve only to call forth new^ 
 ardour, even in pursuits that are bounded by thi* 
 world. Let us follow the example ; but with 
 this difference, that our ardour should rise abovo 
 
38 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 that of others in proportion to the superior im- 
 portance of the cause in which we are engaged. 
 If such application, such zeal; such courage, be 
 exerted to accomphsh ends which must still 
 bear the stamp of mortality, surely an infinitely 
 greater degree of application, of zeal, and of 
 courage, may be expected from those who have 
 in view eternal pursuits and immortal ends. 
 
 Encouraged by these considerations, permit 
 me, in entering upon my episcopacy, to request 
 your attention to such observations as the pres- 
 ent occasion seems to require ; and to exhort 
 you, my reverend brethren in particular, at the 
 same time admonishing myself, that we should 
 not only recall to mind' the duties of our voca- 
 tion, but endeavour to reanimate each other, as 
 bearing the same burden : and since Providence 
 hath permitted me to be placed in a station 
 so responsible to God and man, and hath asso- 
 ciated you with me as fellow-labourers in my min- 
 istry, let us go to the source of our misfortunes, 
 and try to discover the necessary remedies. 
 
 I. Were we- thep, in the first place, to in- 
 vestigate the causes which have operated in re- 
 ducing our church to its present situation, per- 
 haps we should find that too many of them have 
 originated from ourselves. The suggestion, I 
 am well aware, is pregnant with reflections the 
 most poignant and alarming. But I do not 
 think I should discharge my duty in the manner 
 which my conscience and my incUnation dic- 
 tate, were I not to speak upon this occasion 
 with all that plainness and freedom which the 
 importance of the subject demands. I know 
 that our church is blessed with many truly pious 
 and zealous pastors ; pastors from whose ex- 
 ample the greatest advantage may be derived 
 by all of ns ; but, at the same time, I fear there 
 is too much reason to apprehend, that the great 
 dereliction sustained by our church hath arisen 
 in no small degree from the want of that fervent 
 Christian z-eal which such examples ought more 
 generally to have inspired. The trials to which 
 we have been exposed, the reverse of situation 
 which we have experienced, the coldness and 
 indiiference of our lay brethren to their most 
 essential interests, both temporal and eternal, 
 are considerations, it is true, which seem to 
 plead strongly in our excuse. But though our 
 most fervent zeal might not, and indeed ought 
 not to have prevented that reverse of situation 
 in One respect, yet perhaps it has been too much 
 aggravated by our own conduct. The coldness, 
 the indifference of the laity, of which we so 
 much complain, from whence hath it arisen "? 
 Hath the sacred fire committed to our trust. 
 been everywhere and at all times cherished by 
 us with that watchful and zealous attention 
 \A^hich so holy a deposit e required 1 Had it been 
 thus cherished, might not, my brethren, that 
 ancient flame, which once animated and en- 
 lightened the members of our church, still have 
 diifused its" warmth, and thus have banished far 
 that coldness which threatens, an approaching 
 torpor fatal to religion 1 or, instead of indiffer- 
 ence to our church, might we not now have 
 beheld many of those members who have for- 
 Weken her, eltill ardent' and zealous in her sup- 
 
 port 1 In an inquiry which so nearly concerns 
 every minister of the church, who shall not be 
 found wanting \ — Great God ! perhaps a want 
 of zeal in the discharge of my pastoral duties 
 may have stored up for me, in the dreadful 
 secrets of thy justice, judgments at which I 
 ought to tremble ! But I will implore the ex- 
 tension of thy mercies. I will endeavour, with 
 thy aid, not only to awaken within myself a just 
 sense of my duties, but exert the small portion 
 of talents which thou hast allotted to me in 
 impressing deeply upon the minds of all my fel- 
 low-labourers, " that a holy, fervent zeal, at- 
 tempered with charity, is the most essential 
 qualification of a minister of the gospel, and the 
 first effect of sacerdotal grace." 
 
 Be ye then renewed in the spirit of your mind, 
 or of i/our vocation. Recollect, n.y reverend 
 brethren, to whom the apostle formerly addressed 
 this word of exhortation — to ministers of the 
 gospel, as has been well observed, who exposed 
 their lives every hour for him who sent them ; 
 to ministers, persecuted, reviled, trampled under 
 foot, yet suffering with joy, aijd embracing death 
 as a reward ; to the first preachers of the Chris- 
 tian religion, among whom were apostles, proph- 
 ets, evangelists, pastors^ and teachers ; to men 
 whose sanctity and zeal the whole world, with 
 all its. ostentatious philosophy, could not re- 
 sist. Such were the men to whom the apos- 
 tle thus earnestly recommended, that they 
 should renew themselves in the spirit of their 
 vocation ; men who were still full of that holy 
 spirit which had lately descended from heaven, 
 and who, like their master, diffused it from 
 their plenitude over the people and the nations. 
 
 It is this same exhortation which I address to 
 you, and at the same time to myself; to us, who 
 are respectively called to the ministry, as the 
 successors of those men, in this latter age ; an 
 age which would substitute the cold lessons of 
 a political philosophy for those subhme, those 
 warm and consolatory ideas, that spring from 
 religion, and which are no less necessary to 
 vivify the moral, than the rays which flow from 
 the sun are to invigorate the vegetable world ; 
 to us, who not only behold those temples dedi- 
 cated to the living God too frequently deserted 
 by their once warm and zealous friends, but to 
 us, in whose days, unless those ideas, so prolific 
 of duty, which our religion enforces, be revived, 
 licentiousness must triumph, and not only shake 
 the foundations of civil liberty, but, like a tor- 
 rent, bursting all the mounds of virtue, must 
 overwhelm whatever remains of truth, integrity, 
 and happiness. Let us then be renewed, J en- 
 treat you, in the spirit of our vocation ; in that 
 holy, fervent zeal, which should be the distin- 
 guishing characteristic of every minister of the 
 gospel. 
 
 But how is that zeal, which I now recom- 
 mend as the most essential qualification of every 
 minister of the gospel, to be displayed 1 I an- 
 swer, by the manner in which we shall dis- 
 charge the ministerial functions, by our con- 
 versation, and by our example. Be thou an ex- 
 ample of the believers, in icord, in conversation^ 
 in charity^ in sjnrit, inJcEVth^ in pwriiy. A law- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 39 
 
 fol BfMnister-of the gospel, in the language of the 
 apostle, is an ambassador for Christ. Such a 
 character suggests to us, in the first place, the 
 importance and the dignity of our functions, and 
 at the same time, the fidehty and the zeal with 
 which ihey should be performed. But such a 
 minister is also termed a labourer togtthtr with 
 C^od for the salvation of souls ; by preaching 
 the gospel, by the administration of the sacra- 
 ments, and by all those other functions which 
 tend to promote and establish virtue and charity 
 among men, and to keep alive a just sense of 
 Ihe inestimable benefits of the Christian dis- 
 pensation. We are also, my brethren, to watch 
 for the souls of others, as they that are to give 
 an account. If such be the nature, such the 
 functions, of our sacred embassy, what minister, 
 what priest, what bishop is there, who will not, 
 with pious awe, reflect most seriously upon the 
 momentous charge committed to him ; and 
 ■while he profoundly meditates upon the extent 
 of his duties, ardently supplicate, at the throne 
 ■of grace, the renewal of that fervent zeal, with- 
 out which the great ends of bis ministry can 
 never be accomplished. 
 
 II. Renewed with this holy zeal, we should 
 turn our attention to the principal means which 
 are offered to us of displaying it ; and of labour- 
 ing effectually, together with God, for the salva- 
 tion of souls. The first which presents itself 
 is pulpit eloquence. Pulpit eloquence, my rev- 
 erend brethren, is one of those remedies for 
 which our present misfortunes call aloud ; it is 
 that ethereal fire which, if properly excited and 
 conducted, will not fail to restore our enfeebled 
 church. 
 
 Every minister of the gospd will readily 
 agree, that his first duty is to adapt his dis- 
 courses to those important purposes for 'Which 
 he is called to the ministry. As an ambassador 
 of Christ, he must continue the mission of his 
 Lord. His discourses must have for their con- 
 stant aim the salvation of souls ; he must keep 
 alive a just sense of God, the beneficent Crea- 
 tor and preserver of the universe ; he must 
 make known the gospel of Christ, and the man- 
 ner of our redemption ; he must convince men 
 of the certainty of a future judgment ; he must 
 keep theiJ- consciences awake to the dangers of 
 «in ; he must show that religion is the rock upon 
 which our happiness, both temporal and eternal, 
 must be founded ; he must, in short, enforce all 
 the truths of our religion, in order to persuade 
 men to be virtuous and good. The pulpit ora- 
 tor must address the understanding, inform and 
 enlighten the mind ; he must " reason" of righte- 
 ousness, tejhferance, and judgment to come, but' 
 he should remember that knowledge without 
 practice is useless. He must convince in order 
 to persuade. He must not only prove to men 
 in what their greatest good consists, but call to 
 his aid all the powers of the oratorical art, to 
 persuade them to love and to pursue that good ; 
 he must not only give just and clear views of 
 religious truths, but inculcate them in so forci- 
 ble a manner that they shall penetrate the heart ; 
 that they shall there make an impression which 
 no time or circumstances can ever efface. It i» 
 
 thus that he will influence the practice of his 
 hearers ; it is thus that practice will gradually 
 ripen into habit, and that men will see and ac- 
 knowledge that happiness is the offspring of 
 religion. 
 
 In whatever point of view we consider this im- 
 portant part of the ministerial functions, it must 
 be acknowledged, that every sermon should be a 
 persuasive oration. Let, then, the situation of 
 the church, and, in particular, the glorious fruits 
 which spring up at the voice of the persuasive 
 preacher, excite within us an ardent desire to 
 render our discourses truly persuasive. To ac- 
 comphsh an end so devoutly to be wished, per- 
 mit me to recommend, with a degree of ear- 
 nestness which the sincerest anxiety only for the 
 honour and ike prosperity of dur church could 
 call forth, that all the principles of pulpit elo- 
 quence be most assiduously studied by every 
 minister of the church ; and that, by reiterated 
 practice in private, they endeavour to evince 
 their energy in public. Be persuaded that pul- 
 pit eloquence is an art, and one of the noblest, 
 perhaps I may also add, one of the most difficult 
 of the arts. But, should difficulties appal those 
 whose profession enjoins the attainment of this 
 art as a sacred duty 1 To attain it, however, 
 we must first be possessed of all the principles 
 upon which the art is founded ; we must study 
 those authors who have most clearly developed 
 them ; and then we should despise all toil, all 
 labour, until we are enabled to f educe them to 
 practice. It is then, my brethren, we shall in 
 such a manner reason of righteousness^ of tem- 
 perance, and a judgment to come, that every sin- 
 ner shall tremble, xid with new-born fervour "ac- 
 knowledge, thou persuades t me to be a Christian. 
 
 What I have taken the liberty to recommend, 
 appears to be well worthy of the attention of 
 every pastor ; but to the minister who has just 
 entered upon the career of his labours, it is cer- 
 tainly of the utmost importance. If he be anx- 
 ious, at the eve of a life dedicated to the service 
 of his God, to enjoy the noble, the grateful ret- 
 rospect, of having promoted piety among men, 
 of having reiidered them virtuous and happy, by 
 persuading them tO practise those duties which 
 they owe to themselves, to their fellow-crea- 
 tures, and to their God, he must be eloquent ; he 
 must unite the two great characteristics of the 
 pulpit orator, gravity and. Warmth. They should 
 be united, not only in the composition of his 
 discourses, but also in his manner of delivering 
 them. The nature of the subjects upon which 
 he is to speak requires gravity ; but their im- 
 portance to mankind demands also warmth ; 
 they demamd, essentially, that pious, interest- 
 ing, affecting, penetrating manner, which a con- 
 sciousness of the momentous truths he dehvers 
 naturally dictates. 
 
 I do not pretend that equal ejninence is at- 
 tainable "by every preacher. Each will have a 
 manner in some respects peculiar to himself. 
 Every man hath his proper gift of God, one 
 after this manner, another after that. What is 
 natural we should preserve ; but we may, by 
 attention, not only remove adventitious faults, 
 but greatly improve our proper gifts. For-thi^ 
 
40 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 purpose it has been recommended^ occasionally, 
 to request some person in tiie congregation, 
 upon whose judgment and candour we can rely, 
 to point out whatever may be defective either 
 in the management of the voice or in action. 
 Good sens_e, and an earnest desire of being a 
 profitable minister of the church, will soon efi'ect 
 the desired amendment. But every attempt 
 towards amendment as a preacher, presupposes 
 that the inanimate method of reading serinons 
 is to be abandoned. The best discourse, when 
 the eyes are continually fixed to the paper, in- 
 stead of exciting warm affections, will scarcely 
 engage the attention. But, on the other hand, 
 when a sermon. has been autficiently digested, 
 and in part committed to . memory, it may be 
 delivered with freedom and spirit ; the preacher 
 will be at liberty to enforce his words with cor- 
 respondent looks, and even with a becoming 
 action ; he will insensibly address every part of 
 his audience, and thus perceive whether they 
 comprehend what has been delivered, or whether 
 he has moved and roused them as he intended ; 
 he will also, after a short experience, be enabled 
 to enlarge upon particular heads, as the occa- 
 sion may require, or to add to his discourse new 
 observations and reflections, rnore striking than 
 mighl; have occurred to him at the cool moments, 
 of composition ; he will likewise, by prudent 
 extemporaneous efforts, counteract those de- 
 claimers whose popularity .depends upon such 
 a method of speakmg ; and as their followers 
 have the strange credulity to think them pos- 
 sessed of a supernatural gift, he will enjoy the 
 reward of undeceiving them, by imitating the 
 practice of St. Paul upon another occasion; 
 what I do, I loill do, that wherein they glory, 
 they may he fomid even as we. The truth is, 
 we have lost too m<iny members of the church 
 by the cold method of reading sermons, and by 
 not preaching in a manner sufficiently evangeli- 
 cal ; nor shall we either recover them, or pre- 
 vent a continued diminution of our numbers, 
 until we accustom ourselves to declare with zeal, 
 with force^ and with spirit, all the counsel pf 
 God. Let it be declared in a manner adapted 
 to the comprehension of the lowest as well as 
 (3f the highest. Let it be our care, as it was 
 our Saviour's, that the poor have the gospel 
 preached to them. It is among them that re- 
 ligion is most cherished ; the heavenly blessing, 
 is their chief consolation and support, even in 
 this world. They stand in most need of reli- 
 gious instruction ; and therefore every pious min- 
 ister will consider himself as conscientiou.sly 
 bound to take the greatest care, that his dis- 
 courses be not only calculated for that purpose, 
 but that they raay.be delivered in a manner 
 ,which shall command their attention, and in- 
 spire an ardent love for piety and virtue ; he 
 will always remember that he is a debtor both t6 
 the wise and the unwise ; he will consider, both 
 while he is framing and preaching his discourse, 
 " whether this be sufficiently adapted to the 
 capacities, the state of mind, the circumstanees, 
 of the poor ; will this part be clear, that home 
 enough; a third well guarded against mistakes ; 
 wiij they return as much bcjtt^r dispos,ed than 
 
 they came, as it was in our power to make 
 them 1" In short, he will always endeavour that 
 the loord of God may be still, as it was origi- 
 nally, powerfuly and sharper than any two-cdgcd 
 sword. 
 
 It will not be inferred, I hope, from what has 
 been said, that I am an advocate for that man- 
 ner which is termed theatrical ; on the con- 
 trary, I consider it as most improper . in the 
 Chri^ian orator, or for those noisy declama- 
 tions with which Christian congregations are 
 sometimes addressed. No; such declamations 
 are as unworthy of comparison with the har- 
 mony of that eloquence which allares thet soul to 
 heaven, as the noise of cranes with the delightr 
 ful symphonies of the organ. 
 
 Much also of our attention should be turned 
 to the manner in which the other parts of divine 
 service ought to be performed. We boast, and 
 certainly with the greatest reason, of the excel- 
 lency of our liturgy. Let us then study to de- 
 liver jt in a manner worthy of-sttch a composi- 
 tion ; let us study the art of reading. Let us 
 .«tudy to read distinctly, emphatically, fervently ; 
 we should no longer behold congregations inat- 
 tentive ; on the contrary, we should have the 
 satisfaction of experiencing that the service, 
 read or delivered with devotion, with force, and 
 propriety, would infuse the spirit of devotion, 
 and excite an ardent love for so excellent, so 
 rational a form of public worship. 
 
 We complain, and with too much reason, of 
 the decadence of religion, of the declension of 
 our church, and of the inefficacy of the minis- 
 terial labours ; but Jet her "ministers be dis- 
 tinguished not only for piety and learning, but 
 for pulpit eloquence and propriety of reading.; 
 we should soon find that they would be admi- 
 red, followed, and almost adored. 
 
 III. In the next place, let me exhort you, my 
 brethren, earnestly to impress upon parents not 
 only the duty of infant baptism, but also the 
 farther duty of having them instructed, as early 
 as possible, in the principles of Christianity, and 
 thus prepared for the ancient apostolic rite of 
 confirmation. I trust the ministers of each 
 parish will consider the instruction of children, 
 in the principles and duties of Christianity, as 
 an important part of their functions, and that, 
 for this purpose, they will, at regular stated 
 periods, examine and instruct them in their 
 catechism, as our church directs. She pru- 
 dently and wisely extends her maternal arms to 
 tlie rising generations at the earliest periods. 
 Gratitude for those blessings will be a source 
 of the strongest attachment at a more advanced 
 period. So far as the episcopal duties may re- 
 quire attention, I hope in God they will be 
 discharged with a becoming zeal and fidelity. 
 It is my present purpose triennially to visit each 
 parish; and I flatter myself I shall enjoy the 
 consoling prospect, not only of seeing our con- 
 gregations revived, and religion everywhere 
 diffusing its viul blessings, but also that such 
 children as are come to years of discretion will 
 be properly instructed and prepared for the rite 
 of confirmation. 
 
 IV. In the fourth place I must observe, that 
 
CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 41 
 
 psalmody has been too much neglected in our 
 churches. Let us be careful to revive so exalt- 
 ed a part of our public worship, and to render it 
 not only more perfect, but more general. Let 
 us endeavour to encourage those schools where- 
 in that manner which is rqost melodious, and at 
 the same time properly adapted to public wor- 
 ship, may be taught. All the members of 
 our religious assemblies will thus be enabled 
 and induced to join in those solemn acts of 
 praise and thanksgiving ; or, in making a joyful 
 noise to ihc God of their salvationy and in sing- 
 ing his praise with understanding. It has ap- 
 peared to me, that a proper attention to this 
 subject is one of the necessary requisites to re- 
 vive our congregations ; and al-so, that the 
 modern psalmody is generally to be preferred. 
 There are various hymns, composed by many 
 excellent and pious men, which breathe the 
 spirit of true devotion, and which are admirably 
 adapted to Christian worship; they admit of 
 that solemn and elevated strain of harmony, 
 which never fails to excite and increase, by 
 sympathetic emotions, that ^rdour which should 
 pervade the whole congregation ; they may 
 therefore be introduced to the greatest advan- 
 tage. 
 
 V. But among the many duties which await 
 us as ministers of the gospel, there can be none 
 more important than that of earnestly pressing 
 upon the minds of our congregations the obliga- 
 tion and the benefits of receiving, at regular 
 stated times, the sacrament. I fear the com- 
 municants, in too many parishes, are not as 
 numerous as formerly. If this be the case, it 
 surely indicates an alarming declension of a just 
 sense of the religion we profess. Let me, then, 
 exhort you, particularly to impress upon your 
 congregations the duties of observing strictly 
 this holy ordinance, instituted by Christ him- 
 self, and the distinguishing badge of a (christian 
 society, by plain, practical, and interesting dis- 
 courses, wherein the nature, end, and benefit 
 of the Lord's Supper may be clearly and fully 
 shown. 
 
 VI. Another important duty, incumbent upon 
 the ministers of Christ, claims also our atten- 
 tion ; which is, to exercise a godly discipline. 
 Without such discipline, the church of Christ, 
 which should be holy and without blemish, can- 
 not prosper. It is the duty of every pastor of 
 the church to check the progress of wicked- 
 ness by all means hecomino the spirit of the 
 gospel ; by exhortation and by reproof both, pri- 
 vate and public. If this part of the ministerial 
 discipline be performed Avith meekness, with 
 prudence, and Christian charity, it would cer- 
 tainly be attended with happy effects. 'But 
 there is a discipline which particularly respects 
 ourselves, and which must be most strictly re* 
 garded. The church has wisely ordered that 
 visiters should be selected for certain districts, 
 and pointed out the duties which they are to 
 perform. Those duties, I hope, will be most 
 sedulously attended to ; and therefore I beg to 
 take this opportunity of exhorting and of char- 
 ging all those ministers who are intrusted with 
 the visitatorial power, to consider the duo erer- 
 
 cise ofit as indispensable. I doubt not of your 
 zeal in this respect, but the importance of the 
 trust requires that the strict execution of- it 
 should be earnestly recommended. This is not 
 only necessary for tte preservation of that godly 
 discipline, without which our church must rush 
 precipitately into still g^■eater difficulties than 
 those which now surround her ; but the annual 
 visits of clergymen, respectable for their piety, 
 their zeal, their example, their eloquence, must 
 serve to reanimate the members of the church, 
 must confirm the wavering, and give fresh ac- 
 tivity to the spirit of religion. We should be- 
 hold our charches upon those occasions crowd- 
 ed ; we should find a love for pubhc worship 
 would soon succeed to that indifference which 
 is now so predominant. I am satisfied also, 
 upon the same principle, that. if the neighbour- 
 ing ministers would occasionally assist each 
 other in the performance of divine service, th^ 
 interchange would be productive of the greatest 
 benefits to the church. The love of novelty, so 
 congenial to the human mind, should be grati- 
 fied ; or, rather, that principle should be seized 
 upon and eniployed as one of the means which 
 are offered to us to promote religion, to con- 
 duct men to the knowledge of the gospel, to 
 prevent their being carried about by every blast 
 of vain doctrine, and to renovate the former 
 attachment to our church. As far, then, as such 
 an interchange of pastoral duties can be effect- 
 ed, I would warmly recommend it also to the 
 ministers of our church. 
 
 VII. There still remains, my brethren, a sub- 
 ject of great importance, at all times, to the. 
 church, but which, at present, requires a par- 
 ticular attention. A minister of Christ is to 
 teach his flock by his good example. He is to 
 be the pattern of all good works. Ye are the 
 salt of ike earth. Ye are, by your example as 
 well as your doctrine, to prevent that corruption 
 of manners to which the nature of man continu- 
 ally tends. Example, you know, is the abridged 
 method of persuasion. Men live, for the most 
 part, by imitation. It is the gource of almost 
 all their vices and their virtues. What happi- 
 ness for that parish, or that congregation, when 
 God raises up among them a minister whose 
 example for piety and virtue serves as a specta- 
 cle both for men and angels ! It is, if I may 
 avail myself of the observations of one of the 
 luminaries of the Christian church, a continued 
 gospel before their-eyes. If his example should 
 not recall men to their.duties, at least it inspires 
 them with respect for virtue ; it forces them to 
 acknowledge that there are still just men upon 
 earth ; repairs the injury which unworthy min- 
 isters do, in the opinion of the public, to the 
 sanctity of the ministerial character ; and cor- 
 rects the censures and the derisions which lib- 
 ertines throw upon the ministry itself. Yes» 
 my brethren; though a pious minister should 
 confine all the good he can do to the example 
 of a regular and edifying life ; though he should 
 only show to the public, in the detail of his 
 manners, an example of piety, of prudent con- 
 versation, of charity, of modesty, of innocence,- 
 and of sacerdotal gravity, it would be still true, 
 
42 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 that he would be set for the rising or the salva^ 
 tion of many. • 
 
 But, on the other hand, what reflections must 
 attend that pastor, "who, through the defect of 
 such an example, sees, that^uriiig the course of 
 a long ministry, he has not withdrawn a single 
 soul from the ways of destruction ; that he has 
 corrected no disorders, public or private, in his 
 parish ; that, instead of effecting a change for 
 the better, his ministry has been attended with 
 a rapid degeneracy of manners, and a contempt 
 for religion ! What reflections must he make 
 Upon the long inutility of his ministerial labours ! 
 Ought he to search for the CaUse in his own 
 conduct, in his relaxed piety, in his want of 
 that zeal which should have animated a Chris- 
 tian pastor, in the defect of that example which 
 should have adorned his life, or in the hardness 
 and depravity of his flock 1 But alas ! when 
 the heavenly lustre of a pious and virtuous ex- 
 ample is wanting, how can the event be other- 
 wise 1 Doth he reprove, correct, instruct 1 It 
 is not with that earnest zeal which animates the 
 truly pious. Doth he deliver truths the most 
 alarming"! They are accompanied with an air of 
 coldness or insensibility which takes from them 
 all their influence ; or, if he attempt a zeal, a 
 warmth which such truths call for, that pure 
 and spotless character, which gives weight and 
 energy to the most simple discourse, is wanting ; 
 they come disarmed of all their force ; instead 
 of transfusing into the souls of his hearers an 
 ardcJur for religion, or kindling the divine fire 
 of dove for God, they make no impression, but 
 melt away like the sounds which convey them, 
 and are nowhere felt. How diflerent the effect 
 when such truths fall from the "lips of a minister 
 respectable for his virtue and piety, whose ex- 
 ample, in word, in conversation, in charity, in 
 spirit, in faith, in purity, is a source of con- 
 tinual instruction ! Doubt it not, n>y brethren ; 
 if we'would speak with dignity and success, we 
 must stand, like the apostle, upon the holy emi- 
 nence of a sublime virtue and an animated zeal. 
 It is from that eminence that we must speak 
 terror into the souls of the violators of divine 
 law, that we must draw tears of compunction 
 from the eyes of the wicked, and oblige them, 
 by the ardour of our zeal, to burn or trample 
 under foot the idols which they have hitherto 
 worshipped. 
 
 We cannot too often reflect, that the voice 
 of mankind, the nature of our ofiice, the solemn 
 engagements we entered into when that office 
 was conferred upon us, the prosperity of the 
 church, the commands of our Lord and master, 
 every consideration, either of duty or honour, 
 demands from us a life of holiness. There are 
 some vices, such as those of profaneness and 
 ebriety, such as spring from ungoverned pas- 
 sions, from a disregard to veracity and honour, 
 which demonstrate a mind lost to every principle 
 of goodness ; God grant that such may never 
 be found in our society ! 'But should they un- 
 happily be found, or the least approximation to 
 them, every member of the church, and in partic- 
 ular every worthy minister, is bound, by motives 
 the most sacred, to exert himself in expelling 
 
 from among us examples so ruinous to religion, 
 so calamitous to the church, so disgraceful to 
 humanity. There arc, however, some failings 
 to which we may be more exposed, and which, 
 though not stained with the turpitude of those 
 just mentioned, still tend to destroy the respect 
 which is due to the ministerial character, and to 
 detract from the utility of our labours. We 
 should always bear in mind, that what may be 
 slightly censured in others, is often deemed 
 criminal to ministers of the gospel. Even they 
 who solicit a clergyman to enter into all the 
 diversions of the day, and entice him to an im* 
 prudent levity, will afterward despise him as 
 a minister, though they affect to esteem him as 
 a friend. Let not the example or corrupted 
 sentiments of the worjd, let not an aflectation 
 of spirit and freedom, let not any inducement, 
 prevail upon us to depart, in any instance, from 
 the character we have undertaken to support. 
 Beauty of character always reposes upon con- 
 sistency. This is particularly expected from 
 us, and must be maintained, if we would acquire 
 respect and real esteem. 
 
 I have considered it as my duty earnestly to 
 recommend zeal. It is certainly an essential 
 qualification of the ministerial character. But 
 we should beware of intemperate zeal. This 
 vice, as well as the slighter failings to which we 
 stand exposed, may insinuate itself too easily 
 unless we guard against it. Respect for Chris- 
 tians of every denomination, a liberal and candid 
 interpretation of their sentiments and designs, 
 is a necessary consequence of that charity, that 
 love, which is so often enjoined by the inspired 
 writers. Instead of cherishing or encouraging 
 animosities, be it ours to show an example wor- 
 thy of the Christian character. Forbearance 
 will thus become general ; and at length, per- 
 haps, we may all be united in the bonds of love 
 and peace. Should, indeed, our just rights as a 
 Christian society be invaded, it then becomes a 
 duty, I had almost said a sacred duty^ for I feel 
 the obligation to be such, to maintain them 
 with firmness. But let prudence and charity 
 always prescribe the rule of conduct. 
 
 But in a placeso full of the sacerdotal spirit, 
 I will not dweH longer upon this subject, how- 
 ever interesting and momentous. God grant 
 that the ministers of this church may ever bear 
 in mind their high vocation ; that they may be 
 distinguished as examples to believers for the 
 purity of their manners, for their godly conver- 
 sation, for the soundness of their faith, for their 
 charity to other -sects, for liberal and extensive 
 knowledge, for the practice of the most exalted 
 virtue, and for their earnest zeal in the dis- 
 charge of all their ministerial functions ! May 
 we ever remember, that all our labours will be 
 fruitless, that the most edifying truths of. the 
 gospel will be lost in darkness, unless they be 
 attended with that light which beams from a 
 pious and virtuous example. May you, my 
 reverend brethren, who discharge your duties 
 with so much edification, serve as models to 
 the more negligent ; may your fervour, your 
 example, diflTuse .their influence through every 
 member of the church, until, by the grace oi" 
 
CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 43 
 
 GocI, we all acquire those habits of piety, un- 
 feigned humility, extensive benevolence, charity, 
 and every other amiable virtue which can adorn 
 our profession or our religion. Thus shall we 
 be found faithful stewards ; thus shall we ensure 
 our own salvation, while we are engaged in 
 promoting the salvation of others. 
 
 There are many other subjects of great im- 
 portance to us as a Christian society, to which 
 I might, and perhaps ought to have requested 
 your attention ; but I fear I should trespass upon 
 your patience. I must rely upon your own 
 serious reflections,^ and that holy ardour which, 
 I trust, will animate the breast of every minister 
 of the church, to supply what has been omitted. 
 
 To you, my respected lay brethren, I beg now 
 to address a few observations. It is with the 
 sincerest pleasure that I congratulate the 
 clmrch on the attachment which many excel- 
 lent characters among the laity have uniformly 
 manifested to the communion in which they 
 were nurtured. I must applaud and admire 
 their attachment, since I behold in them not 
 only zealous Christians, but the best of patriots. 
 
 Yes, my brethren ; to minds free from preju- 
 dice, and uncorrupted by the sophisms of the 
 age, nothing appears more amiable, nothing 
 more essential to the happiness of man, either 
 in his individual or social capacity, than that 
 pure and truly divine religion which our Saviour 
 delivered. The voice of reason, the language 
 of experience, the records of all ages, evince 
 that the happiness of individuals and the pros- 
 perity of nations spring from the principle of vir- 
 tue. But from whence can this principle gain 
 so firm a support as from religion ; from- just and 
 exalted ideas of that Being who delights in vir- 
 tue 1 In vain shall the legislator enact laws 
 upon laws ; in vain shall the moralist prescribe 
 rules of duty ; in vain shall he harangue upon 
 the beauty of virtue and the deformity of vice : 
 respect for the .laws will vanish ; virtue will 
 lose its elasticity ; corruption of manners, with 
 all their consequent and dreadful attendants, 
 must ensue, unless those principles be fortified 
 by religion,— by just ideas of our relation and 
 dependance upon a God, all-wise, all-just, om- 
 nipotent, and omnipresent,— the avenger of ini- 
 quity, but the remunerator of virtue The 
 effect cannot be otherwise. The mere coercive 
 power of human laws, aided by all the abstract 
 deductions of the political moralist^ is inade- 
 quate to the great ends either of private happi- 
 ness or public liberty. This position will not 
 be questioned, if we reflect that it is rehgion 
 alone which penetrates the secret recesses of 
 the soul, and furnishes that interior authority 
 which so regulates the heart of man, that ils 
 ruling passions are ma:de to harmonize with the 
 great and essential appointments of public law. 
 If, indeed, laws in the present slate of society 
 appear to restrain men, it is because their nas- 
 cent passions have felt the control of religious 
 instruction But were men freed from the mild 
 bonds of religion ; were their passions no longer 
 under the control of its salutary instructions ; 
 were those ideas of duty, which flow from the 
 belief of an all-ruling Providence, no longer to 
 
 have their influence over the human heart ; was 
 the soul no longer, as soon as reason begins to 
 dawn, to hear the awful voice, of religion ; I 
 would ask, in the name of every thing which 
 men hold most dear, in the name of truth, of 
 integrity, of benevolence, of every imperfect 
 right, of social order, of civil liberty, nay^ of 
 philosophy itself, whether the coercive power 
 of human laws, together with all the abstrac- 
 tions of the moralist, would be sufficient to curb 
 the violent impetuosity of those headlong pas- 
 sions which every moment stimulate to action 1 
 Or rather, I would ask, if religion were no longer 
 the faithful sentinel, whether, when inflamed 
 by the innumerable temptations which present 
 themselves on every side, they would not burst 
 all those restraints, as a thread of tow is broken 
 taken it toucheth the fire 7 As well might a 
 Sanjson be bound with green vnfhes, or with 
 new ropes which were never occupied. Besides, 
 there are a thousand duties, a thousand rights, 
 and as many correlative obligations, which, 
 though of the first consequence to social hap- 
 piness, are, however, of so delicate a nature, 
 that they elude the coarse touch of civil laws. 
 But, even admitting that the causes before men- 
 tioned were adequate to the desired ends, who 
 would not prefer the mild coercion of religion, 
 which prevents crimes, to the sanguinary laws 
 which punish them ; the one, a guardian angel, 
 bearing us up, le^t <it any time we dash our 
 foot against a stone ; while the other, like a 
 Saturn, devours his own children. Doubt it 
 not, fny brethren, " every thing," as an amiable 
 and eloquent philosopher observes, "is replaced 
 and firmly established by religion ; it surrounds, 
 I may say, the whole system of morality, re- 
 sembling that universal and mysterious force in 
 the physical world, which retains the planets in 
 their orbits, and subjects them to a regular rev- 
 olution ; and which, in the midst of the general 
 order it maintains, escapes the observation of 
 men, and appears to their feeble sight uncon- 
 scious of its own work." 
 
 But, my brethren, it is not you only who wili 
 acknowledge the justice of these observations ; 
 infidelity itself has reluctantly acknowledged the 
 transcendent excellence of our holy religion ; 
 even infidelity has not denied, that the gospel 
 system was admirably calculated to promote the 
 temporal happiness of mankind. But how much 
 more enlarged and exalted are those views which 
 that system presents to the eye of faith ! They 
 are not bounded by the narrow horizon of this 
 world ; they extend beyond the grave ; they 
 penetrate into regions of immortaUty ; the cer- 
 tainty of future rewards and punishments is 
 contemplated ; misery and vice, happiness and 
 virtue, are beheld as inseparably associated, even 
 when this transitory scene shaU vanish and bo 
 no more ! What a noble, what a powerful, what 
 an almost irresistible stimulus to great and 
 laudable action, to the exercise of every virtue 
 which can adorn the Christian or the citizen ! 
 One of the wisest of the ancients, to whom the 
 gospel system was not revealed, held it as a 
 maxim, " That it is impossible for those who 
 have no belief of the immortality of the soul, or 
 
44 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 a future state of rewards and punishments, to 
 sacrifice their particular interests and passions 
 to the public good, or to have a generous con- 
 cern for posterity." Nay, the almost inspired 
 Pialo has declared, '* that concerning those great 
 duties which men's appetites and passions render 
 difficult, it should seem rather the work of God 
 to provide, than of human legislators." The 
 Sun of righteousness had not risen in theif days ; 
 but with what love, with what ardour, with 
 what gratitude, should not we cherish the glo- 
 rious light which now beams from it ; a light 
 whose genial rays warm and expand the noblest 
 virtues of the human soul ; a light which shows 
 to man the unerring path that conducts to in- 
 dividual and to social, to temporal and to ever- 
 lasting happiness Let us cherish the blessings 
 which it gives ; let us leave to infidelity its dark 
 and comfortless system ; but let us not deny 
 the Lord that bought us ; let us earnestly con- 
 tend for the faith which was once delivered to 
 the saints. 
 
 My brethren, out religion claims a divine 
 descent ; it is the work of God ; but let it not 
 be thought that it doth not therefore require th<^ 
 support of man. Far otherwise ; it is the very 
 'reason, as was well observed by a venerable 
 prelate of our church, which should urge us to 
 €xert the utmost care and diligence in it« sup- 
 port; Good men will consider it as their in- 
 dispfensable duty to co-operate with the designs 
 of Providence. It is in religion, as in the works 
 of nature. God' supplies abundantly the means, 
 the rest is left to human industry. He causes 
 the earth to bring forth materials for food and 
 raiment 4 but human industry must improve, 
 prepare, and properly apply, both the one and 
 the other. The same analogy extends itself to 
 religion. The things which belong to our salva- 
 tion, though originally the work of God, require 
 the protection of human aid, the furtherance of 
 all wise and good men. 
 
 Since, then, God has graciously revealed his 
 will, and supplied the means of rendering it 
 known to all ; to supply those means, and lo 
 make that use of them which his goodness de- 
 mands, it is the duty of man. But how can- 
 this be eflfected but by a standing ministry 1 by 
 an order of men properly instructed and svp- ' 
 ported, whose whole business it shall be, week- 
 ly and daily; to attend to the interests of reli- 
 gion, to preach the gospel, to make known its 
 whole system, to convince men that they are 
 accountable to God for their actions — in a 
 word, to enforce those principles of piety and 
 of virtue which lead both to present and future 
 happiness 1 It wa& for this reason that our Sav- 
 iour gave authority to his apostles and their suc- 
 cessors, to finish the work which he had begun ; 
 that is, to preach the gospel to all succeeding 
 generations : " Go ye and make disciples to me 
 in all nations^ baptizing them iri the name of 
 the Father, and of the Sony and of the Holy 
 Ghost ; teaching them to observe all things 
 tohatsoever I have commanded you, and lo ! I 
 am with you unto the end of the u-orld.''^ This 
 commission was given to the apostles and their 
 sluxJBjwors. Men are thus commissioned by 
 
 Jesus Christ to teach what he has commanded 
 them, — who have his promise to be with them 
 in the exercise of their ministry unto the end of 
 the world. Let us, then, consider a standing 
 ministry, properly instructed and supported, as 
 essential to the prosperity of the church, and as 
 the means originally designed to make known 
 the will of God. 
 
 But a standing ministry is not only necessary 
 to make known the great truths of our religion, 
 not only necessary to persuade men to be vir- 
 tuous and good, but to perform those ordinan- 
 ces established by Christ himself, and which 
 they alone can perform. The sacraments of 
 baptism and of reconciliation are surely bles- 
 sings which every wise and good man must 
 esteem of the highest importance ; yet how will 
 they be dispensed, but by ministers duly autho- 
 rized 1 They are the stewards of the ministry 
 of God. But the ministers of Christ have also 
 a daily charge upon them ; they stand obliged, 
 either publicly or in private, lo offer to God the 
 prayers of the church in behalf of their flocks ; 
 to return thanks .''or the divine mercies ; and to 
 implore the jwotection and the blessing of God 
 upon their labours. 
 
 " In short, the ministers of the gospel, and 
 the ordinances intrusted to them, are those ordi- 
 nary means by which God himself hath ap- 
 pointed that men should be taught, edified, 
 blessed, and salved." 
 
 I will not add to the benefits of a standing 
 ministry already mentioned, tho'se which must 
 result from having men of learning, piety, and 
 virtue, in every parish, who may instruct your 
 children in their early years in the rudiments of 
 knowledge. I will not speak of the advantages 
 which must result from the establishment of 
 private schools in each neighbourhood, which 
 may be conducted by men worthy of the minis- 
 try ; nor of the incitements to virtue which 
 must arise from their examples. These, And 
 many other considerations, I leave to your own 
 reflections : — but I would impress strongly upon 
 your minds the blessings which must arise from 
 a ministry properly instructed and quaUfied to 
 discharge the sacred office ; I would present to 
 you, in all its force, not only the duty of encour- 
 aging and supporting the means which God 
 hath appointed for the dissemination of Chris- 
 tianity, and thus of co-operating with the de- 
 signs of Providence ; but I entreat you to call 
 to mind the calamities, both individual and 
 social, which must flow from the neglect of 
 those means. For a moment, let us behold the 
 pure religion of our forefathers, together with a 
 mode of worship which hath excited the admi- 
 ration of men the most distinguished for piety, 
 wisdom, and patriotism, borne down by a tor- 
 rent of ignorance and enthusiasm: behold her 
 expiring through the cold neglect of her once 
 warm and zealous friends : behold her temples 
 tottering to ruin, her ministers slighted, her 
 flocks scattered upon the Mils as sheep tJiat have 
 not a shepherd. Should such a spectacle be pre- 
 sented to us, might we not soon expect also to 
 behold virtue retiring, the bonds of society 
 bursting asunder, corruption advancing witlv 
 
CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 45 
 
 rapid strides, liberty and happiness preparing to 
 bid us a long adieu ! May such a spect-dcle, my 
 friends, never be seen but in imagination. 
 Wise, prudent, virtuous, and patriotic men, 
 will, however, guard against so calamitous an 
 event. They will consider pure and undetiled 
 religion as the rock upon which all their hopes 
 are founded ; they will contemplate the things 
 which belong to our salvation, as requiring the 
 protection of human aid ; and they will be ac- 
 tive, strenuous, and zealous in affording it ; they 
 will consider that our church requires the ten- 
 der, the affectionate, the fostering care of all 
 the ministers of her family ; and that her future 
 prosperity depends not only upon the zeal of 
 the clergy, but of the laity. It is theirs to en- 
 courage respect for their pastors ; to set a just 
 value upon their labours ; to esteem them highly 
 for their works^ sake ; and to be attentive to pro- 
 mote the interests of the church, by all those, 
 means which a catholic spirit will approve. It 
 is theirs to be constant and uniform in their at- 
 tendance upon divine worship, and to stimulate 
 each other by a reciprocal example ; it is theirs 
 to assist our ministers in forming the minds of 
 the rising generation to the love of religion and 
 virtue, and to impress, at the earliest period, a 
 just esteem and veneration for our church. O, 
 let not religion, source of so many hopes, aban- 
 don the infant mind ; leave it not desolate ; and, 
 above all, defend it from the ascendency of 
 ignorance and enihusiasm, which afflict the 
 heart, which render it miserable and abject, by 
 pretending to comfort it ! Moreover, it is the 
 part of the laity to make prudent arrangements 
 for the certain and decent support of the clergy, 
 and thus to enable them constantly to apply to 
 their functions. 
 
 They who preach the gospel, St. Paul declares, 
 should live hy the gospel. Let me then earnestly 
 recommend, in order that you, und your children, 
 and your children's children, may receive all the 
 blessings of a learned, pious, zealous, standing 
 ministry, that the worthy and influential mem- 
 bers in each parish warmly interest themselves 
 in the decent support of the clergy, and urn- 
 formly pursue those means for the attainment 
 of so desirable an end which may be thought 
 best. If a similar mode were adopted through- 
 out the church, if it were considered as the duty 
 of each member to contribute in the proportion 
 which the law formerly prescribed, the burden, 
 thus divided, would be light, and I doubt not 
 but the happiest effects would ensue. But, my 
 brethren, think not that what has been just said 
 is merely for our own sakes. You cannot, you 
 will not, if you reflect upon the benefits of a 
 standing ministry, such I mean as becomes the 
 church of which we are members ; or if you 
 regard that rational mode of worship to which 
 you have been long accustomed, and the ad- 
 vantages of religious instruction for yourselves, 
 your children, your country. 
 
 To you, reverend brethren, as the anchor of 
 my hopes, my thoughts again return. I^et us 
 sincerely and earnestly endeavour, I once more 
 entreat you, to be renewed in the spirit of our 
 vttation. Let our diligence, as ministers of 
 
 the gospel of Christ, rise in proportion to the 
 diflSculties which surround us. Let us uni- 
 formly preserve an inviolable equity in all our 
 transactions, a generous disinterestedness in 
 our functions, the strictest adherence to the 
 rules of the church, the most Warm and anima- 
 ted piety ; but, above all, a fervent zeal for the 
 salvation of souls. In a word, let us be sober, 
 prudent, serious, diligent, and pious; in all things, 
 exfffnples to the flock. Remember, son of man, 
 that I have made thee a watchman unto the house 
 of Israel ; therefore hear the word of my month, 
 and give them warning from vie. If thou dost 
 not speak to wdrn the wicked from his wicked 
 way, he shall die in his iniquity ; but his blood 
 will I require at thine hand. Bui if thou warn 
 the wicked, and he lum mot from his wickedness^ 
 he shall die in his iniquity ; but thou hast de- 
 livered thy soul. 
 
 But, my brethren, vain will be our Endeavours 
 for the prosperity of our Zion, unless they be 
 attended with fervent prayers, that God would 
 graciously enable us to perform our duty with 
 zeal, fidelity, and success. Our sufficiency is 
 of God. To that infinitely great and glorious 
 Bemg, let us therefore, with humility, now offer 
 up our united supplications."^ 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God. Look down 
 from heaven, and bchotd and visit this vme^ 
 and. the vineyard which thy right hand hath 
 plarited ; shed the dew of thy blessing upon the 
 labours of thy servants here assembled ; may thy 
 holy Spirit animate the ministers of the gospel 
 of Christ with a .sincere and fervent, but cath- 
 olic zeal, in the discharge of their duties ; may 
 it inspire them with true piety, with charity, 
 with every godly and virtuous affection. Pros- 
 per, O Lord, our endeavours to revive among 
 us a just sense of the inestimable benefits of 
 true religion ; dispose the hearts of the laity to 
 receive thy word, and grant that the fruits of 
 righteousness may abound more and more* 
 Help us, for the glory of thy name, and merci- 
 fully grant, that every member of thy holy 
 church, in his vocation and ministry, may truly 
 and godly serve thee, through our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 The Rev. John Cameron laid before the Con- 
 vention sundry resolutions of a presbytery held 
 at the glebe of Martin's Brandon Parish on Wed- 
 nesday, the 13th of April, 1791, which were read, 
 and ordcied to be referred to a committee of the 
 whole Convention. 
 
 Ofdered, That Mr. J. Cameron, Mr. Waugn, 
 Mr. Peachy, and Mr. New, be added to the com- 
 mittee for revising the canons. 
 
 Mr. New reported, from the^ committee of 
 elections. That the committee had, according to 
 order, examined the certificates of the appoint- 
 ment of deputies to serve in the present Con- 
 vention, and had come to a resolution thereon, 
 which was read and agreed to by the Convention, 
 as followeth 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee, that the certificates of the appointment 
 of deputies to serve in the present Conven- 
 tion for the parishes of Abingdon, Antrim, Bath, 
 
46 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 Berkeley, Bristol, BrMtori," Charles, Christ's 
 Church, Cumberland, Dale, Drysdale, Eliza- 
 beth River, Fairfax,. Henrico, Hungars, James 
 City, King William, Littleton, Lynnhaven, Lex- 
 ington, Manchester, Meherrin, Nottoway, Ra- 
 leigh, St. Asaph, St. Bride, St. David, St. 
 George (Accomack), St. George (Spotsylvania), 
 St. James Northam, St. Margaret, St. Mark, 
 St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Paul, Soulham, South; 
 wark, Suffolk, Trinity, Upper Parish (Nanse- 
 mond), and Westover, are made as prescribed 
 by canon. 
 
 The Convention, according to order, resolved 
 itself into a committee of the whole Conven- 
 tion 0*1 the resolutions of the presbytery held 
 at Martin's Brandon glebe, and after some time 
 spent therein, Mr. Page reported, That the com- 
 mittee had, according to grdeT, had the said 
 resolutions under th^ir consideration, and had 
 come to several resolutions thereon, which were 
 read atid agreed to, as/fblloweth : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 rnittee, that as there are at present no divinity 
 schools in our church, the instruction of stu- 
 dents in divinity might very properly be Tnade 
 part of the business of each presbytery within 
 its own bounds ; and that the presbyteries, in- 
 stead of meeting annually on a certain day, 
 should be required to assemble as often as any 
 student of that description should make applica- 
 tion ; and^hen thus assembled, should examine 
 the applicant, and, on finding his litefary quali- 
 fications such as the canon made in that behalf 
 requires, prescribe to him a theme or text, and 
 give him such directions as they may think prop- 
 er, in order to enable him to compose a dis- 
 course on the same, and, on a future day to be 
 appointed by themselves, hear him deliver the 
 said discourse. 
 
 Resolved, That- it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee that every candidate for holy orders 
 ought to be required to produce to the bishop 
 to whom he may present himself for ordination, 
 a certificate of his having performed, in a satis- 
 factory manner, the several exercises prescribed 
 to him by the presbytery. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee, that the Jnembers of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church within this commonwealth ought 
 to form a society for the relief of distressed 
 widows and orphans of clergymen, and tbat a 
 committee ought to be appointed to frame a 
 plan of such a society. 
 
 Ordered, That a canon or canons be brought 
 in, pursuant to the first and second resolutions, 
 and that the committee appointed to revise the 
 canons prepare and bring in the same. 
 
 The Convention adjourned until 12 o'clock 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Thursdav, May 5. 
 
 Mr. Shield, from the cotnmittee appointed to 
 revise the canons, reported. That the committee 
 had, according to order, taken under their con- 
 sideration the business to them referred, and 
 had prepared canons to be substituted in the 
 place of the 8th, 16th, 18th, and 29th canons, 
 and also a caaon for the trial of offending min- 
 
 isters not holding parishes, which several can- 
 ons, after being twice read, were referred to a 
 committee of the whole Convention. 
 
 The Convention having resolved itself into a 
 committee of the whole Convention on the can- 
 ons, and having spent some time therein, Mr. 
 Page reported. That the committee had, accord- 
 ing to order, had the same under their consider- 
 ation, and had made some amendments thereto, 
 which were read aiid agreed to, and the canons 
 were ordered to be fairly transcribed and read a 
 third time. 
 
 A letter from the Rev. Mr. Emmerson, visit- 
 er of District No. 20, resigning that office, was 
 read ; whereupon the Rev. Jarfies Taylor, Rector 
 of Suffolk Parish, was appointed visiter in his 
 room. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That this Convention 
 do recommend it to the Right Rev. Dr. James 
 Madison, bishop in this state, to dispense with, 
 in the, examination of such gentlemen as are 
 now in deacon's orders in this state, that knowl- 
 edge of the Greek and Latin languages which is 
 required by the seventh canon of the General 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the United States of America. 
 
 Friday, May 6. 
 
 -The canon to be substituted in place of the 8th 
 canon, was read the third time, and passed. 
 
 The canon to be substituted in place of the 
 16th canon, was read the third time and rejected. 
 
 The canons to be substituted in place Of the 
 1 8th and 29th, were severally read the third 
 time and passed. 
 
 The new canon for the trial of offending 
 ministers not holding parishes, was read the 
 third time and rejected. 
 
 Leave was given to bring in a canon to amend 
 the thirty-first canon ; and Mr. Foushee, Mr, 
 Patteson, Mr, Jarratt, Mr. Craig, Mr. Waugh, 
 and Mr. Carrington, were appointed to prepare 
 and bring in the same. 
 
 Resolved, That deputies be appointed to at- 
 tend any General Convention of the Protestant 
 EpisGop&l Church which may be called before 
 the month of May, 1792 : And the Rev. John 
 Bracken and Robert Andrews, Esquire, were ac- 
 cordingly appointed. 
 
 Resolved, That a standing committee be ap- 
 pointed, to continue in office until the end of Ih© 
 next session of Convention, with the like powers 
 as were vested in the last standing committee : 
 And the Rev. John Bracken, Rev. Samuel 
 Shield, Robert Andrews, Esquire, Rev. Henry 
 Skyrihg, Hon. Joseph Prentis, Hon. Cyrus Grif- 
 fin, and Joseph Hornsby, Esquire, were accord- 
 ingly appointed. 
 
 Resolved, That 300 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed under the inspection 
 of the llev. Mr. Buchanan, and that the charge 
 delivered by the president, together with the 
 ordinances and canons, be annexed to the same. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the sev- 
 eral vestries of this church to transcribe the 
 ordinances and canons into their vestry-books. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 ministers of this churph to read or cause to be 
 
CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 47 
 
 read the ordinances and ' canons in each- of 
 their churches at least once in every year. 
 
 Resolved, TJiat New- Year's day be set apart 
 for the purpose of divine worship, and that the 
 ministers in their respective parishes recom- 
 mend it to their parishioners to devote them- 
 selves particularly on that day to the service of 
 their Maker. • 
 
 Mr. Foushee, from the committee appointed 
 to prepare and bring in a canon to amend the 
 31st canon, reported, That the committee had, 
 according to order", prepared the same ; which 
 was received, read the usual numbe- of times, 
 and passed. 
 
 Mr. New, from the committee appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, reported. That 
 the committee had, according to order, examined 
 the same, and found them justly and fairly sta- 
 ted, and that the balance in his hands for general 
 purposes was 108/. \bs. Irf. ; and the balance 
 belonging to the bishop's fund 15/. 125. Stf. ; 
 but that of the sum of 200/., directed by the 
 last Convention to be paid to the bishop for the 
 purpose of obtaining his consecration, only 136/. 
 lis. lOt/. had been paid.* 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do 
 pass. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer, out of any 
 money in his hands, pay to Bishop Madison the 
 sum of 63/. 8*. lid., the balance due to him 
 on the vote of the last Convention. 
 
 Resolved, Tha,t it is the duty of every member 
 of the Protiestant Episcopal Church to contrib- 
 ute towards a decent and comfortable support 
 of their bishops and other pastors, and to de- 
 fray the necessary expenses of their church. 
 
 Resolved, That to promote the welfare of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church, it be recommend- 
 ed to the vestries of the several parishes to raise 
 a fund for the general purposes of the said 
 church. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the sev- 
 eral parishes within this commonwealth, to send 
 the sum of sixteen dollars each, to the Rev. Mr. 
 Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first 
 Thursday in May next, to be applied by the 
 Convention, in such proportions as they shall 
 judge necessary, to enable the bishop to make 
 his visitations, and to perform the other duties 
 of his otfice, and for the other purposes of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this state. 
 
 Resolved, That the report of the church prop- 
 erty in the parishes within this commonwealth, 
 directed by the last Convention to be forwarded 
 to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, and laid before this 
 Convention, together with such further reports 
 on the same subject as shall come to his hands, 
 be registered by the treasurer in a book to be 
 kept for that purpose, in which shall be distin- 
 guished the parish and each speci.es of property 
 under its respective head in separate columns.. 
 On motion, resolved, That the State of Vir- 
 ginia be divided into districts for assembling the 
 
 * Mr. Graham Franks, merchant, of London, 
 gave five guineas to the bishop's fund, as a mark 
 of his zeal for the interest of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in Virgioia. 
 
 ministers in presbytery and for other purposes, 
 as set forth in the 8th canon, and that the dis- 
 tricts b& arranged in the following manner, viz : 
 District No. 1, containing the parishes of 
 Lynnhaven, Ehzabeth River, Portsmouth, St. 
 Bride, Suffolk, and Upper Parish (in Nanse- 
 mond). Rev. James Taylor, visiter. 
 
 District No. 2, containing the parishes of 
 Newport, Southwark, St. Luke, and Nottoway 
 (in Southampton), Rev. George Gurley, vis- 
 iter. 
 
 District No. 3, containing the parishes of Mar- 
 tin's Brandon, Albemarle, Bristol, Bath, Diale^ 
 and Manchester, Rev. John Cameron, visiter. 
 District No. 4, containing the parishes of 
 Raleigh, Nottoway (in Nottoway), Cumberland,. 
 St. Andrew, Meherrin, and' St. James, Rev. 
 James Craig, visiter. . ' 
 
 District No. 5, containing the parishes of 
 King William, Southam, Littleton, Tillotson, 
 and St. Patrick, Rev. Elkanah'Talley, visiter. 
 District No. 6, containing the parishes of 
 Cornwall, Antrim, Camden, and Russell, Rev. 
 Alexander Hay, visiter. 
 
 District No. 7, containing the parishes of 
 Patrick, Fincastle, and Botetourt. 
 
 District No. 8, containing the parishes of 
 Accomack, St. George, and Hungars, Rev. 
 Samuel S. M'Croskey, visiter. 
 
 District No. 9, containing the parishes of 
 Elizabeth City, Warwick, Yorkhampton, Charles, 
 and Bruton, Rev. John Bracken, visiter. 
 
 District No. 10, containing the parishes of 
 Abingdon, Ware, Kingston, Pettsworth, and 
 Christ's C!hurch (in Middlesex), Rev. Samuel 
 Klug,. visiter. 
 
 District No. 11, containing Ihe parishes of 
 James City, Bhsland, St. Peter, and Westover, 
 Rev. James Henderson, visiter. ' . " 
 
 District No. 12, containing flie parishes of 
 South Farnham, St. Anne, St. David, St. John, 
 Stratten Major, St. Stephen,, and Drysdale, 
 Rev. Jesse Carter, visiter. 
 
 District No. 13, containing the parishes of 
 St. Asaph, St. Margaret, St. Mary, St. Paul, 
 and St. Martin, Rev. Abner Waugh, visiter. 
 
 District No. 14, containing the parishes of 
 Henrico, St. James Northam, and Trinity, Rev. 
 John Buchanan, visiter. 
 
 District No. 15, containing the parishes of 
 St. George, Berkeley, St. Thomas, St. Mark, 
 and Bromtield, Rev. James Stephenson, visiter. 
 'District No. 16, containing the parishes of 
 Fredericksville, St. Anne, Amherst, and Lex- 
 ington, Rev. Mattheyv Maury, visiter. 
 
 District No. 17; containing the parishes of 
 Augusta and Beckford. 
 
 District No. 18, containing the parishes of 
 Christ's Church (in Lancaster), St. Stephen, Wi- 
 comico, Lunenburg, and Farnham, Rev. Thom- 
 as Davis, visiter. 
 
 District No. 19, containing the parishes of 
 Cople, Washington, Overwharton, Brunswick, 
 Hanover, and St. Paul. 
 
 District No. 20, containing the parishes of 
 Fairfax, Truno, and Dettingen, Rev. Brian 
 Fairfax, visiter. 
 District No. 21, containmg the parishes of 
 
48 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 Hamilton, Leeds, Cameron, and Shelburne, 
 Rev. James Craig, visiter. " 
 
 District No. 22, cont.iining -the parishes of 
 Frederick, Norborne, Hampsliire, and Hardy, 
 ReV. Ale.xander Balmain, visiter. 
 
 The Convention having taken into considera- 
 tion a resolution of the last General Convention, 
 respecting the propriety of investing the House 
 of Bishops with a full negative on the proceed- 
 ings of the other house, came to the folhswing 
 resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That the depvities from- the -Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this state to the 
 next General Convention, be instructed to ex- 
 press the disapprobation of this Con^'ention re- 
 specting the matter of the said resolution of the 
 General Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr Jarratt be re- 
 quested to preach a sermon at the next Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be held 
 in the city of Richmond. 
 
 The first canon viras amended with respect to 
 the time of the annual meeting of the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until the 
 30th day of April, 1792. . 
 
 James Madison, President. 
 Robert Andrews, Secretary. 
 
 CANONS. 
 
 I. Conventions shall be holden annually on 
 the first Thursday in May, provided neverthe- 
 less, that if a sufficient number of members to 
 form a Convention shall not attend on the said 
 day, any five then assembled -shall have power 
 to adjourn. 
 
 n. A person shall preside in Convention with 
 the name of president, who shall always be a 
 bishop, when there is one present properly con- 
 secrated dnd settled in the chtfrch, till 'which 
 time a president shall be appointed by the Con- 
 vention out of thfeir own body ; if more than one 
 bishop is found necessary in the church, they 
 shall preside alternately. 
 
 HI. A secretary shall be appointed by the 
 Convention, who shall continue in office during 
 good behaviour, who shall keep a record of their 
 resolves and proceedings, and have the "records in 
 his custody so long as he shall continue in office. 
 
 IT. l^tanding rules shall be established fpr 
 the preservation of decorum, and the orderly 
 ma:nagement of business. 
 
 V. All questions, whether they relate to the 
 order, government, discipHne, doctrine, or wor- 
 ship of this church, or to any other matter which 
 is properly before the Convention, shall be de- 
 termiiaed by a majority of \t)tes. 
 
 VI. At all future Conventions, each member 
 (whether minister or layman) shall, previous 
 to hi&admission, produce a testimonial of his be- 
 ing regularly appointed, whidh testimonial shall 
 be signed by one or both of the church-wardens, 
 or by the clerk of the respective vestries. 
 
 VII. AH the ordinances and other proceed- 
 ings of the Convention shall be attested by the 
 secretary. 
 
 VIII. The clergy of the several neighbouring 
 parishes, not less than three nor more than ten, 
 shall assemble in presbytery annually on some 
 Sunday in April, and at. other tiriiea, if required 
 thereto, at some convenient place in the dis- 
 trict. One in eaph district shall be -appointed 
 by the Convention to preside at their meetings, 
 with the .title of visiter, who shall name the 
 place and time of meeting ; -shall aimually visit 
 each parish in his district ; shall attend to and 
 inspect the morals and conduct of the clergy ; 
 shall see that the canons and rules of the church 
 are observed and practised^ shall admonish 
 and reprove those clergymen who are negligent, 
 or act in an .unbecoming manner ; and shall re- 
 port yearly to the bishop, if there be one, or, if 
 there be no bishop, to the next Convention, the 
 sta^e of each parish in his district, noting down 
 the offenders and their oftences. It shall be the 
 business of the presbytery when thus assembled 
 to instruct and examine candidates for holy 
 orders within their respective districts, to pre- 
 scribe to them a thesis or text, and give them 
 proper directions for composing a discourse on 
 the same ; and it shall be the duty of every candi- 
 date for holy orders to make application to the 
 presbytery of the district within- which he re- 
 sides for such instruction' and examination. 
 
 IX. The clergy- who shall minister in this 
 church shall be the three orders of bishops, 
 priests, and deacons. 
 
 X. Every person hereafter to officiate in this 
 church as a bishop, shall be nominated by the 
 Convention ; and having received episcopal con- 
 secration before he enters on his office, ishall 
 subscribe to conform to the doctrine, disci- 
 pline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia: And no person shall be re- 
 ceived into the church as a bishop until he shall 
 have completed the thirtierti year of his age. 
 
 XI- As we conceive the office of a bishop, ac- 
 cording to the true apostolic institution, differs 
 in nothing from that of other ministers of God's 
 Word, except in the power of ordination and con- 
 firmation, and the rights of superintending the 
 conduct of the clergy, and of precedency in ec' 
 clesiastical assemblies, that office shall be ac- 
 coidingly so exercised in this church : And every 
 bishop, after his promotion to the episcopal 
 order, shall continue to hold a parish and to do 
 the duty of a parish minister, except when he is 
 necessarily employed in the discharge of his 
 episcopal office. 
 
 XII. No bishop shall inflict any censure upon, 
 or exercise any power over, the clergy under his 
 inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the 
 laws and institutions Of this church made in 
 Convention. 
 
 XIII. No priest or minister shall hereafter be 
 received into any parish within this common- 
 wealth unless he first produce to the vestry suf- 
 ficient testimonials of his having been regularly 
 ordained a priest by some Protestant bishop, 
 and of having taken the oath of allegiance to 
 this commonwealth, and subscribe to be con- 
 formable to the doctrine, discipline, and worship 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church, nor till he 
 shall have entered into a contract in writing 
 
CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 49 
 
 with the vestry or trustees on behalf of the so- 
 ciety within such parish, by which it shall be 
 stipulated and declared that he holds the ap- 
 pointment, subject to removal, upon the determi- 
 nation of the Convention of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in this state. Provided, That any 
 person who hath been ordained by a bishop of 
 the Church of Rome may also be received as a 
 minister, who shall produce satisfactory testi- 
 monials respecting his ordination, morals, and 
 conduct, renounce the errors of that church, take 
 the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid. 
 
 XIV. No minister shall hereafter be received 
 into a parish who does not first produce to the 
 vestry satisfactory testimonials of his morals, 
 conduct, and conversation, from the person or 
 persons appointed by the Convention to inquire 
 into such matters and grant such testimonials. 
 
 XV. The right of presentation or appointing 
 ministers to serve in the parishes shall continue 
 in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its 
 own minister. 
 
 XVI. Every person to be ordained priest or 
 deacon by any bishop of this church, shall 
 first produce testimonials of his good morals 
 and orderly conduct from the clergy assembled 
 in the district where he for some time last re- 
 sided, and from the vestry of the parish where 
 he last lived : Provided there be in the district 
 a sufficient number of clergymen to form a 
 presbytery ; otherwise, a testimonial from the 
 minister and vestry of his parish, or from the 
 vestry alone, if the parish is vacant, shall be 
 deemed sufficient : Provided also, the candi- 
 date is not an inhabitant of some other state, 
 and intended to minister in some parish or con- 
 gregation in a neighbouring state. No person 
 shall be ordained until due examination had by 
 the bishop and two priests. 
 
 XVII. No person shall be admitted to priest's 
 orders until he shall have completed the twenty- 
 fourth year of his age, and is assured of the 
 willingness of some parish or congregation to 
 receive him as their minister, to be certified 
 under the hands of the church-wardens, and at- 
 tested by the clerk of the vestry. 
 
 XVIII. Every person who shall be admitted 
 either to priest's or deacon's orders, shall be or- 
 dained according to the form prescribed in the 
 Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 XIX. No person shall be ordained a deacon 
 until he shall have completed the twenty-first 
 year of his age. 
 
 XX. No person having deacon's orders only 
 shall be allowed to hold a parish. But a deacon 
 may, during a vacancy, officiate in a parish, 
 if chosen by the vestry to do so. He shall 
 preach the gospel and baptize. He may assist 
 in administering the sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper, but not consecrate the elements. He 
 may solemnize marriages, and shall attend to 
 the situation and circumstances of the poor 
 where it may be necessary. 
 
 XXI. A person may be ordained a deacon 
 though he shall have no assurance of being 
 called to minister in a parish or congregation, 
 provided his testimonials and qualifications are 
 •atisfactory to the bishop. 
 
 XXII. A deacon may minister as a proba- 
 tioner or missionary under the direction of the 
 Convention or the bishop. 
 
 XXIII. The parish clerk shall be appointed by 
 the minister and vestry, and displaced by them 
 whenever his services are not satisfactory to the 
 people : whenever he shall neglect his duty, or 
 otherwise misbehave himself. 
 
 XXIV. Sextons shall be appointed by the ves- 
 tries, and dismissed by them when they think 
 proper. 
 
 XXV. Bishops shall be amenable to the Con- 
 vention, who shall be a court to try them, from 
 which there shall be no appeal. On all such oc- 
 casions a president, who shall be a bishop, shall 
 be chosen by the Convention to sit as judge, and 
 they shall also appoint a clerk to the court. 
 
 XXVI. All accusations against a bishop, as 
 such, shall come from the vestries ; but no accu- 
 sation against a bishop shall be received unless 
 three vestries join in the complaint. All com- 
 plaints against a bishop shall be lodged with 
 such persons as may be appointed to call a Con- 
 vention, and a copy of the charge or charges to 
 be brought against him shall be communicated to 
 him in writing at least tv/o months before the 
 trial. Counsel may be employed on both sides ; 
 and nonebntvivdvoce evidence shall be admitted. 
 
 XXVII. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral 
 conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules 
 and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to 
 grant either ordination or a recommendation for 
 a vacant parish, shall be considered as oflTences 
 in a bishop, for which he may be brought to 
 trial, and, on his being convicted of any of these, 
 he shall be reproved, suspended, or dismissed, 
 at the discretion of the court. 
 
 XXVIII. Courts shall be instituted to exam- 
 ine into complaints exhibited against ministers or 
 deacons, which courts shall be composed of one 
 clergyman and one vestryman from each parish 
 of the district in which the accused minister re- 
 sides, the parish excepted to which the minister 
 belongs. The appointment of the vestrymen 
 shall be by lot ; and the visiter of the district, 
 unless he shall be the accused person, shall pre- 
 side as judge ; and in that case, the oldest cler- 
 gyman in orders shall be the judge : Provided 
 nevertheless, That where the number of settled 
 clergymen in the district be less than two, the 
 visiter shall call for a clergyman from a neigh- 
 bouring district ; and, moreover, if, when the 
 court assembles, the number of vestrymen shall 
 be found to exceed the number of clergymen 
 present, so many vestrymen shall be withdrawn 
 by lot as shall be necessary to equalize the 
 numbers of the two orders. 
 
 Any number of members, not less than three, 
 two of whom shall be clergymen, shall be suffi- 
 cient to constitute a court. 
 
 On conviction of a minister, the court shall 
 proceed to pass sentence, which shall he none 
 other than reproof or suspension ; and in all cases 
 where the offence shall be thought to deserve 
 suspension, the court shall without delay report 
 the facts and state the evidence to the bishop ; 
 or, until a bishop shall be consecrated for the 
 church in this state, to the chairman of the 
 
50 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1791. 
 
 standing committee, who, with the standing 
 committee, or three fourths of the same, shall 
 be, and are hereby constituted and appointed 
 a court, in the last resort, to try the offender ; 
 and who, if they do not acquit him, shall either 
 confirm the sentence of the examining court, or 
 pass such other sentence as a majority of them 
 shall think the offence deserves ; which shall 
 be either reproof, dismission, or degradation. 
 
 XXIX. Complaints against a mmister shall 
 be received from the vestry of the parish where 
 the minister officiates, and from no other person 
 or persons whatever. They shall be signed by 
 a majority of a vestry, without which no com- 
 plaint shall be received. They shall be directed 
 to the visiter of the district in which the ac- 
 cused minister resides, or, where there is no 
 visiter, or if the visiter be the person accused, 
 to a member of the presbytery in the said dis- 
 trict, who shall forthwith appoint a convenient 
 time and place for the trial, and take care that 
 the members who are to compose the court shall 
 have timely information thereof 
 
 In every complaint, the offence or offences 
 shall be stated ; and the minister shall be fur- 
 nished with a copy of the charges brought 
 against him, and with notice of his intended 
 trial, at least one month before the trial : viva 
 voce evidence only shall be admitted, and that 
 upon oath ; and counsel may be employed on 
 both sides. 
 
 The visiter, or person to whom the complaint 
 shall be made, shall cite the accused person 
 before the appointed court ; which shall (unless 
 the person accused is prevented from attending 
 by sickness) proceed to the trial, examine the 
 testimony against the offender, and take the 
 depositions of the witnesses. 
 
 XXX. No vestryman shall sit on the exam- 
 ination of a minister belonging to the parish 
 wherein such vestryman resides ; the examina- 
 tion shall be held in the parish where the ac- 
 cused minister officiates, and at a place to be 
 appointed by the vestry ; the judges shall appoint 
 a clerk occasionally for such examinations. 
 
 XXXI. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral 
 conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the 
 rules and canons of the church, or taking a bribe 
 to recommend either for ordination or a parish, 
 are to be considered among the offences for 
 which a minister, whether benefited or not, may 
 be brought to trial. 
 
 Complaints against a minister who has never 
 been inducted into a parish, or, having been in- 
 ducted, shall have vacated the same, shall be re- 
 ceived from the minister as is hereinafter di- 
 rected, or from the vestry of the parish where 
 the offence is said to have been committed. 
 They shall be signed by the minister of such 
 parish, and four of his vestry at least, or by a 
 majority of the vestry, where the minister is not 
 included as a complainant, without which no 
 complaint shall be received ; and all other 
 proceedings shall be the same as for the trial 
 of a beneficed minister, except that the parish 
 wherein the offence is alleged to have been 
 committed shall be considered as the parish 
 where the offending minister resides : Provided 
 
 always. That where the visiter or his vestry make 
 the complaint, the next eldest minister in the 
 district shall act in the place of such visiter ; 
 and the court shall have the same power to pro- 
 nounce sentence as against the beneficed min- 
 ister. 
 
 XXXII. Deacons behaving in a scandalous, 
 disorderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect 
 the duty they have undertaken, shall, on full and 
 satisfactory proof, be suspended or silenced by 
 the bishop until the sense of the Convention 
 shall be known. And the salary accruing during 
 the suspension of a minister or deacon who is 
 afterward found guilty, shall go to the vestry, for 
 the use of the church. 
 
 XXXIII. Bishops shall visit the different 
 parishes under their inspection once in three 
 years at least ; of which visitation the clergy 
 or church-wardens shall have timely notice ; in 
 their visitation they shall confirm such as choose 
 to receive confirmation, they shall inspect the 
 state of the parishes, and the conduct of the 
 clergy, who shall give them what information 
 they can respecting such ecclesiastical matters 
 as they may choose to be informed of. 
 
 XXXIV. Bishops shall hold ordinations at 
 such times and places as they may judge neces- 
 sary and convenient. 
 
 XXXV. Bishops, after every visitation, shall 
 report the state of the church in the different 
 parishes to the Convention. 
 
 XXXVI. No minister or bishop shall be al- 
 lowed to hold more than one parish at the same 
 time. Nevertheless, a minister may, if called 
 thereto by the vestry, preach in a neighbouring 
 parish or parishes during a vacancy in such 
 parish or parishes, and may receive a compensa- 
 tion for his services, provided he has the con- 
 sent of his own vestry, and shall not neglect the 
 duties of his parish. 
 
 XXXVII. Every minister shall reside within 
 his parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall 
 agree to dispense with his residence ; and shall 
 at no time leave it for more than one month 
 without the consent of the said vestry. 
 
 XXXVIII. Ministers shall, at their churches 
 and other convenient places, instruct children, 
 and such ignorant persons as may require it, in 
 their catechism, and the principles of the Chris- 
 tian religion as maintained by this church ; pro- 
 vided this duty may be dispensed with during 
 the inclement winter months. They shall also 
 explain the nature of confirmation, and instruct 
 and prepare their parishioners for it. 
 
 XXXIX. Ministers and deacons shall wear a 
 surpHce during the time of prayer at public 
 worship, in places where they are provided ; shall 
 wear gowns when they preach, where they con- 
 veniently can ; and shall at all times wear ap- 
 parel suited to the gravity of their profession. 
 
 XL. Ministers and deacons may encourage 
 people to assemble together in small societies 
 at convenient times for their edification, and 
 may visit, superintend, and instruct such soci- 
 eties at their meetings ; provided they shall not 
 do it to the encouragement of idleness, or to 
 the injury of private families. 
 
 XLI. Ministers officiating in this church, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1792. 
 
 51 
 
 whether bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach 
 once at least on every Lord's day, and at other 
 stated seasons, unless prevented by some suffi- 
 cient cause ; they may at their discretion preach 
 also at other times, when opportunities shall 
 
 oflFer of edifying the church ; bishops and priests 
 shall administer the sacrament at least four 
 times in the year at each church or place of 
 worship in their respective parishes, and shall 
 visit the sick when called on for that purpose. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of Virginia, held in the 
 Capitol in the City of Richmond, May Sd, 1792. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Parishes. 
 Antrim, 
 Bath, 
 Bristol, 
 Bruton, 
 Charles, 
 
 Christ Church (Middlesex), 
 Christ Church (Lancaster), 
 Cumberland 
 Dale, 
 Frederick, 
 Henrico, 
 Hungars, 
 James City, 
 King William, 
 Littleton, 
 Manchester, 
 Martin's Brandon, 
 Raleigh, 
 St. David, 
 St. James Northam, 
 St. John, 
 St. Luke, 
 St. Margaret, 
 St. Mary, 
 
 St. Paul (Hanover), 
 
 St. Stephen (K. & Queen), 
 
 St. Stephen (Northumb.), 
 
 South Farnham, 
 
 Southwark, 
 
 Westover, 
 
 Wicomico, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Devereaux Jarratt. 
 John Cameron. 
 John Bracken. 
 Samuel Shield. 
 
 David Ball. 
 
 James Craig. 
 
 Needier Robinson. 
 
 Alexander Balmain. 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 
 Samuel S. M'Croskey. 
 
 James Madison (Bishop & Pres.). 
 
 Elkanah Talley. 
 William Cameron. 
 John Jones Spooner. 
 
 Reuben Clopton. 
 Charles Hopkins. 
 
 Joseph Gurley (Assistant Min.). 
 
 Abner Waugh. 
 
 Thomas Davis. 
 Andrew Sim. 
 Samuel Butler. 
 James Henderson. 
 John Bryan. 
 
 On Thursday, the third of May, in the year of 
 our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
 ninety-two, being the day appointed for the 
 meeting of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Commonwealth of 
 Virginia, a sufficient number of members to pro- 
 ceed on business being present, 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Madison took his 
 seat as President of the Convention. 
 
 Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary to 
 the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Bracken, from the standing 
 committee, reported standing rules for regula- 
 ting the proceedings of Conventions, which 
 were read and agreed to, as follows : — 
 
 1. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the Convention unless he have leave, 
 or be sick and unable to attend. 
 
 2. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the Conven- 
 tion, he shall rise from his seat, and, without ad- 
 vancing, shall with due respect address himself 
 
 D2 
 
 Lay Deputies, 
 Henry E. Coleman. 
 Peterson Goodwin. 
 Archibald Gracie. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 
 Francis Corbin. 
 
 Jerman Baker. 
 
 William Foushee. 
 John Tankard. 
 John Ambler. 
 Thomas Harris. 
 John H. Overstreet. 
 David Patteson. 
 George Ruffin. 
 William Murray. 
 Nathaniel Burwell. 
 Archibald Bryce. 
 Carter Braxton, jun. 
 
 Anthony New. 
 
 ; John Pendleton and 
 ; William Norvell. 
 Thomas Hill. 
 
 William Gatewood. 
 James Allen Bradby. 
 Charles Carter. 
 
 to Mr. President, confining himself strictly to 
 the point in debate, and avoiding all indecent 
 and disrespectful language. 
 
 3. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave. 
 
 4. A question, being once determined, must 
 stand as the judgment of the Convention, and 
 cannot be again drawn into debate during the 
 same session. 
 
 5. While the President is putting any ques- 
 tion, no one shall hold private discourse, stand 
 up, walk into, out of, or across the house, or 
 read any book. 
 
 6. Every member who shall be in the Con- 
 vention when any question is put, shall, on a 
 division, be counted on one side or the other. 
 
 7. When the Convention is to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 go out. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the return of the sitting members, and 
 to report thereon. And a committee vvas ap- 
 
52 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1792. 
 
 pointed of Mr. Bracken, Mr, Corbin, Mr. 
 Shield, and Mr. Ambler. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Patteson, Mr. William 
 Cameron, Mr. Davis, and Mr. Baker, be ap- 
 pointed a committee to examine the treasurer's 
 accounts, and to report thereon. 
 
 Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a 
 canon or canons to amend the 15th, 29th, and 
 30th canons; and that Mr. Talley, Mr. Hen- 
 derson, Mr. Brice, Mr. New, Mr. M'Croskey, 
 and Mr. Bracken, prepare and bring in the same. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Shield, Mr. Carter, Mr. 
 M'Croskey, Mr. Bracken, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Cor- 
 bin, Mr. Baker, and Mr. Andrews, be appointed 
 a committee to form a plan of a society for the 
 relief of distressed widows and orphans of 
 clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in this state. 
 
 Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a 
 canon to amend the 30th and 21st canons ; that 
 the committee appointed to prepare and bring in 
 a canon or canons to amend the 15th, 29th, and 
 30th, prepare and bring in the same ; and that 
 Mr. Shield and Mr. Baker be added to the said 
 committee. 
 
 Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a 
 canon to direct the mode in which notorious 
 crimes and scandals within the church shall be 
 censured ; and that Mr. New, Mr. Talley, Mr. 
 Craig, Mr. Jarratt, Mr. Davis, Mr. Robinson, 
 Mr. Ruffin, Mr. Patteson, Mr. Foushee, Mr. 
 Burwell, and Mr. Bradby, prepare and bring in 
 the same. 
 
 The Convention adjourned until 5 o'clock in 
 the afternoon. 
 
 May 3, 5 o'clock P. M.— The Rev. Mr. Jar- 
 ratt, according to the order of the last Conven- 
 tion, preached a sermon before the Convention. 
 The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock 
 to-morrow morning. 
 
 Friday, May 4. 
 
 Mr. Shield, from the committee appointed to 
 form a plan of a society for the relief of dis- 
 tressed widows and orphans of clergymen of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state, 
 reported, That the committee had, according to 
 order, prepared such a plan, which was read 
 and agreed to, as follows : — 
 
 A fund for the relief of distressed widows 
 and orphans of clergymen shall be raised by 
 subscription, and subscribers may be divided 
 into three classes, viz. : — 
 
 1. Subscribers who choose to have the in- 
 terest of their subscription confined in the div- 
 idends to the families of subscribing clergymen. 
 
 2. Subscribers who choose to name a par- 
 ticular clergyman, to whose family the same 
 benefit shall be extended as to the families of 
 subscribing clergymen. 
 
 3. Subscribers who choose to have their in- 
 terest applied to relieve indigent families of 
 clergymen in general, without confining it to 
 those of subscribers. 
 
 The subscriptions to each class shall be taken 
 distinctly, and the account of the interests and 
 dividends of the third class shall be kept separ- 
 ately from that of the first and second. 
 
 The yearly subscription of each member shall 
 be at least six dollars. 
 
 The principal money shall remain a standing 
 fund ; and the dividends, which shall be annual, 
 shall be made of the interest only. 
 
 In the first and second classes, a subscription 
 of five years shall entitle the family for whose 
 benefit the subscription was made to a full div- 
 idend, provided the subscription be made before 
 the 4t.h day of May, 1 793 ; but those becoming 
 interested after that time, shall be entitled to a 
 full dividend only on a subscription of eight years. 
 And in case of a subscription for a less term 
 than what entitles to a full dividend, the family 
 shall receive in proportion, with the option of 
 allowing to be withheld annually a sum equal to 
 the yearly subscription, until they shall be en- 
 titled to a full share. 
 
 The claims of widows and daughters shall 
 cease at their marriage ; and that of sons on 
 their attaining the age of twenty-one years. 
 
 Meetings of the subscribers shall be held for 
 the management of the fund, at least once in 
 every year, at which each subscriber shall have 
 an equal vote. 
 
 The general rules and principles of the fund 
 shall not be altered but with the consent of two 
 thirds of the members present at an annual 
 meeting. 
 
 The subscribers to the fund shall be called a 
 society for the relief of distressed widows and 
 orphans of clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of Virginia. 
 
 A subscriber failing for five years to pay hi» 
 subscription, shall forfeit his claim to a dividend ; 
 and m case of failure for any less term, he shall 
 preserve it only by a full payment of arrears, 
 with interest. 
 
 Five trustees shall be appointed by the so- 
 ciety, to continue in office until the next stated 
 meeting, or until a new appointment shall be 
 made. 
 
 A treasurer shall be appointed by the society, 
 by ballot, to continue in office during good be- 
 haviour; who shall give bond to the trustees, 
 with security, in such penalty as the trustees or 
 a majority of them may direct, for the faithful 
 discharge of his duty. 
 
 Occasional donations may be received by the 
 society, to be applied as the donor or donors 
 may direct ; and in case there be no direction, 
 the donations shall go into the fund for the gen- 
 eral relief of the indigent famiUes of deceased 
 clergymen. 
 
 We, the subscribers, do therefore agree to be- 
 come members of the said society for the relief 
 of the distressed widows and orphans of clergy- 
 men of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
 State of Virginia, and to pay the sums annexed 
 to our respective names, to be applied according 
 to the class in which our subscriptions shall stand. 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of the 
 Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Jarratt 
 for the very/ excellent, seasonable, and animated 
 sermon preached by him yesterday before the 
 Convention, and that he be requested to pre- 
 pare a copy of the same for the press. 
 Mr, Patteson, from the committee appointed 
 
CONVENTION OF 1792. 
 
 53 
 
 to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, 
 That the committee had, according to order, ex- 
 amined the same, and found them justly and 
 fairly stated ; and that the balance in his hands 
 for general purposes is 152/. 8*. Id., of which 
 the sum of 102/. Is. 5d. has been received 
 from sundry parishes in consequence of the rec- 
 ommendation of the last Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do 
 pass. 
 
 Mr. Bracken presented, according to order, 
 canons to amend the 15th, 20th, 21st, 29th, and 
 30th canons, and the same were read the first 
 time, and ordered to be read a second time. 
 
 Mr. Bracken, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the returns of the sitting members, 
 reported, That the committee had, according to 
 order, examined the same, and found that the 
 returns from the following parishes, viz., An- 
 trim, Bath, Bristol, Bruton, Charles, Christ 
 Church (Middlesex), Christ Church (Lancaster), 
 Cumberland, Dale, Frederick, Henrico, Hungars, 
 James City, King William, Littleton, Manches- 
 ter, Martin's Brandon, Raleigh, St. David, St. 
 James Northam, St. John, St. Luke, St. Mar- 
 garet, St. Mary, St. Paul (Hanover), St. Ste- 
 phen (King and Queen), St. Stephen (North- 
 umberland), South Farnham, Southwark, West- 
 over, and Wicomico, were made agreeably to 
 the canons. 
 
 The canons to amend the 15th, 20th, 21st, 
 29th, and 30th canons, were read the second 
 time, and amended. 
 
 Ordered, That the same be fairly transcribed, 
 and read a third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention proceed by 
 ballot to the choice of two deputies, to attend 
 any General Convention of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in the United States of America, 
 which may meet before the month of May, 1793. 
 
 The Convention accordingly proceeded by 
 ballot to the said choice ; and Mr. J. Cameron 
 and Mr. Corbin being appointed a committee to 
 examine the ballots, and report to the Conven- 
 tion on whom the majority of votes should fall, 
 withdrew, and after some time returned into the 
 Convention, and Mr. J. Cameron reported, That 
 the committee had, according to order, examined 
 the ballots, and found them to stand as follows : 
 for the Rev. Samuel S. M'Croskey, 25 ; Robert 
 Andrews, Esq., 38; Rev. John Bracken, 14; 
 Rev. John Cameron, 1; Rev. James Craig, 1. 
 
 A majority of votes appearing in favour of the 
 Rev. Samuel S. M'Croskey and Robert An- 
 drews, Esq., Resolved, That the Rev. Samuel 
 S. M'Croskey and Robert Andrews, Esq. be, 
 and they are hereby appointed, deputies to at- 
 tend any General Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the United States of 
 America, which may be held before the month 
 of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
 seven hundred and ninety-three. 
 
 Mr. New, according to order, presented a 
 canon to direct the mode in which notorious 
 crimes and scandals within the church shall be 
 censured ; and the same, after being twice read, 
 was ordered to be fairly transcribed, and read a 
 third time. 
 
 The canons to amend the 15th, 20th, and 29th 
 canons were read the third time and passed, as 
 follows, to be substituted in the room of the 
 said 15th, 20th, and 29th, and numbered as such. 
 Canon XV. The right of presentation or of 
 appointing ministers to serve in the parishes 
 shall continue in the vestries, and each vestry 
 shall choose its own minister ; and no minister 
 shall officiate as a stated lecturer or preacher in 
 any parish in which there is a rector, without 
 having first obtained the leave of the said rector, 
 or of a majority of the vestry. 
 
 Canon XX. No person having deacon's 
 orders only, shall be allowed, as such, to hold a 
 parish, until after he hath officiated eighteen 
 months as a deacon, and attained the age of 
 twenty-five years : A deacon shall preach the 
 gospel and baptize ; he may solemnize mar- 
 riages, and assist in administering the sacrament 
 of the Lord's Supper, but not consecrate the 
 elements. 
 
 Canon XXIX. Complaints against a minister 
 shall be made on oath, and directed to the visiter 
 of the district in which the accused minister re- 
 sides, or, where there is no visiter, or if the vis- 
 iter be the person accused, to a member of the 
 presbytery in the said district ; who shall forth- 
 with appoint a convenient time and place for the 
 trial within the parish where the accused min- 
 ister officiates, and take care that the members 
 who are to compose the court shall have timely 
 information thereof. The judges shall appoint 
 a clerk occasionally for such trials, and no ves- 
 tryman shall sit on the trial of an accused min- 
 ister belonging to the parish wherein such ves- 
 tryman resides. In every complaint, the offence 
 or offences shall be stated ; and the minister 
 shall be furnished with a copy of the charges 
 brought against him, and with notice of his in- 
 tended trial, at least one month before the trial : 
 Viva voce evidence only shall be admitted, and 
 that upon oath ; and counsel may be employed 
 on both sides. 
 
 The visiter or person to whom the complaint 
 shall be made, shall cite the accused person be- 
 fore the appointed court; which shall, unless 
 the person accused is prevented from attending 
 by sickness, proceed to the trial, examine the 
 testimony against the offender, and take the 
 depositions of witnesses. 
 
 In all complaints where the accused minister 
 shall be the only clergyman resident within the 
 district, the complaint shall be made to the 
 bishop and standing committee, who shall with- 
 out delay institute a court, consisting of two 
 clergymen from an adjoining district, and two 
 vestrymen from the most convenient parishes 
 within the district. They shall appoint also the 
 time for trial, which shall be held at such place 
 within the parish of the accused minister as the 
 vestry thereof shall direct. 
 
 Resolved, That a standing committee be ap- 
 pointed, to continue in office until the end of the 
 next session of Convention, with the like powers 
 as were vested in the last standing committee : 
 And the Rev. John Bracken, Rev. Samuel 
 Shield, Robert Andrews, Esq., Rev. Henry Sky- 
 ring, Hon. Joseph Prentis, Hon. Cyrus Griffin, 
 
54 
 
 CONVENTION OP 1703. 
 
 and Joseph Homsby, Esq., were accordingly 
 appointed. 
 
 Resolved, That all reasonable expenses be 
 allowed the deputies appointed to attend the 
 next General Convention, and that the sum of 
 twenty-five pounds be advanced to each of them 
 on account. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be 
 authorized to appoint a deputy or deputies to 
 the General Convention, should either or both of 
 the deputies appointed by this Convention be 
 prevented from attending. 
 
 Resolved, That all reasonable expenses be 
 allowed the Right Rev. Dr. Madison, which he 
 has incurred in his several visitations, and which 
 may arise from his attendance on the next Gen- 
 eral Convention, and that the sum of eighty 
 pounds be advanced to him on account. Bishop 
 Madison delivered in to the Convention a report 
 of his visitations since the last Convention, 
 which was read, and is as follows : — 
 
 "Agreeably to the 35th canon, the bishop 
 begs leave to report that he has visited the fol- 
 lowing parishes, viz. : York-Hampton, Elizabeth 
 City, Abingdon, Ware, Christ Church (Middle- 
 sex), St. Anne, St. Paul (King George), Berke- 
 ley, Westover, Bhsland, Bruton, James City, 
 Henrico, and Lunenburg; and is happy to assure 
 the Convention that in most of the parishes, the 
 conduct of the ministers appeared to be such 
 as merited the highest commendation. The 
 congregations where he attended were generally 
 numerous, and attentive to the form of worship 
 established by the church ; and though he had 
 too much reason to lament that sufficient regard 
 was not paid to the decent support of the clergy 
 in many of the parishes, yet the diligence with 
 which most of the ministers continued to dis- 
 charge their sacred functions, while it afforded 
 the highest proof of their zeal and piety, yielded 
 
 at the same time a pleasing hope that the church 
 would gradually revive. In the five parishes of 
 Abingdon, Ware, Christ Church (Middlesex), 
 Berkeley (Fredericksburg), and Bruton, up- 
 wards of six hundred persons have been con- 
 firmed." 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 several parishes within this commonwealth, to 
 send each the sum of fifteen dollars to the Rev. 
 Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first 
 Thursday in May next, to be applied by the 
 Convention as they shall judge necessary, to 
 enable the bishop to make his visitations and 
 perform the other duties of his office, and to the 
 other purposes of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in this state. 
 
 Ordered, That the standing committee be 
 directed to apply to the different parishes 
 which have not complied with the requisition 
 of the last Convention for the sum of sixteen 
 dollars, to transmit the same to the Rev. Mr. 
 Buchanan as soon as possible. 
 
 Resolved, That 300 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed under the inspection 
 of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; and that the ser- 
 mon preached yesterday by the Rev. Mr. Jarratt 
 be annexed to the same. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Waugh be re- 
 quested to preach a sermon before the next 
 Convention. 
 
 The canon to direct the mode in which no- 
 torious crimes and scandals within the church 
 shall be censured, was read the third time ; and 
 the question being put whether the same shall 
 pass, it was determined in the negative. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be held 
 in the city of Richmond. 
 
 The Convention adjourned. 
 
 Signed, James Madison, President. 
 
 Robert Andrews, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of a CorwerUion of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the 
 City of Richmond, May 2d, 1793. 
 
 Parishes. 
 Antrim, 
 Berkeley, 
 Bristol, 
 Bromfield, 
 Bruton, 
 Dale, 
 Frederick, 
 Fredericksville, 
 Henrico, 
 Hungara, 
 James City, 
 Kingston, 
 King William, 
 Littleton, 
 Lexington, 
 Manchester, 
 Nottoway, 
 St. Andrews, 
 St. Bride, 
 St. David. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Hugh Corrans Boggs. 
 Jolm Cameron. 
 
 John Bracken. 
 Needier Robinson. 
 Alexander Balmain. 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 Samuel S. M'Croskey. 
 J. Madison (Bishop and Pr.). 
 Armistead Smiih. 
 
 Charles Crawford> 
 William Cameron- 
 
 James Morris. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 Henry E. Coleman. 
 
 Alexander M'Rae. 
 Reuben Beall. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 Thomas Friend- 
 John Walker. 
 William Foushee. 
 
 Dudley Carey, 
 John Harris. 
 Joseph Carrington. 
 
 David Patterson. 
 
 John Gooch and Richard Bland. 
 
 Charles B. Jones. 
 
 Joshua Grymes. 
 
 Benjamin Temple and Nath. Burwell. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 ft5 
 
 Parishes, Clergymen. 
 
 St George (Accomack), 
 St. James Northam, 
 St. Margaret, 
 
 St. Martin, Peter Nelson. 
 
 St. Paul (Hanover), 
 
 St. Stephen, Thomas Andrews. 
 
 St. Thomas, 
 
 South Farnham, Andrew Sim. 
 
 Southam, John H. Samiders. 
 
 Washington, 
 
 Westover, Seawell Chapin. 
 
 York Hampton, James Henderson. 
 
 On Thursday, the second day of May, in the 1 
 year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred 
 and ninety-three, being the day appointed for 
 the meeting of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the commonwealth of Vir- 
 ginia, a sufficient number of members to proceed 
 on business having convened. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Madison took his 
 seat as President of the Convention. 
 
 Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary 
 to the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the returns of the sitting members, and 
 to report thereon. And a committee was ap- 
 pointed of Dr. Bracken, Mr. Balmain, Mr. Fou- 
 shee, and Mr. Patterson. 
 
 Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a 
 canon concerning vestries and trustees ; a canon 
 concerning conventions ; a canon concerning 
 presbyteries ; a canon concerning bishops ; a 
 canon concerning the ordination of priests and 
 xleacons, and their duties ; a canon concerning 
 the induction of ministers into parishes ; a canon 
 concerning offences and the mode of proceeding 
 against offending ministers ; a canon concerning 
 the appointment and duties of a standing com- 
 jnittee ; a canon concerning the manner of grant- 
 ing testimonials to citizens candidates for par- 
 ishes ; a canon concerning a treasurer ; and a 
 canon rescinding certain ordinances and can- 
 ons ; and that Mr. Andrews, Mr. Balmain, Dr. 
 M'Croskey, Mr. Walker, Mr. T. Andrews, Mr. 
 Foushee, Dr. Bracken, Mr. W. Cameron, Mr. 
 Patterson, Mr. Henderson, Mr. Carrington, Mr. 
 Sims, Mr. Gatewood, Mr. Boggs, Mr. Drum- 
 mond, Mr. Morris, Mr. Jones, Mr. Carter, and Mr. 
 Charles B. Jones, prepare and bring in the same. 
 Mr. Andrews presented, according to order, 
 a canon concerning vestries and trustees ; a can- 
 on concerning conventions ; a canon concerning 
 presbyteries ; a canon concerning bishops ; a 
 canon concerning the ordination of priests and 
 deacons, and their duties ; a canon concerning 
 the induction of ministers into parishes ; a canon 
 concerning offences, and the mode of proceeding 
 against offending ministers ; a canon concerning 
 the appointment and duties of a standing com- 
 mittee ; a canon concerning the manner of grant- 
 ing testimonials to citizens candidates for par- 
 ishes ; a canon concerning a treasurer ; and a 
 canon rescinding certain ordinances and canons ; 
 which several canons were received, read a first 
 time, and ordered to be read a second time. 
 On motion made, the canon concerning ves- 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 Cave Jones and William Drummond. 
 Archibald Bryce. 
 Samuel Temple. 
 
 William Tinsley 
 
 Thomas BarbouR 
 WiUiam Gatewood. 
 
 Daniel M'Carty, jun. 
 Charles Carter. 
 Hugh Nelson. 
 
 tries and trustees, and the other canons before 
 the Convention, were read a second time, and 
 ordered to be committed to a committee of the 
 whole Convention to-morrow. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts : And a com- 
 mittee was appointed of Dr. Bracken, Mr. Bryce, 
 Mr. Charles B. Jones, and Mr. Henderson. 
 
 The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock 
 to-morrow morning. 
 
 Friday, May 3. 
 
 Bishop Madison having delivered a charge to 
 the clergy at the meeting of Convention this 
 morning. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 the Convention be given to the Right Rev. Doc- 
 tor Madison, for his very sensible, pious, and 
 excellent address delivered this day, and that he 
 be requested to furnish a copy for the press. 
 An Address to the Convention of the Protestant 
 
 Episcopal Church in Virginia. By Bishop 
 
 Madison. 
 
 Brethren, — When I determined to send cir- 
 cular letters to the different visiters, in order that 
 I might, through them, request a general attend- 
 ance of the clergy at this Convention, I was 
 well aware of the inconveniences to which some 
 of the members might be exposed. But, such is 
 still the situation of our church, so loudly doth 
 it call for the counsels of all its friends, that no 
 doubt was left upon my mind but those incon- 
 veniences would be cheerfully borne, provided 
 our consultations should be productive of bene- 
 ficial effects. Whatever may be the result, 
 whether we shall be enabled to devise any plan 
 or propose any measures which may tend to that 
 end, so ardently to be supplicated, still, it is surely 
 a solemn duty imposed upon all of us, to endeav- 
 our to promote the prosperity of our Zion by 
 all those prudent means which our profession 
 will justify. This is most likely to be effected 
 by the combined wisdom and experience of the 
 whole body of the clergy. It is not then to be 
 wondered at, that I should be anxious to see all 
 the faithful pastors of our church here assem- 
 bled, and that I should earnestly entreat them, 
 in particular, seriously to consult, to digest, and 
 bring forward, for the consideration of the Con- 
 vention, whatever may appear most likely to pro- 
 mote the interest of religion, and that church of 
 which we are the ministers. 
 
 I trust that the good effects of our late minis- 
 terial exertions are generally felt and acknowl- 
 
56 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 edged ; and that our affairs, under the blessing 
 of Providence, begin to assume somewhat a 
 more pleasing aspect. Several valuable minis- 
 ters have been sent forth, men from whose 
 piety and labours we may anticipate the happi- 
 est effects ; our congregations seem more atten- 
 tive to their religious concerns, and, I ardently 
 hope, are gradually advancing to a greater de- 
 gree of Christian perfection. Still, however, 
 our exertions must be unabated, they must even 
 increase ; we must continue to advance if we 
 would not become retrograde. Nor can I think 
 but that Providence, at this moment, affords the 
 most favourable opportunity for prudent and 
 strenuous exertions. It has, in some degree, 
 checked that fervour of enthusiasm which has 
 lately ravaged our church. Our evils have in 
 a great measure flowed from that source. But 
 there is another enemy which is daily making 
 rapid advances, and whose progress, if possible, 
 we must arrest ; I mean the demon of irreligion. 
 These are the two principal enemies which we 
 have to oppose, and which call for all the wis- 
 dom and all the zeal of every sincere minister. 
 That the spirit and the resolution necessary 
 for the most zealous opposition animates the 
 breast of every one present, I do not question ; 
 but what are the prudent means which we' must 
 employ 1 what are the weapons'? what is the 
 armour we must put on for this Christian war- 
 fare"! These are inquiries which demand our 
 most serious attention. 
 
 I could have wished, upon this occasion, rather 
 to have heard the sentiments of my brethren, 
 than to have expressed my own. I do not pre- 
 tend that I have not reflected, and that often 
 and seriously, upon the situation of our church, 
 and the means of promoting its prosperity ; but 
 I am not so presumptuous as to think, that bet- 
 ter may not still be devised than those which 
 have occurred to me. Perhaps, however, the 
 propositions which I think it my duty to lay be- 
 fore you, if they do not meet with the approba- 
 tion of this assembly, may at least be the means 
 of calling forth others, which may operate more 
 effectually to the end we all have in view. 
 
 The first that I shall submit to your consider- 
 ation, as of great importance in my mind to- 
 wards reviving a just sense of religion, and es- 
 tablishing a due ministerial influence among our 
 parishioners, is, that the different pastors should 
 consider it as a duty to visit their parishioners 
 at their private dwellings as often in the year 
 as may be convenient; — that, at these visits, 
 children should be examined and instructed in 
 their catechism ; parents, when necessary, ex- 
 horted to lead Christian lives, and to be attentive 
 to the religious instruction of their children ; 
 while the well-disposed should be encouraged 
 to persevere, and to be steadfast in their attach- 
 ment to the church. A practice of the kind 
 here recommended would not only be produc- 
 tive of the best effects in a rehgious point of 
 view, but it seems also essentially necessary in 
 order to form that friendly attachment, or that 
 intimate union, between ministers and their 
 flocks, which would render their public exhorta- 
 tions more efficacious ; it would afford the best 
 
 opportunity of counteracting the great havoc 
 which novel teachers are daily making, and 
 which is carried on more successfully, I believe, 
 by their private intercourse, than by their public 
 harangues ; it would also evince a spirit of dis- 
 interestedness and real concern for the religious 
 welfare of our flocks, which, while it is the duty 
 of a minister uniformly to manifest, would at 
 the same time cause him to be more highly re- 
 spected and beloved. It appears then that this 
 proposition is recommended to us by several 
 cogent considerations, whether we attend to the 
 proper discharge of the ministerial functions, to 
 the influence it will give the different pastors in 
 their congregations, or to the means it would 
 afford of counteracting the opponents of the 
 church, and of renovating constantly the attach- 
 ment of its members. Perhaps in some cases 
 such visits would not always be convenient ; 
 but I am persuaded that, by the greater part of 
 our congregations, they would be justly estima- 
 ted, and, I have no doubt, prove highly beneficial 
 to the interest of the church. 
 
 A second proposition which I shall make, ap- 
 pears also, at this time in particular, of great 
 importance to the real ii^terest of our holy re- 
 ligion and of our church. 
 
 It is, that the ministers should cause to be 
 distributed among their congregations such 
 books or pamphlets as would tend to check that 
 spirit of proselytism which so strongly distin- 
 guishes most sects, by exposing whatever may 
 appear erroneous, in a plain and candid manner, 
 and at the same time showing the verity and 
 constant superiority of the principles of our own 
 church. The dissemination of pamphlets which 
 might have such a tendency, appears particular- 
 ly necessary at this time. Every one must have 
 observed that there are two kinds of enthusi- 
 asts ; the one seems to be composed of men of 
 a warm imagination, strong passions, and little 
 or no judgment. These lay hold of some fa- 
 vourite tenet, which may afford them an oppor- 
 tunity of exercising the powers of the imagina- 
 tion, and which they make the groundwork upon 
 which to erect a sect. The other is composed 
 of men more ignorant, but active and indefati- 
 gable. They dream dreams and see visions. 
 They are favoured with immediate inspiration 
 from Heaven ; they soar above the vulgar rules 
 of morality, and, sanctifying the means by the 
 end, omit nothing to complete their designs. 
 How shall we effectually counteract either, but 
 by diffusing such pamphlets as shall place those 
 truths or principles which are in danger of being 
 obscured, in their proper light 1 What mischief, 
 for instance, have not those wild notions re- 
 specting divine illumination, or inspiration, pro- 
 duced'? The ordinary means of interpreting 
 and explaining Scripture are of no moment, so 
 long as the extraordinary can be obtained ; the 
 Scriptures are thus warped to support any 
 opinion, however contrary to the truth ; our 
 flocks are misled, and too often, in consequence, 
 abandon their maternal church. These evils 
 flow from the want of information. Place the 
 truth in its proper light; let it shine forth in 
 every man's house, from plain but judicious 
 
CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 57 
 
 pamphlets, and it will soon illuminate the mind. 
 Again, it is an opinion which has become too 
 prevalent, that a Christian may, consistently 
 with his profession, change his sect as often as 
 he pleases, or as often as caprice may direct ; 
 and that the ordinances of Christ may be ad- 
 ministered by any one who shall assume the 
 ministerial office. Such opinions not only nurse 
 the spirit of disunion among Christians,, whose 
 fatal effects to genuine religion I need not here 
 mention, but subvert the fundamental principles 
 of a Christian church. It is time to evince to 
 the people committed to our charge the error 
 and the dangerous tendency of such sentiments, 
 and to show the duty and the necessity of ad- 
 hering to those institutions which Christ and his 
 apostles established.* 
 
 I would propose that the clergy now assem- 
 bled specify such pamphlets as shall appear 
 most useful for doctrinal information ; that a 
 sufficient number of copies be obtained for the 
 congregations generally ; that the respective 
 ministers be supplied in proportion to the extent 
 
 * In a late charge by the Bishop of Norwich, a 
 prelate distinguished for his learning and his piety, 
 speakmg of the constitution and use of the church 
 of Christ, he makes some observations which de- 
 serve the serious attention of all Christians. " Sal- 
 vation," says he, "is a gift of grace ; that is, it 
 is a free gift, to which we have no natural claim. 
 It is not to be conceived within ourselves, but to 
 be received, in consequence of our Christian call- 
 ing, from God himself, through the means of his 
 ordinances. These can no man administer to ef- 
 fect, but by God's own appointment ; at first by 
 his immediate appointment, and afterward by 
 succession and derivation from thence to the end 
 of the world. Without this rule we are open to 
 imposture, and can be sure of nothing ; we cannot 
 be sure 4;hat our ministry is effective, and that our 
 sacraments are realities. We are very sensible 
 the spirit of division will never admit this doc- 
 trine ; yet the spirit of charity must never part 
 with it. Writers and teachers who make it a 
 point to give no offence, treat these things very 
 tenderly ; but he who, in certain cases, gives men 
 no offence, will for that reason give them no in- 
 struction. Light itself is painful to weak eyes ; 
 but delightful to them when grown stronger, and 
 reconciled to it with use ; and he who was instru- 
 mental in bringing them to a more perfect state 
 of vision, though less acceptable at first, may yet, 
 for his real kindness, be more cordially thanked 
 afterward, than if he had made the ease and safe- 
 ty of his own person the measure of his duty." 
 
 In the same paragraph he further observes, 
 " We are informed that the hberties taken of late 
 years against the ministry of the church, have ter- 
 minated in an attempt to begin a spurious epis- 
 copacy, or an episcopacy without succession, in 
 America ; a particular account of the affair has 
 been published in a Life of Mr. John Wesley, and 
 the case appears to have been as reported. Mr. 
 Wesley, when questioned about this fact in his 
 lifetime, did not deny it, but pleaded necessity to 
 justify the measure (see Memoirs of the Rev. John 
 Wesley, by John Hampson) ; a fatal precedent, if 
 it should be followed. For if a presbyter can con- 
 secrate a bishop, we admit that a man may confer 
 a power of which he is not himself possessed ; 
 instead of ' the less being blessed of the greater,' 
 the ' greater is blessed of the less,' and the order of 
 all things inverted." 
 
 of their cures ; and that they distribute them to 
 the people, charging them only with the first 
 cost. 
 
 It is true, that sermons should occasionally be 
 delivered upon such doctrinal and institutional 
 topics as may appear most necessary for the in- 
 formation of congregations ; they would, no 
 doubt, when conducted without reflections upon 
 particular sects, have a good effect for the mo- 
 ment. But to produce that which shall be per- 
 manent, the same doctrine must be submitted 
 to private consideration and reiterated perusal. 
 
 Nor should our attention be confined to 
 pamphlets which respect merely the doctrines 
 or the institutions of our church. Devotional 
 tracts, such as would inspire and keep alive the 
 spirit of a warm but rational piety, are greatly 
 wanted. Let then such of this nature also be 
 dispersed, as the ministry may approve and rec- 
 ommend to their congregations. They would 
 not only be thus called to active piety, but se- 
 cured against the impressions which the appear- 
 ance of greater devotion and zeal in other sects 
 must always make upon the minds of the truly 
 religious. Many educated in the bosom of our 
 church desert it, not solely from a conviction of 
 errors in doctrine, but because the great bulk of 
 its members seem indifferent to religious exer- 
 cises. Another society is sought for, in which 
 the pious are countenanced and stimulated by 
 reciprocal example. Why can we not introduce 
 an equal attention to their religious duties 
 among the members of our own church, a con- 
 duct equally guarded and pious 1 It must be 
 done, or we shall have only the semblance of 
 religion among us. We have approached too 
 nearly to that verge already. Let us then en- 
 deavour to disseminate valuable devotional trea- 
 tises, and by all the means in our power recom- 
 mend and encourage, exhort and enforce, atten- 
 tion to them. 
 
 A third proposition I have to make is, that 
 we should endeavour to introduce family prayers 
 among the members of our church ; nothing, 
 we are persuaded, tends more to keep up a 
 sense of religion in the minds of men, than a 
 serious and constant performance of this neces- 
 sary duty. But it is more neglected in the 
 families who profess themselves to be of our 
 church, than in any other whatever. I would 
 therefore beseech you, with earnestness, to ex- 
 hort every housekeeper in your parishes, both 
 privately and publicly, to worship God daily in 
 their families. Among the poorer class, books 
 with proper forms should be distributed gratis, 
 or at as low a price as possible. I would not 
 propose that the clergy should be burdened with 
 this expense, but that the vestries should supply 
 such as the ministers may recommend. If also, 
 on particular days, as Sundays, when there may 
 be no pubhc service in our church sufficiently 
 convenient, families could be persuaded to in- 
 troduce their devotions with singing of psalms 
 or hymns, the practice would effectually revive 
 psalmody in our churches. Unless it originate 
 or prevail in families, our congregations will 
 never be brought to join generally in that essen- 
 tial and beautiful part of public worship. It is 
 
58 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 this circumstance which, in point of psalmody, 
 gives to the dissenting congregations such an 
 advantage over those of our church. 
 
 If the duty which I have mentioned could be 
 brought into general practice, and I cannot 
 doubt but the well-disposed might be easily led 
 to the constant performance of it, the happiest 
 change in our religious affairs would be the im- 
 mediate consequence ; the change would be 
 most important in a religious point of view, 
 which is ever the first consideration, and it 
 would also make an impression most favourable 
 to our church in the minds of all. 
 
 4th. I have only one more proposition to 
 make ; which is, that we should all consider the 
 interests of the church as a common cause, 
 which we are bound to support by every consid- 
 eration the most sacred. The ministers, in par- 
 ticular, should ever hold themselves related to 
 each other by a truly fraternal coimexion. A 
 general cause unites them ; but this union 
 should be cherished ; it should be a principle of 
 action ; it should animate the whole body, and 
 render the concerns of one the concerns of the 
 whole. But this principle, that it may be pro- 
 ductive of the beneficial effects we desire, sup- 
 poses necessarily the utmost purity in the order 
 to which we belong. It is essentially necessary, 
 then, that the preservation of the credit and 
 reputation of our order should be the constant 
 object of every minister. That confidence in 
 each other which should distinguish our society, 
 that disinterested love for the brotherhood, that 
 respect and estimation which it should have in 
 our own eyes, as well as those of the world, re- 
 quire, that every one should consider himself as 
 deeply interested in the conduct of every cler- 
 gyman. Without an entire purity, we cannot 
 have confidence ; without confidence, we cannot 
 act as one firm, united body, whose interests 
 and views are the same ; in short, as a phalanx, 
 whose strength depends upon the integrity of 
 all its parts. Without this union, this entire 
 consolidation of views and interests, success, as 
 a Christian sect, cannot be expected. Observe 
 what strength and firmness those sects are gain- 
 ing, by their prudent regulations of this kind, 
 whose views are certainly not friendly to the 
 prosperity of our church. To maintain even 
 the ground we now possess, we must adopt 
 measures equally prudent ; but to advance, to 
 recover a part of what we have lost, our system 
 must not only be wise and prudent, but it must 
 be pursued with a uniformity, with an undevi- 
 ating regularity, with a firmness and a constan- 
 cy, which no events can shake. It is time to 
 unite " the wisdom of the serpent with the in- 
 nocence of the dove." And it is fortunate that 
 these measures, which expediency may seem to 
 suggest, or particularly to require, are also sug- 
 gested by duty. 
 
 The promotion of true religion is our primary 
 duty; but, spHt as the Christian world is into par- 
 ties, we have also the interests of a sect to pro- 
 mote, in order to perform that primary duty. 
 For this purpose, we must have not only our 
 external, but internal regulations ; we must have 
 a line of conduct delineated, which, though it 
 
 will not admit of canonical injunction, still 
 should be systematically pursued by every min- 
 ister. The force of a uniform systematic con- 
 duct upon the humin mind, in every instance, is 
 almost irresistible. It carries individuals di- 
 rectly, or by the shortest route, to the object at 
 which they aim ; but when wisely conceived by 
 a body of men, they are rendered compact and 
 strong; their progress towards the attainment 
 of their end is constantly accelerated : but with- 
 out a system, a sect becomes a heap of sand, 
 unconnected and disunited, ready to be drifted 
 or blown about in any direction, by the first 
 wind which assails them. 
 
 Thus, my brethren, I have laid before you, as 
 briefly as I could, such observations as it ap- 
 peared to me were not unworthy of your atten- 
 tion : of that, however, you will judge. Their 
 object is to promote that holy religion whose 
 ministers we are, by reviving a spirit of true 
 piety, and by invigorating that attachment to 
 our church, which, through the want of proper 
 information, I fear has been too much relaxed 
 among most of our congregations. But let 
 those means which have been proposed be 
 adopted with a zeal becoming the greatest of all 
 objects, the salvation of souls ; or let any others, 
 which the wisdom of this assembly may prefer, 
 be adopted and pursued in the manner they 
 ought, and I doubt not, with the assistance of 
 divine grace, but that success will reward our 
 labours. Like the rebuilders of Jerusalem after 
 the captivity, we must, in the language of the 
 Prophet, " every one, with one of his hands, 
 work in the building ; with the other, hold a 
 weapon." With one hand we must build up 
 our people in the doctrine of piety and the 
 apostolic institutions of our church, while, with 
 the other, we must resist that spirit of prosely- 
 tism which is so unworthy of the followers of 
 Christ, but which will otherwise demolish as 
 fast as we build. In short, be it our duty in all 
 things "to show ourselves approved unto God, 
 as workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly 
 dividing the word of truth," " taking heed to 
 the ministry, which we have received in the 
 Lord, that we fulfil it." 
 
 Another proposition, which I confess I had 
 much at heart, I should have laid before this 
 Convention ; but its fate has, I fear, been already 
 determined ; I mean, an invitation to all sincere 
 Christians to unite with us in forming one 
 church, and in abolishing those dissensions 
 which are so contrary to our profession. There 
 is no one here present but must cordially wish 
 for such a union, provided it did not require a 
 sacrifice of those points which are deemed es- 
 sentials by our church ; from them we have not 
 the power to retreat. But in such matters as 
 are subject to human alteration, if, by a candid 
 discussion, they could be found capable of being 
 so modified as to remove the objections of any 
 sect of Christians who may be actuated by the 
 same catholic spirit, and thereby effect a union, 
 in that case, we should surely have reason to 
 rejoice, not only in the event, but also in being 
 the first to set an example to Christians which 
 it is the dijty of all to follow ; and in convincing 
 
I 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 59 
 
 them that there is infinitely more religion in not 
 contending, than in those things about which 
 they contend. There appear, however, so 
 many difficulties, so many obstacles to this 
 great work, in the opinion of those whose judg- 
 ment I much respect, that I do not mean to 
 take up your time by making a direct proposi- 
 tion upon it. But if any of the members here 
 present should be acquainted with circumstan- 
 ces which may justify a conclusion that those 
 apparent difficulties may be removed, or that 
 the end mentioned can be effected by any means 
 which have occurred to them, consistently with 
 the fundamental principles of our own church, 
 I doubt not but this Convention would gladly 
 hear both the one and the other. 
 
 You see, respected lay brethren, with what 
 difficulty the pastoral office is surrounded. 
 You see the weight of that burden we have to 
 support. But you see also that we are not dis- 
 mayed, but anxious to encounter those difficul- 
 ties, or support that burden, with a fortitude 
 and a faithfulness proportionate to their magni- 
 tude. It must be remembered, however, that 
 our success, next to the divine blessing, depends 
 upon the zealous assistance which the most re- 
 spectable lay members of the church in each 
 parish shall afford. Much indeed depends upon 
 your example ; upon the influence which the real 
 concern you discover for the prosperity of the 
 church must have upon the minds of the people 
 in general. Are you constant and exemplary in 
 your attendance upon divine worship 1 Are you 
 particularly observant of that excellent mode of 
 worship which our church has adopted 1 Do you 
 refrain from countenancing those teachers, the 
 validity of whose ministry the church does not 
 admit 1 Do you evince an earnest zeal for the 
 prosperity of our Zion 1 The example will be, 
 and, I am happy to say, is already, felt and fol- 
 lowed, wherever it is fortunately held forth to 
 public view. 
 
 Let me exhort you, brethren, be emulous in 
 setting such an example in your respective par- 
 ishes. Your pastors tremble at their insuffi- 
 ciency for their momentous undertaking. Be it 
 yours to lessen the burden of the ministerial 
 functions, by offices of affection, of kindness, and 
 respect. Be it yours ever to say, " If I forget 
 thee, O Zion, let my right hand forget her cun- 
 ning ; if I do not remember thee, let my tongue 
 cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not 
 Zion above my chief joy." 
 
 Bishop Madison reported the state of the 
 churches visited by him since the last Conven- 
 tion, and also laid before the Convention the 
 reports made to him by sundry visiters, which 
 reports were read, and ordered to lie on the table. 
 
 Dr. Bracken, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the returns of the sitting members, 
 reported. That the committee had, according to 
 order, examined the same, and found that the 
 returns from the following parishes, viz., An- 
 trim, Berkeley, Bristol, Bromfield, Bruton, Dale, 
 Frederick, Fredericksville, Henrico, Hungars, 
 James City, Kingston, King William, Lexing- 
 ton, Littleton, Manchester, Nottoway, St. An- 
 
 drews, St. Bride, St. David, St. George (Acco- 
 mack), St. James Northam, St. Margaret, St. 
 Martin, St. Paul (Hanover), St. Stephen, St. 
 Thomas, South Farnham, Southam, Washing- 
 ton, Westover, and York Hampton, were made 
 agreeably to the canons. 
 
 Dr. Bracken, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, 
 That the committee had, according to order, 
 examined the same, and found them justly and 
 fairly stated, and that there is a balance in his 
 hands of 139Z. 19s. Id. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That permission be 
 given to the Vestry and Trustees of the Parish 
 of St. George (Accomack) to sell the glebe in 
 the said parish, for the purpose of purchasing one 
 in a more eligible situation, provided it can be 
 done to the advantage of this church. 
 
 Ordered, That the treasurer pay to the dep- 
 uties to the late General Convention any bal- 
 ances which may be due to them on account of 
 their expenses in attending the said Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 The Convention, according to the order of the 
 day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole 
 Convention on the canons concerning vestries 
 and trustees, concerning conventions, &c., &c., 
 and after some time spent therein, Mr. President 
 resumed the chair, and Mr. Charles B. Jones 
 reported. That the committee had, according to 
 order, had the said canons under their consider- 
 ation, and had made several amendments there- 
 to, which were read by the secretary, and agreed 
 to by the Convention. 
 
 Ordered,That the said canons, with the amend- 
 ments, be engrossed, and read a third time. 
 
 The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock 
 to-morrow morning. 
 
 Saturday, May 4. 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning vestries and 
 trustees was read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, "A canon concerning vestries and 
 trustees." 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning conventions 
 was read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, " A canon concerning conventions." 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning presbyteries 
 was read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, " A canon concerning presbyteries." 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning bishops was 
 read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, "A canon concerning bishops." 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning the ordination 
 of priests and deacons, and their duties, was read 
 a third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, " A canon concerning the ordination 
 of priests and deacons, and their duties." 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning the induction 
 of ministers into parishes was read a third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, "A canon concerning the induction 
 of ministers into parishes." 
 
60 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning offences, and 
 the mode of proceeding against offending min- 
 isters, was read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, " A canon concerning offences, and 
 the mode of proceeding against offending min- 
 isters.". 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning the appoint- 
 ment and duties of a standing committee was 
 read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, " A canon concerning the appoint- 
 ment and duties of a standing committee." 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning the manner 
 of granting testimonials to citizens candidates 
 for parishes was read a third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon be rejected. 
 
 An engrossed canon concerning a treasurer 
 was read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, " A canon concerning a treasurer." 
 
 An engrossed canon rescinding certain ordi- 
 nances and canons was read the third time. 
 
 Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that 
 the title be, " A canon rescinding certain ordi- 
 nances and canons." 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. John Buchanan be 
 appointed treasurer for the ensuing year. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 several parishes within this commonwealth, to 
 send each the sum of fifteen dollars to the Rev. 
 Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first 
 Tuesday in May next, to be applied by the Con- 
 vention towards compensating the bishop for 
 his services, and expenses incurred in his visi- 
 tations, and to the general purposes of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this state. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be instructed 
 to send to the several visiters of districts a list 
 of the arrearages due from the parishes within 
 their respective districts, and that it be recom- 
 mended to the visiters to use their endeavours 
 to have the said arrearages collected and trans- 
 mitted to the treasurer. 
 
 Resolved, That the visitatorial districts con- 
 tinue as at present arranged. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Henry J. Burgess 
 be appointed visiter of District No. 2, in the 
 room of the Rev. George Gurley, who has re- 
 signed his parish ; the Rev. Charles Crawford, 
 visiter of District No. 7 ; the Rev. Thomas An- 
 drews, visiter of District No. 18, in the room of 
 the Rev. Thomas Davis, who has removed ; the 
 Rev. Robert Buchan, visiter of District No. 19 ; 
 the Rev. Thomas Davis, visiter of District No. 
 20, in the room of the Rev. Brian Fairfax, re- 
 signed ; and the Rev. James Thompson, visiter 
 of District No. 21, in the room of the Rev. James 
 Craig, infirm. 
 
 Resolved, That Samuel Shield, Robert An- 
 drews, Joseph Prentis, Cyrus Griffin, Joseph 
 Hornsby, and James Henderson, be appointed a 
 standing committee for the ensuing year. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to examine Mr. Overstreet, a candi- 
 date for holy orders, and report to the Conven- 
 tion whether, in their opimons, the dispensing 
 with the knowledge of the Latin and Greek lan- 
 
 guages in the examination of the said Mr. Over- 
 street before the bishop will be of use to the 
 church in this state ; and a committee was ap- 
 pointed of Dr. M'Croskey, Dr. Cameron, Mr. 
 Henderson, Mr. Balmain, and Mr. Buchanan. 
 
 A resolution of the last General Convention 
 having been communicated to the Convention, 
 which is in these words, " Resolved, That it be 
 made known to the several state Conventions, 
 that it is proposed to consider and determine, in 
 the next General Convention, on the propriety 
 of investing the House of Bishops with a full 
 negative upon the proceedings of the other 
 house ;" Resolved, unanimously, That the dep- 
 uties from the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 this state to the next General Convention, be 
 instructed to express the highest disapprobation 
 of this Convention respecting the investing of 
 the House of Bishops with such negative. 
 
 Resolved, That the said deputies be further 
 instructed to use their utmost endeavours to 
 obtain a repeal of the sixth additional canon 
 passed at the last General Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention proceed im- 
 mediately to the choice of two deputies to attend 
 any General Convention of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in the United States of America, 
 which may be called before the next meeting of 
 the Convention of the said church in this slate. 
 
 The Convention having accordingly balloted, 
 Mr. Crawford and Mr. M'Rae were appointed 
 a committee to examine the ballots ; who, having 
 withdrawn, after some time returned into the 
 Convention, and reported, That they had ex- 
 amined the same, and found the votes unani- 
 mously in favour of the Rev. Dr. Samuel S. 
 M'Croskey and Robert Andrews, Esq. 
 
 Resolved, That the sum of one hundred 
 pounds be allowed to the Right Rev. Dr. Madi- 
 son, for his services as bishop in this church 
 for the last year, and for expenses incurred in his 
 visitations, and that the treasurer pay the same. 
 
 The president signed the canons passed this 
 day. 
 
 Resolved, That 300 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed, under the inspection 
 of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; q^id that the bishop's 
 charge, the canons passed by this Convention, 
 the general constitution, and the general canons, 
 be annexed. 
 
 Dr. M'Croskey, from the committee appointed 
 to examine Mr. Overstreet, Reported, That the 
 committee found they should not have sufficient 
 time to examine into the qualifications of Mr. 
 Overstreet during the present session of Con- 
 vention ; and had therefore instructed him to 
 move that they should be discharged from pro- 
 ceeding further in the examination, which was 
 agreed to. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. M'Croskey be 
 requested to preach before the next Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be held 
 in the city of Richmond. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay five dollars 
 to the doorkeeper for his services. 
 
 The Convention adjourned. 
 
 Signed, James Madison, President. 
 Attest, RoBBBT Andbbws, Secretary. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 61 
 
 CANONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PROT- 
 ESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THIS STATE. 
 
 1. A Canon concerning Vestries and Trustees. 
 
 1. In each parish within the Commonwealth 
 of Virginia, there shall be triennially elected, on 
 Easter-Monday, if fair, otherwise on the next 
 fair day, at some convenient place (of which 
 due notice shall be given), by the freeholders 
 and housekeepers who are members of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church within such parish, 
 and regularly contribute to the support of the 
 minister, where there is one, and to the com- 
 mon exigences of the church within the parish, 
 twelve of the most able and discreet men of 
 their society, of the above description and quali- 
 fications, to be a vestry for such parish, and 
 trustees of their property for the three succeed- 
 ing years. Intermediate vacancies occasioned 
 by death, removal, or resignation, shall be filled 
 by the remaining vestrymen and trustees, and 
 those so chosen shall have power to act until 
 the time of the next general election ; the first 
 general election shall be in the year of our Lord 
 1796. 
 
 2. Every vestryman shall, before he acts in 
 office, subscribe in the vestry-book of his parish 
 to be conformable to the doctrine, discipline, 
 and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the United States of America, and to the 
 orders and canons of the said church in this 
 state. 
 
 3. Each vestry, at their first meeting after 
 their election, shall choose two of their members 
 to be church- wardens, who shall superintend 
 the next general election of vestrymen, judge 
 of the qualifications of voters, and certify the 
 names of the persons chosen. They shall be 
 considered as the acting part of the vestry, and 
 shall see that the orders and resolutions of the 
 vestry be carried into execution. 
 
 4. In case of the nonattendance of the church- 
 wardens at an election of vestrymen and trustees 
 in any parish, the minister, or, if he be absent, or 
 if there be no minister in the parish, any two 
 vestrymen, or if there be no vestrymen present, 
 any two reputable inhabitants of the parish, who 
 are members of this church, may be appointed 
 to superintend the election. 
 
 5. If any person elected a vestryman and 
 trustee shall neglect or refuse to attend two 
 successive meetings of the body, having had 
 due notice thereof, he may be considered as 
 having vacated his office ; and the remaining 
 vestrymen and trustees may elect into his place 
 some other able and discreet man of their so- 
 ciety. 
 
 6. In any parishes which have neglected to 
 elect vestries and trustees agreeably to the ordi- 
 nances heretofore in force, or which shall here- 
 after neglect to make such election as herein 
 directed, the members of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church within such parishes may, at any 
 time afterward within six months, elect vestries 
 and trustees in the manner herein directed. 
 And in all cases where elections have not been 
 held, or shall not be held, at the periods fixed 
 for general elections, the former vestries and 
 
 trustees shall continue to act until elections 
 shall be held as hereby directed ; or, if no elec- 
 tions shall he held, until a future Convention 
 shall take some order in the matter. Provided 
 nevertheless, That where any parish which had 
 failed to elect vestrymen and trustees at the 
 time appointed for a general election, hath since 
 elected the same, such election is hereby decla- 
 red to be valid. 
 
 7. The vestries respectively, with the min- 
 ister, where there is one, shall hold and enjoy 
 all glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and 
 other property now belonging or hereafter ac- 
 cruing to the Protestant Episcopal Church within 
 their respective parishes, as trustees for the 
 benefit of the society ; and may improve or 
 demise the lands during the vacancy of a min- 
 ister, but may not demise lands allowed for the 
 minister's habitation or use, without his con- 
 sent. They may also use, improve, or dispose 
 of all personal property, and the produce, rents, 
 and profits of lands and buildings (not appropri- 
 ated for the minister) belonging to this church, 
 for the benefit of the society in erecting or re- 
 pairing churches, glebe-houses, or otherwise ; 
 and may make such rules and orders for mana- 
 ging the temporal aflfairs and concerns of the 
 church (not contrary to nor inconsistent with 
 the rules and orders of Convention) within their 
 respective parishes, as they shall think most 
 conducive to its interest and prosperity, and for 
 carrying into execution the orders and canons 
 for government and discipline, or other spiritual 
 purposes, which shall be framed by this or any 
 future Convention. They shall have the sole 
 power of directing the payment of money be- 
 longing to the church within their respective 
 parishes, and of appointing a clerk, and such 
 other officers of the church as they shall think 
 proper, and of removing them when they shall 
 see cause. All their proceedings shall be fairly 
 entered in a book to be kept for that purpose. 
 
 8. A meeting of the body, to be called by the 
 minister, or, if he be absent, or in case of a 
 vacancy, by the church-wardens, or by a church- 
 warden, if but one within the parish, or by any 
 two vestrymen, if there be no minister or church- 
 warden, shall be had as often as may be neces- 
 sary. In these meetings, the minister shall have 
 a vote equal to, and not greater than, a vestry- 
 man, in all questions except for the demise of 
 the glebe-lands assigned for his residence or 
 use, in which he shall have a negative. Seven 
 members shall be sufficient to constitute a meet- 
 ing ; and all questions shall be decided by a 
 majority of those present. Provided always, 
 That in the induction of a minister, and in grant- 
 ing testimonials to candidates for orders, the 
 votes of six members at least shall be neces- 
 sary. 
 
 9. If any minister of a parish shall neglect or 
 refuse to call a meeting of the vestry, when re- 
 quested by two or more vestrymen, the church- 
 wardens, or church-warden, if but one within the 
 parish, may call a meeting ; or if there be no 
 church-warden, or if the church-wardens or 
 church-warden neglect or refuse when req^uested, 
 any two vestrymen may call a meeting. 
 
62 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 10. No sale of that kind of property which 
 may be considered as principal or stock, belong- 
 ing to this church in any parish, shall be made 
 without the consent of the Convention. 
 
 2. A Canon concerning Conventions. 
 
 1. There shall be a Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this commonwealth 
 on the first Tuesday of May in every year, 
 in such place as shall be agreed on by the 
 Convention. A Convention shall consist of 
 two deputies from each parish, of whom the 
 minister shall be one, if there be a minister, and 
 the other shall be a layman, to be annually 
 chosen by the vestry. If there be no minister 
 in any parish, two lay deputies shall be chosen. 
 Twenty-five deputies, thus qualified or appointed, 
 shall be a Convention ; provided always, that 
 if a sufficient number to form a Convention shall 
 not attend on any day, any five members then 
 assembled shall have power to adjourn. 
 
 2. Special Conventions may be called at other 
 times, in the manner hereafter to be provided 
 for. 
 
 3. Each member shall, on taking his seat, 
 deHver in to the secretary of the Convention a 
 testimonial of his being regularly qualified or 
 appointed, signed by one or both of the church- 
 wardens, or by the clerk of the vestry, of the 
 parish he represents. 
 
 4. A person shall preside in Convention with 
 the name of president, who shall always be a 
 bishop, when there is one present properly con- 
 secrated and settled in the church. If there be 
 no bishop present, the Convention shall appoint 
 some other member of their body president. 
 If there be more bishops than one in Conven- 
 tion, they shall have the right of presiding in 
 rotation. 
 
 5. A secretary shall be appointed by the 
 Convention, who shall continue in office during 
 good behaviour. He shall keep a record of their 
 acts and proceedings, and have the custody of 
 the records, so long as he shall continue in 
 office. 
 
 6. The Convention shall establish standing 
 rules for the preservation of decorum, and the 
 orderly management of business. 
 
 7. Conventions shall regulate all the religious 
 concerns of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 within this state, its doctrines, discipline, and 
 worship, and institute such rules and regulations 
 as they may judge necessary for the good gov- 
 ernment thereof, and the same revoke and alter 
 at their pleasure. Provided always, That the 
 powers hereby declared shall not be so con- 
 strued as to affect any powers exclusively vest- 
 ed in the General Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the United States of 
 America. 
 
 8. All questions before the Convention shall 
 be determined by a majority of votes. 
 
 3. A Canon concerning Presbyteries. 
 
 1. The clergy of the several neighbouring 
 parishes, not less than three nor more than ten, 
 shall assemble in presbytery annually, on some 
 Monday in April, and at other times, if thereto 
 
 required, at some convenient place in the dis- 
 trict. The arrangement of the parishes into 
 districts for this purpose shall be by the Con- 
 vention, who shall also appoint in each district 
 one of the said ministers, to preside at their 
 meetings with the title of visiter. The visiter 
 shall name the place and time of meeting of the 
 presbyteries ; shall annually visit each parish in 
 his district ; shall attend to and inspect the morals 
 and conduct of the clergy ; shall see that the 
 canons and rules of the church are observed and 
 practised ; shall admonish and reprove privately 
 those clergymen who are negligent or act in an 
 unbecoming manner ; and shall report yearly to 
 the bishop, if there be one, or if there be no 
 bishop, to the next Convention, the state of each 
 parish in his district. 
 
 2. It shall be the business of the presbytery, 
 when assembled, to instruct and examine candi- 
 dates for holy orders within their respective dis- 
 tricts, to prescribe to them a thesis or text, and 
 give them proper directions for composing a 
 discourse on the same. And it shall be the 
 duty of every candidate for holy orders to make 
 application to the presbytery of his district for 
 such instruction and examination. 
 
 4. A Canon concerning Bishops. 
 
 1. Every person to officiate as a bishop of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this state, shall 
 be nominated to that office by the Convention ; 
 and, having received episcopal consecration, 
 shall, before he enters on his office, subscribe 
 to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and wor- 
 ship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
 United States of America, and to the orders and 
 canons of the said church in this state. 
 
 2. Every bishop, after his promotion to the 
 episcopal order, may continue to hold a parish, 
 and to do the duty of a parish minister, except 
 when he is necessarily employed in the discharge 
 of his episcopal office. 
 
 3. No bishop shall inflict any censure on, or 
 exercise any power over, the clergy under his 
 inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the 
 laws and institutions of this church made in 
 Convention. 
 
 4. Bishops, after every visitation, shall report 
 the state of the church in the different parishes 
 to the Convention. 
 
 5. Bishops shall have power to call special 
 meetings of the Convention ; to grant testi- 
 monials to all persons who are candidates for 
 parishes, and who are not citizens of this state ; 
 to make such representations on behalf of this 
 church, as may from time to time be expedient ; 
 to give advice on difficulties propounded to them 
 concerning this church during the recess of 
 Convention ; and to correspond with any society 
 or societies of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in these United States, on any matters relating 
 to this church, which several powers shall be 
 exercised only with advice of the standing com- 
 mittee. 
 
 6. Bishops shall be amenable to the Conven- 
 tion, who shall b.e a court to try them, from 
 which there shall be no appeal. On all such 
 occasions, a bishop shall preside. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 63 
 
 7. All accusations against a bishop, as such, 
 shall be on oalh ; but no accusation against a 
 bishop shall be received unless three respectable 
 persons join in the complaint. All complaints 
 against a bishop shall be lodged with the stand- 
 ing committee ; and a copy of the charge or 
 charges to be brought against him shall be com- 
 municated to him in writing, at least two months 
 before the trial. Counsel may be employed on 
 both sides, and none but viva voce evidence shall 
 be admitted 
 
 8. If a complaint be against a bishop, as a 
 minister of a parish, it may be brought as is 
 directed in the canon concerning offences and 
 the mode of proceeding against offending min- 
 isters, except that the complaint shall be made 
 to the standing committee ; and the subsequent 
 proceedings thereon shall be before the Conven- 
 tion ; and in like manner, as herein prescribed, 
 where the complaint is made against him as a 
 bishop. 
 
 9. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con- 
 duct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules 
 and canons of the church, or taking a bribe, to 
 grant either ordination or a recommendation 
 for a vacant parish, shall be considered as of- 
 fences in a bishop for which he may be brought 
 to trial ; and on being convicted of any of these, 
 he shall be reproved, suspended, or degraded. 
 
 6. A Canon concerning the Ordination of 
 Priests and Deacons, and their Duties. 
 
 1. Every person to be ordained priest or 
 deacon by any bishop of this church, shall pro- 
 duce such testimonials of his good morals and 
 orderly conduct as are required by the canons 
 of the General Convention, from the clergy as- 
 sembled in the district where he for some time 
 last resided, and from the vestry of the parish 
 where he last lived, provided there be in the 
 district a sufficient number of clergymen to form 
 a presbytery ; otherwise a testimonial from the 
 minister and vestry of his parish, or from the 
 vestry alone, if the parish be vacant, shall be 
 deemed sufficient : Provided also, That the can- 
 didate is not an inhabitant of some other state, 
 and intended to minister in some parish or con- 
 gregation in a neighbouring state. No person 
 shall be ordained until due examination had by 
 the bishop and two priests. 
 
 2. Ministers shall, at their churches and othter 
 convenient places, instruct children, and such 
 ignorant persons as may require it, in their 
 catechism, and the principles of the Christian 
 religion as maintained by this church ; pro- 
 vided that this duty may be dispensed with 
 during the inclement winter months. They 
 shall also explain the nature of confirmation, 
 and instruct and prepare their parishioners 
 for it. 
 
 3. Ministers shall wear a surplice during the 
 time of prayer at public worship, in places where 
 they are provided ; shall wear gowns when they 
 preach, where they conveniently can ; and shall 
 at all times wear apparel suitable to the gravity 
 of their profession. 
 
 4. Ministers may encourage people to as- 
 semble together in small societies at convenient 
 
 times for their edification, and may visit, super- 
 intend, and instruct such societies at their meet- 
 ings ; provided they shall not do it to the en- 
 couragement of idleness, or to the injury of pri- 
 vate families. 
 
 5. Ministers officiating in this church, whether 
 bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach once 
 at least on every Lord's day, and at other stated 
 seasons, unless prevented by some sufficient 
 cause. They may, at their discretion, preach 
 also at other times, when opportunities shall 
 offer of edifying the church. Bishops and priests 
 shall administer the sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper at least four times in the year at each 
 church or place of worship in their respective 
 parishes, and shall visit the sick when called 
 on for that purpose. Deacons as well as priests 
 shall baptize ; and may solemnize marriages, 
 and assist in administering the sacrament of the 
 Lord's Supper, but they shall not consecrate 
 the elements. 
 
 6. A Canon concerning the Induction of Min- 
 isters into Parishes. 
 
 1. The right of presentation, or appointing 
 ministers to serve in the parishes, shall continue 
 in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its 
 own minister. 
 
 2. No minister shall be received into a parish 
 who does not first produce to the vestry satis- 
 factory testimonials of his morals, conduct, and 
 conversation, from the person or persons ap- 
 pointed by the Convention to inquire into such 
 matters, and grant such testimonials. 
 
 3. No person shall be received into any parish 
 within this commonwealth as a minister, unless 
 he first produce to the vestry sufficient testi- 
 monials of his having been regularly ordained a 
 priest or deacon by some Protestant bishop, and 
 of having taken the oath of allegiance to this 
 commonwealth, and subscribe to be conformable 
 to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States 
 of America, and to the orders and canons of the 
 said church in this state ; nor until he shall have 
 entered into a contract in writing with the vestry 
 or trustees on behalf of the society within such 
 parish, by which it shall be stipulated and de- 
 clared, that he holds the appointment subject to 
 removal, agreeably to the rules and canons of the 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in this state. Provided, That any person who 
 hath been ordained by a bishop of the Church 
 of Rome may also be received as a minister, 
 who shall produce satisfactory testimonials re- 
 specting his ordination, morals, and conduct, 
 take the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid. 
 
 4. No minister shall be allowed to hold more 
 than one parish at the same time. Neverthe- 
 less, a minister may, if called thereto by the 
 vestry, preach in a neighbouring parish or par- 
 ishes during a vacancy therein ; and may re- 
 ceive a compensation for his services, provided 
 he has the consent of his own vestry, and does 
 not neglect the duties of his parish. 
 
 5. Every minister shall reside within his parish, 
 unless a majority of his vestry shall agree to 
 dispense with his residence, and shall at no 
 
64 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1793. 
 
 time leave it for more than one month without 
 the consent of the said vestry. 
 
 6. No person having deacon's orders only 
 shall be allowed as such to hold a parish, after 
 he hath officiated eighteen months as a deacon, 
 and attained the age of twenty-five years. 
 
 7. A Canon concerning Offences, and the mode 
 of proceeding against offending Ministers. 
 
 1. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con- 
 duct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules 
 and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to 
 recommend either for ordination or a parish, are 
 offences for which a minister, whether beneficed 
 or not, may be brought to trial. 
 
 2. District courts shall be instituted to ex- 
 amine into and decide on complaints exhibited 
 against ministers, which courts shall be com- 
 posed of one clergyman and one vestryman from 
 each parish of the district in which the accused 
 minister resides, the parish excepted to which 
 the accused minister belongs, or in which he re- 
 sides. The appointment of the vestrymen shall 
 be by their respective vestries, and by lot. The 
 visiter of the district shall preside, unless he be 
 the accuser or the accused person ; in either of 
 which cases, the oldest clergyman in orders 
 shall be the president. Provided nevertheless, 
 That where the number of settled clergymen in 
 the district be less than two, the president shall 
 call for a clergyman from a neighbouring dis- 
 trict. And moreover, if, when the court as- 
 sembles, the number of vestrymen shall be found 
 to exceed the number of clergymen present, so 
 many vestrymen shall be withdrawn by lot as 
 shall be necessary to equahze the numbers of 
 the two orders. 
 
 3 Any number of members not less than 
 three, two of whom shall be clergymen, shall be 
 sufficient to constitute a court. 
 
 4. Complaints against a minister shall be on 
 oath, and directed to the visiter of the district 
 in which the accused minister resides ; or, where 
 there is no visiter, or where the visiter exhibits 
 the complaint, or is the person accused, to a 
 member of the presbytery in the said district. 
 The visiter, or member of the presbytery, as the 
 case may be, shall forthwith appoint a convenient 
 time and place for the trial within the. parish 
 where the accused minister officiates or resides, 
 and shall take care that the members who are 
 to compose the court may have timely informa- 
 tion thereof The courts shall appoint their 
 clerks occasionally for such trials ; and no ves- 
 tryman shall sit on the trial of an accused min- 
 ister belonging to or residing in the parish to 
 which such vestryman belongs. 
 
 6. In every complaint the offence or offences 
 shall be stated, and the accused minister shall 
 be furnished with a copy of the charges brought 
 against him, and with notice of his intended 
 trial, at least one month before the trial. 
 
 6. The visiter, or person to whom the com- 
 plaint shall be made, shall cite the accused 
 minister before the appointed court, which shall, 
 unless the person accused is prevented from at- 
 tending by sickness, proceed to the trial. Viva 
 voce evidence shall only be admitted, and that 
 
 upon oath ; and counsel may be employed on 
 both sides. 
 
 7. If the court shall be of opinion that the ac- 
 cused minister is guilty of the charge or charges 
 brought against him, or of any of them, they 
 shall proceed to pass sentence, which shall be 
 none other than reproof or suspension. 
 
 8. In all cases where the court shall be of 
 opinion that the offence deserves suspension, 
 they shall take the depositions of witnesses, and 
 shall without delay report their proceedings and 
 the depositions to the bishop ; or, if there be no 
 bishop of the church in this state, to the chair- 
 man of the standing committee ; and the bishop, 
 with the standing committee, or, if there be no 
 bishop, the standing committee, or a majority 
 of them in either case, shall be, and are hereby 
 constituted and appointed a court, in the last 
 resort, to try the offender. If, on considering 
 the case, they do not acquit him, they shall 
 either confirm the sentence of the district court, 
 or pass such other sentence as a majority of 
 them shall think the offence deserves, which 
 shall be either reproof or degradation. Pro- 
 vided always, That if there be no bishop of this 
 church settled in the state, and the offences for 
 which any minister may be suspended by a dis- 
 trict court shall appear to the standing com- 
 mittee to merit the punishment of degradation, 
 the standing committee shall not in that case 
 pronounce sentence of degradation, but shall 
 request the attendance of any bishop of this 
 church in a neighbouring state, who shall, on 
 the trial and in pronouncing sentence, be vested 
 with as full and ample powers as a bishop of 
 this church settled in the state would have. 
 
 9. If a minister, while under the sentence 
 of suspension, shall nevertheless continue to 
 execute the functions of the clerical office, on 
 satisfactory proof thereof being made to the 
 bishop, or standing committee, if there be no 
 bishop, the sentence of degradation shall be 
 passed on him. 
 
 8. A Canon concerning the Appointment and 
 Duties of a Standing Committee. 
 
 1. A standing committee, consisting of six 
 persons, shall be annually appointed by the Con- 
 vention. They shall be considered in office 
 from the end of the session of the Convention 
 in which they are appointed, and shall continue 
 in office until the end of the next annual session 
 of Convention. Any four of them shall be a 
 sufficient number to do business. 
 
 2. The standing committee shall have power, 
 when there is no bishop of this church settled 
 in this state, to call meetings of the Convention 
 when they shall think them necessary ; to grant 
 testimonials to all persons candidates for par- 
 ishes, and not citizens of this state, who may 
 apply for the same ; to make such representa- 
 tions on behalf of the church as may from time 
 to time be expedient ; to give advice on diffi- 
 culties propounded to them concerning the 
 church during the recess of Convention ; to 
 correspond with any society or societies of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in these United 
 States, on any matters relating to the church ; 
 
CONVENTION OF 1794. 
 
 65 
 
 and to do all other things assigned to them by 
 the rules and canons of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the United States of America passed 
 in General Convention, or in Convention of the 
 said church in this state. 
 
 9. A Canon concerning a Treasurer. 
 
 1. There shall be appointed annually by the 
 Convention a treasurer of this church in this state, 
 who shall be a man of good character and respon- 
 sibility. He shall be removable at the pleasure 
 of the Convention ; but, unless so removed, shall 
 continue in office until the end of the next annual 
 session of a Convention after his appointment. 
 
 2. He shall keep a fair and exact account of 
 all moneys received and paid away by him ; and 
 shall lay before the Convention annually, or 
 oftener if thereto required, a full and accurate 
 statement of his accounts. He shall pay no 
 
 money but by direction of the Convention, and 
 shall in all things relating to his office conform 
 to their orders and regulations. For his services 
 he shall be allowed a compensation of five per 
 cent, on all moneys received by him. 
 
 10. A Canon rescinding certain Ordinances and 
 Canons. 
 
 1. Whereas a general code of canons for the 
 regulation and government of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in this state has been framed 
 by this present Convention, all ordinances and 
 canons in force prior to the meeting of this Con- 
 vention shall be, and they are hereby rescinded. 
 Provided nevertheless. That nothing in this 
 canon shall be construed to afiect any rights, 
 remedies, forfeitures, or penalties, which have 
 accrued, been vested, or incurred, prior to the 
 passing of this canon. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the 
 
 City of Richmond, May Qth, 1794. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Parishes. 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 
 Abingdon, 
 
 
 Warner Lewis. 
 
 Bristol, 
 
 Andrew Syme. 
 
 G. K. Taylor. 
 
 Bruton, 
 
 
 Robert Andrews. 
 
 Christ Church (Lancaster), 
 
 
 5 Raleigh W. Downman, 
 I W. Eustace. 
 
 Dale, 
 
 Needier Robinson. 
 
 
 Frederick, 
 
 Alexander Balmain. 
 
 
 Fredericksville, 
 
 Matthew Maury. 
 
 Reuben Lindsay. 
 
 Henrico, 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 
 William Foushee. 
 
 James City, 
 
 James Madison (P. and B.). 
 
 William Browne. 
 
 King William, 
 
 
 John Harris. ^ 
 
 Littleton, 
 
 
 James Deane. 
 
 Manchester, 
 
 William Cameron. 
 
 David Patteson. 
 
 Martin's Brandon, 
 
 John J. Spooner. 
 
 
 Nottoway, 
 
 John Cameron. 
 
 Robt. Fitzgerald. 
 
 St. Andrews, 
 
 
 W. E. Broadnax. 
 
 St. David, 
 
 
 Joseph Gwatney.i 
 
 St. George (Accomack), 
 
 Cave Jones. 
 
 
 St. John, 
 
 James Price. 
 
 Drury Ragsdale. 
 
 St. Paul (Hanover), 
 
 
 Thomas Tinsley, John (Jarland. 
 
 York Hampton, 
 
 James Henderson. 
 
 Hugh Nelson. 
 
 The Rev. Sewall Chapin and Samuel Tyler, Esqrs., from the parish of Westover, arrived on 
 the second day too late to take their seats in Convention. 
 
 On Tuesday, the sixth day of May, in the 
 year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred 
 and ninety-four, being the day appointed for the 
 meeting of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the commonwealth of Vir- 
 ginia, a sufficient number of members to pro- 
 ceed on business having convened, 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Madison took his seat 
 as President of the Convention. 
 
 Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary 
 of the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the returns of the sitting members, and 
 to report thereon : And a committee was ap- 
 pointed of Mr. Nelson, Mr. Patterson, Rev, Mr, 
 J. Cameron, and Rev. Mr. Maury. 
 
 A motion being made by Mr. Nelson, and sec- 
 
 onded by Mr. Patteson, that the Convention 
 come to this resolution. Resolved, That a com- 
 mittee be appointed to inquire into the proceed- 
 ings of all the Conventions of the church within 
 the state, since the repeal of the law incorpora- 
 ting the church, as well as into the proceedings 
 of the several General Conventions, and to make 
 report, with their opinion thereon, to this Con- 
 vention, the resolution was read by the sec- 
 retary. 
 
 Ordered, That the said resolution Ue on the 
 table. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts : And a com- 
 mittee was appointed of Mr. Patteson, Rev. Mr. 
 W. Cameron, Rev. Mr. Balmain, and Mr. Lind- 
 say. 
 
66 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1794. 
 
 A letter from the Rev. John H. Saunders, ad- 
 dressed to the president, was laid before the 
 Convention and read ; whereupon the Conven- 
 tion came to the following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the mode of communicating, 
 by letter, sentiments on subjects proper for the 
 discussion of the Convention, is irregular in in- 
 dividual members of the church. 
 
 Papers from the parishes of James City and 
 Blisland, recommending Mr. Benjamin Brown 
 for holy orders, and that examination in the 
 Latin and Greek languages might be dispensed 
 with, were read, and ordered to be referred to a 
 committee, consisting of Mr. Brown, Rev. Mr. 
 J. Cameron, Rev. Mr. Maury, Mr. Garland, and 
 Rev. Mr. Henderson. 
 
 Papers from Accomack parish to the same 
 effect in favour of Mr. Isaac Foster were read, 
 and ordered to be referred to the same commit- 
 tee. 
 
 The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock 
 to-morrow morning. 
 
 Wednesday, May 7. 
 
 Mr. Brown, from the committee appointed to 
 examine the papers relative to Mr. Benjamin 
 Brown and Mr. Isaac Foster, reported. That the 
 committee had, according to order, examined 
 the same, and had come to a resolution thereon, 
 which was read, and agreed to by two thirds of 
 the Convention, as follows : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com- 
 mittee, that the dispensing with the knowledge 
 of the Greek and Latin languages in the exam- 
 ination of the said Mr. Benjamin Brown and 
 Mr. Isaac Foster for holy orders, may be of ad- 
 vantage to the Episcopal Church in this state. 
 
 Mr. Nelson, from the committee appointed to 
 examine the returns of the sitting members, re- 
 ported. That the committee had, according to 
 order, examined the same, and had found that 
 the returns from the following parishes, viz., 
 Abingdon, Bristol, Bruton, Christ Church (Lan- 
 caster), Dale, Frederick, Fredericksville, Hen- 
 rico, James City, King William, Littleton, Man- 
 chester, Martin's Brandon, Nottoway, St. An- 
 drews, St. David, St. George (Accomack), St. 
 John, St. Paul (Hanover), and York Hampton, 
 were made agreeably to the canon. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention proceed by 
 ballot to the choice of two deputies to attend 
 any General Convention of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in the United States of America, 
 which may meet before the next meeting of the 
 Convention of the said church in this state. 
 
 The Convention having accordingly balloted, 
 Mr. Foushee and Mr. Henderson were appoint- 
 ed a committee to examine the ballots ; who, 
 having withdrawn, after some time returned into 
 the Convention, and reported, That they had 
 found a majority of the votes of the whole Con- 
 vftntion in favour of the Rev. Dr. Samuel S. 
 M'Croskey and Robert Andrews, Esqrs. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the deputies to 
 the next General Convention from the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church in this state be instructed 
 to express the highest disapprobation of this 
 Convention, respecting the investing of the 
 
 House of Bishops with a full negative upon th« 
 proceedings of thr- House of Deputies. 
 
 Resolved, That the said deputies be also m- 
 structed to use their endeavours to have the 
 sixth additional canon, passed at the last Gen- 
 eral Convention, so amended as to vest the war- 
 dens, vestrymen, or trustees of any parish, with 
 the power of granting permission to any clergy- 
 man of this church to preach or read prayers in 
 the churches under their care, whenever they 
 shall be of opinion that the interests of religion 
 will be thereby promoted. 
 
 Bishop Madison reported the state of the 
 churches visited by him since the last Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 Mr. Balmain, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, 
 That the comniittee had, according to order, ex- 
 amined the same, and found them justly and 
 fairly stated : and that there is in his hands a 
 balance of 871. 18s. ii^d. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do 
 pass. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. John Buchanan be 
 appointed treasurer for the ensuing year. 
 
 Resolved, That Samuel Shield, Robert An- 
 drews, Joseph Prentis, Cyrus Griffin, Joseph 
 Hornsby, and James Henderson, be appointed a 
 standing committee for the ensuing year. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 several parishes within this commonwealth to 
 send each the sum of fifteen dollars to the 
 Rev. Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, in the city of 
 Richmond, on or before the first Tuesday in 
 May next, to be applied by the Convention to- 
 wards compensating the bishop for his services, 
 and expenses incurred in his visitations, and to 
 the general purposes of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in this state. 
 
 Resolved, That the visiters of districts be 
 requested to use their endeavours to have the 
 arrearages due from the parishes within their 
 respective districts collected and transmitted to 
 the treasurer. 
 
 Resolved, That the sum of one hundred 
 pounds be allowed to the Right Rev. Dr. Mad- 
 ison for his services as bishop of this church for 
 the last year, and for expenses incurred in his 
 visitations, and that the treasurer pay the same. 
 
 Resolved, That the inhabitants of Tillotson 
 parish qualified by the canons to vote for ves- 
 trymen and trustees, be empowered to elect the 
 same on any day before the first day of January, 
 1795, in the manner prescribed by the canon 
 concerning vestries and trustees. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Needier Robinson 
 be appointed visiter of District No. 3, in the 
 room of the Rev. John Cameron, who has left 
 the said district. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Needier Robinson 
 be requested to preach before the next Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be 
 directed to address the members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in .he different par- 
 ishes of this state, through their ministers, or 
 vestries, where there are no ministers, on the 
 situation of the church, and the necessity ol 
 
CONVENTION OF 1796. 
 
 67 
 
 complying with the requisitions of the Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention meet in 
 the city of Richmond. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay twenty shil- 
 lings to the doorkeeper for his services. 
 
 Resolved, That 200 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed, under the inspection 
 of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan. 
 The Convention adjourned. 
 
 Signed, James Madison, President. 
 Attest, RoBT. Andksws, Secretary. 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1795. 
 A copy of the journals of this Convention could not be found. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the Capitol in 
 the City of Richmond, May 3d, 1796. 
 
 A List of the Members of tlie Convention. 
 
 Parishes. 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 
 Amherst, 
 
 William Crawford. 
 
 Joseph Shelton. 
 
 Antrim, 
 
 Alexand r Hay. 
 
 
 Berkeley, 
 
 Hugh C. Boggs. 
 
 Edward Herndon. 
 
 BUsland, 
 
 
 Burwell Bassett. 
 
 Botetourt, 
 
 Samuel Gray. 
 
 
 Bristol, 
 
 Andrew Syme. 
 
 Alexander M'Rae. 
 
 Bruton, 
 
 John Bracken. 
 
 Robt. Andrews. 
 
 Christ Church, 
 
 Daniel M'Naughton. 
 
 James Ball. 
 
 Cumberland, 
 
 John Cameron. 
 
 Christopher Robertson, 
 
 Dale, 
 
 Needier Robinson. 
 
 
 Elizabeth City, 
 
 John Jones Spooner. 
 
 
 Frederick, 
 
 Alexander Ba main. 
 
 James Wood. 
 
 Fredericksville, 
 
 Matthew Maury. 
 
 John Walker. 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 
 ; Aaron Thornley, 
 1 Peter JetU 
 
 Hardy, 
 
 John H. Reynolds. 
 
 
 Henrico, 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 
 
 Hungars, 
 
 Sam. S. M'Croskey. 
 
 Nathaniel Darby. 
 
 James City, 
 
 Jas. Madison (B. & P.). 
 
 John Ambler. 
 
 Manchester, 
 
 
 David Patteson. 
 
 St. Andrew, 
 
 - 
 
 < John Dunn, 
 
 I Charles B. Jones. 
 
 St. Asaph, 
 
 George Spierin. 
 
 John Woolfolk. 
 
 St David, 
 
 
 < Thomas Fox, 
 \ WUliam Dabney. 
 
 St. George (Ac), 
 
 Cave Jones. 
 
 John Reid. 
 
 St. George (Sp.), 
 
 James Stephenson. 
 
 William Lovell. 
 
 St. James Northam, 
 
 
 Archibald Bryce. 
 
 St. Mark, 
 
 John Woodville. 
 
 Robt. Slaughter, jr. 
 
 St. Martin (Ha.), 
 
 Peter Nelson. 
 
 p J 
 
 St. Paul (do.), 
 
 
 < Thomas Tinsley, 
 ( John Rowe. 
 
 St. Stephen (K. & Q.), 
 
 
 ( Thomas Hill, 
 \ William Fleet. 
 
 St. Stephen (Nor.), 
 
 John Seward. 
 
 Abraham Beacham. 
 
 Shelburne, 
 
 Alex. M'Farland. 
 
 
 Southam, 
 
 
 Brett Randolph. 
 WiUiam Hall. 
 
 Ware, 
 
 Elkanah Talley. 
 
 Washington, 
 
 Jdin O'Donnell. 
 
 Daniel M'Oarty. 
 
 Westover, 
 
 Sewall Chapin. 
 
 
 Wicomico, 
 
 
 ( Hopkins Hardy, 
 \ Tho. Hurst. 
 
 York Hampton, 
 
 
 Thomas GrifBn. 
 
 On Tuesday, the third day of May, in 
 the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
 hundred and ninety-six, being the day ap- 
 pointed for the annual meeting of the Con- 
 vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the State of Virginia, a sufficient num- 
 
 Ea 
 
 ber of members to proceed on business having 
 convened. 
 
 The Right Reverend Bishop Madison took 
 his seat as President of the Convention. 
 
 Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary 
 to the Convention. 
 
68 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1796. 
 
 A committee, consisting of the Rev. Dr. 
 Cameron, Mr. Wood, Mr. Balmain, and Mr. 
 Jones, was appointed to examine and report on 
 the returns of the sitting members. 
 
 A committee, consisting of Dr. Cameron, Mr. 
 Patteson, Mr. Balmain, and Mr. Ambler, was 
 appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 and to report thereon. 
 
 Dr. M'Croskey and Mr. Andrews, deputies 
 to the last General Convention, reported the 
 proceedings of that body. 
 
 The accounts of the deputies to the last 
 General Convention, for their expenses, were 
 laid before the Convention, and referred to the 
 committee appointed to examine the treasurer's 
 accounts. 
 
 Dr. Cameron, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the returns of the sitting members, 
 which had been directed to withdraw for the 
 purpose of examining the same, reported, That 
 they had found the returns from the following 
 parishes, viz., Amherst, Antrim, Berkeley, 
 Bhsland, Botetourt, Bristol, Bruton, Christ 
 Church (Lancaster), Cumberland, Dale, Eliza- 
 beth City, Frederick, Fredericksville, Hanover, 
 Hardy, Henrico, Hungars, James City, Man- 
 chester, St. Andrew, St. Asaph, St. David, St. 
 George (Accomack), St. George (Spotsylva- 
 nia), St. James Northam, St. Mark, St. Martin, 
 St. Paul (Hanover), St. Stephen (King and 
 Queen), St. Stephen (Northumberland), Shel- 
 burne, Southam, Ware, Washington, Wicomi- 
 co, Westover, and York Hampton, were made 
 agreeably to the canon. 
 
 The Convention resolved itself into a com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention on the state of 
 the church ; and after some time spent therein, 
 the committee rose, and Mr. Wood reported 
 progress, and asked for leave to sit again ; 
 whereon it was agreed that the Convention 
 will to-morrow resolve itself into a committee 
 of the whole Convention on the state of the 
 church. 
 
 The Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to- 
 morrow. 
 
 Wednesday, May 4. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Needier Robinson, according 
 to appointment, preached before the Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Madison laid before 
 the Convention a report of the visitation of 
 parishes made by him since the last Convention, 
 which was read. 
 
 The Convention resolved itself into a com- 
 mittee of the whole Convention on the state of 
 the church ; and after some time spent therein, 
 the committee rose, and Mr. Wood reported. 
 That the committee had taken under their con- 
 sideration the state of the church, and had 
 come to some resolutions thereon, which were 
 agreed to, as follows : — 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That it is the opin- 
 ion of this committee, that, by various acts of 
 the Legislature of Virginia, the property of the 
 church, formerly established by law, has been 
 confirmed to the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in this state ; and that, therefore, any legisla- 
 
 tive interference without the consent of the said 
 church, by which its right to the said property 
 would be affected, would be a violation of the 
 rights of private property, and of one of tlie 
 fundamental principles of the present civil gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention ought to 
 present a memorial to the ensuing General As- 
 sembly, stating the grounds of the right of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church to the glebes, 
 churches, and other property now held by the 
 said church in this state. 
 
 Mr. Bassett, Dr. Cameron, Mr. Andrews, Dr. 
 M'Croskey, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Maury, were 
 appointed a committee to draw the said me- 
 morial. 
 
 A petition was presented from the parish of 
 Cumberland, praying for leave to sell a part of 
 their glebe, for the purpose of raising money to 
 repair the buildings of the said glebe ; whereon it 
 was resolved, That the trustees of the parish of 
 Cumberland have the consent of this Conven- 
 tion to sell that part of the glebe-land of the 
 said parish which hes on the north side of the 
 Reedy Creek road, containing about one hun- 
 dred acres, for the purpose of raising money to 
 repair the buildings on the said glebe. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the vestry or 
 trustees of St. Andrew's parish have the con- 
 sent of the Convention to sell the glebe of the 
 said parish for the purpose of purchasing a more 
 convenient one ; provided it shall be done with- 
 in twelve months, and it shall be the opinion of 
 the trustees that it can be done with advantage 
 to the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Mr. Spierin, Mr. Spooner, and Mr. Nelson, 
 obtained leave of absence for the remainder of 
 the session. 
 
 The Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to- 
 morrow. 
 
 Thursday, May 5. 
 
 Dr. Cameron, from the committee appointed 
 to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, 
 That they had examined the same, and found 
 them fairly and truly stated, and that there was 
 in his hands a balance of two hundred and fifty- 
 two pounds six shillings and a halfpenny ; and 
 that there was due to the Rev. Dr. Samuel 
 S. M'Croskey the sum of thirty pounds, and 
 to Robert Andrews the sum of twenty-three 
 pounds eighteen shillings and eleven pence, for 
 expenses incurred by them respectively in at- 
 tending the last General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church, as deputies from 
 the said church in this state ; whereon. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do 
 pass. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the 
 Rev. Dr. M'Croskey and Robert Andrews the 
 sums reported to be due to them. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to Bishop 
 Madison twenty-five pounds for his expenses in 
 attending the last Greneral Convention ; and 
 also two hundred pounds for his services, and 
 the expenses incurred in his visitations in the 
 years 1794 and 1795. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to each 
 
CONVENTION OF 1797. 
 
 69 
 
 of the parishes within this commonwealth to 
 send to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, in 
 the city of Richmond, on or before the first 
 Tuesday in May next, the sum of fifteen dol- 
 lars, to be applied by the Convention towards 
 compensating the bishop for his services, and 
 expenses incurred in his visitations, and to the 
 general purposes of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in this state. 
 
 Mr. Bassett, from the committee appointed to 
 prepare a draught of a memorial to be presented 
 to the next General Assembly, on the subject 
 of the property of the church, reported the 
 same, which was read and agreed to ; and it 
 was resolved, That it should be signed by the 
 president on behalf of the Convention, and that 
 he should have it presented to the next General 
 Assembly, should he find it expedient. 
 
 Resolved, That John Blair, Robert Andrews, 
 Joseph Prentis, Cyrus Griffin, James Hender- 
 son, and Champion Travis, be appointed a 
 standing committee for the ensuing year. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. John Buchanan, of 
 the city of Richmond, be appointed treasurer 
 for the ensuing year. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. John Cameron was appointed 
 visiter of District No. 4, in the room of the 
 Rev. Mr. Craig, deceased. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. James Whitehead was appoint- 
 ed visiter of District No. 1, in the room of the 
 Rev. Mr. Taylor, deceased. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. John Seward was appointed 
 visiter of District No. 18, in the room of the 
 Rev. Mr. Andrews, deceased. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Cave Jones be 
 requested to preach before the next Convention ; 
 and also, that the Rev. Mr. Daniel* M'Naughton 
 be requested to prepare a sermon for the next 
 Convention. 
 
 The Convention having proceeded by ballot 
 to the choice of deputies to represent the church 
 
 in this state in any General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States which might meet before the next meet- 
 ing of the Convention of the said church in this 
 state, on examining the ballots it appeared that 
 the Rev. Samuel S. M'Croskey, D. D., was 
 chosen clerical deputy, and Robert Andrews, 
 lay deputy. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this state meet 
 in the city of Richmond. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Needier Robin- 
 son be requested to furnish for the press a copy 
 of his pious and judicious sermon preached yes- 
 terday. 
 
 Resolved, That 200 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be published, and under the di- 
 rection of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; and that the 
 sermon preached by Mr. Robinson, and the 
 canons passed at the last General Convention, 
 be annexed thereto. 
 
 Dr. Cameron presented a canon respecting 
 ministers holding military commissions, which, 
 after the customary readings, was passed, as 
 follows : — 
 
 A canon to prohibit clergymen of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church from holding military 
 commissions, and for other purposes. 
 
 No clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of Virginia shall be per- 
 mitted to hold a military commission : nor shall 
 a clergyman leaving one parish be inducted into 
 another, unless he shall produce to the vestry of 
 such parish testimonials of his good conduct from 
 the vestry of the parish where he last resided. 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay five dollars 
 to the person who has acted as doorkeeper to 
 the Convention for his services. 
 The Convention adjourned, 
 
 James Madison, President. 
 Attest, Robert Andrews, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the Capitol in 
 the City of Richmond, December 6th, 1797. 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Parishes. 
 Abingdon, 
 Amherst, 
 Berkeley, 
 Blisland, 
 Bristol, 
 Brunswick, 
 Bruton, 
 
 Christ Church (Lancaster), 
 Cumberland, 
 Dale, 
 St. David, 
 Elizabeth River, 
 Ehzabeth City, 
 Fairfax, 
 Frederick, 
 Fredericksville, 
 Henrico, 
 Hungars, 
 James City, 
 King William, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 William Crawford. 
 Hugh C. Boggs. 
 
 Andrew Syme. 
 
 John Bracken. 
 Daniel M'Naughton. 
 John Cameron. 
 Needier Robinson. 
 Thomas Hughes. 
 James Whitehead. 
 John J. Spooner. 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 
 Right Rev. Dr. Madison. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 John Page. 
 Hudson Martin. 
 
 Burwell Bassett. 
 George K. Taylor. 
 Wm. Alexander. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 Martin Sherman. 
 Christ. Robertson. 
 Thomas Boiling. 
 Benj. Temple. 
 Thos. Matthews. 
 Wilson M. Cary. 
 Ludwell Lee. 
 Governor Wood. 
 John Walker. 
 Edw. Carrington. 
 John Stratton. 
 
 Thomas Harris. 
 
ro 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1797. 
 
 Parishes. 
 Leeds, 
 Littleton, 
 Lunenburg, 
 St. Margaret, 
 St. Martin, 
 St. Mark, 
 
 St. James North apa, 
 Overwharton, 
 St. Paul's (Hanover), 
 Shelburne, 
 Southam, 
 St. Thomas, 
 Ware, 
 Westover, 
 Wicomico, 
 York Hampton, 
 St. Stephen, 
 St. John, 
 Middlesex, 
 Botetourt, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Young. 
 
 Peter Nelson. 
 John Woodville. 
 
 Alex. Macfarlane. 
 
 Charles O'Niel. 
 
 Sewall Chapin. 
 
 James Henderson. 
 
 John Dunn, 
 Henry Heffernan. 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 William Chilton. 
 Alexander Brend, James Deane. 
 Richard Barnes. 
 Daniel Coleman, Richard Wiatt. 
 
 John Jameson. 
 
 Archibald Bryce. 
 
 John Moncure. 
 
 Thomas Tinsley, John Bowie. 
 
 Francis Peyton. 
 
 Edm. Randolph. 
 
 William Moore. 
 
 Peter B. Whiting. 
 
 Thomas Gaskins, Thomas Hurst. 
 
 Thomas Griffin. 
 
 William Claughton. 
 
 James Ruffin. 
 
 Ralph Wormeley. 
 
 James Brackenridge. 
 
 A suFPictENT number of clerical and lay 
 deputies having met to form a Convention, 
 
 Robert Andrews, Esq., resigned his office of 
 secretary to the Convention, and the Rev. John 
 Bracken, D. D., was appointed in his room. 
 
 The Right Rev. Dr. Madison, Pr., then ad- 
 dressed the Convention on the subject and oc- 
 casion of their present meeting. 
 
 Ordered, That it be referred to a select com- 
 mittee to take into consideration the matters 
 therein contained, and to report thereon, as also 
 the mode which in their opinion will be most 
 proper for showing the sense of this Conven- 
 tion upon the subject of the sale of church prop- 
 erty, submitted by the last session of the Gen- 
 eral Assembly to the consideration of the peo- 
 ple : And a committee was appointed for that 
 purpose of Mr. Lee, Governor Wood, Mr. An- 
 drews, Mr. George K. Taylor, Dr. Cameron, Dr. 
 Buchanan, the Rev. Mr. Spooner, and the Rev. 
 Mr. Dunn. 
 
 The opinions of Bushrod Washington, Ed- 
 mund Randolph, and John Wickham, Esqrs. 
 upon the subject aforementioned, were presented 
 by the president to the Convention, and being 
 read, were ordered to be referred to the said 
 committee. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. James 
 Whitehead, Mr. John Walker, the Rev. Hugh 
 C. Boggs, and Mr. Thomas Tinsley, be appoint- 
 ed a committee to examine and make report on 
 the certificates of appointment of the sitting 
 members. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That a committee be ap- 
 pointed to examine and report on the treasurer's 
 accounts ; And a committee was appointed of 
 Mr. Andrews, Dr. Cameron, Mr. Griffin, and the 
 Rev. Mr. Spooner, for that purpose. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned until to-mor- 
 row, 1 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, December 7, 1797. 
 
 Mr. Andrews, from the eommittep appointed 
 to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, 
 That they had, according to order, examined 
 the same, and found them to be fairly and justly 
 
 stated ; and that the balance remaining in liis 
 hands due to the church, this 7th day of Decem- 
 ber, 1797, is 53/. 2s. Id. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do 
 pass. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Whitehead, from the commit- 
 tee appointed to examine the certificates of ap- 
 pointment of the sitting members, reported. 
 That they had, according to order, examined 
 the same, and found the certificates of appoint- 
 ment from the following parishes to be made 
 agreeably to the canons ; viz. — 
 
 Abingdon, Amherst, Berkeley, Blisland, Bris- 
 tol, Brunswick, Bruton, Christ Church (Lan- 
 caster), Cumberland, Dale, St. Davids, Eliza- 
 beth River, Elizabeth City, Fairfax, Frederick, 
 Fredericksville, Henrico, Hungars, James City, 
 King William, Leeds, Littleton, Lunenburg, St. 
 Margaret, St. Martin, St. Mark, St. James 
 Northam, Overwharton, St. Paul's (Hanover), 
 Shelburne, Southam, St. Thomas, Ware, West- 
 over, Wicomico, York Hampton, St. Stephen, St. 
 John, Middlesex, and Botetourt. 
 
 Mr. Lee, from the committee appointed to 
 take into consideration the address of the bishop, 
 and to report the mode which, in their opinion, 
 would be most proper for showing the sense of 
 this Convention upon the subject of the sale of 
 church property, submitted by the last session 
 of the General Assembly to the consideration of 
 the people, reported. That they had, according 
 to order, taken into consideration the matter re- 
 ferred to them, and had come to several reso- 
 lutions thereon, which, being read, were ordered 
 to be committed to a committee of the whole 
 Convention. 
 
 The Convention having resolved itself into a 
 committee of the whole (Mr. Basset in the chair), 
 proceeded to take into consideration the afore- 
 said resolutions ; and having gone through and 
 amended the same, the president resumed the 
 chair. 
 
 Mr. Bassett, from the committee of the whole, 
 reported. That they had, according to order, 
 gone through and considered the resolutions to 
 them referred, and had ameuded the same, which^ 
 
CONVENTION OF 1797. 
 
 71 
 
 with the amendments, being read and debated, 
 paragraph by paragraph, were agreed to. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned until to-mor- 
 row, 1 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, December 8, 1797. 
 
 After prayers, and a sermon suitable to the 
 occasion, delivered by the Rev. Mr. M'Naugh- 
 ton in the general court room, the Convention 
 met according to adjournment. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the report of the 
 select committee on the president's address, &c., 
 as amended and agreed to yesterday, be recon- 
 sidered. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to reconsider the 
 resolutions aforesaid, and having farther amend- 
 ed the same, agreed thereto, as follows : — 
 
 Resolved, That the following are the grounds 
 of the title of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 to the glebes, churches, and other property in 
 their possession. 
 
 1. That the said glebes, churches, &c., were 
 vested, prior to the revolution, in the then ex- 
 isting church, by public authority or private 
 donations. 
 
 2. That the Protestant Episcopal Church is 
 the same in its rights of property with the church 
 which existed prior to the revolution. 
 
 3. That these rights cannot be wrested from 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church upon any prin- 
 ciple which will not impair all other rights of 
 private property which was acquired before the 
 revolution. 
 
 4. That if succour need be drawn to these 
 rights, existing (as they do) independently of 
 the will of the legislature, they have been 
 solemnly recognised by an act of the General 
 Assembly — made at the session succeeding that 
 which framed the bill of rights and constitu- 
 tion — by the same body which composed the 
 Convention, and became, under the constitu- 
 tion, the House of Delegates ; and at the in- 
 stance of those who were opposed to the said 
 church. 
 
 5. That no subsequent act of the General 
 Assembly, relative to the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church, ought, or can be so interpreted, as to 
 confer on the General Assembly any authority to 
 assume, confiscate, or appropriate, without the 
 will of the said church, the whole, or any part, of 
 the property aforesaid. 
 
 6. I'hat the bill of rights and constitution 
 forbid the intrusion of the General Assembly 
 into questions concerning the right of property ; 
 and more especially when the object of such 
 intrusion is to apply that property to public 
 uses to which the whole commonwealth, and 
 not a selected and marked, portion only of its 
 citizens, ought to contribute. 
 
 7. Resolved, That a committee of five per- 
 sons be appointed by ballot, whose duty it shall 
 be to attend the discussion of the memorial of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church, the consider- 
 ation whereof was postponed to the present ses- 
 sion of the General Assembly, and to make to 
 the General Assembly such other representa- 
 tions, by memorial or otherwise, in behalf of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church, as to them shall 
 
 seem necessary, and shall be conformable with 
 the spirit of the foregoing resolutions. 
 
 8. Resolved, That from the firm persuasion 
 which this Convention entertains of the validity 
 of the rights of property as-serted in the forego- 
 ing resolutions, it be an instruction to the said 
 committee to propose to the General Assembly, 
 that the controversy concerning them be sub- 
 mitted to the decision of a proper tribunal of 
 justice. 
 
 9. Resolved, That this Convention will cause 
 to be defrayed all reasonable and necessary ex- 
 penses in carrying into execution the foregoing 
 resolutions. 
 
 The house proceeded to ballot for five per- 
 sons to form a committee whose duty it should 
 be to attend the discussion of the memorial of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church, &c. ; and the 
 Rev. Mr. Henderson and Mr. Griffin being ap- 
 pointed to examine the ballots, proceeded to 
 examine the same, and reported, That a majori- 
 ty of the whole house was in favour of Robert 
 Andrews, Ludwell Lee, George K. Taylor, 
 John Page, and James Brackenridge, Esqrs, 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That they are appointed 
 a committee for the purpose aforesaid. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the Rev. John 
 Buchanan, D. D., be continued treasurer for 
 the ensuing year, and to the end of the next 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That John Blair; Robert Andrews, 
 Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Prentis, Esqrs., the Rev. 
 James Henderson, and Champion Travis, Esqrs., 
 be continued members of the standing commit- 
 tee, and that they remain in ofiice to the end of 
 the next Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That it be an instruc- 
 tion to the standing committee to make inquiry 
 concerning any church property which may 
 have been alienated since the commencement 
 of the revolution, and to report the situation 
 and circumstances to the next session of the 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, nemine contradicente, That Robert 
 Andrews, Esq., and the Rev. John Bracken, 
 D. D., do represent the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of this state in the next General Con- 
 vention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the deputies to 
 the next General Convention be instructed to 
 agree to the following addition to the second 
 article of the general constitution, in the ninth 
 line after the word constitution, viz., "But if 
 the church shall not be represented in both or- 
 ders in a majority of the states, then the vote 
 shall be given by states without regard to 
 orders." 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Smith be ap- 
 pointed a visiter in the room of James M. Fon- 
 taine, D. D., deceased. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Dunn be re- 
 quested to preach before the next Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 several parishes within this state, to forward the 
 annual contribution of 15 dollars, for the use of 
 the church, to John Buchanan, D. D., treasurer, 
 and that such as are in arrears do immediately 
 send forward their arrearages. 
 
72 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 Ordered, That 300 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed, under the direction 
 of Dr. Buchanan, and distributed among the 
 several parishes. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be given to Bushrod Washing- 
 ton, Edmund Randolph, and John Wickham, 
 Esqrs., for their opinion, delivered in to this 
 house by the president, on the subject of the 
 sale of glebes and other church property. 
 
 Ordered, That the next Convention do meet 
 in the city of Richmond. 
 
 Ordered, That the treasurer pay to the door- 
 keeper the sum of six dollars. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned. 
 
 Signed, James Madison, President. 
 
 Attest John Bracken, Secretary. 
 
 Richmond, Dec. 5, 1797. 
 Sir, — "We have endeavoured to fulfil the re- 
 quest of yourself and the standing committee, 
 by the best examination in our power, of the 
 tenure under which the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church claim the glebes, churches, &.c. Know- 
 ing that you possess every document and fact 
 to which we have access, and that we may be 
 therefore permitted to excuse ourselves, by the 
 
 multiplicity of our late professional labours, 
 from a detail of the reasons which govern us, 
 we shall offer to you the conclusions only which 
 we have formed. These are, 
 
 Ist. That the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 is the exclusive owner of those glebes, churches, 
 &c. 
 
 2d. That so far is the title of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church from being impaired (as has 
 been suggested) by our bill of rights, that they 
 do not clash on any sound construction ; but 
 that title stands upon the same grounds with 
 the rights of private property, which have been 
 recognised and secured by the principles of the 
 revolution and by the constitution. 
 
 3d. And that any question concerning the 
 right of property in those glebes, churches, &c., 
 being of a judicial nature, must constitutionally 
 be decided by the judiciary, and the judiciary 
 alone. 
 
 We have the honour, sir, to be, with great 
 respect, your most obedient servants, 
 
 Bushrod Washington, 
 Edmund Randolph, 
 John Wickham. 
 
 The Right Rev. James Madison, Bishop *of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia. 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1798. 
 The Journal of this year has not been obtained. 
 
 JourntU of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the Capitol in 
 the City of Richmond, May 7th, 1799. 
 
 A List of the Members of the Convention. 
 
 Parishes. 
 Bristol, 
 Blisland, 
 Bruton, 
 
 Christ Church (Lan.), 
 Cople, 
 Cumberlemd, 
 Bale, 
 
 Fredericksville, 
 Hampshire, 
 Henrico, 
 Hungars, 
 James City, 
 Littleton, 
 Lunenburg, 
 Manchester 
 St. David, 
 St. George (Accom.), 
 
 St. John (King WilliamX 
 
 St. Martin, 
 
 St. Paul (Hanover), 
 
 St. Peter, 
 
 St. Stephen, 
 
 Washington, 
 
 Westover, 
 
 Wicomioo, 
 
 York Hampton, 
 
 Clergymen. 
 
 Daniel M'Naughton. 
 James EUiott. 
 John Cameron. 
 Needier Robinson. 
 Matthew Maury. 
 
 John Buchanan. 
 
 James Madison (B. and Pr.). 
 James Dickinson. 
 George Young. 
 John Dunn. 
 Thomas Hughes. 
 Cave Jones. 
 
 Peter Nelson. 
 
 Benjamin Brown. 
 John Seward. 
 
 Sewall Chapin, 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 John Grammer. 
 Henry Brown. 
 Robert Andrews. 
 Wm. Montague. 
 
 Peter Eppes, jun. 
 
 John Walker. 
 John H. Reynolds. 
 WiUiam Berkeley. 
 Nathaniel Wilkins. 
 John Ambler. 
 Alexander Trent. 
 
 David Patteson. 
 Thomas Fox. 
 
 Ed. P. Chamberlayne, 
 John Lord. 
 Carter Berkeley. 
 Thomas Tinsley. 
 
 WiUiam Thompson. 
 
 William Davenport, 
 Thomas Harvey. 
 Gavin L. Corbin. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 73 
 
 TuESDAT, May 7, 1799. 
 
 A SUFFICIENT number of clerical and lay depu- 
 ties having met to form a Convention, 
 
 Tlie Right Reverend Dr. Madison took the 
 chair as president ex-officio. Robert Andrews 
 was appointed to act as secretary in the absence 
 of the Rev. Dr. Bracken. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Dr. John Cameron, 
 Rev. Mr. Jones, Mr. Patteson, and Mr. Am- 
 bler, be appointed a committee to examine and 
 report immediately on the testimonials of the 
 members. 
 
 The committee, accordingly, having with- 
 drawn and examined the testimonials, reported, 
 That the testimonials from the following parishes 
 were made agreeably to the canons, viz. : — 
 
 Bristol, Blisland, Bruton, Christ Church 
 (Lancaster), Cople, Cumberland, Dale, Freder- 
 icksville, Hampshire, Henrico, Hungars, James 
 City, Littleton, Lunenburg, Manchester, St. 
 David, St. George (Accomack), St. John (King 
 William), St. Martin, St. Paul (Hanover), St. 
 Peter, St. Stephen, Washington, Westover, 
 Wicomico, and York Hampton. 
 
 Ordered, That Bishop Madison and Mr. Am- 
 bler be appointed a committee to consult gentle- 
 men of eminence in the law respecting the 
 method of defending, before the judiciary, the 
 right of the church to glebes directed to be sold 
 by act of Assembly. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Maury and Mr. 
 W. Berkeley be appointed a committee to ex- 
 amine the treasurer's accounts, and report 
 thereon. 
 
 Resolved, That one hundred and fifty copies 
 of the canons be printed and distributed among 
 the parishes within this state ; and that the bish- 
 op be requested to accompany them with an ad- 
 dress to the members of the church, enjoining a 
 strict observance of the same, and of the sev- 
 eral duties particularly required of them at this 
 important crisis. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do attend di- 
 vine service in the assembly room at 10 o'clock 
 to-morrow morning. 
 
 The Convention adjourned till 10 o'clock to- 
 morrow morning. 
 
 Wednesday, May 8, 1799. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 Divine service was performed, and, agreeably 
 to an order of the last Convention, a sermon was 
 delivered by the Rev. Mr. Dunn, which was 
 well adapted to the occasion. 
 
 Mr. Ambler, from the committee appointed to 
 consult gentlemen of eminence in the law re- 
 specting the method of defending, before the ju- 
 diciary, the right of the church to glebes, &c., 
 made a report, which was read, and ordered to 
 be filed by the secretary among the papers of 
 the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention grant per- 
 mission to the vestry and trustees of Bristol par- 
 ish to sell and dispose of the present glebe- 
 land of the parish, if they shall think proper, 
 ajid to vest the proceeds thereof in such prop- 
 
 erty as may be thought more beneficial and 
 profitable to the parish and the incumbent. 
 
 Mr. Maury, from the committee appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, That 
 the committee had, according to order, examined 
 the same, that they had found them fairly and 
 justly stated, and that the balance remaining in 
 his hands this day is ninety-four pounds seven 
 shillings and ten pence. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do 
 pass. 
 
 Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a 
 canon to amend the canon entitled " A canon 
 concerning offences, and the mode of proceeding 
 against offending ministers :" and the Rev. Mr. 
 Maury and the Rev. Mr. Jones were appointed 
 to bring in the same. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Doctor John Bu- 
 chanan be appointed treasurer for the ensuing 
 year. 
 
 Resolved, That John Blair, Robert Andrews, 
 Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Prentis, James Hender- 
 son, and Champion Travis, be appointed a stand- 
 ing committee for the ensuing year. 
 
 Mr. Maury, from the committee appointed, re- 
 ported a canon to amend the canon concerning 
 offences, and the mode of proceeding against of- 
 fending ministers, which was read the first time, 
 and ordered to be read a second time. 
 
 Resolved, That the bishop and standing com- 
 mittee be authorized to employ counsel to defend 
 the right of the church to its property, whenever 
 it shall appear to them most proper to bring the 
 question before the judiciary, and to draw on 
 the treasurer for any money which may be ne- 
 cessary for the said purpose. 
 
 Resolved, That two clerical and two lay dep- 
 uties be appointed to attend the next General 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 and also any General Convention of the said 
 church which shall convene before the next 
 meeting of the Convention of the church in this 
 state. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded by ballot to 
 the appointment of deputies to the next Gen- 
 eral Convention, &c. ; when a majority of votes 
 appeared in favour of the Rev. Dr. John Brack- 
 en and the Rev. Dr. Samuel S. M'Croskey as 
 clerical deputies, and of Robert Andrews and 
 John Walker, Esqrs., as lay deputies. 
 
 The canon to amend the canon concerning 
 offences, and the mode of proceeding against 
 offending ministers, was read a second time, 
 amended, and ordered to be fairly transcribed 
 for a third reading. 
 
 Resolved, That it be an instruction to the 
 deputies appointed to attend the next General 
 Convention, to submit to the said Convention an 
 amendment to the sixth general canon, so far as 
 it requires testimonials of piety and good moral 
 conduct for three years. 
 
 The canon to amend the canon concerning 
 offences, and the mode of proceeding against of- 
 fending ministers, was read the third time and 
 passed. 
 
 Ordered, That the treasurer pay to Bishop 
 Madison the sum of one hundred and sixty dol- 
 lars. 
 
74 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 Resolved, That one hundred and fifty copies 
 of the Journal be printed under the direction of 
 the Rev. Dr. Buchanan. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 several parishes within this state, to forward the 
 annual contribution of 15 dollars, for the use of 
 the church, to the Rev. Dr. John Buchanan, 
 treasurer, and that such as are in arrears do im- 
 mediately send forward their arrearages. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention do meet 
 in the city of Richmond. 
 
 Ordered, That the treasurer pay four dollars 
 to the doorkeeper. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Cave Jones be 
 requested to preach before the next Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That it be enjoined on the clergy 
 throughout the state, to officiate in the vacant 
 parishes in their neighbourhoods as frequently 
 as the duties of their own parishes will permit. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned. 
 
 Attest, James Madison, President. 
 
 Robert Andrews, ) 
 
 for John Bracken, Secretary. J 
 
 Canons — for the government of the Prot- 
 estant episcopal church in this state. 
 1. A Canon concerning Vestries and Trustees. 
 
 1. In each parish within the Commonwealth 
 of Virginia, there shall be triennially elected, on 
 Easter-Monday, if fair, otherwise on the next 
 fair day, at some convenient place (of which due 
 notice shall be given), by the freeholders and 
 housekeepers who are members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church within such parish, and 
 regularly contribute to the support of the min- 
 ister, where there is one, and to the common exi- 
 gences of the church within the parish, twelve of 
 the most able and discreet men of their socie- 
 ty, of the above description and qualifications, to 
 be a vestry for such parish, and trustees of their 
 property for the three succeeding years. In- 
 termediate vacancies, occasioned by death, re- 
 moval, or resignation, shall be filled by the re- 
 maining vestrymen and trustees, and those so 
 chosen shall have power to act until the time of 
 the next general election ; the first general elec- 
 tion shall be in the year of our Lord 1796. 
 
 2. Every vestryman shall, before he acts in 
 office, subscribe in the vestry-book of his parish 
 to be conformable to the doctrine, discipline, and 
 worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 the United States of America, and to the or- 
 ders and canons of the said church in this state. 
 
 3. Each vestry, at their first meeting after 
 their election, shall choose two of their members 
 to be church-wardens, who shall superintend the 
 next general election of vestrymen, judge of the 
 qualifications of voters, and certify the names 
 of the persons chosen. They shall be consid- 
 ered as the acting part of the vestry, and shall 
 eee that the orders and resolutions of the vestry 
 be carried into execution. 
 
 4. In case of the nonattendance of the church- 
 wardens at an election of vestrymen and trus- 
 tees in any parish, the minister, or, if he be ab- 
 sent, or if there be no minister in the parish, 
 any two vestrjmien, or if there be no vestrymen 
 
 present, any two reputable inhabitants of the 
 parish, who are members of this church, may be 
 appointed to superintend the election. 
 
 5. If any person' elected a vestryman and 
 trustee shall neglect or refuse to attend two 
 successive meetings of the body, having had due 
 notice thereof, he may be considered as having 
 vacated his office ; and the remaining vestrymen 
 and trustees may elect into his place some other 
 able and discreet man of their society. 
 
 6. In any parishes which have neglected to 
 elect vestries and trustees agreeably to the or- 
 dinances heretofore in force, or which shall here- 
 after neglect to make such election as herein 
 directed, the members of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church within such parishes may, at any 
 time afterward within six months, elect vestries 
 and trustees in the manner herein directed. 
 And in all cases where elections have not been 
 held, or shall not be held at the periods fixed 
 for general elections, the former vestries and 
 trustees shall continue to act until elections 
 shall be held as hereby directed, or, if no elec- 
 tions shall be held, until a future Convention 
 shall take some order in the matter. Provided 
 nevertheless. That where any parish which had 
 failed to elect vestrymen and trustees at the 
 time appointed for a general election, hath since 
 elected the same, such election is hereby de- 
 clared to be valid. 
 
 7. The vestries respectively, with the minis- 
 ter, where there is one, shall hold and enjoy all 
 glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and other 
 property now belonging or hereafter accruing to 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church within their 
 respective parishes, as trustees for the benefit 
 of the society ; and may improve or demise the 
 lands during the vacancy of a minister, but may 
 not demise lands allowed for the minister's hab- 
 itation or use without his consent. They may 
 also use improve, or dispose of all personal 
 property, and the produce, rents, and profits of 
 lands and buildings (not appropriated for the min- 
 ister) belonging to this church, for the benefit 
 of the society, in erecting or repairing churches, 
 glebe-houses, or otherwise, and may make such 
 rules and orders for managing the temporal affairs 
 and concerns of the church (not contrary to nor 
 inconsistent with the rules and orders of Con- 
 vention) within their respective parishes, as they 
 shall think most conducive to its interest and 
 prosperity, and for carrying into execution the 
 orders and canons for government and disci- 
 pline or other spiritual purposes, which shall be 
 framed by this or any future Convention. They 
 shall have the sole power of directing the pay- 
 ment of money belonging to the church within 
 their respective parishes, and of appointing a 
 clerk and such other officers of the church as 
 they shall think proper, and of removing them 
 when they shall see cause. All their proceed- 
 ings shall be fairly entered in a book to be kept 
 for that purpose. 
 
 8. A meeting of the body, to be called by the 
 minister, or, if he be absent, or in case of vacan- 
 cy, by the church- ward ens, or by a church-war- 
 den, if but one within the parish, or by any two 
 vestrymen, if there be no minister or church- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 75 
 
 warden, shall be had as often as may be neces- 
 sary. In these meetings the minister shall have 
 a vote equal to, and not greater than a vestry- 
 man, in all questions except for the demise of 
 the glebe-lands assigned for his residence or use, 
 in which he shall have a negative. Seven mem- 
 bers shall be sufficient to constitute a meeting ; 
 and all questions shall be decided by a majority 
 of those present. Provided always, That in the 
 induction of a minister, and in granting testimo- 
 nials to candidates for orders, the vote^ of six 
 members at least shall be necessary. 
 
 9. If any minister of a parish shall neglect or 
 refuse to call a meeting of the vestry when re- 
 quested by two or more vestrymen, the church- 
 wardens, or church-warden, if but one within 
 the parish, may call a meeting ; or if there be 
 no church-warden, or if the church-wardens or 
 church-warden neglect or refuse when request- 
 ed, any two vestrymen may call a meeting. 
 
 10. No sale of that kind of property which 
 may be considered as principal or stock, belong- 
 ing to this church in any parish, shall be made 
 without the consent of the Convention. 
 
 2. A Canon concerning Conventions. 
 
 1. There shall be a Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Ch'jioh in this commonwealth 
 on the first Tuesday of May in every year, in 
 such place as shall be agreed on by the Con- 
 vention. A Convention shall consist of two dep- 
 uties from each parish, of whom the minister 
 shall be one, if there be a minister, and the other 
 shall be a layman, to be annually chosen by the 
 vestry. If there be no minister in any parish, two 
 lay deputies shall be chosen. Twenty-five depu- 
 ties, thus qualified or appointed, shall be a Con- 
 vention : Provided always. That if a sufficient 
 number to form a Convention shall not attend on 
 any day, any five members then assembled shall 
 have power to adjourn. 
 
 2. Special Conventions may be called at other 
 times in the manner hereafter to be provided for. 
 
 3. Each member snail, on taking his seat, de- 
 liver in to the secretary of the Convention a 
 testimonial of his being regularly nualified or 
 appointed, signed by one or both of uie church- 
 wardens, or by the clerk of the vestry of the 
 parish he represents. 
 
 4. A person shall preside in Convention with 
 the name of president, who shall always be a 
 bishop, when there is one present properly con- 
 secrated and settled in the church. If there be 
 no bishop present, the Convention shall appoint 
 some other member of their body president. If 
 there be more bishops than one in Convention, 
 they shall have the right of presiding in rotation. 
 
 6. A secretary shall be appointed by the Con- 
 vention, who shall continue in office during good 
 behaviour. He shall keep a record of their acts 
 and proceedings, and have the custody of the 
 records so long as he shall continue in office. 
 
 6. The Convention shall establish standing 
 rules for the preservation of decorum, and the 
 orderly management of business. 
 
 7. Conventions shall regulate all the religious 
 concerns of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 within this state, its doctrines, discipline, and 
 
 worship, and institute such rules and regulations 
 as they may judge necessary for the good gov- 
 ernment thereof, and the same revoke and alter 
 at their pleasure. Provided always. That the 
 powers hereby declared shall not be so con- 
 strued as to affect any powers exclusively vested 
 in the General Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the United States of 
 America. 
 
 8. All questions before the Convention shall 
 be determined by a majority of votes. 
 
 3. A Canon concerning Presbyteries. 
 
 1. The clergy of the several neighbouring par- 
 ishes, not less than three nor more than ten, shall 
 assemble in presbytery annually on some Mon- 
 day in April, and at other times, if thereto re- 
 quired, at some convenient place in the district. 
 The arrangement of the parishes into districts 
 for this purpose shall be by the Convention, 
 who shall also appoint in each district one of 
 the said ministers, to preside at their meetings 
 with the title of visiter. The visiter shall name 
 the place and time of meeting of the presby- 
 teries ; shall annually visit each parish in his 
 district ; shall attend to and inspect the morals 
 and conduct of the clergy ; shall see that the 
 canons and rules of the church are observed 
 and practised ; shall admonish and reprove pri- 
 vately those clergymen who are negligent, or 
 act in an unbecoming manner ; and shall report 
 yearly to the bishop, if there be one, or, if there 
 i)e no bishop, to the next Convention, the state 
 of each parish in his district. 
 
 .2. It shall be the business of the presbytery 
 when assembled to instruct and examine can- 
 didates for holy orders within their respective 
 districts, to prescribe to them a thesis or text, 
 and give them proper directions for composing 
 a discourse on the same. And it shall be the 
 duty of every candidate for holy orders, to make 
 application to the presbytery of his district for 
 such instruction and examination. 
 
 4. A Canon concerning Bishops. 
 
 1. Every person to officiate as a bishop of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state, 
 shall be nominated to that office by the Conven- 
 tion ; and, having received episcopal consecra- 
 tion, shall, before he enters on his office, sub- 
 scribe to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and 
 worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 the United States of America, and to the orders 
 and canons of the said church in this state. 
 
 2. Every bishop, after his pronation to the 
 episcopal order, may continue to hold a parish, 
 and to do the duty of a parish minister, except 
 when he is necessarily employed in the dis- 
 charge of his episcopal office. 
 
 3. No bishop shall inflict any censure on, or 
 exercise any power over, the clergy under his in- 
 spection, other than he is allowed to do by the 
 laws and institutions of this church made in 
 Convention. 
 
 4. Bishops, after every visitation, shall report 
 the state of the church in the different parishes 
 to the Convention. 
 
 5. Bishops shall have power to call special 
 meetings of the Convention ; to grant testimO' 
 
76 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 nials to all persons who are candidates for par- 
 ishes, and who are not citizens of this state ; to 
 make such representations on behalf of this 
 church, as may from time to time be expedient ; 
 to give advice on difficulties propounded to them 
 concerning this church during the recess of Con- 
 vention ; and to correspond with any society or 
 societies of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 these United States on any matters relating to 
 this church ; which several powers shall be ex- 
 ercised only with advice of the standing com- 
 mittee. 
 
 6. Bishops shall be amenable to the Con- 
 venrion, who shall be a court to try them, from 
 which there shall be no appeal. On all such 
 occasions, a bishop shall preside. 
 
 7. All accusations against a bishop, as such, 
 shall be on oath ; but no accusation against a 
 bishop shall be received unless three respectable 
 persons join in the complaint. All complaints 
 against a bishop shall be lodged with the stand- 
 ing committee, and a copy of the charge or 
 charges to be brought against him shall be com- 
 municated to him in writing at least two months 
 before the trial. Counsel may be employed on 
 both sides, and none but viva voce evidence 
 shall be admitted. 
 
 8. If a complaint be against a bishop, as a 
 minister of a parish, it may be brought as is di- 
 rected in the canon concerning offences, and the 
 mode of proceeding against offending ministers, 
 except that the complaint shall be made to the 
 standing committee ; and the subsequent pro- 
 ceedings thereon shall be before the Convention, 
 and in like manner as herein prescribed, where 
 the complaint is made against him as a bishop. 
 
 9. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con- 
 duct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules 
 and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to 
 grant either ordination or a recommendation for 
 a vacant parish, shall be considered as offences 
 in a bishop, for which he may be brought to 
 trial ; and, on being convicted of any of these, 
 he shall be reproved, suspended, or degraded. 
 
 5. A Canon concerning the Ordination of 
 Priests and Deacons, and their Duties. 
 
 1, Every person to be ordained priest or dea- 
 con by any bishop of this church, shall pro- 
 duce such testimonials of his good morals and or- 
 derly conduct as are required by the canons of the 
 General Convention, from the clergy assembled 
 in the district where he for some time last re- 
 sided, and from the vestry of the parish where 
 he last lived, provided there be in the district 
 a sufficient number of clergymen to form a pres- 
 bytery ; otherwise a testimonial from the min- 
 ister and vestry of his parish, or from the vestry 
 alone, if the parish be vacant, shall be deemed 
 sufficient ; provided also that the candidate is 
 not an inhabitant of some other state, and in- 
 tended to minister in some parish or congrega- 
 tion in a neighbouring state. No person shall 
 be ordained until due examination had by the 
 bishop and two priests. 
 
 2. Ministers .shall, at their churches and other 
 convenient places, instruct children, and such 
 ignorant persons as may require it, in their cate- 
 
 chism and the principles of the Christian re- 
 ligion as maintained by this church ; provided 
 that this duty may be dispensed with during the 
 inclement winter months ; they shall also explain 
 the nature of confirmation, and instruct and pre- 
 pare their parishioners for it. 
 
 3. Ministers shall wear a surplice during the 
 time of prayer at public worship, in places 
 where they are provided ; shall wear gowns 
 when they preach, where they conveniently can ; 
 and shall at all times wear apparel suitable to 
 the gravity of their profession. 
 
 4. Ministers may encourage people to assem- 
 ble together in small societies, at convenient 
 times, for their edification, and may visit, super- 
 intend, and instruct such societies at their meet- 
 ings ; provided they shall not do it to the en- 
 couragement of idleness, or to the injury of pri- 
 vate families. 
 
 5. Ministers officiating in this church, whether 
 bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach once at 
 least on every Lord's day, and at other stated 
 seasons, unless prevented by some sufficient 
 cause. They may, at their discretion, preach 
 also at other times, when opportunities shall 
 offer of edifying the church. Bishops and 
 priests shall administer the sacrament of the 
 Lord's Supper at least four times in the year at 
 each church or place of worship in their respec- 
 tive parishes, and shall visit the sick when 
 called on for that purpose. Deacons, as well 
 as priests, shall baptize ; and may solemnize 
 marriages, and assist in administering the sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper, but they shall not 
 consecrate the elements. 
 
 6. A Canon concerning the Induction of Min- 
 isters into Parishes. 
 
 1. The right of presentation, or appointing 
 ministers to serve in the parishes, shall con- 
 tinue in the vestries, and each vestry shall 
 choose its own minister. 
 
 2. No minister shall be received into a parish 
 who does not first produce to the vestry satis- 
 factory testimonials of his morals, conduct, and 
 conversation, from the person or persons ap- 
 pointed by the Convention to inquire into such 
 matters, and grant such testimonials. 
 
 3. No person shall be received into any parish 
 within this commonwealth, as a minister, unless 
 he first produce to the vestry sufficient testimo- 
 nials of his having been regularly ordained a 
 priest or deacon by some Protestant bishop, and 
 of having taken the oath of allegiance to this com- 
 monwealth, and subscribe to be conformable to 
 the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United 
 States of America, and to the orders and canons 
 of the said church in this state ; nor until he 
 shall have entered into a contract in writing 
 with the vestry or trustees on behalf of the so- 
 ciety within such parish, by which it shall be 
 stipulated and declared that he holds the ap- 
 pointment, subject to removal, agreeably to the 
 rules and canons of the Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this state. Pro- 
 vided, That any person who hath been ordained 
 by a bishop of the Church of Rome may also be 
 
CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 77 
 
 received as a minister, who shall produce satis- 
 factory testimonials respecting his ordination, 
 morals, and conduct, take the oath, and sub- 
 scribe as aforesaid. 
 
 4. No minister shall be allowed to hold more 
 than one parish at the same time. Neverthe- 
 less, a minister may, if called thereto by the 
 vestry, preach in a neighbouring parish or par- 
 ishes during a vacancy therein, and may re- 
 ceive a compensation for his services, provided 
 he has the consent of his own vestry, and does 
 not neglect the duties of his parish. 
 
 5. Every minister shall reside within his 
 parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall 
 agree to dispense with his residence, and shall 
 at no time leave it for more than one month, 
 without the consent of the said vestry. 
 
 6. No person, having deacon's orders only, 
 shall be allowed, as such, to hold a parish, after 
 he hath officiated eighteen months as a deacon, 
 and attained the age of twenty-five years. 
 
 7. A Canon to amend the canon entitled, " A 
 canon concerning Offences, and the mode of 
 proceeding against Offending Ministersy 
 
 1. Courts shall be instituted to inquire into 
 and decide on complaints exhibited against 
 ministers ; to compose which courts an equal 
 number of clergymen and vestrymen shall be 
 appointed, as follows : On the testimony of two 
 credible witnesses of the offence of any minis- 
 ter, the bishop, with the advice and consent of 
 the standing committee, or the standing com- 
 mittee, when there is no bishop, shall nominate 
 such clergymen as he or they shall think proper, 
 in the neighbourhood of the parish in which the 
 accused minister resides, and the vestries of 
 the parishes of such clergymen shall severally 
 appoint one of their own body to act in con- 
 junction with their clergymen. The visiter of 
 the district, if he be nominated, shall preside, 
 unless he be the accuser or the accused person, 
 in either of which cases, or in case there be no 
 visiter, or the visiter be not nominated, the 
 oldest of the clergymen assembled under the 
 nomination shall preside. If, when the court 
 assembles, the number of vestrymen shall be 
 found to exceed the number of clergymen pres- 
 ent, so many vestrymen shall be withdrawn by 
 lot as shall be necessary to equahze the num- 
 bers of the two orders. And courts thus con- 
 stituted shall have the same powers as are vested 
 in the courts, directed for the like purposes, by 
 the canon entitled "A canon concerning of- 
 fences, and the mode of proceeding against of- 
 fending ministers;" and shall proceed in like 
 manner, except where it is herein otherwise di- 
 rected and provided for. 
 
 2. The bishop, with the advice and consent 
 of the standing committee, shall appoint a con- 
 venient time and place for the trial, and shall 
 take care that the members who are to com- 
 pose the court may have timely information 
 thereof The courts shall appoint their clerks 
 occasionally for such trials ; and no vestryman 
 shall sit on the trial of an accused minister be- 
 longing to, or residing in, the parish to which 
 such vestryman belongs. 
 
 3. Any clergyman who, being nominated and 
 called on as above mentionedj shall refuse or 
 neglect to attend at the time and place fixed on 
 for the purpose of forming the court as afore- 
 mentioned, shall be liable to be proceeded 
 against in the same manner as other offending 
 clergymen. 
 
 4. The bishop, or the standing committee, 
 if there be no bishop, shall cite the accused 
 minister before the appointed court ; which shall, 
 unless the person accused is prevented from at- 
 tending by sickness, proceed to trial. Viva voce 
 evidence only shall be admitted, and that upon 
 oath ; and counsel may be employed on both sides. 
 
 5. The second, fourth, and sixth sections of 
 the canon entitled "A canon concerning of- 
 fences and the mode of proceeding against of- 
 fending ministers," is hereby repealed. 
 
 8. A Canon concerning the Appointment and 
 Duties of a Standing Committee. 
 
 1. A standing committee, consisting of six 
 persons, shall be annually appointed by the Con- 
 vention. They shall be considered in office 
 from the end of the session of the Convention 
 in which they are appointed, and shall continue 
 in ofiice until the end of the next annual ses- 
 sion of Convention. Any four of them shall 
 be a sufiicient number to do business. 
 
 2. The standing concunittee shall have power, 
 when there is no bishop of this church settled 
 in this state, to call meetings of the Convention 
 when they shall think ihem necessary ; to grant 
 testimonials to all persons candidates for parishes, 
 and not citizens of this state, who may apply 
 for the same; to make such representations on 
 behalf of the church as may from time to time 
 be expedient ; to give advice on difiiculties pro- 
 pounded to them concerning the church during 
 the recess of Convention ; to correspond with 
 any society or societies of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in these United States, on any 
 matters relating to the church ; and to do all 
 other things assigned to them by the rules and 
 canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 the United States of America, passed in Gen- 
 eral Convention, or in Convention of the said 
 church in this state. 
 
 9. A Canon concerning a Treasurer. 
 
 1. There shall be appointed annually by the 
 Convention a treasurer of this church in this 
 state, who shall be a man of good. character and 
 responsibility. He shall be removable at the 
 pleasure of the Convention, but, unless so re- 
 moved, shall continue in office until the end of 
 the next annual session of a Convention after 
 his appointment. 
 
 2. He shall keep a fair and exact account of 
 all moneys received and paid away by him ; and 
 shall lay before the Convention annually, or 
 oftener if thereto required, a full and accurate 
 statement of his accounts. He shall pay no 
 money but by direction of the Convention ; 
 and shall in all things relating to his office con- 
 form to their orders and regulations. For his 
 services he shall be allowed a compensation of 
 five per cent, on all moneys received by him. 
 
78 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 10. A Canon rescinding certain Ordinances 
 and Canons. 
 Whereas a general code of canons for the 
 regulation and government of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in this state has been framed 
 by this present Convention, all ordinances and 
 canons in force prior to the meeting of this Con- 
 vention shall be and they are hereby rescinded. 
 Provided nevertheless, That nothing in this 
 canon shall be construed to affect any rights, 
 remedies, forfeitures, or penalties, which have 
 accrued, been vested, or incurred, prior to the 
 passing of this canon. 
 
 An Address to the Members of the Protestant 
 
 Episcopal Church in Virginia. By Bishop 
 
 Madison. 
 
 Brethren, — It is with an anxious solicitude 
 that I undertake to fulfil the request of the late 
 Convention of our church. At a crisis so in- 
 teresting as the present, the zeal of that body 
 must appear highly commendable to you, as well 
 as to myself ; for the time has arrived when it 
 is no longer a doubt whether every one, who 
 has any regard for religion, for morals, for indi- 
 vidual and for social happiness, should unite, 
 should reuse from their lethargy, and consider 
 profoundly the means of securing those great and 
 important objects. I'hey are in jeopardy. That 
 dreadful prostration of religious and moral prin- 
 ciple, which we everywhere experience, mani- 
 fests the awful truth. Reiigion, the only an- 
 chor which holds man to his duties, no longer 
 finds that firm ground in which it can inhere ; 
 morals, and with them private and public, pres- 
 ent and future happiness, are left to the mercy 
 of a rude storm, which threatens their destruc- 
 tion. Even they who still call themselves 
 Christians, have grown cold and languid ; while 
 thousands, availing themselves of that languor, 
 treat religion as a prejudice which debases the 
 human mind ; deride its sacred obligations, and 
 exultingly anticipate its obliteration from the 
 earth. The success which attends the inde- 
 fatigable labours of those apostles of irreligion 
 and immorality, in disseminating principles 
 which appal the good, cannot be unknown to 
 you. To their own consciences, however, let 
 the appeal be made. I presume not to address 
 them. But to you, brethren, who have not yet 
 abjured your God and your Saviour, I address 
 myself with confidence ; you, who know that 
 good morals can spring only from the bosom of 
 religion, and that they are equally essential to 
 temporal and eternal happiness. 
 
 The first subject which solicits your atten- 
 tion, is the necessity of a strict observance of 
 the canons, or laws, which have been enacted 
 for the government of our church. These laws 
 arise from two sources ; the General Conven- 
 tion of the United Episcopal Churches in 
 America, and your State Convention ; both 
 regularly constituted and authorized by you to 
 enact all necessary laws for the above purpose. 
 They have done so. They have accomplished 
 that work as became faithful and zealous repre- 
 sentatives ; and have deposited the result of 
 
 their labours in your hands, as the proper guar- 
 dians. Destitute of that coercive power which 
 compels obedience to civil laws, the enforce- 
 ment of those which you have adopted as a 
 Christian society, depends entirely upon your 
 virtue. It is strictly a government of choice ; 
 a government which is, or should be, the result 
 of that noble, disinterested effort, which actuates 
 the great and good, when they experience no 
 other impulse than that which their own reason, 
 their own patriotism, their own generous love 
 for man communicates. It supposes a society 
 of Christians, governing themselves not by 
 those severe penalties which civil laws annex to 
 their nonobservance, but by a high and elevated 
 sense of duty, by considerations no less im- 
 portant than those which are suggested by 
 temporal and eternal felicity. It supposes vir- 
 tue to be the basis ; and that its members will 
 never cease to strengthen that basis, by a daily 
 progression in virtue. It supposes men to be 
 actuated by a spirit worthy of Christianity : 
 sensible, indeed, that no society can exist with- 
 out certain laws and rules by which the general 
 interest may be regulated and promoted ; but 
 cherishing the fond hope that every individual 
 will feel it his sacred duty, either to conform to 
 them, or voluntarily to aid in the enforcement 
 of them. Did men possess that virtue which 
 such a social union supposes, v/ere they actu- 
 ated by that truly dignified spirit which gave it 
 birth, no government could be more prompt or 
 certain in its effects. Every one would feel a 
 sincere anxiety for the preservation of its laws ; 
 obedience, springing from the noblest principle 
 of the human soul, would show to men the 
 practicabiiity of a government, whose energy 
 consisted in the love of its members. Thus 
 would be reahzed that great truth in govern- 
 ment, which Christianity desires to impress 
 upon the hearts of men : thus, either no viola- 
 tions of those rules by which the society re- 
 solved to act in concert would arise ; or, if 
 they should arise, the execution of that sen- 
 tence which the laws had previously pro- 
 nounced would inevitably follow. It is true, 
 then, that your representatives^ either in the 
 General or State Conventions, were not pursu- 
 ing a chimera when they digested a plan of 
 union, and enacted laws by which the church 
 should be governed. They did not rest upon the 
 aid of civil law, nor did they desire that aid to 
 cause their decrees to be enforced. But they did 
 confide in your virtue, in your good sense, in 
 your love for reli^on and your country. It was 
 a confidence which you reposed in yourselves. 
 And truly, it was a spectacle at which many 
 great and good men might well rejoice, when 
 they beheld the members of our church, after 
 the American revolution had sealed the liberties 
 of this western world, instead of repining at the 
 loss of those exclusive advantages which had 
 long been enjoyed, evincing their consciousness, 
 that on themselves alone depended the pros- 
 perity of their Zion. Scarce was the voice of 
 one of her sons heard to utcer the language of 
 discontent. They immolated with joy those 
 exclusive advantages upon the sacred altar of 
 
CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 79 
 
 public justice. They organized their church, 
 adopted rules by which, as a society, they were 
 to act in concert, and framed laws for its par- 
 ticular government. 
 
 Such were the principles, such the conduct, 
 which gave birth to your laws. You still ad- 
 mire that self-confidence which suggested the 
 idea that we possessed sufficient virtue to gov- 
 ern ourselves ; you still acknowledge that, with- 
 out the observance of its rules, no society can 
 exist ; and you still retain the just conviction 
 that, without religion, man degenerates into the 
 beast that perishes. Shall I here, then, place 
 before your view that situation into which your 
 laws have fallen 1 Shall I remind you that they 
 have become a dead letter ; that they are treated 
 as unworthy of your regard ; that there is 
 scarcely a parish which conforms to them, or 
 even knows the duties which they enjoin 1 
 No, brethren ! You are ready to spare me the 
 pain which you know must attend so disagreea- 
 ble a recital, and yourselves the mortification 
 which it would ex ite in your breasts. To all 
 of us, this truth is too impressive not to be 
 felt and acknowledged, that, unless the laws 
 and the rules which we have adopted for our 
 government as a Christian society be strictly 
 adhered to and enforced, our church must fall 
 the victim of our own apathy. But, in God's 
 name, is it possible that tne flight of a few 
 years has wrought such degeneracy in the sons 
 of a church which has for ages been the orna- 
 ment and the bulwark of genuine Christianity 1 
 Is it possible that we have already experienced 
 60 violent a recession from those just, wise, and 
 virtuous principles which originated our laws, 
 as that all attachment to them, all sense of their 
 utihty, all conviction of the necessity of their 
 observance, is eradicated and lost ! I will not 
 indulge a supposition so degrading to us, so 
 humiliating to our church, so afiiictive to virtue 
 and to religion. But I will earnestly and affec- 
 tionately exhort you, brethren, to dispel this 
 astonishing, this fatal lethargy ; to resume your 
 wonted love for your maternal church, that 
 church which first nurtured you with the milk 
 of the gospel ; and to evince a determination to 
 atone for past neglect, by your attention to her 
 laws in future. That every difficulty niay be 
 removed in thus acting, the Convention has 
 directed a sufficient number of copies of them 
 to be forwarded to each parish. Let, I entreat, 
 the vestries become intimately acquainted with 
 them, and zealous for their observance ; let 
 stated times of reading them to our congrega- 
 tions be carefully regarded ; and let ministers, 
 vestrymen, every worthy member of the church, 
 feel a lively interest in their support. In those 
 parishes where there are no vestries duly 
 elected, let some friend to our church urge, 
 without delay, the duty and the necessity of 
 holding an election, and of organizing that es- 
 sential part of our ecclesiastical government. 
 Let men be chosen whose souls can comprehend 
 a general good ; and whose hearts, warmed 
 with the love of religion, know how to appre- 
 ciate its value. Let such men be the guardians 
 of the property of the church ; let them hus- 
 
 band it with an affectionate concern ; let them 
 manage it with the same prudence which they 
 extend to their private affairs ; and let them not 
 despair of obtaining, in due time, holy and vir- 
 tuous pastors, whose instructions, admonitions, 
 and example, they will love, reverence, and 
 follow. 
 
 I proceed to another subject. St. Paul, when 
 he visited Athens, observed an altar dedicated 
 to the unknown God. Suppose the holy apostle, 
 descending from the mansions of eternal bUss, 
 should visit our altars and our temples : to 
 whom do you imagine he would think they 
 were dedicated 1 Not, surely, to that God 
 in whom we live, move, and have our leing, 
 and who was made known to us by his messen- 
 gers : nor even to the unknown God. No ! 
 he would consider them as dedicated, or rather 
 devoted, to the demon of ruin ; he would read 
 in their dejected, forlorn aspects, the fate which 
 threatens them ; and in that fate the degeneracy 
 of those who once felt a holy pride in having 
 reared them for the service of the living 
 God. Ah, brethren ! Is it a melancholy 
 truth, that your temples are the just emblems 
 of your regard for religion 1 You see them, 
 almost everywhere (I thank God there are 
 some exceptions), tottering to their base. Shall 
 ruin seize them ] Shall those venerable fabrics 
 perish, and leave not a trace of public worship 
 among us 1 It is in vain to urge that our uncer- 
 tain tenure of them will not justify the expense 
 which their repairs demand. Four of the most 
 able jurists, men whose bright talents reflect a 
 lustre upon their profession, and even upon their 
 country, have not hesitated to declare that your 
 title is valid. The integrity of the judiciary will 
 then be your shield against every attack. Pro- 
 ceed upon this ground ; and while, as good citi- 
 zens, you cheerfully acquiesce in those laws 
 which the constitution of our country will em- 
 brace, and which the public good may require, 
 still maintain a sacred regard for your rights as 
 men and as members of a Christian society ; 
 nor fear a deprivation of them by any exertion 
 of power which justice and the universal laws 
 of property will not sanction. Hasten, I en- 
 treat you, to cause your churches to assume an 
 appearance more worthy of adorators of the 
 beneficent Parent of the universe ; let them no 
 longer present to the astonished eye of every 
 good man the miserable garb of exiles or out- 
 casts; let not their silent eloquence plead in 
 vain ; but let the love of God and of our holy 
 religion open the palm of bounty, and let all vol- 
 untarily contribute to their necessities, accord- 
 ing to that store with which a kind Providence 
 hath blessed him. The vestries will, I trust, 
 make every proper arrangement, and conduct 
 this good, this necessary work, with a zeal which 
 knovVs how to ensure success. The simplicity 
 of our worship requires no pomp or magnifi- 
 cence in our buildings appropriated for that pur- 
 pose ; but assuredly it is a duty incumbent 
 upon us to keep them in decent repair, to guard 
 them against the injuries which they must re- 
 ceive from time, and particularly from a shame- 
 ful exposure to every insult. 
 
80 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 This subject is interesting, not only on ac- 
 count of the value of the buildings, and their 
 convenience for public worship, but also on 
 another ground. By an unavoidable associa- 
 tion of ideas, men easily transfer to religion 
 itself that indifference, that contempt, which 
 they see manifested towards one of the means 
 of promoting it. It is in vain to say we have 
 a just and a sincere regard for religion ; we 
 know and we feel its infinite importance to tem- 
 poral and eternal felicity ; and at the same time 
 permit those buildings, so essential to its dis- 
 sernination, to exhibit a spectacle at which the 
 good and the pious man, of whatever sect he 
 may be, must weep. No, brethren ! Your 
 very children will not be duped by so shallow a 
 pretext. They will draw for themselves that in- 
 ference which you will never afterward be able to 
 shake. They will be cradled in a contempt for 
 religion. Yes ; this afflicting spectacle of an 
 object which ought to recall to the infant 
 mind, and to the minds even of the aged, the 
 awful idea of a God, such as we worship, must 
 be fatal to religion and to virtue. 
 
 Let me then, brethren, earnestly exhort you, 
 in every parish to which the exhortation will 
 apply, and particularly in those parishes where 
 there may not be, at present, a stated minister, 
 carefully to attend to this important object ; 
 and let us evince externally, as well as inter- 
 nally, that we have not forsaken the God who 
 made us, nor lightly esteemed the rock of our 
 salvation. 
 
 This subject calls me to another very nearly 
 connected with it ; I mean, the situation of 
 your pastors. That some stipend should be 
 allowed for their support and that of their fami- 
 lies, is obvious. The truth is acknowledged 
 by the facility with which a subscription is gen- 
 erally obtained ; but, unfortunately for the pastor 
 and for religion, the collection too often proves 
 another mortifying truth, which I need not de- 
 tail. It is not expected, it is not desired, that 
 the pastoral office should be burdensome to 
 those for whose instruction and benefit it was 
 instituted ; but, on the other hand, it can nei- 
 ther be expected nor desired by the real friends 
 of religioh, that the labours of that office should 
 receive so uncertain, so precarious a reward, as 
 not to afford the necessary support. In the 
 present state of society, nothing can be accom- 
 plished without pecuniary aid. Your pastors, 
 though glowing with the zeal of martyrs, though 
 animated by the most ardent love for piety and 
 virtue, though urged by the strongest sense of 
 duty to God and to their Saviour, cannot devote 
 themselves to their holy functions, unless they 
 know that they may rely upon a certain stipu- 
 lated income. No clergyman is so weak as to 
 expect to be enriched by his ministerial labours ; 
 but every one who discharges his duty with the 
 fidelity which becomes his station, and whose 
 life is, as it ought to be, a living gospel to his 
 parishioners, should in justice receive that 
 compensation at least which may enable him 
 to continue his utility. It is fortunate for you, 
 for themselves, and for society, that to the min- 
 isterial office, your pastors generally add the 
 
 office of instructers of youth. In this double 
 capacity, they discharge duties the most inter- 
 esting. It is certainly in the first period of edu- 
 cation that the germe of future greatness is 
 either fostered with a genial warmth which en- 
 sures its full development, or is bruised, stifled 
 perhaps, or deadened, by the murdering hand of 
 the instructer. Of what infinite importance, 
 then, is it not to parents and to their children, 
 to have in their own neighbourhood, or in their 
 parishes, schools under the guidance of men 
 whose profession and whose duty is the incul- 
 cation and the practice of the sublimest moral 
 duties, while they are instilling into the infant 
 mind the first rudiments of science. Parents 
 ought to have the highest security that the pas- 
 tor of their church will be the faithful guardian 
 of the morals and improvement of their chil- 
 dren ; while the vicinity also of the school ena- 
 bles parents to superintend the discharge of 
 this most important trust. It is true, and I re- 
 joice at it, that the pastor frequently derives 
 from his labours, as instructer of youth, a rea- 
 sonable competence ; but it is no less true, that 
 without this auxiliary resource, few could con- 
 tinue their ministerial functions. They do not 
 find, that they who preach the gospel can live 
 by the gospel, though the Scriptures inform us 
 they should. But if this be the case, if it be a 
 melancholy truth that the ministers of our 
 church do not, as ministers, receive that sup- 
 port which their labours merit, or which will 
 enable them to continue those labours, the in- 
 evitable consequence must be, so soon as this 
 generation is passed, that there will be neither 
 able pastors of our churches, nor confidential 
 pastoral instructers of our children. But, I 
 ask, who among us wishes to see the mournful 
 period arrive, when the attendants at the altar 
 shall no longer be men well instructed, well 
 educated in all liberal science ; men whose 
 minds, enlarged by true philosophy, and exalted 
 by sublime conceptions of the Deity, contain 
 within themselves the strongest stimulus to vir- 
 tuous action, as well as the surest antidote to 
 a grovelling fanaticism, or a wild and extrava- 
 gant enthusiasm, as inconsistent with the gos- 
 pel as with reason 1 And yet arrive it must, 
 unless the only preventive which the case will 
 admit be strenuously applied. I exhort you, 
 then, adopt in your respective parishes some 
 certain mode, by which your pastors may be 
 assured of receiving the stipulated support 
 which you may find yourselves able and willing 
 to give. Let it be moderate, but let it be cer- 
 tain. 
 
 It is now no longer admitted to plead disaf- 
 fection to th€ clergyman. He is a man of like 
 passions with yourselves. He may prove a re- 
 creant in the cause of religion and virtue. If 
 such should be the fatal issue ; if he should de- 
 part from the strictest adherence to those sa- 
 cred duties which his profession enjoins ; if, 
 instead of being a light, he should become a 
 blot upon our church, the canon passed at our 
 last state Convention points out to you the 
 mode by which we may, as expeditiously as 
 justice will admit, purge off the foul stain. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 81 
 
 There still remains another subject which 
 ought not to be omitted in this short, but sin- 
 cerely aifeclionate address. 
 
 Certainly, our best reason authorizes the be- 
 lief, that the order of the universe was not only 
 at tirst established, but is every moment main- 
 tained, by the incessant agency of one Supreme 
 Mind. AH the phenomena of this world, and 
 of other worlds, so far as we can trace them, 
 lead to the necessary conclusion of a presiding, as 
 well as a creating God. Nor is it less certain, 
 that our perceptions of moral distinctions, the ad- 
 monitions of conscience, the irresistible impulse 
 which forces us to love virtue and to hate vice, 
 do all imply a conviction of the moral iadminis- 
 tration of the universe. Man sees everywhere 
 clear indications of a dBnnexion between virtue 
 and happiness, to which he must conform if he 
 would avoid misery. He sees everywhere a 
 system upheld by laws, both physical and moral, 
 which never err ; and which, the more they 
 are investigated, the more do they evince the 
 beneficent design of the Creator. It is thus 
 that the mind acquires just ideas of the attri- 
 butes of God, and from thence of the relation 
 we bear to him. The duties of religion follow 
 as a self-evident consequence. If infinite power, 
 infinite wisdom, infinite moral excellence be the 
 attributes of the Deity, must we not extend to 
 him, though in an infinite degree, all those affec- 
 tions of veneration, of love, of gratitude and 
 confidence, which similar attributes in our fel- 
 low-creatures, however vast the ditTerente, never 
 fail to excite in the breast of every one who has 
 not lost the nature of a man 1 Surely the cul- 
 tivation of those affections, the establishment 
 of an habitual love and reverence for the Su- 
 preme Being, is the first great branch of mo- 
 rality ; nor is it possible that the virtue of that 
 man can be complete or consistent with itself, 
 whose mind is not acted upon, warmed, and 
 elevated by these first sentiments of piety, which 
 nature and reason so powerfully inculcate ; while, 
 on the other hand, it is impossible that exalted 
 virtue should not be the offspring of such senti- 
 ments, wherever they are received, loved, and 
 cherished in all their purity. Can man conceive 
 just ideas of a God, can he beheve in him as 
 the Creator, the protector of whatever exists, 
 but pairticularly as the friend of innocence and 
 virtue, and not feel the strongest inducement to 
 practise every branch of his duty 1 Will not 
 conscience be to him the vicegerent of God 1 
 Will not its whispers be to him the commands 
 of that Being whose government can have no 
 other object than the happiness and the perfec- 
 tion of his creation 1 Can man extend his 
 views still further, and, aided by the combined 
 light of reason and revelation, contemplate him- 
 self as the heir of immortal life ; can he enter- 
 tain a just regard for an eternity of happiness ; 
 can he consider the connexion between that 
 happiness and virtue as indissoluble ; can he, in 
 a word, look intensely forward to a state of fu- 
 ture rewards and punishments, and not be urged, 
 by the most irresistible motives, to love and to 
 practise the purest virtue 1 Who does not see 
 that religion thus becomes a species of authori- 
 
 F 
 
 tative law, enforced by the most awful sanc- 
 tions, and extending not merely to our actions, 
 but to our thoughts "? " In the case of the 
 great bulk of mankind," says an able modem 
 philosopher, "who are incapable of abstract spec- 
 ulation, and whose moral feelings cannot be 
 supposed to have received much cultivation, it 
 is chiefly this view of religioUj which is addressed 
 to their hopes and fears, that secures a faithful 
 discharge of their social duties." Let us not, 
 then, suppress the truth, that religion, such as 
 the blessed Jesus presents to us, is essential to 
 private and to public, to temporal as well as 
 eternal felicity. Ah ! had men acted upon 
 this truth, had they cherished the spirit of our 
 holy rehgion and obeyed its precepts, instead 
 of desolation and misery, instead of those bit- 
 ter potions of sorrow and wretchedness with 
 which ambition and impiety have drenched the 
 human race, righteousness and peace, justice 
 and benevolence, would long have flowed as 
 mighty streams throughout the earth, gladden- 
 ing the nations, and pouring through a thou- 
 sand diflferent channels prosperity, happiness, 
 and joy. 
 
 But, brethren, if reason, if revelation, if duty 
 and interest, if the good order of society, if 
 every unbiased sentiment of the human heart, 
 if, in short, every consideration the most impor- 
 tant to man, thus evinces the high and inestima- 
 ble value of religion, it follows, undoubtedly, 
 that the abandonment of it must be fatal to 
 human happiness. This conclusion follows, or 
 we should be justified in the expectation of an 
 effect when the only cause which -can produce 
 it is removed. What then is the real factl 
 Is not religion, I might not confine the question 
 to that sincere and ardent love for it which the 
 trvily virtuous only feel, but is not even the ap- 
 pearance of religion almost laid aside, nay, 
 scoffed at, by the great bulk of society ! I do 
 not think it becomes me to dissemble this truth, 
 terrific as it really is ; nor do I think it neces- 
 sary, though the task would not be diflficult, to 
 investigate the causes which have produced the 
 effect ; but I am convinced, deeply convinced, 
 that the affirmative cannot be denied. Do not 
 our days of public worship manifest this truth t 
 Does not the entire neglect of parents in the 
 religious instruction of their children manifest 
 this truth 1 Does not the rapid growth of im- 
 morality in general, of profaneness and impiety ; 
 do not the beginnings of prodigious crimes ; 
 does not that party rage, which, not content 
 with blasting, by slander's envenomed breath, 
 the well-earned fame of honesty and worth, but, 
 tiger-like, thirsts even for the blood of fellow- 
 citizens; do not all these effects demonstrate 
 that religion no longer dwells among us 1 But, 
 indeed, I might save both you and myself the 
 trouble of these interrogatories, and ask, whether 
 there be a truth more manifest to the minds of 
 all, or one, which could be the cause of more 
 exultation to many ■? 
 
 If such then be our situation, while the im- 
 portance of religion is also such as we contend 
 for, what remains to be done 1 Shall we, with 
 folded arms, await the rising tempest which 
 
et 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1799. 
 
 threatens to shake this guilty land, and to sweep 
 ■with the besom of destruction these fair fabrics 
 of human wisdom, the proudest monuments of 
 repubhcan virtue ; or shall we raise to Heaven 
 the only means which are left of averting the 
 impending ruin, and of conducting it silently 
 and imperceptibly from usi Between these 
 extremes, a wise man will not hesitate. He 
 will seize those means with avidity. He will 
 become the sincere and the active friend of 
 rational religion ; convinced that it is the only 
 foundation upon which good morals, and, con- 
 sequently, private, social, and eternal happiness, 
 ean securely rest. He will see that those pre- 
 tended lovers of morality who tear it from 
 religion, Jeave a bleeding trunk and grasp a 
 withered bough. He will guard the sacred 
 trunk, nourish its roots, protect its branches, 
 and once more indulge the delicious hope of 
 enjoying the fruits of righteousness and of 
 peace. 
 
 But in order that a speci6c mode may be 
 adopted which shall be the most likely to pro- 
 duce the effect so devoutly to be wished, the 
 revival of a just sense of religion, permit me to 
 submit the following to every parish. — Let the 
 vestries assemble so soon as it may be conve- 
 nient ; and let it then be proposed to enter into 
 a solemn engagement with each other, to use 
 every exertion to induce a regular attendance at 
 church, whenever an opportunity is presented ; 
 let them resolve to set the example ; let their 
 attendance, with their families, be as constant 
 and uniform as possible ; and let each, being 
 provided with a prayer-book, join in the service, 
 as our church has directed. Let them also use 
 all their influence, by reasoning, by persuasion, 
 by such exhortations as may be thought most 
 proper, to induce their neighbours to adopt and 
 to. carry into eflfect the same resolution. Lei 
 them begin, seriously and heartily, to attend to 
 whatever concerns the interest of the church ; 
 and, for this purpose, to have regular quarterly 
 meetings. If those meetings could be held in 
 church, after divine service, I believe it would 
 often be found most convenient. Let also every 
 respectable and influential character who may 
 prefer our church, whether he be a vestryman 
 or not, resolve to give his assistance : let all join 
 zealously in this good work, and we should soon 
 see rational religion to revive among us. I do 
 not suppose that any one, who has voluntarily 
 undertaken the office of a vestryman, will object 
 to what has been here proposed, unless he can 
 suggest a better plan to effect the same purpose ; 
 but if any one should, a resignation would be a 
 benefit which he could have no reluctance in 
 conferring upon religion and the church. 
 
 It will not be objected to this proposal, that 
 we might thus have the show of religion, but 
 still want the reality. No ! I have a higher 
 idea of the attractive charms of religion than to 
 believe that they who frequent her courts, and 
 who come within the music of her voice, will 
 not learn to love her. I know that inattention 
 to religion produces indifference, and that indif- 
 ference teraunates in irreligion, in profaneness, 
 W»d impiety ; one effect thue becoming the pro- 
 
 lific- parent of other effects the most deadly to 
 individual, to domestic, and to social happiness. 
 The unnatural state of man is certainly that 
 which is diseased and polluted with moral tur- 
 pitude ; which is rendered loathsome by crimes 
 rank and offensive to Heaven and earth. A 
 state of religion ^nd of virtue is his only natural 
 state. The distinction between the religious 
 and the moral man is a cobweb, which may en- 
 tangle the sophist, himself ; but he who loves 
 virtue, he who really practises moral duties, 
 will never, without some violence offered to his 
 nature, fall into the absurdity of neglecting the 
 God by whose appointment they are made 
 necessary to happiness. We need, then, to 
 arrest the progress of irreligion, only assemble 
 men once more as Chiistians ; we need only 
 accustom them to worship their God, to hear 
 instruction, and. to see fiow anuable his taberna- 
 cles, are ; they will abandon the unnatural state, 
 they will return to that which is so congenial to 
 their nature ; they will gradually repent, and 
 turn to God, mid do works meet for repentance. 
 We should behold, in a short time, how great a 
 matter a little fire kindlctk ; we should see the 
 love of God and man to warm the breasts of 
 fellow-citizens ; we should see a society where 
 each might say. We have wronged no man, we 
 have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no 
 man ; a society in which, instead of being hate- 
 ful and hating one another, all bitterness, and 
 wrath, and clamour, and evil-speaking, and evil- 
 doing, would be put away from us. 
 
 To the soul frozen with apathy, or entirely 
 engrossed with its worldly pursuits ; to the man 
 who has so long abstracted himself from every 
 thought of religion, that it is not possible to find 
 even a few of its scattered rays emanating from 
 his breast, which we might concentre, and re- 
 flect back upon himself in their collected warmth, 
 these ideas will appear vain and illusory, perhaps 
 extravagant and enthusiastic. Be it so. To 
 those who cherish virtue ; who know, from all 
 past and present experience, throughout every 
 period of civil history, that criminality has 
 always advanced in the same proportion as the 
 principle of religion has receded ; and that it is 
 more easy to recall men to a state which is 
 natural to them, and in which their happiness is 
 placed by God himself, than to turn them from 
 it to one- which is unnatural, and consequently 
 miserable, to such I address myself with con- 
 fidence. From such I hear the animating voice. 
 Come, let us make the noble effort ; it is reason, 
 it is patriotism, it is our best interest, it is grati- 
 tude to our God, which persuades ; let us snatch 
 ourselves, our children, our country, from the 
 madness of libertinism, from the vortex of im- 
 piety and irreligion, and let us revive the reign 
 of truth and justice, of peace and righteousness, 
 of love to God and man. Let us unite ; let us 
 act as fathers, as patriots, and as Christians ; let 
 us raise the parent of morality and happiness 
 from the dust ; and let us resolve henceforth to 
 become her protectors, her guardians, her truly- 
 sincere and zealous friends. 
 
 Before such sentiments, such resolutions, 
 would not every obstacle vanish ! Would they 
 
CONVENTION OF 1806. 
 
 83 
 
 toot disappear, like the light down which the 
 wind chaseth from the mountain's top 1 They 
 would. There is not a tongue which is not 
 ready to join in the response. See then the 
 conclusion. The means are certain ; they are 
 within your power ; nay, they invite you to 
 hasten to their adoption. If they be not adopt- 
 ed, the consequences may be fatal to human 
 happiness. To your consciences, and to your 
 God, I leave the decision. If religion, such as 
 the wisest and the best of men approve, must 
 continue to decline — perish it cannot — nothing 
 remains for its real friends but the mantle of 
 mourning. I anticipate, however, a far different 
 event. Besides the hope of your exertions, a 
 ray of consolation seems to break forth from 
 another quarter. The cultivation of piety is 
 ranked by the most eminent writers among the 
 highest duties which a nation owes to itself. 
 Perhaps the time may not be far distant, when 
 the enlightened patriots of this country, in their 
 legislative capacities, conscious of this duty, 
 " knowing that nothing is so proper as piety to 
 strengthen virtue, and to give it its full extent;" 
 and preferring the prevention of crimes to the 
 multiplication of sanguinary laws ; or the per- 
 fection of citizens to their extermination ; will 
 bring forward some well-digested plan for the 
 security of this great object. Whether a gen- 
 eral assessment, upon principles suited to the 
 nature of a free government, would not be the 
 most happy expedient, and productive of really 
 great and extensive public gopd, is a subject 
 
 well worthy of the most serious consideration of 
 every friend to virtue and genuine republicanism. 
 
 To you, reverend brethren, in particular, a 
 few words only shall be added. This is the 
 season for exertion. You will find, I trust, in 
 every parish, many good men, who will gladly 
 aid you. Consult with them ; exhort and en- 
 courage each other ; unite your zeal with 
 theirs, and let not the overflowings of ungod- 
 liness deter you from your duty. Extend your 
 care not only to your own parish, but to any 
 neighbouring parish which may not have a 
 minister. Make known to all the laws and 
 regulations which govern us as a Christian so- 
 ciety ; excite all to a diligent observance of 
 them ; and be the first to set the example. Be 
 zealous for the glory of our God, walk in all his 
 ordinances blameless, and in every thing keep 
 a conscience void of offence. Be ever im- 
 pressed with this truth, the most important to 
 us and to religion, that, to be useful, we must 
 be respected ; and to be respected, we must be 
 truly good. Prudence, mildness, benevolence, 
 charity for all men, wisdom and piety, active, 
 zealous, but liberal ; — great God ! with these 
 virtues clothe the ministers of thy gospel. 
 
 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, 
 and to the word of his grace, which is able io 
 build you up, and io give you an inheritance 
 among all them that are sanctified. 
 
 James Madison, 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in Virginia. 
 
 From the best information which the author has been able to collect, the depressed condition 
 of the church led to the entire discontinuance of the Conventional meetings for several years. 
 There will therefore bd found irregularity in the Journals from this period up to 1812. All that 
 could be procured are published. 
 
 Journal of a Special Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the 
 Capitol in the City of Richmond, May 7th, 1805. 
 
 On Tuesday, the 7th of May, in the year of 
 our Lord 180.5, being the day appointed for a 
 special meeting of the Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church at the Capitol in the 
 city of Richmond, a sufficient number of mem- 
 bers having attended to form a Convention, the 
 Rev. Abner Waugh read prayers, after which the 
 Rt. Rev. Dr. Madison took his seat as president. 
 
 Charles Marshall was appointed secretary to 
 the Convention. 
 
 An address suitable to the occasion was de- 
 livered by the president. 
 
 The deputies then delivered in at the secre- 
 tary's table the certificates of their appoint- 
 ments. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. M'Norton and 
 Mr. Ambler be appointed a committee to ex- 
 amine the certificates of the deputies attending, 
 and report to the Convention. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the cer- 
 tificates of members attending reported, That 
 
 the returns made from the parishes of Berkeley, 
 Bruton, Christ's Church, Fredericksville, Ham- 
 ilton, Henrico, Elizabeth River, James City, 
 Manchester, St. Mark, Southam, St. Stephen, 
 St. Martin, Shelburne, Wicomico, Ware, St, 
 James Norlham, Cumberland, and Bath, were 
 conformably to the canons. 
 
 The Rev. Abner Waugh, Sewall Chapin, and 
 Andrew Syme, appeared without certificates ; 
 and the Convention being satisfied that they 
 were regularly ordained ministers, and in the 
 following parishes, to wit : the Rev.' Abner 
 Waugh in the parish of St. Mary's (Caroline), 
 the Rev. Andrew Syme of the parish of Bris- 
 tol, the Rev. Sewall Chapin in the parish of 
 Westover, and Godfrey Davenish, Master of an 
 Academy, King William, were severally per- 
 mitted to take their seats in Convention vvithout 
 certificates. 
 
 The Convention was th«n composed of th« 
 following members, viz : — 
 
84 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1805. 
 
 Clerical Deputies. 
 Hugh Goran Boggs, 
 
 Daniel M'Norton, 
 Matthew Murray, D. D., 
 Charles O'Neal, 
 James Madison (B. ^d P.)> 
 
 James "Whitehead> D. D., 
 
 Duncan M'Naughton, 
 John Dunn, 
 
 John Buchanan, D. D., 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 
 Robert Greenhow, 
 James Ball, 
 John Walker, 
 Charles Marshall, 
 John Ambler, 
 David Patteson, > 
 James A. Patterson, J 
 
 Wilham Broadus, 
 William Bently, 
 John Hull, 
 William Fontaine, 
 
 Richard Gaskins, 
 Richard Banum, 
 
 John Cameron, D. D., 
 
 Wright Tucker, 
 
 Abner Waugh, 
 
 Godfrey Davenish, Master of an Academy, 
 
 Sewall Chapin, 
 
 Andrew Syme, 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Ambler, Mr. . Fontaine, 
 Rev. Mr. M'Norton, and Rev. Mr. Waugh, be 
 appointed a committee to examine the treasu- 
 rer's accounts and report, &c. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Doctor Cameron, 
 the Rev. Doctor Buchanan, the Rev. James 
 Whitehead, the Rev. Daniel M'Norton, the 
 Rev. Matthew Murray, the Rev. Hugh Coran 
 Boggs, the Rev. Abner Waugh, Mr. Walker, 
 Mr. Ball, Mr. Ambler, Mr. Greenhow, Mr. 
 Fontaine, Mr. Broadus, and Mr. Marshall, be 
 appointed a connnittee to take under considera- 
 tion the subjects mentioned in the president's 
 address this day delivered, and also the general 
 business to be laid before the Convention, and 
 report their opinion of the measures necessary 
 to be adopted, and that the president be re- 
 quested to attend the said committee. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do to-morrow 
 form themselves into a committee of the whole, to 
 take under consideration the state of the church. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be given to the Right Rev. Doctor Madi- 
 son for his well-timed and judicious addres?. 
 
 Resolved, That the visiters of districts who 
 are present, give as accurate information as 
 they can to the secretary, of the officiating 
 clergy within their respective vestry districts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Convention do adjourn un- 
 til to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock; 
 
 Wkdnesday-, May 8th, 1805. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment. Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. 
 Yoting, and a sermon delivered by the Rev. 
 Mr. Dunn. 
 
 The Rev. John Bracken, D. D., of the parish 
 of Bruton, appeared and took his seat. 
 
 Certificates from the clerk of Washington 
 parish, from the Wardens of Elizabeth City 
 parish, from Drysdale parish, and from Fred- 
 erick parish, were severally handed in at the 
 
 John Curd, 
 Edmund P., Bacon, 
 John Walker, 
 
 Parishes. 
 Berkeley. 
 Bruton. 
 
 Christ's Church. 
 Fredericksville. 
 Hamilton. 
 James City. 
 
 Manchester. 
 
 Elizabeth River. 
 
 St. Mark. 
 
 Soutbam. 
 
 St. Stephen. 
 
 St. Martin. 
 
 Shelburne. 
 
 Wicomico. 
 
 Ware. 
 
 Henrico. 
 
 St. James. 
 
 Cumberland. 
 
 Bath. 
 
 St. Mary. 
 
 King William. 
 
 Westover. 
 
 Bristol. 
 
 secretary's table, and, upon being examined by 
 the committee appointed for that purpose, were 
 found to be conformable to the canons ; where- 
 upon the Rev. James Elliott and Daniel Car- 
 michael, deputies from the parish of Washmg- 
 ton, the Rev. Benjamin Brown and John Coop- 
 er, deputies from the parish of Elizabeth City, 
 William Syme, a lay deputy from the parish of 
 Drysdale, and Gilbert Page, a lay deputy from 
 the parish of Frederick, severally took their seats. 
 
 The committee appointed yesterday to take 
 under consideration the president's address, and 
 also the general business to be laid before the 
 Convention, returned a report in part, which 
 was delivered in at the secretary's table, where 
 it was read. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention form them- 
 selves into a committee of the whole on the 
 state of the church. 
 
 The Convention then formed themselves into 
 a committee of the whole, to take under consid- 
 eration the report of the select committee, Mr. 
 David Patteson in the chair ; and after some 
 time spent, the committee rose, reported, and 
 asked leave to sit again. 
 
 Mr. David Patteson reported. That the com- 
 mittee of the whole had gone through the re- 
 port of the select committee, and agreed to the 
 same, with an amendment, which he dehvered 
 in at the secretary's table. 
 
 Resolved, That the said report lie on the table, 
 and be made the order of the day for to-morrow. 
 
 The Rev. John Bracken and Robert Page 
 were added to the committee appointed to take 
 under consideration the president's address, and 
 the general business to be laid before the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Convention be adjourned 
 until to-morrovv morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, Mat 9th, 1805. 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1805. 
 
 85 
 
 meut. Prayers were read by the Rev. John 
 Buchanan. The Convention then proceeded 
 to consider the report yesterday made from the 
 committee of the whole on the state of the 
 church, and which was made the order of the 
 day. 
 
 The said report having been debated by sec- 
 tions, received several amendments, and was 
 afterward read by the secretary as amended. 
 
 Resolved, That the said report, as amended, 
 be agreed to. 
 
 Resolved, That a canon in conformity to the 
 said report be prepared and reported to the 
 Convention. 
 
 A canon conformably to the said report was 
 then presented, as follows : 
 
 A Canon for the effectual government of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this State. 
 
 "Whereas the present state of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in Virginia has ex- 
 perienced many and great inconveniences from 
 the want of such regulations and provisions as 
 the good and wholesome government of the 
 said church required, and from the nonper- 
 formance of existing canons ; Now, in order 
 that such inconveniences may be removed, so 
 far as lieth in this Convention, and that the 
 rules and canons of the said church, and also 
 those of the General Convention, may be 
 strictly observed and enforced in all time to 
 come, that all the members of the said church, 
 whether clergymen or laymen, may be excited 
 to the most zealous and commendable exertions 
 to further, by all justifiable means, the future 
 prosperity of the church, 
 
 Be it ordained. That every minister shall lay 
 before each Convention a full statement of the 
 eburch within his care, which shall exhibit not 
 only the numbers of his congregation or con- 
 gregations, but of their increase or decrease, 
 the number of communicants, the support which 
 he receives, the attention paid to the preservation 
 of the church or churches, the state of psalm- 
 ody, the use of the Book of Common Prayer, 
 and the general observance of the ordinances. 
 
 Sec. 2d. Every minister shall take due care 
 that vestries be regularly elected, that the rules 
 of the church be read agreeably to a canon pro- 
 vided for that purpose, and shall once at least 
 in every year preach a sermon upon the neces- 
 sity of knowing and adhering to the rules of the 
 church, and use every exertion to instruct the 
 rising generation in the principles of Christianity 
 ^■xind of our church. ' 
 
 Sec. 3d. Every minister shall attend Con- 
 yentions, unless in case of sickness or other 
 sufficient reason, of which each succeeding 
 Convention shall be notified and judge. 
 
 Sec. 4th. In any case of nonobservance of 
 these regulations, the sentence shall be admo- 
 nition, censure, or suspension. 
 
 Sec. 5th. Any lay member of the qhurch, 
 conducting himself in a manner unworthy of a 
 Christian, may be, and ought to be, admonished 
 by the minister and vestry of the parish or con- 
 gregation ; and if such member persevere in 
 ^ucn conduct, he shall be suspended or expelled 
 
 by the minister and vestry ; in which case he 
 may appeal to the Convention, who shall have 
 power to confirm or reject the sentence. 
 
 Resolved, That the said canon do pass, and 
 the title thereof be, "A canon for the effectual 
 government of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in this state." 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 take measures for compiling into one volume all 
 the canons and resolutions, as well of the gen- 
 eral as State Conventions, which shall have been 
 heretofore made and are now in force, for the 
 government of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; 
 and that he cause two hundred copies to be im- 
 mediately printed, and distributed among the 
 ministers and laymen of the several parishes 
 within this state, who shall hold such copies for 
 the use of their respective vestries, and shall 
 submit them, when desired, to the inspection of 
 parishioners. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. M'Norton, the 
 Rev. Mr. Whitehead, D. D., the Rev. Mr. 
 Bracken, D. D., the Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. Walk- 
 er, Mr. Ambler, and Mr. Page, be appointed a 
 committee to bring in a canon amendatory of 
 the canon concerning presbyteries. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention 
 be given to the Rev. Mr. Dunn for his excel- 
 lent sermon preached yesterday. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the 
 treasurer's accounts, returned their report that 
 there was a balance remaining in his hands of 
 67Z. 12s. 7d. 
 
 Resolved, That the said account and report 
 do pass. 
 
 The committee appointed to take into con- 
 sideration the subjects mentioned in the presi- 
 dent's address, and also the general business to be 
 laid before the Convention, reported. That they 
 had, according to order, again taken those sub- 
 jects into their consideration, and had agreed to 
 several resolutions thereupon, which were de- 
 livered in at the secretary's table : which reso- 
 lutions are in the words following, to wit : — 
 
 Wliereas the great question of the title to 
 the glebe-lands belonging to the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, in the estimation of this 
 committee, remains yet undecided ; and this 
 committee, considering the law of this common- 
 wealth, passed in the year 1802, authorizuig the 
 overseers of the poor to expose to sale all va- 
 cant glebes, to be unconstitutional, as interfering 
 with a title completely vested in the Episcopal 
 Church, and subversive of private right ; and 
 this committee, feeling an ardent desire to de- 
 fend the rights of the church, they therefore 
 recommend to the Convention, for their adoption, 
 the following resolutions : — 
 
 Resolved, That the bishop and standing com- 
 mittee be authorized and requested to pursue to 
 the end the defence of the rights and property 
 of the churches aforesaid. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will endeav- 
 our, by contribution from the several parishes or 
 otherwise, to raise a fund for the purpose of 
 defraying any and all expenses which may be 
 incurred in the protection and maintenance of 
 the rights aforesaid. 
 
86 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1805. 
 
 These resolutions, after being read, were 
 agreed to. 
 
 A resolution from the same committee was 
 delivered in at the secretary's table, and, after 
 being read, was agreed to in the words follow- 
 ing :— . 
 
 Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the vis-: 
 iter of each district in the state, to report as 
 soon as possible to the bishop and standing com- 
 mittee all the parishes within his district, with 
 the name of each parish, what parishes have 
 incumbents, who those are, what parishes are 
 vacant, what glebes have been sold, and what 
 are in a state of litigation ; and that it be the 
 duty of the bishop and standing committee to 
 report the result to the next Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the committee appointed to 
 take into consideration the subjects mentioned 
 in the president's address, and also the general 
 business to be laid before the Convention, be 
 discharged from further proceeding. 
 
 Whereas the bishop has represented to this 
 Convention, that from want of bodily strength, 
 and from sundry necessary and official occupa- 
 tions, he- finds himself unable to discharge the 
 whole of the arduous and important duties an- 
 nexed to that office ; Resolved, That it is ex- 
 pedient an assistant bishop be appointed. 
 
 Ordered, That the said resolution be commit- 
 ted to a committee of the whole on the state of 
 the church. 
 
 The Convention then formed themselves into 
 a committee of the whole on the state of the 
 church, Mr. D. Patteson in the chair ; and af- 
 ter some time spent therein, the committee 
 rose, and the chairman reported. That the com- 
 mittee had, according to order, taken the said 
 resolution under consideration, and had directed 
 him to report the same without amendment. 
 
 The Convention then took the report of the 
 committee of the whole into consideration, and 
 agreed thereto. 
 
 Resolved, That the nomination of an assist- 
 ant bishop be postponed until the next Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 clergy in their respective cures, to embrace 
 every opportunity of visiting their parishioners, 
 accompanying those visits with instructions suit- 
 able to their sacred office, insisting on the ne- 
 cessity of religion to the happiness of man, the 
 duty incumbent on all parents to instruct their 
 children in the principles of Christianity, the 
 advantages arising from family worship, and a 
 pointed attendance on the public worship of our 
 church. 
 
 The said resolution being first read by the sec- 
 retary, and then by the president, was agreed to. 
 
 A resolution respecting itinerant ministers 
 was delivered in at the secretary's table ; and af- 
 ter being read, Resolved, That the said resolu- 
 tion be committed to the Rev. John Bracken, 
 D. D., the Rev. Mr. Whitehead, B. D., the 
 Rev. Mr. Boggs, the Rev. Mr. M'Norton, Mr. 
 Walker, Mr. Ambler, and Mr Page, to make a 
 report on the same. 
 
 Ordered, That the Convention adjourn until 
 to-nidrrdw mbrnin cr, 10 o'clock. 
 
 FainAY, May 10, 1805. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjounl-' 
 ment. 
 
 The Rev. Matthew Murray, D. D., read pray- 
 ers. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the res- 
 olution concerning itinerant missionaries re- 
 ported. That they had, according to order, taken 
 into consideration the subject, and had come to 
 a resolution thereupon, which was delivered in 
 at the secretary's table, and, after being twice 
 read, was agreed to, as follows : — 
 
 Whereas many parishes in this state are with- 
 out pastors, so that the members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church residing therein have 
 no opportunity of hearing the doctrines of our 
 church expl^ained and inculcated, and of having 
 its several ordinances administered : And where- 
 as it is believed that the interests of religion 
 will be promoted by the mission of suitable char- 
 acters in the several districts within this state, 
 for the purpose of explaining and inculcating 
 those doctrines, and of administering such or- 
 dinances : Resolved, That it be recommended 
 to the bishop and standing committee to select 
 so many suitable characters as they shall deem 
 necessary, from time to time, for the objects 
 aforesaid ; and that, previous to such missions, 
 due notice shall be given, by circular letters or 
 otherwise, to the minister and vestry, or, where 
 there is no vestry, to some respectable member 
 or members of each parish, whose duty it shall 
 be to promote a subscription for the compensa- 
 tion of such travelling ministers, and that the sev- 
 eral sums so raised be forwarded to the treasurer 
 of the church, subject to the management and 
 disposal of the bishop and standing committee. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Buchanan be 
 appointed treasurer of the church for the ensu- 
 ing year. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention be held 
 in the city of Richmond. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 report to the next Convention what parishes 
 have failed in payment of the annual requisi- 
 tions, with a statement of the amount of the ar- 
 rearages due from each delinquent parish ; and, in 
 the meantime, that he shall transmit to the minis- 
 ter and vestry, or, where there shall be no minis- 
 ter or vestry, to some respectable member of such 
 delmquent parish, a statement of the balances 
 due from such parish. 
 
 Resolved, That Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Prentis, 
 James Henderson, Champion Travis, John 
 Bracken, and Robert Greenhow, be appointed aW 
 standing committee for the ensuing year. 
 
 The thanks of this Convention were unani- 
 mously given to Charles Marshall, for his atten- 
 tion to the duty of secretary. 
 
 Ordered, That the treasurer pay to the Right 
 Rev. Dr. Madison one hundred and fifty dol- 
 lars, for his services as bishop for the last year. 
 
 Resolved, That the Reverend Mr. Duncan 
 M'Naughton, the Rev. Mr. Davenish, and the 
 Rev. Mr. Boggs, be each of them requested to 
 prepare a sermon, to be preached before the next 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay five dollars 
 
CONVENTION OF 1812. 
 
 87 
 
 to the person who has acted as doorkeeper to 
 the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 bishop and standing committee to call the next 
 Convention to meet on the first Tuesday in 
 May, 1806. 
 
 Resolved, That two hundred copies of the 
 Journal be printed, under the direction of the 
 Rev. Mr. Buchanan, D. D., and that two copies 
 be furnished to each parish. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned. 
 
 Attest, Charles Marshall, Secretary. 
 
 A Canon to amend the Canon entitled ''A 
 Canon co7icerning Conventions.^' [Passed in 
 May, 1803.] 
 
 Fifteen deputies, qualified or appointed agree- 
 
 ably to the canon concerning Conventions, shall 
 be a Convention, any thing in the said canon 
 concerning Conventions notwithstanding : And 
 there shall be a Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in this state on the fourth 
 Tuesday of May in every year, instead of the 
 first Tuesday of May, in such place as shall be 
 agreed on by the Convention. Provided al- 
 ways. That for the altering or framing of a canon, 
 twenty-five members at least shall be neces- 
 sary. 
 
 A Canon for the effectual government of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this State. 
 [Passed in May, 1805.] 
 
 See Journal of May 9th, 1805. 
 
 Journal of a Special Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the 
 Capitol in the City of Richmond, May I3th, 1812. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 13th of May, in the year 
 of our Lord 1812, being the day appointed for 
 the special meeting of the Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, at the 
 capitol in the city of Richmond, a sufficient 
 number of members having attended to form a 
 Convention, the Rev. Mr. Strebeck read prayers, 
 after which the Rev. Dr. John Bracken was 
 chosen president, and George Deneale, Esq. 
 was appointed secretary. 
 
 The clerical and lay deputies then delivered 
 in at the secretary's table the certificates of 
 their appointment. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. John 
 
 Cameron, the Rev. John Buchanan, and Mr. 
 William Moore, be appointed a committee to 
 examine the certificates afore;said, and to report 
 thereon. 
 
 The said committee shortly after reported. 
 That the returns made from the parishes of 
 Bristol, Lynnhaven, Cumberland, Manchester, 
 Henrico, Lyttleton, Staunton, St. Mark, Christ 
 Church, Alexandria, St. George, Wicomico, 
 Suffolk, Berkeley, Bruton, and Antrim, were con- 
 formable to the canons. 
 
 The Convention was then composed of the 
 following members, viz. :-rr- 
 
 Clerical Deputies. 
 Rev. Andrew Syme, 
 Anthony Walke, 
 John Cameron, 
 
 John Buchanan, 
 
 William King, 
 John Woodvilie, 
 
 William Meade, 
 George Strebeck, 
 Samuel Low, 
 Jacob Keeling, 
 Hugh C. Boggs, 
 John Bracken, 
 Alexander Hay, 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 WiUiam Moore, 
 
 David Patteson, 
 Alexander M'Rae, 
 Codrington Carrington, 
 George Turner, 
 Robert Slaughter, 
 Raleigh W. Downman, ) 
 John M. Smith, J 
 
 George Deneale, 
 William S. Stone, 
 Thomas Gaskins, 
 Thomas H. P. Goodwyn, 
 
 On motion made by the Rev. Dr. Cameron, 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 take into consideration the expediency of amend- 
 ing the canon concerning vestries and trustees, 
 passed in May, 1799, which resolution was re- 
 ferred to the Rev. Mr. Cameron, Rev, Mr. 
 Walke, Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. M'Rae, and Mr. 
 Patteson. 
 
 On motion made and seconded. Resolved, 
 That a committee be appointed to amend the 
 canon entitled a canon concermng Conventions, 
 passed in May, 1803, which resolution was also 
 
 Parishes. 
 Bristol. 
 Lynnhaven. 
 Cumberland. 
 Manchester. 
 Henrico. 
 Littleton. 
 Staunton. 
 St. Mark. 
 
 Christ Church. 
 
 Alexandria. 
 
 St. George. 
 
 Wicomico. . 
 
 Suffolk. 
 
 Berkeley, 
 
 Bruton. 
 
 Antrim. 
 
 referred to the Rev. Mr. Cameron, Rev. Mr. 
 Walke, Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. M'Rae and Mr. 
 Patteson. 
 
 On motion^ Resolved, That Mr. Jlobert 
 Slaughter and Mr. William B. Stone be ap- 
 pointed a committee to examine the treasurer's 
 accounts, and to report thereon. 
 
 A motion was made and seconded, That a 
 committee be appointed to consider the ex- 
 pediency of amending the 7th canon; and on 
 the question being put, it passed in the affirma- 
 tive. The following gentlemen were accord- 
 
88 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1812. 
 
 ingly appointed, viz. : the Rev. Mr. Cameron, 
 Rev. Mr. Walke, Rev. Mr. Boggs, Rev. Mr. 
 Meade, Rev. Mr. Hay, Mr. M'Rae, Mr. Patte- 
 son, Mr. Gaskins, and Mr. Downman. 
 
 A certificate from Frederick parish wa.s laid 
 on the secretary's table by Mr. Edward M'Guire, 
 showing his appointment as a lay deputy from 
 the said parish ; which, on examination, was 
 found to be conformable to the canons, and Mr. 
 M'Guire took his seat accordingly. 
 
 The Rev. Alexander Hay, from Antrim parish, 
 presented a report agreeably to a canon " for the 
 effectual government of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in this state." 
 
 On a motion made, it was unanimously Re- 
 solved, That the Rev. Dr. Bracken be requested 
 to deliver a sermon to-morrow morning at 
 11 o'clock. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning 11 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, 14th May, 1812, 
 
 The Convention met, agreeably to adjourn- 
 ment, at 1 1 o'clock. Present the same mem- 
 bers as yesterday. Divine service was per- 
 formed, and a sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. 
 Bracken; after which, Resolved, That the thanks 
 of this Convention be given to the Rev. Dr. 
 Bracken, for the excellent sermon he delivered. 
 On a motion made and seconded, the Con- 
 vention resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole on the state of the church, Mr. Moore 
 in the chair ; and after some time spent therein, 
 the committee rose, and the chairman reported, 
 That the committee had come to the following 
 resolutions, viz. : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is expedient that the stand- 
 ing committee should address, and they are 
 hereby requested to address, a circular letter to 
 the minister and vestrymen of each parish in this 
 state, or to the vestry, where there is no minister, 
 calling on them in the most urgent manner to 
 carry into effect " the canon for the effectual gov- 
 ernment of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 this state ;" and also the fortieth canon of the 
 General Convention of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church. And also, Resolved, That the stand- 
 ing committee be requested to address the min- 
 ister and vestry of each parish, or the vestry, 
 where there is no minister, urging them to com- 
 ply with the annual requisition for the general 
 Eurposes of the church ; which said resolutions 
 aving been twice severally read, were agreed 
 to by the Convention. 
 
 A motion was made, That, when the Conven- 
 tion adjourns, it adjourn to the hour of five this 
 afternoon, for the purpose of taking into con- 
 sideration the propriety of electing a bishop for 
 this state, which motion was agreed to. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 settlement of the treasurer's accounts reported. 
 That they had performed that duty, and found said 
 accounts to be correctly stated and supported by 
 vouchers, and that there remained in the treas- 
 urer's hands a balance of 52/. 2*. Id., which report 
 *vas received and approved by the Convention. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned till 5 o'clock 
 T M. 
 
 Thursday, 5 o'clock P. M. — The Conven- 
 tion met agreeably to adjournment. 
 
 The chairman of the committee appointed to 
 take into consideration the expediency of amend- 
 ing the canon concerning vestries and trustees, 
 passed in May, 1799, reported it to be the 
 opinion of the committee. That it is inexpedient 
 at this time to alter in any manner whatever 
 any part of the canon aforesaid ; which report 
 having been twice read, was agreed to by the 
 Convention. 
 
 The chairman of the committee appointed to 
 amend the canon concerning Conventions, pass- 
 ed in May, 1803, reported. That the said com- 
 mittee had, according to order, maturely con- 
 sidered whether any, and if any, what amend- 
 ments were necessary to the said canon, and 
 had agreed to the following, to wit : that in the 
 first line thereof the word nine should be in- 
 serted in place of the word fifteen ; and that in 
 the last line but one, the word fifteen should be 
 inserted instead of the words twenty-five ; which 
 said several amendments having been duly read, 
 were agreed to by the Convention ; and a canon 
 conformably thereto was accordingly prepared 
 and submitted : the said canon having been 
 read a first and second time, was ordered to be 
 engrossed, and read a third time ; and having 
 been so read, was passed. Ordered, That the 
 title of the said canon be, " A canon to amend 
 the canon entitled a canon to amend the canon 
 entitled a canon concerning Conventions." 
 
 The chairman of the committee appointed to 
 consider the expediency of amending the 7th 
 canon reported. That, according to order, the 
 said committee having maturely considered the 
 propriety of amending the same, had agreed to 
 the following amendments, to wit : That all the 
 words of the first section, from the word " cler- 
 gymen" in the eighth line, to the word " the" in 
 the thirteenth line, shall be stricken out, and that 
 in lieu thereof be inserted the following words, 
 viz. : and vestrymen as he or they may deem 
 proper; and also, that the whole of the third 
 section of the said canon be •expunged there- 
 from : which said several amendments having 
 been duly considered, were agreed to by the 
 Convention. A canon was then prepared in 
 conformity to the said amendments, which 
 canon having been read a first and second time, 
 was ordered to be engrossed, and read a third 
 time ; and after being engrossed, having been so 
 read, was passed. Ordered, That the title of the 
 said canon be, " A canon to amend the canon en- 
 titled a canon to amend the canon entitled a 
 canon concerning offences, and the mode of pro- 
 ceeding against offending ministers." 
 
 The Rev. William H. Wilmer and Mr. 
 Charles Page appeared and produced certifi^ 
 cates of their election as deputies from St. 
 Paul's Church, in Alexandria ; which, on exam- 
 ination, were found to be conformable to the 
 canons, and they took their seats accordingly. 
 
 A motion was made and seconded, That the 
 Convention do now proceed to the appointment 
 of deptities to the next General Convention to be 
 holden in Philadelphia; and on the questioni 
 being put, it passed in the affirmative ; the Rey. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1813. 
 
 ^d 
 
 Doctor Bracken, the Rev. Mr. Wilmer, Mr. 
 M'Rae, and Mr. M'Guire, were accordingly ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Hay, leave is 
 granted him to withdraw his report laid on the 
 table yesterday. 
 
 The expediency of electing a bishop was next 
 considered, according to the resolution of this 
 morning, whereupon. Resolved, That it is ex- 
 pedient that the Convention do now proceed to 
 the choice of a bishop. The Rev. Mr. Bu- 
 chanan having nominated the Rev. Dr. Brack- 
 en, the members then proceeded to ballot ; and 
 the ballots being received, the Rev. Mr. Bu- 
 chanan and Mr. M'Rae were appointed a com- 
 mittee to count the same. The said committee 
 having performed that duty, reported. That they 
 found the ballots to be, for the Rev. Dr. Brack- 
 en, 22, and for the Rev. Mr. Boggs, 3 ; and 
 thereupon the Rev. John Bracken, D; D., was 
 declared to be duly elected Bishop of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this state. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now proceed to the election of a treasurer ; 
 and thereupon the Rev. Mr. Buchanan was 
 duly elected. 
 
 On motion made by Mr. M'Rae, and seconded. 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the Rev. Mr. 
 Meade be requested to deliver a sermon to- 
 morrow. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. 
 Dennis, the Rev. Mr. Halson, Mr. Wilson 
 Miles Cary, Mr. James Henderson, Mr. Alex- 
 ander Campbell, and Mr. Anthony Robinson, be 
 appointed a standing committee, agreeably to the 
 8th canon. Resolved, That two hundred copies 
 of the Journal be printed, with the canons an- 
 nexed, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. 
 Buchanan and Mr. M'Rae, and that the same 
 
 be distributed among the several parishes in 
 this state. 
 
 A motion was made and seconded, That the 
 Convention do now proceed to the appointment 
 of a clerical deputy, in the room of the Rev. 
 Dr. Bracken, elected bishop, to the next General 
 Convention ; and on the question being taken, 
 it passed in the affirmative, and the Rev. Mr. 
 Strebeck was appointed accordingly. 
 
 Then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning 9 o'clock. 
 
 John Bracken, President. 
 
 Friday, 15th May, 1812. 
 
 The Convention met agreeably to adjourn- 
 ment, and the president being absent, the Rev. 
 Mr. Boggs was requested to take the chair. 
 
 A motion was made and seconded. That the 
 Convention appoint two clerical and two lay 
 deputies, in addition to those heretofore ap- 
 pointed, to attend the next General Convention 
 in Philadeljphia ; and the question being put, 
 it passed in the affirmative. The Rev. Mr. 
 Meade, the Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. Deneale, and 
 Mr. Patteson, were accordingly appointed. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Wilmer, the 
 Rev. Mr. Strebeck, and the Rev. Mr. Wood- 
 ville, be each of them requested to prepare a ser- 
 mon to be preached before the next Convention, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be given to George Deneale, 
 Esq., for his services as their secretary. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention do now ad- 
 journ, to meet again on the fourth Tuesday in 
 May, in the year of our Lord 1813, in the city 
 of Richmond. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned. 
 
 Hugh C. Boggs. 
 Attest, G. Deneale, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held at the 
 Capitol, in the City of Richmond, from May 25th to May 26/ A, 1813, both inclusive. 
 
 Tuesday, May 25. 
 
 According to the adjournment of the last 
 Convention, the following gentlemen of the 
 clergy and laity assembled at the capitol, viz. : 
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron, Mr. James M'Farland, 
 Cumberland ; Rev. Dr. Buchanan, Henrico ; 
 Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr. William Moore, Bris- 
 tol ; Rev. Samuel Low, Mr. Joseph Ball, Wi- 
 comico ; Rev. Wright Tucker, Bath ; Rev. 
 John Dunn, Shelburne ; Mr. David Patteson, 
 Manchester ; Mr. Anthony Crease, Alexandria ; 
 Mr. James Mosely, Lynnhaven. 
 
 It being late before a sufficient number to 
 form a quorum had convened, they resolved to 
 adjourn until to-morrow. 
 
 Wednesday, May 26th. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and the Rev. Mr. Meade read prayers. 
 After which the Rev. Doctor Bracken was 
 chosen president, and Mr. Anthony Crease, sec- 
 retary. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Cameron, Mr. 
 
 Syme, and Mr. Patteson, be a committee to 
 examine the testimonials of the deputies to this 
 Convention, and to report therieon. They were 
 accordingly appointed, and reported. That the 
 following persons have exhibited the requisite 
 credentials, and are entitled to seats, viz. :■ — 
 
 Lay Deputies — Rev. John Bracken, D. D., 
 Bruton ; Rev. John Buchanan, D. D., Mr. John 
 Adams, Henrico ; Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr. 
 William Moore, Bristol ; Rev. Wright Tucker, 
 Bath ; Rev. John Cameron, Mr. James M'Far- 
 land, Cumberland ; Mr. Anthony Crease, Alex- 
 andria ; Mr. David Patteson, Manchester ; Mr. 
 Samuel Wilson, Littleton ; Rev. Samuel Low, 
 Mr. Joseph Ball, Mr. William Lee Ball, Wico- 
 mico, Christ Church ; Mr. James Mosely, Lynn- 
 haven ; Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne ; Rev. 
 William Meade, Frederick. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Bracken, who was elected 
 bishop of the church in this state by the last 
 Convention, gave in his resignation thereof, 
 which was accepted. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Syme, Messrs. 
 
90 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1813. 
 
 Patteson and Moore, be a committee to examine 
 the treasurer's account, and report thereon. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do mow pro- 
 ceed to the election of a treasurer; and there- 
 upon the Rev, Dr. Buchanan was unanimously 
 chosen. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer do apply the 
 funds accrued and accruing in such manner as 
 he may deem expedient for its interest. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 examination of the treasurer's account report, 
 That they had performed that duty, and found 
 the account to be correctly stated, and support- 
 ed by vouchers ; and that the sum remaining in 
 the hands of the treasurer amounts to 100/. 
 5s. Id. Resolved, That the Convention do 
 concur in the said report. 
 
 The report on the state of the church in 
 each parish, required by the canon, was called 
 for, and the following gentlemen complied with 
 the request, viz. : — The Rev. Drs. Bracken and 
 Buchanan, the Rev. Messrs. Syme, Low, Cam- 
 eron, Tucker, and Dunn, and Mr. Anthony 
 Crease. The Rev. Mr. Anthony Walke hav- 
 ing in the course of the day appeared and taken 
 his seat, gave in his report also. 
 
 Resolved, That the said reports be referred 
 to the treasturer. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do now pro- 
 ceed to the election of a standing committee for 
 the ensuing year ; whereupon the following per- 
 sons were chosen : — The Rev. John Dunn, 
 William H. Wilmer, Oliver Norris, the Hon. 
 Bushrod Washington, Nicholas Fitzhugh, and 
 Edmund I; Lee, 'Esq. 
 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris was elected to repre- 
 sent this state in the next General Convention, 
 instead of Mr. Strebeck, who has removed ; 
 and the election of the gentlemen by the last 
 Convention was confirmed. 
 
 The following resolution was submitted and 
 
 Whereas, from the destitute state of the 
 churches in this state, many piously disposed 
 persons, who are attached to the doctrine, wor- 
 ship, and discipline of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church, are deprived of the means of worship- 
 ping God according to her venerable forms, 
 to the great unhappmess of hemselves, as well 
 as to the great detriment of the church at large. 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That it is expedient to 
 raise a fund for the purpose of aiding in the sup- 
 port of such clergymen of piety and talents as 
 may be obtained, to perform divine service in 
 such districts in the state as may be assigned 
 them by the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the clergy and vestry, or any 
 influential members of the church in the several 
 
 parishes in this state, be, and are hereby re- 
 quested, to use their best endeavours, either by 
 subscriptions or otherwise, to promote this ob- 
 ject, and to forward the amount of the sums 
 thus raised to the treasurer, at or before the 
 meeting of the neit Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the members of this church 
 generally are hereby most earnestly entreated 
 to consider the necessity of adopting zealous 
 measures for the restoration of religion among 
 us ; that they endeavour to manifest their grati- 
 tude to Almighty God, and their sense of the 
 awful importance of his blessed revelation ; that 
 they consider the unspeakable rewards they 
 will receive from that gracious Master to whom 
 they belong, whose goodness demands the 
 warmest returns of love, duty, and obedience ; 
 and that they will contribute, to the utmost in 
 their power, to render this most acceptable ser- 
 vice to his cause. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee do 
 frame an address on the state of the church ; and 
 that they cause to be printed thereof 200 copies, 
 and to address them in the form of a circular let- 
 ter, and accompanied by the Journal, to the min- 
 ister and vestry of each parish, and to such other 
 persons as may be likely, in their judgment, to 
 promote the interest of the church. 
 
 Contributions from the following parishes 
 were received, and paid into the hands of the 
 treasurer, viz. : — 
 
 I. s. d. 
 Bristol, -..--. 4 10 
 
 Antrim, 3 
 
 Cumberland, 4 10 
 
 Bath, ------- 4 10 
 
 Wicomico, 4 10 
 
 Lancaster (Christ Church), 4 10 • 
 
 Henrico, 900 
 
 Manchester, 3 
 
 Shelburne, 4 10 
 
 Bruton, 4 10 
 
 Bristol, - 4 10 
 
 Alexandria, 4100 
 
 The balance before on hand, 
 
 55 00 
 100 5 1 
 
 Now in the treasury, 155 5 1 
 
 Resolved, That 200 copies of the Journal be 
 printed, under the superintendence of the Rev. 
 WiUiam H. Wilmer and Mr. Anthony Crease. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do now ad- 
 journ, to meet at Richmond, on the first Wednes- 
 day in May, in the year 1814. 
 Adjourned. 
 
 John Bracken, President. 
 Anthony Crease, Secretary. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1814. 
 
 91 
 
 Journal of a Special Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held, at the 
 Capitol in the City of Richmond, May 4tth, 1814. 
 
 At a special meeting of the members of the 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 of the State of Virginia, held at the capitol in 
 the city of Richmond, on Wednesday, the 4th 
 day of May, 1814, 
 
 A sufficient number of members appearing to 
 form a Convention, Samuel Greenhow was ap- 
 pointed secretary ; the Convention then pro- 
 ceeded to ballot for a president, and the Rev. 
 William H. Wilmer was ^ected. 
 
 On motion, it was Ordered, That a committee 
 be appointed to examine the certificates of the 
 appointment of tKe clerical and lay deputies ; 
 and that the Rev. Andrew Syme, the Rev. 
 Oliver Norris, Messrs. David Patteson, and John 
 Adams, be that committee ; which committee re-r 
 ported forthwith the following members to b^ 
 duly appointed, conformably to the canons of 
 the Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : — 
 
 Clerical Deputies. 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, 
 The Rev. Wm. Meade, 
 
 The Rev. J. Cameron, D. D. 
 The Rev. John Dunn, 
 
 The Rev. J. Buchanan, D. D. 
 The Rev. Andrew Syme, 
 
 Lay Deputies. 
 Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 Dr. Geo. Thornton, 
 Mr. Wm. Mayo, 
 Wm. Broadus, 
 James Hunter, ) 
 Thos. Matthews, J 
 Edward M'Guire, ) 
 Hugh Mercer, ) 
 David Patteson, 
 John Buford, 
 Wilson G. Selden, 
 Daniel Carmichael, ) 
 Baldwin M. Lee, ] 
 Dr. John Adams, 
 Richard Stuart, ) 
 C. J. Dade, S 
 
 Wm. Cameron, 
 
 Parishes. 
 Christ Church, Ala. 
 Fairfax. Do. 
 
 Frederick. 
 St. Mark. 
 
 St. Anne. 
 
 St. George. 
 
 Manchester, 
 Cumberland, 
 Shelburne. 
 
 Washington^ 
 
 Henrico. 
 
 St. Paul. 
 
 Bristol. 
 
 All of whom appeared and took their seats, 
 except Dr. Wilson C. Selden, the lay deputy 
 from Shelburne parish. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the secretary do 
 read the standing rules for regulating the pro- 
 ceedings of the Conventions of this diocess ; 
 which was accordingly done. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to revise the standing rules for regu- 
 lating the proceedings of the Conventions ; and 
 the following gentlemen were appointed to form 
 that committee : The Rev. John Buchanan, 
 the Rev. Andrew Syme, the Rev. John Dunn, 
 Dr. John Adams, Col. Hugh Mercer, and Mr. 
 Edmund J. Lee. 
 
 Dr. John Adams presented a memorial from 
 the vestry of the Monumental Church in the 
 city of Richmond, praying the right of represen- 
 tation in this Convention ; which was received, 
 and ordered to be read by the secretary ; and the 
 same was accordingly read : — 
 
 And on motion made and seconded. Resolv- 
 ed, That the prayer of the memorial of the ves- 
 try of the Monumental Church in the city of 
 Richmond be granted, and that the deputies ap- 
 pointed by that vestry be invited to take their 
 seats in the Convention immediately. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. John Dunn, the 
 Rev. Andrew Syme, the. Rev. William Meade, 
 the Rev. Oliver Norris, Col. Hugh Mercer, Ed- 
 mund J. Lee, Dr. James McClurg, and Dr. 
 John Adams, be a committee to take into con- 
 sideration the state of the church in the diocess, 
 and report thereupon to the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention 
 be presented to the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 for the eloquent, appropriate, and impriessive dis- 
 course delivetjed in the Monumental Church this 
 morning. 
 
 The Hon. John Marshall and Dr. James Mc 
 Clurg appeared, presented their certificate of ap- 
 pointment as lay deputies of the Monumental 
 Church (which was feceived), and took their 
 seats as members of the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the memorial of the vestry 
 of the Monumental Church of the city of Rich- 
 mond, with the regulations referred to therein, 
 be referred to the committee appointed to take 
 into consideration the state of the church. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again at 10 o'clock A. M. on to-morrow. 
 
 Thursday, Ma.y 5, 1814. 
 
 The Convention met agreeably to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 John Dunn. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine and re- 
 port on the state of the church, and to whom 
 was referred so much of the memorial of the 
 Monumental Church as prays for the reception 
 of that church into the general government 
 of this diocess, reported sundry resolutions and 
 recommendations, which, after consideration and 
 amendments, were adopted, as follow : — 
 
 Resolved, That the prayer of the memorial 
 of the vestry of the Monumental Church is rea- 
 sonable. 
 
 And the same committee having reported a 
 
92 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1814. 
 
 canon to provide for the reception of the Monu- 
 mental Church as a member of the general 
 church of the diocess, and to provide for similar 
 cases in future, the same was considered, and, 
 after amendment, was adopted, in the words 
 following, to wit : — 
 
 Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church of Virginia which directs the man- 
 ner of choosing vestrymen in the several par- 
 ishes is not applicable to the case of churches 
 built and supported by voluntary associations of 
 individuals, without any parochial charge ; and 
 it is proper that those who hold the sole prop- 
 erty of a particular church should provide for 
 its care and management : Be it ordained, That, 
 in all such cases, and particularly in that of the 
 Monumental Church of Richmond, the choice 
 of the vestrymen shall be in the pew-holders 
 of such churches, who, in the number and time 
 of election of their vestrymen, may, until some 
 general regulation be made on this subject, con- 
 sult their own convenience : Provided, That 
 every vestryman hereafter to be elected, before 
 he acts in office, shall subscribe in the vestry- 
 bopk of his church to be conformable to the 
 doctrine, discipline, 'and worship of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church in the United States of 
 America, and to the orders and canons of the 
 said church in this state. 
 
 Resolved, That the appointment of a bishop 
 for this diocess is highly expedient and necessary 
 for the maintenance and support of the church. 
 
 On motion made and seconded. Resolved, 
 That the Convention proceed immediately to 
 the-election of a person to fill the episcopate in 
 this state. 
 
 Dr. James , McClurg then presented a certi- 
 fied extract from the vestry -book of the Monu- 
 mental Church in Richmond, showing the ap- 
 pointment of the Rev» Richard Channing Moore, 
 D. D., of the city of New- York, to the rector- 
 ship of that church. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the secretary read 
 sundry letters, exhibited by members of the 
 standing committee, from Dr. Moore and the 
 Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, which was accord- 
 ingly done. 
 
 Dr. Moore was nominated to fill the office of 
 bishop in this state. 
 
 No other person being in nomination, the 
 Convention proceeded to ballot for a bishop. 
 
 The Hon. John Marshall and Mr. Edmund 
 J. Lee were appointed to count the ballots ; 
 who reported. That there were twenty-three 
 votes for the Rev. Richard Channing Moore, 
 and one vote for Dr. John Buchanan. 
 
 Whereupon the Reverend Richard Channing 
 Moore was declared to be duly elecJLed to the 
 episcopate in the diocess of Virginia ; and the 
 members of the Convention proceeded to sub- 
 scribe the testimonial required by the constitu- 
 tion of the general church of the United States. 
 
 Resolved, That the president be requested to 
 ^apprize Dr. Moore of his election to the episco- 
 pate ; and that the secretary do furnish forth- 
 with a certificate of that appointment. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed, 
 v^ose duty it shall be to revise and condense the 
 
 constitution and canons of this church, and re- 
 port to the next Convention ; and that the Rev. 
 Oliver Norris, the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 and Mr. Edmund J. Lee, constitute that com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Resolved, That the resolutions and address 
 passed at the last Convention, providing for the 
 raising of a fund to be applied to the support of 
 clergymen in vacant parishes of this state, be 
 published on the journals of this Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That committees be appointed in 
 the city of Richmond, the city of Williamsburg, 
 the borough of Norfolk, the towns of Alexandria, 
 Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Lees- 
 burg, Winchester, Fairfax (Culpepper), Shep- 
 herdstown, Martinsburg, in the parish of Man- 
 chester, and in the counties of Orange, King 
 George, Westmoreland, and Essex, who shall 
 be earnestly requested to aid in the furtherance 
 and advancement of the object of the aforesaid 
 resolutions. 
 
 Resolved, That the following gentlemen con- 
 stitute the committees required by the last res- 
 olution, and that the secretary do convey to 
 each of the said committees a copy of the 
 journals of this Convention. 
 
 For the city of Richmond — The Hon. John 
 Marshall, Dr. James McClurg, Mr. Samuel 
 Greenhow. 
 
 For Winchester — The Rev. Wm. Meade, 
 Mr. Henry St. George Tucker, Mr. Alfred 
 Powell. 
 
 For the city of Williamsburg — The Rev. 
 John Bracken, the Hon. Robert Nelson, Mr. 
 Ferdinand L. Campbell. 
 
 For the borough of Norfolk — General Robert 
 B. Taylor, Mr. Littleton W. Tazewell, Mr.Wm. 
 Nivison. 
 
 For Alexandria — Mr. George Taylor, Mr. 
 John Muncaster, Mr. Daniel McLean. 
 
 For Fredericksburg — Mr. Benjamin Day, Col, 
 Hugh Mercer, Mr. Robert Lewis. 
 
 For Petersburg — Mr. Robert Boiling, Mr. 
 W"m. Moore, Mr. Wm. Cameron. 
 
 For Lynchburg — Mr. Charles Johnston, Mr, 
 Wm. Norvel, Col. John Wiatt. 
 
 For Leesburg — Dr. Wilson C. Selden, Dr. 
 Henry Claggett, Dr. Wm. B. Tyler. 
 
 For Martinsburg — Mr. Wm. Pendleton, Col. 
 Elisha Boyd, Mr. Raleigh Colston. 
 
 For Fairfax, in Culpepper — Mr. Robert 
 Slaughter, Mr. Garland Thompson, Mr. Peter 
 Hansbrough, jr. 
 
 For Manchester parish — Mr. Philip Turpin, 
 Mr. Thomas Branch, Mr. David Patteson. 
 
 For Orange county — Dr. Francis Dade, Dr. 
 W^m. Shepherd, Mr. Hay Taliaferro, Rose Hill. 
 
 For King George— Mr. Richard Stuart, Mr. 
 Cadwallader J. Dade, Mr. Townshend J. Dade, 
 
 For Westmoreland — Mr. Baldwin M. Lee, 
 Mr. Daniel Carmichael, Mr. John Payne. 
 
 For Essex — Mr. James M. Garnett, Mr, 
 James Hunter, Mr. Edward Rouzee. 
 
 The resolutions are as follow : — • 
 
 Whereas, from the destitute state of the 
 churches in this state, many piously disposed 
 persons, who are attached to the doctrine, wor- 
 ship, aad discipline of the Protestant Episcop^ 
 
CONVENTION OF 1814. 
 
 93 
 
 Church, are deprived of the means of worship- 
 ping God according to her venerable forms, to 
 the great unhappiness of themselves, as well as 
 to the great detriment of the church at large : 
 
 Resolved, therefore, That it is expedient to 
 raise a fund for the purpose of aiding in the 
 support of such clergymen of piety and talents 
 as may be obtained, to perform divine service 
 in such districts in the state as may be assigned 
 them by the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the clergy and vestry, or any 
 influential members of the church, in the several 
 parishes in this state, be, and are hereby re- 
 quested, to use their best endeavours, either by 
 subscriptions or otherwise, to promote this ob- 
 ject, and to forward the amount of the sums 
 thus raised to the treasurer, at or before the 
 meeting of the next Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the members of this church 
 generally are, hereby most earnestly entreated 
 to consider the necessity of adopting zealous 
 measures for the restoration of religion among 
 us ; that they endeavour to manifest their grat- 
 itude to Almighty God, and their sense of the 
 awful importance of his blessed revelation ; that 
 they consider the unspeakable rewards they will 
 receive frem that gracious Master to whom they 
 belong ; whose goodness demands the warmest 
 returns of love, duty, and obedience ; and that 
 they will contribute, to the utmost in their 
 power, to render this most acceptable service 
 to his cause. 
 
 Resolved, That the deputies of this diocess 
 be directed to use their influence to cause the 
 next General Convention succeeding that to be 
 holden in this month to make their session in 
 the city of Richmond, or at some place conve- 
 nient to themselves, and as near to the city of 
 Richmond as that convenience will admit of. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 amendment and revision of the rules and reg- 
 ulations for the orderly transaction of the busi- 
 ness of the Convention, reported. That they 
 had, according to order, had the same under con- 
 sideration, and had agreed upon the following : 
 
 1st. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced by prayer. 
 
 2d. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or afterward 
 stand up, unless to address the chair. 
 
 3d. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the Convention, unless he have leave 
 of absence, or be unable to attend. 
 
 4th. When any member is about, to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the Convention, 
 he shall rise from his seat, and, without advan- 
 cing, shall, with due respect, address himself to 
 the president, confining himself strictly to the 
 point in debate. 
 
 5th. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6th. A question being once determined, shall 
 stand as the judgment of the Convention, and 
 shall not be again drawn into debate during the 
 same session, except two thirds of the members 
 present in Convention shall consent to revise 
 the decision. 
 
 7th. While the president is putting any ques- 
 
 tion, no one shall hold any private discourse, 
 stand up, walk into, out of, or across the house, 
 or read any book. 
 
 8th. Every member who shall be in the Con- 
 vention when any question is put, shall, on a de- 
 cision, be counted, unless he be particularly in- 
 terested in the decision. 
 
 9th. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house, unless it be seconded and reduced to 
 writing when required. 
 
 10th. After the Convention is formed and or- 
 ganized, the president shall cdl for the parochial 
 reports. 
 
 1 1th. After calling for and receiving the paro- 
 chial reports, the canons of the general Con- 
 vention, and the journals of the standing com- 
 mittee, shall be read. 
 
 12th. Before any subject is taken up, a com- 
 mittee, consisting of three clerical and three lay 
 deputies, shall be appointed, to take into con- 
 sideration the general state of the church, and 
 report thereupon. 
 
 I3th. When any question is before the Con- 
 vention, it shall be determined on before any 
 thing new is introduced, except the question for 
 adjournment. 
 
 14th. The question on a motion for adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 15th. When the Convention is to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 leaves the chair. 
 
 16th. All subjects brought before the Conven- 
 tion may, on application of any members, be 
 acted upon in the committee of the whole, be- 
 fore they are finally disposed of. 
 
 17th. Whenever a quorum of the delegates 
 has assembled, they sh^ll proceed to the elec- 
 tion of a president, and appoint a committee to 
 examine the credentials of delegates, and report 
 to the Convention. 
 
 18th. The members upon committees shall 
 be appointed by the president of the Convention. 
 
 Which several rules were approved, and 
 adopted by the Convention. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. Andrew 
 Syme and Mr. David Patteson be a committee 
 to examine the accounts of the treasurer. 
 
 That committee having retired, after some 
 time reported the treasurer's accounts, as follows j 
 
 The Treasurer — to the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church, - Dr. 
 
 1813, May 25th. /. s.d. 
 To balance, 100 5 1 
 
 " Interest one year, 6 
 
 1814, .May 6. 
 
 To Contribution from Cumberland 
 
 Parish, 4 10 
 
 " da from Bristol do. 4 10 
 
 " do. do. St. Paul's Parish, Al- 
 exandria, 9 
 " do. do. Christ Church, Fair- 
 fax Parish, 9 
 « do. do. St. Mark's Parish, 4 10 
 " do. do. Monumental Church of 
 
 Richmond, 4 10 
 
 Amount carried forward. 
 
 142 5 1 
 
94 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1814. 
 
 /. s.d. 
 Amount brought forward, 142 5 1 
 
 To Contribution from St. George's 
 
 Parish, 4 10 
 
 " do. from Henrico Parish, 4 10 
 
 " do. do. Frederick Parish, for 
 procuring ministers 
 to officiate in vacant 
 parishes, 13 10 
 
 " do. do. Henrico Parish for do. 13 10 
 
 178 5 1 
 
 Cr. 
 18ia,May 31st. /. *• d. 
 
 By cash paid doorkeeper, 6 
 Sept. 7. 
 
 By cash paid carriage of Jour- 
 nals from Alexandria, 3 
 ** do. paid for printing 200 
 J copies of Journals, 6 
 
 **■ do. paid for printing 200 
 copies of Circular 
 Letter, 2 8 
 
 8 17 
 
 Leaving in the hands of the > irq c 1 
 treasurer J 
 
 Of which 27Z. is a part of the fund for sup- 
 porting ministers in vacant parishes. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts pass. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. William Meade be 
 requested to deliver a discourse in the Monumen- 
 tal Church in this city, at thehour of feleven A. M. 
 on the next Sabbath day, appropriate to the oc- 
 casion of admitting that church into the general 
 church of this diocess. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Buchanan, who has executed 
 the duties of treasurer to the general church for 
 nearly thirty years, urging his increased years 
 and consequent infirmity, declined a reappoint- 
 ment to the office of treasurer of the church in 
 the diocess ; — and thereupon, on motion made 
 and seconded, the Convention proceeded to the 
 appointment of a treasurer. 
 
 Samuel Greenhow alone was in nomination- 
 on an order to proceed to the appointment of a 
 treasurer. 
 
 The Convention proceeded- to elect by ballot 
 a treasurer for the church ; and Samuel Green- 
 how was unanimously elected to fill that office. 
 
 Resolved, That the following gentlemen be 
 appointed as the standing committee of the 
 church of this state until the next Convention, 
 and until a new appointment of a standing com- 
 mittee shall be made by a future Convention, 
 viz. : the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oli- 
 ver Norris, the Rev. John Duim, the Hon. 
 Bushrod Washington, the Hon. Nicholas Fitz- 
 hugh, and Mr. Edmund J. Lee. 
 
 On motion, The proceedings of the standing 
 committee were read by the secretary. 
 
 The donation and Sentence of consecration 
 of Christ's Church, in Fairfax parish, by the 
 Right Reverend Thomas John Claggett, D. D., 
 bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of 
 Maryland, were read, and ordered to be recorded 
 in a book to be provided for that purpose by 
 the secretary. 
 
 Ordered, That three hundred copies of the 
 Journal be printed, under the superintendence 
 of the secretary ; which shall be distributed as 
 the standing committee or the Convention may 
 direcX. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. William H. Wil- 
 mer, the Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John 
 Dunn, the Rev. William Meade, and Col. Hugh 
 Mercer, with Mr. George Deneale, Mr. Edward 
 McGuire, and Mr. David Patteson, be appointed 
 deputies to represent this diocess in the- Gen- 
 eral Convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of the United States, to be holden in 
 Philadelphia on the third Tuesday of the present 
 months 
 
 Ordered, That the treasurer do furnish to the 
 deputation to the General Convention a testi- 
 monial -or testimonials of their appointment to 
 represent this diocess in that Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer do pay to the 
 deputies who shall attend the General Conven- 
 tion at Philadelphia, ^nd who reside on the 
 north side of the Rappahannock, each, the sum 
 of fifty dollars ; and to those who shall attend 
 that Convention, and who reside on the south 
 side of that river, the sum of seventy dollars 
 respectively, for the purpose of defraying their 
 expenses. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again on to-morrow, at 10 o'clock A. M. 
 
 Friday, May 6th, 18l4. 
 
 The Convention met agreeably to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Olivei' Norris. 
 
 Resolved, That the names of the members 
 returned as delegates to this Convention be 
 called by the secretary, and that he enter those 
 present on the journal, which was done ; and 
 the following gentlemen were present. 
 
 Clerical Deputies — The Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, the Rev. Wm. 
 Meade, the Rev. John Dunn^ the Rev. John 
 Buchanan, D. D. 
 
 Lay Deputies — Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Dr. 
 George Thornton, Mr. William Mayo, Mr. Will- 
 iam Broadus, Mr. James Hunter, Mr. Thomas 
 Matthews, Mr. Edward McGuire, Col. Hugh 
 Mercer, Mr. D. Carmicbael, Mr. Baldwin M. 
 Lee, Dr. John Adams, Mr. Richard Stewart, 
 Mr. Cadwallader J. Dade, the Hon. John Mar- 
 shall, Dr. James McClurg. 
 » On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, leave of 
 absence from the Convention for this day was 
 granted to Dr. George Thornton. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Cohventioa 
 be returned to the Rev. Dr. John Buchanan, for 
 his long and faithful services as treasurer to the 
 Convention of the Episcopal Church in Virginia. 
 
 The Rev. John Dunn having resigned his ap- 
 pointment of yesterday as a deputy to the General 
 Convention, the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs was 
 appointed, in his place, a deputy to represent 
 this diocess in the next General Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be 
 requested to make provision for the delivery of 
 a discourse on the meeting of the next Con* 
 ventiori. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1814. 
 
 95 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Resolved, 
 That the committee to whom was referred the 
 revision of the constitution and canons of the 
 church do particularly report, whether any, and 
 what amendments should be made, to the con- 
 stitution and canon concerning the offences of 
 ministers, and the manner of trying them. 
 
 On motion, The Convention resolved itself 
 into a committee of the whole, to take into con- 
 sideration the amendment of the canon concern- 
 ing Conventions. t)r. John Adams was called 
 to the chair : After some time spent therein, the 
 committee rose ; and Dr. Adams reported. That 
 the committee had, according to order, had un- 
 der their consideration the canon aforesaid, and 
 had directed him to report an amendment, which 
 he was ready to do. 
 
 Ordered, That the report of the committee of 
 the whole be now received ; and the same hav- 
 ing been considered, the Convention adopted 
 the following amendment to the canon concern- 
 ing Conventions. 
 
 Be it ordained. That the second canon of the 
 church of this state be, and the same is hereby 
 amended, by adding after the words, " to be an- 
 nually chosen by the vestry," in the first section, 
 the following clause; "or, where there be no 
 vestry, by persons who may, with propriety, be 
 considered as members of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church, duly notified ; and the election 
 shall be certified by at least five respectable 
 members of the church." 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention be returned to the president 
 and secretary for their atteniion to the order 
 and business of this Convention during the 
 present session. 
 
 No farther business being before the Conven- 
 
 vention, on motion, the Convention adjourned, to 
 
 meet again on the fourth Tuesday in May next. 
 
 Wm. H. WiLMER, President. 
 
 Attest, Sajhtel Greenhow, Secretary. 
 
 2d. — A Canon concerning Conventions. 
 1st. There shall be a Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this common- 
 wealth on the fourth Tuesday of May in every 
 year, in such place as shall be agreed on by the 
 Convention. A Convention shall consist of 
 two deputies from each parish, of whom the 
 minister shall be one, if there be a minister, 
 and the other shall be a layman, to be atmually 
 chosen by the vestry ; or, where there be no ves- 
 
 try, hy persons who may, with propriety, he con- 
 sidered as members of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church, duly notified ; and the . election shall be 
 certified by at least five respectable members of 
 the church. If there be no minister in any par- 
 ish, two lay deputies shall be chosen. Nine 
 deputies, thus qualified or appointed, shall be a 
 Convention. Provided always. That for the 
 altering or framing of a canon, fifteen members 
 at least shall be necessary. Provided also, That 
 if a sufficient number' to form a Convention 
 shall not attend on any day, any five members 
 then assembled shall have power to adjourn. 
 
 2d. Special Conventions may be called at 
 other times, in the manner hereafter to be pro- 
 vided for. 
 
 3d. Each member shall, on taking his seat, 
 deliver in to the secretary of the Convention a 
 testimonial of his being regularly qualified or 
 appointed, signed by one or both of the church- 
 wardens, or by the clerk of the viestry of the 
 parish he represents. 
 
 ' 4th. A person shall preside in Convention 
 with the name of president, who shall always 
 be a bishop, when there is one present properly 
 consecrated and settled in the church. If there 
 be no bishop present, the Convention shall ap- 
 point some other member of their body presi- 
 dent. If there be more bishops than one in 
 Convention, they shall have the right of presi- 
 ding in rotation. 
 
 5th. A secretary shall be appointed by the 
 Convention, who shall continue in office during 
 good behaviour. He shall keep a record of 
 their acts and proceedings, and have the cus- 
 tody of the records, so long as he shall continue 
 in office. 
 
 6th. The Convention shall establish standing 
 rules for the preservation of decorum, and the 
 orderly management of business. 
 
 7th. Conventions shall regulate all the reli- 
 gious concerns of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church within this state, its doctrines, disci- 
 pline, and worship, and institute such rules and 
 regulations as they may judge necessary for the 
 good government thereof, and the same revoke 
 and alter at their pleasure : Provided always. 
 That the powers hereby declared shall not be 
 so construed as to affect any powers exclusively 
 vested in the General Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in the United States 
 of America. . , ^ 
 
 8th. All questions before the Convention 
 shall be determined by a majority of votes. . 
 
96 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1815. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, which 
 assembled in the City of Richmond, on Tuesday, the 'ZMof May, 1816. 
 
 At a meeting of a Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church of the State of Virginia, 
 held at the Monumental Qhurch in the city of 
 Richmond, on Tuesday, the 23d of May, in the 
 year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 
 and fifteen, 
 
 A sufficient number of members appearing to 
 form a Convention, the Right Rev. Richard 
 Channing Moore, D. D., bishop of this diocess, 
 took the chair as president, and William Mun- 
 ford was appointed secretary to this Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 On motion, it was Ordered, That a committee 
 be appointed to examine the certificates of the 
 appointment of the lay deputies ; and that the 
 Rev. V^illiam H. Wilmer, Dr. Janies McClurg, 
 the Hon. Bushrod W^ashington, and William 
 Munford, be that committee ; which contunittee 
 reported forthwith the following members to be 
 duly appointed, conformably with the canons of 
 the Episcopal Church of Virginia. 
 
 Dr. John Adams, for Henrico parish, Henrico 
 county ; the Hon. Hugh Nelson, fdr Fredericks- 
 ville parish, Albemarle ; Mr. Robert Slaughter, 
 for St. Mark's parish, Culpepper; Mr. Charles 
 Page, for St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ; Mr. 
 William Pendleton, for Norbome parish, Berice- 
 ley ; Gen. Charles F. Mercer, for Shelburne 
 parish,- Loudoun ; Mr. Samuel Slaughter, for St. 
 Stephen's Church, Culpepper; Maj. Benjamin 
 Day, for St. George's parish, Fredericksburg ; 
 the Hon. Bushrod Washington, for Christ 
 Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; Mr. John 
 Buford, for Cumberland parish, Lunenburg'; Mr. 
 Samuel Low and Dir. Thomas Henderson, for 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier; Mr. CadwaHaderJ. 
 Dade and Mr. John Stith, for St. Paul's parish. 
 King George; Mr. David Patteson and Mr. 
 Matthew Cheatham, for Manchester parish, 
 Chesterfield ; Dr. Carter Berkeley, for St. Mar- 
 tin's parish, in Hanover and Louisa ; Mr. 
 Thomas G. Allen, for Aquia parish, Stafford', 
 Mr. William Cameron, for Bristol parish, Pe- 
 tersburg ; Mr. Ferdinand Campbell, for Bruton 
 parish, Williamsburg. 
 
 All of whom appeared and took their seats, 
 except Mr. Matthew Cheatham, the lay deputy 
 for Manchester parish. 
 
 For reasons appearing to the Convention, Mr. 
 Laurence T. Dade was also admitted to a seat 
 as lay deputy for St. Thomas parish, in Orange 
 county ; Mr. William Mayo as lay deputy for 
 Frederick parish ; and Mr. Benjamin Allen, jr., 
 as lay deputy for St. Andrew's parish, in the 
 county of Jefferson, 
 
 The following clerical deputies appeared and 
 took their seats in this Convention, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. John Cameron, D. D., Cumberjiand 
 parish; the Rev. John Buchanan, D. D., Hen- 
 rico parish; the Rev, John Dunn, Shelburne 
 parish ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish ; 
 the Rev. John ^oodville, 'St. Mark's parish; 
 the Rev. WiUiam H. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, 
 Alexandria ; the Rev. William Meade, Freder- 
 
 ick parish ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, Christ 
 Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Edward G. 
 M'Guire, St. George's parish ; the Rev. Will- 
 iam King, Staunton parish ; the Rev. Alex- 
 ander Hay, Antrim parish, Halifax ; the Rev. 
 Hugh C.Boggs, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania; 
 the Rev. John Philips, St. Martin's parish ; the 
 Rev. William Hawley, St. Stephen's Church, 
 Culpepper. - , 
 
 Ordered, That the secretary read the stand- 
 ing rutes for regulating the proceedings of the 
 Conventions of this diocess ; which was ac- 
 cordingly dqne. 
 
 Resolved, Thai the Rev. William Meade, the 
 Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. William H.^Wil- 
 mer, the Rev. Andrew Syme, the Hon. Bush- 
 rod Washington, Gen. Charles F. Mercer, and 
 Mr. William Mayo, be a committee to take into 
 consideration the state of the church in the 
 diocess, and report thereupon to the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, the 
 Rev. John Woodville, Maj. Benjamin Day, and 
 Dr. John Adams, be a committee to exarniue the 
 parochial reports. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to wail on the several printers of 
 newspapers in this city, and request them not 
 to publish any proceedings of this Convention 
 but such as the said committee shall assure 
 them to be correct ; and that Dr. John Adams 
 and Mr. William Mayo be that committee. 
 
 The Convention being informed that Samuel 
 Greenhow, late treasurer of the Episcopal 
 Church in this diocess, has departed this life, 
 proceeded to the appointment of ^.a successor ; 
 whereupon 
 
 William Munford, being the only person nom- 
 inated, was duly elected treasurer. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, ThAt the thanks of 
 Ihis Convention be presented to the Right Rev. 
 Bishop Moore, for the evangehcal and eloquent 
 discourse delivered by him in the Monumental 
 Church this morning ; and that he be requested 
 to favour the Convention with a copy thereof 
 for publication. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again at the capiiol, at 9 o'clock A. M., on to- 
 morrow. 
 
 Wednesday, May 24, 1815. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 William Meade. 
 
 The following lay deputies produced certifi- 
 cates of their appointments, which, being ex- 
 amined by the committee appointed for that pur- 
 pose, were found conformable to the canons of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 viz. : — 
 
 Mr. Robert W. Carter and Mr. John Tayloe 
 Lomax, for Lunenburg parish, Richmond 
 county ; Mr. Peter Presley Cox and Maj. John 
 Turberville, for Cople parish, Westmoreland 
 county ; and Dr. James McClurg, for the vestry 
 
CONVENTION OF 1815. 
 
 07 
 
 of the Monumental Church in the city of Rich- 
 mond. 
 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the committee 
 to whom was referred, by a resolve of the Con- 
 vention of the 5th of May, 1814, the subject of 
 revising and condensing the constitution and 
 canons of this church, reported, That, according 
 to order, the said committee had taken the sub- 
 ject referred to them into consideration, and had 
 agreed upon a revision of the constitution and 
 canons of this diocess, which he now laid be- 
 fore the Convention. 
 
 The constitution and canons, as revised by the 
 said committee, were then read by the secre- 
 tary, and, on motion, referred to a committee 
 of the whole house. 
 
 The Convention accordingly resolved itself 
 into a committee of the whole house, the Hon. 
 Hugh Nelson in the chair — and after some time 
 spent therein, the president resumed the chair, 
 and Mr. Nelson reported. That the committee of 
 the whole house had, according to order, had 
 under consideration the revised constitution and 
 canons to them referred, and agreed to sundry 
 amendments thereto, which he delivered in at the 
 secretary's table, together with the said revisal. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the same do lie 
 upon the table until to-morrow. 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, from the commit- 
 tee on the state of the church, made a report in 
 part, which, for reasons appearing to the Conven- 
 tion, was ordered to be recommitted to the same 
 committee. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the gentlemen 
 charged with parochial reports deliver them to 
 the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, chairman of the com- 
 mittee appointed to examine such reports ; and 
 that the said committee be instructed to report 
 to the Convention the substance thereof in a 
 condensed form. 
 
 On motion, leave of absence from the Con- 
 vention, for the remainder of this day, was 
 granted to the Rev. William King. 
 
 The Canons of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the United States of America, 
 estabUshed by the General Convention, were 
 then read by the secretary, in obedience to the 
 nth standing rule for regulating the proceed- 
 ings of the Conventions of this diocess. 
 
 The journal of the proceedings of the stand- 
 ing committee of the church of this state were 
 laid before the Convention by the Rev. William 
 H. Wilmer, and read by the secretary. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the Rev. John 
 Buchanan and Dr. John Adams be appointed 
 a committee to examine the accounts of the 
 late treasurer, and report thereupon to this 
 Convention. 
 
 The donation and sentence of consecration 
 
 of — Church, in the town of Petersburg, 
 
 by the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, 
 D. D., bishop of this diocess, were read, and 
 ordered to be recorded by the secretary. 
 
 The president laid before the Convention a 
 letter from Dr. John Augustine Smith, Presi- 
 dent of William and Mary College, which was 
 read, and ordered to be referred to the commit- 
 tee on the state of the church. 
 
 G 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again on to-morrow, at 9 o'clock A. M. 
 
 Thursday, May 25th, 1815. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 William Meade. 
 
 Mr. Matthew Cheatham, one of the lay dep)- 
 uties for Manchester parish, appeared and took 
 his seat in the Convention. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Alexander Hay, 
 Resolved, That the committee on the subject 
 of the parochial reports be discharged from the 
 farther consideration thereof ; that the said 
 reports be read by the secretary, and inserted in 
 the Journal. 
 
 The same were accordingly delivered in by 
 the chairman of the committee, and read by the 
 secretary. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 Resolved, That the vote for inserting the said 
 reports in the Journal be reconsidered, and that 
 the same be again committed to the said commit- 
 tee, with instructions to report the substance 
 thereof to the Convention in a condensed form. 
 The Revised Constitution and Canons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this state were 
 then taken up, with the amendments thereto 
 proposed by the committee of the whole house. 
 And the said amendments, on questions sev- 
 erally put thereupon, were agreed to by the 
 Convention. 
 
 The constitution was farther amended ; and 
 thereupon. Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 said constitution, as amended, be adopted and 
 established as the constitution of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 The canons were also farther amended, and 
 agreed to as amended. 
 
 On motion of the Hon. Hugh Nelson, 
 Resolved, That the vote of this Convention 
 agreeing to the said canons be reconsidered, 
 and that the same be again committed to a com- 
 mittee of the whole house. 
 
 The Convention accordingly resolved itself 
 into a committee of the whole house, the Hon. 
 Hugh Nelson in the chair ; and, after some 
 time spent therein, the president resumed the 
 chair, and Mr. Nelson reported. That the com- 
 mittee of the whole house had, according to 
 order, had under consideration the canons to 
 them referred, and agreed to sundry amend- 
 ments thereto, which he delivered in at the 
 secretary's table, together with the said canons. 
 The said amendments being read, were, on 
 questions severally put thereupon, agreed to by 
 the Convention ; and the canons were farther 
 amended, on motion, 
 
 Whereupon, Resolved, That the said canons, 
 as amended, be approved and established as the 
 Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 the Diocess of Virginia : Provided, That the 
 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th canons shall not take 
 effect until after the rising of the next Conven- 
 tion for the said diocess. 
 
 On motions severally made, leave of absence 
 for the remainder of the session of this Con- 
 vention was granted to Maj. Benjamin Day, Mr. 
 
CONVENTIOiN OF 1815. 
 
 Robert Slaughter, the Rev. John Woodville, 
 Mr. Charles Page, and Mr. William Cameron. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 26th, 1815. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 William Hawley. 
 
 Mr, Meade, from the committee on the 
 state of- the church, presented a report, which 
 was read, as follows ; — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the state 
 of the church report, That Evan Ragland, de- 
 ceased, late of the county of Halifax, in this 
 state, did, by his last will and testament, dated the 
 4th of June, 1814, devise to the President and 
 Professors or Masters of William and Mary Col- 
 lege, and to their successors, a tract of land lying 
 in the said county, together with five negroes, in 
 trust, for the maintenance of a minister or min- 
 isters of the Protestant Episcopal Church within 
 the parish of Antrim in the said county; and 
 also, in trust, to raise thereout the sum of eighty 
 dollars per annum during the term of fifteen years, 
 and annually thereafter the sum of one hundred 
 dollars for ever, to be appropriated, under the di- 
 rection of the President and Professors or Mas- 
 ters of William and Mary College, as a fund to 
 be applied towards defraying the general expenses 
 of the church in this state, at the discretion of 
 the bishop and standing committee thereof, or of 
 the Convention of this state, in case there should 
 be no bishop or standing committee. 
 
 Your committee further report, that the title to 
 the land so devised is disputed by the heirs of 
 the said Evan Ragland, the testator; in conse- 
 quence of which, the Rev. Alexander Hay, the 
 present incumbent of the church in the parish of 
 Antrim, has been compelled to institute a suit in 
 the Court of Chancery against the heirs of the 
 said testator and the trustees named in the said 
 will, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of 
 the same, so far as he is interested ; to which 
 suit the Right Rev. Bishop of this diocess is 
 made a party defendant. 
 
 Your committee, after such inquiries as it has 
 been in their power to make in relation to the 
 value of the property charged as aforesaid, with 
 the bequest made in favour of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of this state as aforesaid, and 
 also to the title to the land so devised, are clearly 
 of opinion that all proper means should be imme- 
 diately pursued for securing to the church the 
 benefit of the aforesaid bequest ; and that the ex- 
 penses which may be necessarily incurred in as- 
 serting the right of the church ought to be defray- 
 ed out of the funds belonging to the said church, 
 at the disposal of the Convention of this state. 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That it be the duty of 
 the standing committee, under the direction of 
 the bishop, to pursue all proper means for secu- 
 ring to the church the full benefit of the afore- 
 said bequest, made in her favour by the will of 
 the said Evan Ragland : and to draw upon the 
 treasurer of the said church, from time to time, 
 for such sums as may be necessary for defray- 
 ing the expenses which may be incurred in the 
 discharge of this duty. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 
 Sroposition from the President of William and 
 laxy College, on the expediency of providing a 
 sum for the support of the theological chair in 
 that institution, have taken the subject into 
 
 I consideration, and recommend to the Conven- 
 tion the following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the bishop and standing com- 
 mittee be requested to ascertain what practica- 
 ble mode can be devised to that eflfect ; and that 
 they be authorized to adopt measures for the 
 promotion of an object of so great magnitude, 
 and which may, under the blessing of God, be 
 productive of the most beneficial consequences. 
 The resolutions of the said committee, on the 
 subject of the devise from Evan Ragland, de- 
 ceased, and in relation to the proposed estab- 
 lishment of a theological professorship in the 
 College of William and Mary, were, on ques- 
 tions severally put thereupon, agreed to by the 
 Convention. 
 
 Mr. Boggs, from the committee on the sub- 
 ject of the parochial reports, presented a state- 
 ment containing the substance thereof in a con- 
 densed form ; which statement was, on motion, 
 ordered to be recommitted ; was afterward 
 again reported from the same committee with 
 amendments ; and, being so amended, was ap- 
 proved by the Convention, and ordered to be 
 inserted in the Journal, as follows : — 
 
 The following condensed report of the paro- 
 chial returns, exhibiting a view of the state of the 
 Episcopal Churches in Fredericksburg; in An- 
 trim parish, Halifax county ; in Shelburne parish, 
 Loudoun county ; in Hamilton parish, Fauquier 
 county ; in the congregations of Dumfries and 
 Aquia, Prince William county; in Cumberland 
 parish ; in the parishes of Norbome and St. An- 
 drews ; in the parish of Frederick ; in the par- 
 ishes of Hardy and Hampshire; in the parishes 
 of Manchester and Bristol ; of Berkeley, in the 
 county of Spotsylvania ; of the church in Alex- 
 andria ; in the parish of Lunenburg ; in that of 
 St. Paul, in the county of King George ; in the 
 parish of St. Martin's in Hanover county; and 
 in that of Cople, Westmoreland county, is laid 
 before the Convention of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church, assembled in the city of Richmond, 
 in May, 1815, by the conunittee appointed to ex- 
 amine the parochial reports. 
 
 The report from the church in Fredericksburg, 
 from Shelburne parish, from Hamilton parish, 
 from the congregations of Dumfries and of Aquia, 
 from the parishes of Norbome and St. Andrews, 
 from the church in Winchester, from the parishes 
 of Hardy and Hampshire, and from St. Martin's, 
 is favourable. The spirit of religion is increasing ; 
 many are zealously attached to the Episcopal 
 Church, and are making exertions to support her 
 ordinances. The state of the church in Antrim 
 parish is discouraging in the extreme. The two 
 churches in the parish of Manchester are in a 
 state of decay. Relative to Bristol parish, there 
 is nothing particularly mentioned, except that, at 
 the consecration of the church, twenty-five per- 
 sons, male and female, were confirmed. The re- 
 port from Cumberland parish exhibits nothing 
 more than the baptism of twenty-one white chil- 
 dren and ten negro children, the burial of nine 
 grown persons and four children, and the mar- 
 riage of three couple. The report of Mr. Will- 
 iam King shows that he has been unable to or- 
 ganize a church in Staunton. The number of 
 communicants in the two congregations in Win- 
 Chester is between 80 and SO. In Shelburne par- 
 ish there have been four baptisms, five funerals. 
 The number of communicants is twenty. In the 
 church of Fredericksburg the number of commu- 
 -nicanta is upwards of sixty ; the baptisms last year 
 
CONVENTION OF 1815. 
 
 99 
 
 are fourteen, the marriages four, and the number 
 of funerals ten. Since the induction of the Rev. 
 Mr. Hay, the number of baptisms has been annu- 
 ally between thirty or forty, marriages two or 
 three. The Episcopal Church in the county of 
 Fauquier is in a very prosperous condition. A 
 strong disposition has been lately manifested, by 
 the members of the church in that county, for the 
 obtainment of religious knowledge. The attach- 
 ment of the mass of the community to our church 
 is strong and ardent. The number of communi- 
 cants upon occasional celebrations of the Lord's 
 Supper last year was thirty ; and an increase of 
 communicants is expected. From the liberal zeal 
 of the members of the church, recently mani- 
 fested by pecuniary contributions, the pleasing 
 expectation is entertained that a sufficient number 
 of churches will soon be in repair. The church 
 in Alexandria is in an improving state. The 
 churches are in good order. There is among the 
 members of the church an increase of evangelical 
 piety. The number of communicants is about 
 two hundred, the baptisms about one hundred and 
 fifty. In the parish of Cople the number of com- 
 municants is considerable, and an earnest desire is 
 manifested among the people to revive the church. 
 A hope is confidently entertained, that soon the 
 former character of the church in that parish will 
 be supported, by making provision for the perma- 
 nent and respectable establishment of a minister. 
 
 The report from the parish of St. Paul, King 
 George county, states, that the church is falling 
 to ruin ; that there are no funds for the support of 
 a pastor ; but that, however, of late, a spirit of 
 religion is reviving in the parish, and Mr. Keith, 
 who officiates on alternate Sundays, has large con- 
 gregations. In the parish of Lunenburg, many 
 persons are sincerely attached to the church. 
 No doubt is entertained but that the congregation 
 will be sufficiently numerous to afford a compe- 
 tent support to a minister. In the church of the 
 city of Richmond, much attention is given to di- 
 vine worship. The number of communicants is 
 about one hundred and twenty, and the number 
 of prayer-books is increased. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Samuel Low, Resolved, 
 That the 11th canon, established yesterday, be 
 reconsidered : 
 
 The said canon was amended, on Mr. Pat- 
 teson's motion, and agreed to as amended. 
 
 Resolved, That the following gentlemen be 
 appointed the standing committee of the church 
 of this state until the next Convention, and 
 until a new appointment of a standing commit- 
 tee shall be made by a future Convention, viz. : 
 the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver 
 Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. William 
 Cranch, and Edmund J. Lee, Esq. 
 
 On motion of the Hon. Hugh Nelson, 
 
 The following canon was added to the can- 
 ons revised and established by the present Con- 
 vention, viz. : — 
 
 The canons and constitution heretofore 
 adopted by the former Conventions of this 
 state, shall be and are hereby repealed. 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary of the Conven- 
 tion be requested to transmit annually the pro- 
 ceedings of the Conventions of this diocess to 
 the secretaries of the Conventions of the several 
 states, and to request of them to send in return, 
 annually, the journals of their several Conven- 
 tions. 
 
 On motion of Dr. James McCIurg, 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 consider the expediency of re-enacting the canon 
 of the last Convention concerning the Monu- 
 mental Church in the city of Richmond. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of Dr. James 
 McClurg, the Rev. WiUiam H. Wilmer, and 
 Dr. John Adams ; and, after some time, Dr. 
 McClurg reported thereupon, That, in the opin- 
 ion of the said committee, a canon ought to be 
 established, in addition to the canons enacted 
 yesterday ; which additional canon he delivered 
 in at the secretary's table. The same being 
 read, was agreed to by the Convention, and 
 ordered to be inserted as the twelfth in the 
 list of canons. 
 
 Dr. John Adams, from the committee to 
 whom the accounts of the late treasurer were 
 referred, presented a report, which was read, as 
 follows : — 
 
 Samuel Greenhow, late treasurer of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church of Virginia, in ac- 
 count with said church, Dr. 
 
 1814, May 6. 
 
 To cash received of the Rev. John 
 Buchanan, his predecessor in office, 
 for the general fund, $270 
 
 To do. received of do. for the mis- 
 sionary fund, 90 
 
 May 11. 
 
 To do. received of do. in full of the 
 balance reported to the Convention 
 as being in his hands, 
 
 1814, May 6. Cr. 
 
 By cash paid the following dep- 
 uties to the General Conven- 
 tion, viz. : 
 
 Edward G. McGuire, 
 
 Hugh Mercer, 
 
 Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 " Oliver Norris, 
 " William Meade, 
 
 To do. paid the doorkeeper for 
 attendance during the Con- 
 vention, 
 
 May 10. 
 
 By cash paid Mr. George De- 
 neale, a deputy to the General 
 Convention, 
 
 May 12. 
 
 By cash paid Fitzwhylsonn and 
 Potter, for four blank books, 
 and a ream of paper to print 
 the journal on. 
 
 May 19. 
 
 By cash paid for printing and 
 stitching 300 copies of the 
 Journal of Convention, 24 
 
 July 4. 
 
 By cash paid Thomas Ritchie for 
 publishing notice of Conven- 
 tion to be holden in May, 1814, 1 
 
 204 68 
 $564 68 
 
 $70 
 70 
 50 
 50 
 50 
 
 50 
 
 25 
 
 75 
 
 Balance due, 
 
 891 75 
 
 $172 98 
 
100 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1815. 
 
 Of which ninety dollars are due to the mis- 
 sionary fund. 
 
 The above statement has been taken from the 
 books of the late treasurer, and is believed by 
 the committee to be correct, but no acknowledg- 
 ment of the balance due has been obtained from 
 the executrix. J. Adams. 
 
 May 26, 1815. 
 
 Resolved, That the said report be approved. 
 
 On motion, the Convention proceeded to the 
 election, by ballot, of delegates to the General 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 — whereupon the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the 
 Rev. William Meade, the Rev. William Haw- 
 ley, Gen. Charles F. Mercer, the Hon. Hugh 
 Nelson, and Doctor John Adams, were duly 
 elected. 
 
 On motion of Dr. Adams, Resolved, That 
 the treasurer be authorized to pay, out of any 
 funds which may be in his hands, the expenses 
 which may attend the episcopal visitations in 
 this diocess. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 prepare an article to be added to the constitu- 
 tion in relation to the office of treasurer. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 William H. Wilmer and the Hon. Hugh Nel- 
 son, who prepared and reported an article, which 
 was read and agreed to by the Convention, and 
 ordered to be inserted as the 9th article in the 
 constitution for the government of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church in this diocess. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to 
 this Convention an address on the state of the 
 church ; which being heard. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 the Convention be presented to the Right Rev. 
 Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his excel- 
 lent address this day delivered ; and that the 
 same be inserted in the Journal : which address 
 is in the following words : — 
 
 Brethren, — It becomes my duty, by virtue of 
 the canon of the General Convention, to lay 
 before you a view of the state of the church in 
 this diocess. As my residence in Virginia has 
 been of short duration, it cannot be supposed 
 that I could have possessed myself of informa- 
 tion very general in its nature. The visita- 
 tions, however, which I have made, though very 
 circumscribed, have enabled me to form some 
 view of the state of our ecclesiastical concerns, 
 and from that view I think myself justified in 
 drawing the most pleasing conclusions. 
 
 In every parish which I have visited, I have 
 discovered the most animated wish in the peo- 
 ple to repair the waste places of our Zion, and 
 to restore the church of their fathers to its 
 primitive purity and excellence. I have found 
 their minds alive to the truths of religion, and 
 have discovered an attachment to our excellent 
 liturgy exceeding my utmost expectations. I 
 have witnessed a sensibility to divine things 
 bordering on the spirit of gospel times. I have 
 seen congregations, upon the mention of that 
 glory which once irradiated with its beams the 
 church of Virginia, burst into tears, and by 
 their holy emotions perfectly electrify my mind. 
 
 The apostolic rite of confirmation, which I 
 have administered in several parishes, was re- 
 ceived by people of all ages with the greatest 
 joy, and a general principle of union and exer- 
 tion was upon those occasions universally ex- 
 pressed. Parishes which have been destitute 
 of ministerial aid for many years, which had 
 slumbered until the warmest friends of the 
 church conceived it to have been the sleep of 
 death, have, in two instances, been awakened 
 from that state of torpor in which they were in- 
 volved, and have arisen in all the vigour of per- 
 fect health. The younger clergy of this dio- 
 cess, who, from their youth and spiritual attain- 
 ments, are well qualified for the glorious work, 
 have exerted themselves in a manner deserving 
 the most honourable mention. They have car- 
 ried the standard of the Lord Jesus Christ 
 through a considerable portion of this church ; 
 they have gone out into the highways and hedges, 
 preaching the truths of their Divine Master ; 
 and by their holy conversation with the people, 
 have adorned the gospel of Christ. A number 
 of their elder brethren, though prevented by age 
 from using the same exertion, have laboured 
 with fidelity, and contributed their best efforts 
 to promote that work which has been commit- 
 ted to their hands. The laity have been equal- 
 ly assiduous in the discharge of that duty pecu- 
 liar to their station — the duty of providing for 
 the ministers of religion. May Heaven reward 
 them for their labours of love ; and may every 
 cup of cold water which they have given to a 
 disciple, in the name of a disciple, receive a dis- 
 ciple's reward. 
 
 The members of the church in this city, 
 brethren, deserve my sincerest thanks, for the 
 friendship, affection, and indulgence with which 
 they have favoured me : — they have shown, by 
 their marked and continued tenderness towards 
 me and my family, that they are alive to all the 
 sensibilities which adorn our nature. I have 
 found in them not only friends, but brothers and 
 benefactors ; they have met my necessities with 
 a solicitude beyond my expectations ; they have 
 anticipated my every want ; they have dis- 
 charged the duty of the most affectionate chil- 
 dren towards their spiritual father. 
 
 I have admitted within the past year, as 
 candidates for the ministry, Mr. George H. 
 Norton, Benjamin Allen, Jr., Thomas G. Allen, 
 and Samuel Low. I have licensed as lay read- 
 ers, Mr. Benjamin Allen, Thomas Allen, Mr. 
 Keith, and Thomas Henderson. I have ad- 
 mitted to the order of deacon, Mr. Edward G. 
 M'Guire and John P. Philips ; and to the order 
 of priesthood, the Rev. William Hawley. I 
 have held a confirmation in the church of Alex- 
 andria, at which place upwards of fifty persons 
 received that holy rite. I have held a confirm- 
 ation in Culpepper, when upwards of sixty, and 
 in Fauquier, when upwards of fifty, received that 
 rite. I have visited and consecrated the church 
 at Petersburg, under the direction of the Rev. 
 Mr. Syme ; at which time upwards of twenty 
 were confirmed. I have preached in Manches- 
 ter twice, and in Hanover in three different 
 places. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1815. 
 
 101 
 
 Should my health be continued, brethren, it 
 is my intention to visit as many parishes this 
 summer and autumn as my parochial engage- 
 ments will admit of, and shall thank the Con- 
 vention or the standing committee to direct me 
 to those parts of the diocess where my labours 
 may be thought to promise the most benefit to 
 the church. My Brethren of the Clergy — The 
 welfare and advancement of our Zion depend 
 upon our joint and vigorous exertions. Great 
 is the duty imposed upon us, and great is the 
 responsibility of that character which we fill, 
 as ministers of the gospel of peace. If there 
 ever was a period in which exertion was neces- 
 sary, and if there ever was a period which bids 
 fair to crown that exertion with success, this is 
 the time. Though few in number, yet, depend- 
 ing for support upon the promises of God, we 
 may look for an abundant blessing upon our la- 
 bours. Jehovah has promised to be with his 
 church to the end of the world, and he will fulfil 
 his declaration. The parishes are invoking our 
 aid. Oh"! listen, I beseech you, to their numer- 
 ous entreaties. Be steadfast, then, be unmovea- 
 ble, always abounding in the work of the Lord, 
 and your labour will not be in vain in the Lord. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 thanks of this Convention be presented to the 
 secretary, for his services during the present 
 session. 
 
 Ordered, That the usual number of copies of 
 the Journal of this Convention be printed, and 
 sent by the secretary to the respective parishes. 
 
 No further business being before the Con- 
 vention, on motion, the Convention adjourned, 
 to meet again on the third Tuesday in May 
 next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the P. E. Church in the 
 Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 Attest, Wm. Munford, Secretary, 
 
 Constitution and Canons for the government of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia. 
 Revised and established by the Convention of 
 that Church which met in the City of Rich- 
 mond on Tuesday, May 23d, 1815. 
 
 constitution. 
 
 Article L There shall be a Convention of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state 
 on the third Tuesday in May every year : but 
 the Convention which meets in the year pre- 
 vious to the meeting of the General Convention, 
 may have power to appoint the time and place 
 of meeting for the next annual session. 
 
 Art. II. The Convention shall be composed 
 of the officiating ministers who have been reg- 
 ularly and canonically elected in parishes or 
 churches within this state, and within that part 
 of the territory of Columbia formerly part of 
 this state ; and of those whom age or infirmity 
 prevents from exercising their clerical functions, 
 who shall be considered members ex-ojfficio. 
 The Convention shall also be composed of lay 
 members, consisting of one delegate from each 
 parish (or of two lay deputies, where there 
 shall be no clergyman in the parish), chosen by 
 
 the vestry thereof, or, if there be no vestry, 
 by at least twelve persons who may with pro- 
 priety be considered as members of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church, duly notified ; and the 
 election shall be certified by at least five mem- 
 bers of this church ; provided, that every parish 
 having more than one officiating minister who 
 hath been regularly and canonically elected, 
 shall be entitled to send as many lay delegates 
 as it has ministers. 
 
 Art. III. Six members of the clerical, and 
 six of the lay order, shall constitute a quorum 
 for the transaction of business ; but a smaller 
 number may adjourn. 
 
 Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be- 
 fore the Convention, the clergy and laity shall 
 deliberate in one body ; and the concurrence of 
 a majority shall give validity to any measure. 
 But, when three members require it, there shall 
 be a vote by orders. 
 
 Art. V. The election of a bishop of this 
 church shall be made in Convention, in the fol- 
 lowing manner. The order of the clergy shall 
 nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and 
 qualified clergyman for that office ; and the 
 votes of two thirds of that order shall be requi- 
 site to constitute a choice. And thereupon 
 such appointment shall be presented to the or- 
 der of the lay delegates, and be considered by 
 them ; and if, on a ballot, it shall appear that 
 the person so ordained is approved of by two 
 thirds of the lay order, he shall be then declared 
 to be duly elected. 
 
 Art. VI. In this diocess there shall be but one 
 bishop. He shall be president of the Conven- 
 tion ; in which character it shall be his duty to 
 give to the Convention, as often as he may 
 deem expedient, a general view of the state of 
 the church ; to call special Conventions, at 
 whatever times and places he may think neces- 
 sary ; to preserve order during the time of ses- 
 sion ; to put the question, collect the votes, and 
 declare the decision. He may make any mo- 
 tion which he shall judge conducive to the good 
 of the church, but shall not enter into debate ; 
 and he may deliver his sentiments on any subject 
 after it has been discussed, before a vote there- 
 on. 
 
 Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis- 
 copal office, the Convention, immediately upon 
 their assembling, shall choose, by joint ballot, a 
 president from among the order of priests, who 
 shall remain in office until the next election of a 
 president. He shall perform all the duties and 
 possess all the privileges above specified ; but 
 he shall not call special meetings of the Conven- 
 tion, unless applied to for that purpose by a 
 majority of the standing committee. And if, 
 while there is a bishop in this church, he shall 
 not be present at any meeting of the Conven- 
 tion, they shall elect, in the manner aforesaid, 
 a president pro tempore. 
 
 Art. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed 
 by the Convention, who shall continue in office 
 during good behaviour. His duty shall be to 
 make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve 
 their journals and records, to attest the public 
 acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into 
 
102 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 the hands of his successor all books and papers, 
 relative to the concerns of the Convention, 
 which may be in his possession. It shall be his 
 duty to notify, through the channel of the public 
 papers, as he may think proper, the time and 
 place appointed for the meeting of the succeed- 
 mg Convention. 
 
 Art. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by 
 the Convention, who shall continue in office 
 during good behaviour, and who shall discharge 
 the duties usually appertaining to that office. 
 
 AjtT. X. Before the adjournment of each an- 
 nual Convention, a standing committee, con- 
 sisting of six members, three clerical and three 
 of the lay order, shall be chosen by a ballot of 
 the clergy and laity. 
 
 Art. XI. If at any time there should be no 
 bishop in this church, the Convention shall di- 
 vide the state or diocess into districts, and as- 
 sign to such clergymen as they may appoint 
 the superintendence of a district, which it shall 
 be their duty to visit at least once a year, and to 
 report the ecclesiastical and secular state there- 
 of to the Convention. 
 
 Art. XII. Every parish within this diocess 
 shall be entitled to the entire benefit of this 
 constitution, as soon as it shall have signi- 
 fied its ratification thereof, either in writing or 
 by sending a lay delegate to the Convention ; 
 and such parish shall thereafter be benefited and 
 bound, equally with the other parishes in this 
 diocess, by every rule and canon which shall be 
 framed, by any Convention acting under this 
 constitution, for the government of this church 
 in ecclesiastical concerns. 
 
 Art. XIII. This constitution shall be unal- 
 terable, except in the following manner : — a 
 proposition for any change shall be introduced 
 in writing, and considered in Convention ; and, 
 if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to 
 the several vestries of the parishes which shall 
 have ratified this constitution ; and if again ap- 
 proved of in the next ensuing Convention by a 
 majority, the change shall then take place, and 
 the constitution, so altered, shall be valid and 
 obligatory. 
 
 The minister of each parish shall make out 
 and continue an exact register of all the com- 
 municants within his congregation ; which regis- 
 ter shall be left, upon his death or removal, for 
 the use of his successor. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the ministers of our 
 church to be careful in observing all the direc- 
 tions of the rubric, and of the General Conven- 
 tion, which relate to communicants ; to main- 
 tain the most aflfectionate intercourse with all 
 their members on religious subjects ; but, es- 
 pecially, to converse with those who oflfer them- 
 selves for the first time for the communion, on 
 those qualifications which are proper for the 
 worthy receiving of the sacrament, unless they 
 be otherwise satisfied that they are properly 
 quaUfied. 
 
 LAY DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CANON III. 
 
 Communicants to have Family Worship. 
 It shall be the duty of every communicant of 
 this church, who is the head of a family, to live 
 in the habitual exercise of family worship. 
 
 CANON IV. 
 
 The members of this Church to instruct their fam- 
 ilies in the Principles of Religion. 
 The members of this church shall instruct 
 their families, as far as they are able, in the 
 principles of the Christian religion ; and, as soon 
 as they are sufficiently informed and impressed 
 with the importance and sacredness of their bap- 
 tismal vow, and have come to a proper age to 
 ratify the same in their own persons, they shall 
 present them to the bishop for confirmation, 
 when conveniently in their power. 
 
 CANON V. 
 
 The members of this Church to be regular in 
 their attendance on Public Worship. 
 The members of this church shall attend the 
 public worship of God as regularly and con- 
 stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and cir- 
 cumstances in life, may be reasonably expected ; 
 and shall admit of no excuse for the neglect of 
 this important duty, but such as they may plead 
 at the bar of God in the day of judgment. 
 
 CANON VI.* 
 
 Offences for which a Layman may be presented 
 and tried. 
 Drunkenness, incontinence, profane swear- 
 ing, general neglect of public worship. Sabbath- 
 breaking, irreverent behaviour during divine ser- 
 vice, gaming, extortion, and any other open vi- 
 ciousness of life, are crimes and misdemeanors 
 for which lay members who are communicants 
 of this church may be reproved, publicly cen- 
 sured, or repelled from the holy communion, ac- 
 cording to the degrees of the oifence, and the 
 age and other circumstances of the offender. 
 
 CANON VII.* 
 
 Manner of proceeding against a Layman. 
 
 If a lay member, being a communicant, shall 
 oflTend in any of these respects, the minister of 
 the parish in which the offender shall reside 
 shall, upon receiving information thereof, take 
 cognizance of the offence ; and if he shall have 
 sufficient evidence of the guilt, he shall privately 
 admonish the person ; and if this shall not have 
 the desired effect, he shall then convene the ves- 
 try and wardens ; first giving the party reason- 
 able notice, in writing, of the nature of the of- 
 fence alleged, and of the time appointed for the 
 meeting of the minister, vestry, and wardens, for 
 the purpose of inquiring into it ; who shall 
 thereupon proceed to inquire into the charge ; 
 and, if they shall be of opinion that it is substan- 
 tiated, the minister shall pronounce such sen- 
 tence as the offence may deserve ; which sen- 
 tence shall be either reproof before the vestry 
 and wardens, public censure in the church, or 
 repelling him from the holy communion. But 
 if the person accused, being duly notified, shall 
 
CONVENTION OF 1815. 
 
 103 
 
 refuse to appear, the minister, vestry, and war- 
 dens shall, notwithstanding, proceed to inquiry 
 and sentence : Provided, That every minister so 
 repelling any as is herein specified, shall be 
 obliged to give an account of the same to the 
 ordinary, as soon as conveniently may be, who 
 shall decide thereupon. 
 
 CLERICAL DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CANON VIII.* 
 
 Offences for which a Clergyman may he brought 
 to trial. 
 
 Whereas it is essential to the purity and 
 prosperity of all religious communities that the 
 temper and deportment of their ministers be 
 preserved holy and unblameable ; it is hereby de- 
 clared to be the duty of the bishop, or, if there 
 be none, of the standing committee, to take cog- 
 nizance of any offence against decorum and re- 
 ligion, of which a priest or deacon shall be 
 charged upon credible testimony. Disorderly, 
 scandalous, and immoral conduct, neglect of 
 duty, disregard of the constitution or canons of 
 the church, disseminating or countenancing of 
 opinions which are contrary to her doctrines, 
 gaming, or any other vicious or unseemly diver- 
 sions, are offences for which (as well as for 
 a violation of the 26th canon of the General 
 Convention) a minister may be brought to trial. 
 And the mode of proceeding shall be as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 Whenever satisfactory information shall be 
 given in writing, by any two credible members 
 of the church in this diocess, to the bishop or 
 standing committee, that any clergyman is guilty 
 of a violation of the canons, or conducts him- 
 self in any way incompatible with the character 
 of a minister of Christ, the bishop shall sum- 
 mon a meeting of the standing committee, or, if 
 there be no bishop, the president of the standing 
 committee shall assemble them, for the purpose 
 of inquiry and trial. Notice of the time and 
 place of meeting shall be given to the accused 
 party, and also a copy of the charge or charges 
 laid against such clergyman, at least two months 
 before the time appointed for trial. Witnesses 
 shall be called, and no charge shall be deem- 
 ed substantial but upon the testimony of two 
 credible witnesses, upon oath, either deliv- 
 ered viva voce, or by deposition taken after 
 reasonable notice given of the time and place 
 of taking the same. The party accused may call 
 in any person to assist him in his defence, and 
 also such witnesses as he may think proper, and 
 have the benefit of depositions as above pre- 
 scribed. The bishop, or, if there be no bishop, 
 the standing committee, may appoint a clergy- 
 man to conduct the trial on the part of the 
 church ; and counsel may be employed on each 
 side. If, after hearing the evidence and the de- 
 fence of the party accused, two thirds of the 
 quorum of the standing committee shall be of 
 opinion that the person is guilty of the charge 
 or charges brought against him, the bishop shall 
 proceed to reprove, suspend, or degrade him, as 
 the offence may deserve. If there be no bish- 
 op, the standing committee shall take record 
 and give notice of the punishment due to the 
 
 party offending : and, in the latter case, an ap- 
 peal may be made to the State Convention,whose 
 decision shall be final. Provided, That none but 
 a bishop shall pronounce sentence of deposition 
 or degradation from the ministry on any cler- 
 gyman, whether bishop, or presbyter, or deacon. 
 
 CANON IX.* 
 
 Manner of proceeding against a Bishop. 
 
 If the bishop of this church shall voluntarily 
 commit any act or acts violating the constitu- 
 tion or canons, presentment shall be made, by 
 the Convention, to two or more bishops of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States. Such bishops shall have authority to 
 institute a trial within the diocess of the accu- 
 sed party : and the sentence of the two bishops, 
 or of a majority of a greater number, being 
 founded on the canons of the church, shall be 
 final ; except the sentence of degradation, in 
 which case he shall be allowed the privilege of 
 an appeal to the House of Bishops, provided he 
 give notice of such appeal, within six months, 
 to the bishop who presided in the House of Bish- 
 ops at their session immediately preceding. 
 
 CANON X. 
 
 It shall be the duty of every parish to send 
 to the Convention the sum of thirty dollars an- 
 nually, for the contingent expenses of the 
 church ; which money shall be lodged with the 
 treasurer of the Convention of this church, and 
 held subject to their order. 
 
 CANON II. 
 
 The manner of electing Vestrymen. 
 
 On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall 
 elect eight vestrymen. Two weeks notice shall 
 be given of the meeting by the minister, from the 
 pulpit ; or, if there be no minister, by the ves- 
 try ; and, if there be no vestry, by any two mem- 
 bers who last possessed the power of vestry- 
 men ; who shall cause advertisements of the 
 meeting to be put up at such public places as 
 will secure due notice of the meeting. And 
 every pew-holder and contributor to the sup- 
 port of the church shall be entitled to vote. 
 Every vestryman shall, upon taking his seat, 
 subscribe the following form : — 
 
 " I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments to be the word of God, and 
 to contain all things necessary to salvation : 
 and I do solemnly engage to conform to the 
 doctrines and worship of the Protestant Epis-^ 
 copal Church in these United States." 
 
 The vestrymen thus elected shall choose two 
 church-wardens out of their own body, to dis- 
 charge the duties appropriate to their office. 
 
 In cases where unavoidable circumstances 
 prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall 
 take place on any time that may be deemed 
 expedient by persons authorized to call the 
 meeting, and in the manner aforesaid : and, un- 
 til a new election, the former vestry shall con- 
 tinue in office. The minister shall be a mem- 
 
 * Note.— The 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th canons are 
 suspended, by a resolution of this Convention, un- 
 til the end of the session of the next Convention. 
 
104 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 ber ex-officio; and five members shall be re- 
 quired to constitute a quorum. 
 CANON xn. 
 Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church of Virginia which directs the 
 manner of choosing vestrymen in the several 
 parishes is not applicable to the case of 
 churches built and supported by voluntary asso- 
 ciations of individuals, without any parochial 
 charge ; and it is proper that those who hold 
 the sole property of a particular church should 
 provide for its care and management ; — 
 
 In the case of the Monumental Church in 
 the city of Richmond, and in all similar cases, 
 the choice of vestrymen shall be made by the 
 pew-holders of the respective churches, con- 
 forming, as to the time of appointment and man- 
 ner of qualifying the vestrymen, to the regulationg 
 prescribed by the 11th canon established by the 
 present Convention. 
 
 CANON xni. 
 
 The canons and constitution heretofore adopt- 
 ed by the former Conventions of this state shall 
 be and are hereby repealed. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, which 
 assembled in the City of Richmond^on Tuesday, the 2lst of May, 1816. 
 
 A SUFFICIENT number of members appearing 
 to form a Convention, the Right Rev. Richard 
 Channing Moore, D. D., bishop of this diocess, 
 took the chair as president of this Convention. 
 
 A committee was appointed to examine the 
 certificates of appointments of the lay deputies ; 
 which committee, consisting of the Rev. John 
 Dunn, the Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr. Robert 
 Randolph, and William Munford, secretary of 
 the Convention, reported forthwith the follow- 
 ing members, being present, to be duly appoint- 
 ed, conformably with the canons of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : — 
 
 William A. Knox, for St. George's parish, 
 Fredericksburg; John Hoof, for St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; Thomas G. Allen, for 
 Aquia parish, Stafford county ; John Adams 
 and Benjamin Watkins Leigh, for Henrico par- 
 ish ; William Mayo and Lewis Berkeley, for 
 Frederick parish ; Alexander Keech, for St. 
 Mary's parish, Caroline county; John S. Ra- 
 venscroft and John Buford, for Cumberland 
 parish, Lunenburg county ; Carter Berkeley, 
 for St. Martin's parish, in Hanover and Louisa 
 counties ; Richard Stuart and Townshend S. 
 Dade, for St. Paul's parish. King George coun- 
 ty ; Hugh Nelson, for Fredericksville parish, 
 Albemarle county ; Robert Randolph, for Ham- 
 ilton parish, Fauquier county ; Benjamin Al- 
 len, jr., for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson 
 county; Samuel Slaughter, for St. Stephen's 
 Church, Culpepper county ; Henry Lee, jr., for 
 Washington parish, in Westmoreland county ; 
 David Patteson, for Manchester parish, Ches- 
 terfield county ; Francis Adams, for Christ 
 Church, Alexandria. 
 
 The following clerical deputies appeared and 
 took their «eats in this Convention, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. John Buchanan, D. D., Henrico 
 parish ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. 
 George's parish ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bris- 
 tol parish ; the Rev. William H. Wilmer, St. 
 Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. William 
 H. Hart, church on Richmond Hill ; the Rev. 
 William Meade, Frederick parish ; the Rev. 
 Charles Crawford, Lexington parish, Amherst ; 
 the Rev. John Philips, St. Martin's parish ; 
 the Rev. William Steel, Dettingen parish, Prince 
 William ; the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, Berkeley 
 parish, Spotsylvania ; the Rev. George Lem- 
 
 on, Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; the Rev. Will- 
 iam Hawley, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper ; 
 the Rev. Oliver Norris, Christ Church, Alexan- 
 dria ; the Rev. John Dunn, Shelbume parish, 
 Loudoun ; the Rev. Armistead Smith, Kingston 
 parish, Matthews ; the Rev. William King, 
 Staunton parish, Augusta. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, the 
 Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. William 
 Steel, Mr. John S. Ravenscroft, Mr. Richard 
 Stuart, and Mr. WiUiam Mayo, be a committee 
 to take into consideration the state of the church 
 in the diocess, and report thereupon to the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John Dunn, the Rev. 
 George Lemon, and Mr. Hugh Nelson, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William Hawley, 
 Mr. Robert Randolph, and Mr. Benjamin Wat- 
 kins Leigh, be a committee to examine the 
 treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be presented to the Rev. OHver 
 Norris, for his evangelical and eloquent dis 
 course on the duties of the ministry, dehvered 
 this day in the Monumental Church. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again at the capitol, in the Senate Cheunber, at 
 9 o'clock A. M. on to-morrow. 
 
 Wednesday, May 22, 1816. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 George Lemon. 
 
 The following lay deputies produced certifi- 
 cates of their appointments, which, being read 
 by the secretary, were found conformable to the 
 canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church of 
 Virginia ; whereupon they took their seats in the 
 Convention, viz. : — 
 
 Wright Southgate and William Sharp, for 
 Christ Church, Norfolk ; John Thorn, for St. 
 Mark's parish, Culpepper ; and Doctor James 
 McClurg, for the Monumental Church in the city 
 of Richmond. 
 
 For reasons appearing to the Convention, Mr. 
 Benjamin Blackford was also admitted to a seat 
 as lay deputy for Beckford parish. Mr. Elijah 
 Fletcher, a lay deputy for I..exington parish, Am- 
 herst county, also appeared and took his seat. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 105 
 
 The standing rules for regulating the pro- 
 ceedings of the Conventions of this diocese 
 were then read by the secretary. 
 
 The canons of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the United States of America, estab- 
 lished by the General Convention, were also 
 read, in obedience to the 11th standing rule for 
 regulating the proceedings of the Conventions 
 of this diocess. 
 
 The journal of the proceedings of the stand- 
 ing committee of the church of this state was 
 laid before the Convention by the Rev. William 
 H. Wilmer, and read by the secretary. 
 
 The Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, from the commit- 
 tee on the state of the church, presented a re- 
 port in part, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church 
 having considered the various subjects which 
 suggested themselves, beg leave to recommend 
 the following resolutions : — 
 
 Whereas the Uth canon limits the number 
 of vestrymen to the number of eight, and as it 
 appears desirable to some parishes that they 
 should have the option of electing twelve ; and 
 whereas it is further deficient in the manner of 
 providing for a case in which there is no surviving 
 member of the vestry to give notice for a new 
 election ; and whereas it is further so con- 
 structed as to make it necessary that a man 
 must be both a pew-holder and contributor, in- 
 stead of a pew-holder or a contributor, in order 
 to be entitled to a vote for the vestry ; 
 
 Therefore, be it Resolved, That the aforesaid 
 canon be altered, and adapted to these views, 
 when it will read in the following manner. 
 
 CANON XI. 
 
 On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall 
 elect eight vestrymen : but, where it is deemed 
 expedient, the number may be increased to twelve. 
 Two weeks notice shall be given of the meet- 
 ing by the minister, from the pulpit ; or, if there 
 be no minister, by the vestry ; or, if there be 
 no vestry, by any two members who last pos- 
 sessed the power of vestrymen ; or, if there be 
 no surviving members of the vestry, by three re- 
 spectable members of the church; who shall 
 cause advertisements of the meeting to be put 
 up at such public places as will secure due no- 
 tice of the meeting. And every pew-holder or 
 contributor to the support of the church shall be 
 entitled to vote. Every vestryman shall, upon 
 taking his seat, subscribe the following form : — 
 
 " I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments to be the word of God, and 
 to contain all things necessary to salvation : 
 and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doc- 
 trines and worship of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in these United States." 
 
 The vestrymen thus elected shall choose two 
 church-wardens out of their own body, to dis- 
 charge the duties appropriated to their office. 
 
 In cases where unavoidable circumstances 
 prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall 
 take place on any time that may be deemed expe- 
 dient by persons authorized to call the meeting, 
 and in the manner aforesaid : and, until a new 
 election, the former vestry shall continue in of- 
 
 fice. The minister shall be a member ex-offido ; 
 and five members shall be required to constitute 
 a quorum. 
 
 Resolved, That the lOth canon be amended, 
 by inserting after the word "annually," in the 
 second hne, the following words : " or such sums 
 as the deputies can procure." j^. 
 
 The said report was approved ; and the said ''^' 
 resolutions, on questions severally put thereupon, 
 were agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire laid before 
 the Convention sundry resolutions of the vestry 
 in the town of Fredericksburg, disapproving of 
 the 6 th and 7th canons adopted by the last 
 Convention ; and, the same being read, he 
 made a motion that the 6th and 7th canons be 
 repealed ; whereupon, on a motion made and 
 seconded, the Convention resolved itself into a 
 committee of the whole house to take the said 
 motion into consideration, Mr. Hugh Nelson in 
 the chair : — and, after some time spent therein, 
 the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Nelson 
 reported, That the committee of the whole Con- 
 vention had, according to order, had under con- 
 sideration the motion for repealing the 6th and 
 7th canons, and agreed to a resolution there- 
 upon, which he delivered in at the secretary's 
 table, where the same was read, as follows : — 
 
 Resolved, That the 6th and 7th canons for 
 the government of the church of this diocess, 
 adopted by the last Convention, be repealed ; 
 and that the following canon, which, in sub- 
 stance, was passed in May, 1805, be revived and 
 established in lieu thereof, viz. : — 
 
 Whereas the present state of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Virginia has experienced 
 many and great inconveniences from the want of 
 such regulations and provisions as the good and 
 wholesome government of the said church re- 
 quired, and from the nonperformance of existing 
 canons : Now, in order that such inconveniences 
 may be removed, so far as lieth in this Conven- 
 tion, and that the rules and canons of the said 
 church, and also those of the General Convention, 
 may be strictly observed and enforced in all time 
 to come ; that all the members of the said church, 
 whether clergymen or laymen, may be excited 
 to the most zealous and commendable exertions 
 to further, by all justifiable means, the future 
 prosperity of the church ; — 
 
 Be it ordained. That any lay member of the 
 church, being a communicant thereof, conduct- 
 ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Chris- 
 tian, may and ought to be admonished by the 
 minister and vestry of the parish or congrega- 
 tion ; and if such member persevere in such 
 conduct, he shall be suspended or expelled by 
 the ministry and vestry ; in which case he may 
 appeal to the ordinary, who shall have power to 
 confirm or reject the sentence. 
 
 The said resolution being read a second 
 time, was, on the question put thereupon, unani- 
 mously agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Nelson, Resolved, That 
 when this Convention adjourns to-day, it will 
 adjourn till to-morrow morning 10 o'clock ; 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned accord- 
 ingly. 
 
106 
 
 CONVENTION OF J 81 6, 
 
 Thursday, May 23, 1816. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 William Meade. 
 
 Mr. William Page, a lay deputy for Nor- 
 borne parish, Berkeley county, produced a cer- 
 tificate of appointment, which was read and ap- 
 proved ; whereupon he took his seat in the 
 Convention. 
 
 Sundry reports of the state of the several 
 parishes in this diocess were received, and or- 
 dered to be referred to the committee appointed 
 to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 The Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, from the commit- 
 tee on the state of the church, presented a far- 
 ther report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church 
 beg leave farther to recommend an alteration in 
 the 12th canon, by adding to it the words, " ex- 
 cepting in the case of Christ Church in the 
 borough of Norfolk ; which, being under pe- 
 culiar circumstances in relation to the number 
 of trustees, the time and manner of electing 
 them, and their rector, may be permitted to con- 
 form to their own regulations in these par- 
 ticulars." 
 
 The said report being read a second time, 
 was, on the question put thereupon, approved, 
 and the amendment thereby proposed to the 
 12th canon was agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the committee on 
 the subject of the parochial reports have leave 
 to sit while the Convention is in session. 
 
 Mr. Benj. Watkins Leigh, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 presented a report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom the accounts of the 
 treasurer were referred have, according to order, 
 performed that duty, and come to the following 
 report : — 
 
 Your committee have examined the accounts 
 of the treasurer, and found that the same are fair 
 and correct, the debits being all supported by 
 proper vouchers ; and the balance in his liands, 
 at the meeting of this present Convention, was 
 sixty dollars and fifty-three cents, as appears by 
 the following state of the said accounts : — 
 Cash received by William Munford, treasurer 
 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir- 
 ginia, since his appointment to that office. 
 Contributions from the Parishes in May, 
 
 1815, viz. :— 
 From Henrico Parish, by Doctor John 
 
 Adams, - - . $15 00 
 
 " St. Mark's — Culpepper, by Mr. 
 
 Robert Slaughter, - - 15 00 
 
 " St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, by 
 Mr. Charles Page, 
 
 " Norborne Parish, Berkeley, by Mr. 
 Wm. Pendleton, - - . 
 
 " Shelburne , Loudoun, by the 
 
 Rev. John Dunn, - 
 
 " St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper, 
 
 by Mr. Samuel Slaughter, - 15 00 
 
 «* St, George's Parish, Fredericks- 
 burg, by Major Benjamin Day, 15 00 
 
 - 15 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 - 15 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $105 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, $105 00 
 
 From Cumberland , Lunenburg, by 
 
 Mr. John Buford, - 
 Hamilton , Fauquier, by Doc 
 
 tor Thomas Henderson, 
 Manchester , Chesterfield, by 
 
 David Patteson, - - - 
 
 Matthew Cheatham, 
 Bristol Parish, Petersburg, by 
 
 Rev. Andrew Syme, 
 Brulon Parish, Williamsburg, by 
 
 Ferdinand Campbell, 
 St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson, by 
 
 Benjamin Allen, jr., 
 Frederick Parish, Frederick, by 
 
 the Rev William Meade, 
 The Vestry of the Monumental 
 
 Church in the city of Rich- 
 mond, by Doctor James Mc 
 
 Clurg, .... 
 
 Antrim Parish, Halifax, by the 
 
 Rev. Alexander Hay, 
 St. Paul's Parish, King George, 
 
 by Cadwallader J. Dade, 
 Frederick Parish, Frederick, by 
 
 the Rev. Alexander Balmain, - 
 
 - 15 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 10 00 
 5 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 - 15 00 
 15 GO 
 20 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 - 10 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 Total of parochial contributions, $280 00 
 Received of the Rev. WiUiam Meade, 
 cash paid him by the former treasurer, 
 as a delegate to the General Conven- 
 tion ; which he returns, in conse- 
 quence of his having failed to attend 
 that Convention, - - - - 50 00 
 Of the administratrix of Samuel Green- 
 how, late treasurer of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, - - . 172 93 
 
 On account of subscriptions to the pub- 
 lication of Bishop Moore's sermon in 
 May, 1815, 72 00 
 
 $574 93 
 
 Cash paid by William Munford, treasurer, 
 since his appointment, viz. : — 
 
 1815, May.— To the Rev. Hugh C. 
 Boggs, his expenses as a delegate to the 
 General Convention last year, - - 70 00 
 
 June 9th. — To Messrs. Ritchie and True- 
 heart, for printing Bishop Moore's ser- 
 mon, 72 00 
 
 To do. for printing the Journal of the 
 
 Convention, 42 00 
 
 June 28th. — To Bishop Moore, for ex- 
 penses of episcopal visitations, 60 00 
 
 July 27th. — To do. on the same 
 account, - - - 100 00 
 
 Oct. 30th. — To do. on the same 
 
 account, - - - 170 00 
 
 *330 00 
 
 $514 40 
 Balance due May 21st, 1816, 60 53 
 
 $574 93 
 
 * This expenditure has principally arisen from 
 the circumstance of the Right Reverend Bishop 
 Moore's being compelled to hire a carriage. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 107 
 
 The said report being read a second time, 
 was, on the question put thereupon, approved by 
 the Convention. 
 
 Mr. Hugh Nelson, from the committee on 
 the subject of the parochial reports, presented a 
 report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the subject of the parochial 
 reports beg leave to report the foUowmg con- 
 densed statement of the reports that have been 
 submitted to them : — 
 
 The report from the parishes of St. Andrew's 
 and Norborne is highly favourable. A new church 
 has been finished at Shepherdstown. Two 
 others, one at Bunker's Hill, and one at Charles- 
 town, will, it is expected, be finished in the course 
 of a few months. Another at Hedges Chapel is 
 just commenced, and is expected to be under roof 
 this fall. Well-grounded hopes are entertained 
 that another will be shortly erected on Back 
 Creek, in the western part of the parish of Nor- 
 borne. The Rev. Thomas Howell, of Maryland, 
 has been elected to the parish of Norborne. The 
 number of catechumens in these parishes is about 
 three hundred— baptisms eighty-five. 
 
 The report from Dettingen states, that a vestry 
 has been organized, and that they hope to build a 
 church this summer. 
 
 The report from Fredericksburg is highly fa- 
 vourable. A large neat church has been completed. 
 Communicants ninety— baptisms thirty-four — mar- 
 riages eight — deaths ten — catechumens forty-five. 
 
 The report from Hamilton parish is highly 
 favourable. A new church, it is hoped, will be 
 built this summer at Warrenton, and another cov- 
 ered in before next winter in the neighbourhood 
 of Oak Hill. Communicants thirty-nine — bap- 
 tisms, between twenty and thirty infants, and one 
 adult — marriages eight — funerals four. 
 
 The report from Manchester parish states, that 
 its two old churches are now undergoing repairs. 
 
 The report from Staunton parish states, that 
 though it has been long in a low state, it now be- 
 g:ins to assume a more encouraging aspect. Bap- 
 tisms for the last four years, forty infants and 
 seven adults — marriages one. 
 
 That in the parish of St. Mary's, in Caroline 
 county, the spirit of religion is reviving, and dis- 
 pelling the gloomy spectacle of the temples of the 
 Most High in utter ruins. The sum of 3,000 
 dollars has been subscribed to erect a church in 
 Port Royal, which building, it is expected, will be 
 commenced in the approaching summer. 
 
 That in the Monumental Church in Richmond, 
 such has been the success, under Heaven, of the 
 
 Eious and venerable bishop of this diocess in his 
 oly labours, as to excite in us the most lively 
 feelings of gratitude to the Great Author of our 
 religion. A devout attendance on their religious 
 duties, and a spirit of harmony, mark the conduct 
 of the members of this church. Communicants 
 to the number of one hundred and twenty sur- 
 round the altar of the living God. 
 
 That the parish of St. Paul's exhibits no flat- 
 tering prospect. The building destined for the 
 service of the only true God is, by an act of the 
 legislature, converted into a school-house, which 
 might yet be used as a place of public worship. 
 The parishioners appear inclined to cultivate the 
 revival of religion. 
 
 The church on Richmond Hill exhibits a lively 
 contrast to the last preceding — a spirit of rehgion 
 becoming general ; about thirty communicants, 
 and six baptisms. 
 
 The church in Shelburne parish continues in a 
 prosperous state. Twenty-five baptisms, and com- 
 municants increasing. 
 
 The parish of Washington, in Westmoreland 
 county, exhibits dilapidated churches, and an ab- 
 sence of all public worship after the manner of the 
 Episcopal Church. It is expected the building 
 may soon be repaired, when, by the aid of some 
 pious divines, the spirit of religion may be once 
 again revived. 
 
 The report from the parish of St. Martin's, Han- 
 over county, is favourable. In that parish the 
 number of communicants has increased, and vital 
 religion appears to be increasing. One marriage 
 solemnized — fifteen baptisms — two funerals — thir- 
 ty communicants. 
 
 The report from the parish of Lexington is fa- 
 vourable. Forty baptisms solemnized. There 
 are three churches in the parish, which are not in 
 good repair; but the vestry seem determined to 
 have them repaired. 
 
 The report from the parish of Kingston states, 
 that there have been two churches formerly in this 
 parish ; one of which has gone nearly to decay, 
 and the other entirely demolished. A subscrip- 
 tion has lately been opened to repair the church 
 that is in a ruinous state. 
 
 The report from the parishes of St. Marks and 
 St. Stephens, in Culpepper, is favourable. There 
 are thirty-five communicants. Twenty-two bap- 
 tisms have been solemnized in the course of eigh- 
 teen months. Five marriages. 
 
 In consequence of the absence of the Rev. John 
 Woodville, the number of baptisms and marriages 
 in St. Marks is not known. 
 
 The report from the parishes of St. Thomas, in 
 Orange, is favourable. The number of communi- 
 cants there has increased. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the said report be 
 inserted in the journal. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Benjamin Allen, jr.. 
 
 Resolved, That " A Common Prayer-Book and 
 Tract Society, for the Diocess of Virginia," be 
 formed under the patronage of the Convention, 
 according to the following plan : 
 
 Constitution of the Common Prayer-Book and Tract- 
 Society of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 1. Every person who pays not less than three 
 dollars at the time of subscribing, and not less 
 than two dollars annually, shall be a member of 
 this society. 
 
 2. The business of the society shall be con- 
 ducted by a board of managers, consisting of the 
 bishop and standing committee of the diocess for 
 the time being. A majority of the managers shall 
 constitute a quorum to do business. The board 
 of managers shall make all laws necessary for the 
 government of the society, and shall cause a state- 
 ment of the receipts and expenditures of money, 
 with other such matters as they may deem proper, 
 to be laid before the Convention of this diocess at 
 its annual meeting. 
 
 3. At some time during the session of each an- 
 nual Convention, a suitable sermon shall be 
 preached by some person whom the bishop shall 
 appoint, after which a collection shall be made, to 
 be appropriated to the funds of the society. 
 
 4. The constitution of the society shall be un- 
 alterable, except by a vote of the Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington be added to the delegates hereto- 
 fore elected to the approaching General Con- 
 vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 In conformity with the 10th article of the 
 constitution for the government of this diocess, 
 the Convention proceeded to the election of a 
 standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon, the 
 
108 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Nor- 
 ris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington, the Hon. William Cranch, and 
 Edmund J. Lee, Esq., were duly elected. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr. Alexander Keech, 
 that the Convention agree to the following pre- 
 amble and resolution : — 
 
 Whereas the extent of this diocess will not en- 
 able our venerable bishop to visit as frequently 
 the several parishes as might be desired, and 
 preparations might be made to receive him ; and 
 as it is truly desirable, in the present state of the 
 church, that there should be a regular organ of 
 communication between the several parishes of 
 the state and their diocesan — Therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention recommend to 
 the members in the several parishes throughout 
 the slate, when there is no rector or vestry, to 
 elect a vestry of at least eight of the most pious 
 members of the church, whose duty it shall be to 
 communicate with the bishop from time to time, 
 upon the prospects in their several parishes, and 
 to endeavour, by every possible means, to obtain 
 visits from the ministers of the adjoining parishes, 
 as often as the nature of their charges and other 
 circumstances may admit. 
 
 The said preamble and resolution being 
 twice read, were, on the question put there- 
 upon, agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the standing 
 committee of this diocess, submitted to the con- 
 sideration of the Convention the following cir- 
 cular letter : — 
 
 Alexandria, March 1st, 1816. 
 
 We deem it our duty to submit to the friends 
 of the church in Virginia the following consider- 
 ations : — 
 
 The Convention of 1813 adopted a resolution, 
 having for its object the creation of a fund, by 
 which the vacant parishes might occasionally en- 
 joy the benefits of public worship. But an inhe- 
 rent difficulty has been found to attach to the plan 
 proposed, from the small number of clergymen in 
 the state, and the consequent impossibility of ob- 
 taining their services as missionaries. This cause, 
 which continues to operate, must defeat the be- 
 nevolent scheme of the Convention ; and, until 
 some remedy can be applied, the church must 
 continue to mourn her desolations, and many of 
 her children to sigh, that the harps of Zion are 
 unstrung, and no voice of praise is heard in her 
 courts. 
 
 Our venerable bishop has done all in his power 
 to remedy the evil, and has diffiised, through va- 
 rious and remote parts, a portion of that zeal 
 which animates his labours. But the duties of 
 his parochial charge necessarily limit this sphere 
 of his usefulness. It appears to us therefore ne- 
 cessary, as well in order to give fiall effect to his 
 episcopal ministrations, as to derive the benefits 
 contemplated by the Convention, that some mode 
 be devised by which he may be rendered independ- 
 ent of any parochial charge. By this means ev- 
 ery part of the church may occasionally enjoy the 
 benefits of the public ordinances, and of the epis- 
 copal functions ; and thus, being enabled to per- 
 vade every part of the diocess, he will have it in 
 his power to encourage the desponding, to rouse 
 the thoughtless, to give direction to the zeal and 
 energy of the pious, and to impress upon the whole 
 system a s^alutary impulse. 
 
 It IS with this view we take the liberty of sub- 
 mitting the propriety of constituting a fund for 
 
 THE SUPPORT OP THE EPISCOPATE. Contribu- 
 tions may be obtained for it either by annual or 
 life subscriptions, or by advancing an amount 
 which would yield an interest equal to the annual 
 subscription. Should the annual product thus 
 raised be more than necessary for the support 
 of the bishop', the surplus may be invested in 
 bank-stock, and the interest and dividend there- 
 of be reinvested, so as to form, by its accumula- 
 tion, at no distant period, we trust, a permanent 
 fund, when the further annual contributions might 
 cease. 
 
 In aid of this fund, it does not appear to us un- 
 reasonable to calculate upon the donations and 
 bequests of pious individuals, who, wishing to fa- 
 vour this particular object, will find the means of 
 giving their bounty its proper direction, in the 
 fund now created under a specific appellation. As 
 soon as a similar fund was announced in one of 
 the Northern states, the committee of that diocess 
 received an anonymous letter, covering three 
 thousand dollars for their disposal. 
 
 We have thought it not improper to sketch 
 these general outlines of a plan, that they may be 
 considered, and the members of the next Conven- 
 tion be prepared to make such improvements as 
 their better judgments may suggest. In the mean- 
 time, we beg leave to recommend that measures 
 be taken in each parish towards obtaining contri 
 butions, and that the sums thus raised be forward- 
 ed to the Convention, for the purpose above ex- 
 pressed. 
 
 The Convention of 1815 received a communica- 
 tion from the President of William and Mary Col- 
 lege upon the expediency of establishing a theo- 
 logical professorship in that institution. Whether 
 this important object will ever be accomplished, 
 will depend entirely, under the blessing of God, 
 upon the hberality and zeal of the friends of the 
 church in providing for it a suitable fund. For 
 the present, we submit the subject for considera- 
 tion, and ask your aid and advice at our next Con- 
 vention, in organizing a plan which may embrace 
 a charity so extensive and useful. 
 
 When the number and wealth of Episcopalians 
 in Virginia are considered, we cannot but believe 
 that these several objects will be cherished, and 
 that our church, which is behind none in the 
 purity of her doctrines, and the excellence of her 
 forms, will be behind none in successful efforts 
 towards carrying into effect the several parts of 
 her religious and hterary institutions. And surely, 
 in the long list of distinguished supporters, a pe- 
 culiar honour will rest on those who, placed in 
 the highest rank and station, have associated their 
 greatness, and consecrated some portion of their 
 wealth, to such objects ; and who will perceive 
 that, in rallying round the standard of religion, 
 they are upholding that which is not only the 
 best security and guard of social order, but is 
 also the promise and pledge of a felicity above 
 the warmest conceptions of the human imagina- 
 tion. 
 
 To conclude, in the words of the resolution be- 
 fore alluded to ; — we beg leave " most earnestly 
 to entreat the members of the church generally, 
 to consider the necessity of adopting zealous 
 measures for the restoration of religion among us : 
 that they endeavour to manifest their gratitude to 
 Almighty God, and their sense of the awful impor- 
 tance of his blessed revelation : that they consider 
 the unspeakable rewards they will receive from 
 that gracious Master to whom they belong ; whose 
 goodness demands the warmest returns of love, 
 duty, and obedience ; and that they will contribute, 
 to the utmost in their power, to render this most 
 acceptable service to his cause." 
 
CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 109 
 
 We are, respectfully, your friends and obedient 
 servants, 
 
 Wm.H. WiLMER, ^^st^^i^g Com- 
 j mittee of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal 
 Church of Vir- 
 
 JoHN Dunn, 
 
 Oliver Norris, VZZVFriZn^ni 
 Bush. Washington, frwA Jf X 
 W. Cranch, 2r "f ^''^ 
 
 Edm. 1. Lee, J ^'"'"• 
 
 The said letter being read, was, on motion, 
 referred to the consideration of a committee, 
 consisting of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the 
 Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, Mr. 
 Hugh Nelson, Mr. Benjamin Watkins Leigh, 
 and Doctor James McClurg. 
 
 On a farther motion. Resolved, That the said 
 vote be reconsidered ; and. 
 
 On motion of Mr Benjamin Watkins Leigh, 
 the Convention agreed to the following pream- 
 ble and resolution : — 
 
 A circular letter of the standing committee, 
 addressed to the friends of the church in Vir- 
 ginia, dated Alexandria, March 1st, 1816, recom- 
 mending the constitution of a fund for the sup- 
 port of the episcopate, having been laid before 
 the Convention — 
 
 Resolved, That the said letter be recommit- 
 ted to the said standing committee, with in- 
 structions that they prepare such detailed 
 scheme for effecting the object recommended 
 in the said letter as to them shall seem most 
 likely to ensure the same ; and to transmit the 
 plan, as soon as may be, to the ministers and 
 vestries of the several parishes, to be by them 
 carried into execution in such manner as they 
 shall judge most effectual. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William Hawley, Re- 
 solved, That the next meeting of the Convention 
 of this diocess shall be at Fredericksburg, on 
 the first Tuesday in May, 1817. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to 
 the Convention his address on the state of the 
 church ; which being heard. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention be presented to the Right Rev- 
 erend Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for 
 his eloquent and appropriate pastoral address ; 
 and that he be requested to furnish a copy 
 thereof for insertion in the journal. 
 
 The address is in the following words : — 
 
 Brethren, — It is with the most sincere hap- 
 piness I inform you, that the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in the diocess of Virginia presents 
 to the view of her friends a prospect truly en- 
 couraging. The clouds of adversity which for 
 years have overspread her horizon appear to be 
 dispersing, and our Zion, animated by the beams 
 of the Sun of righteousness, is recovering from 
 her desolations, exhibiting the most heart-cheer- 
 ing evidences of returning health and vigour. In 
 her restoration are associated the most affecting 
 recollections. It is the church of our fathers, 
 the sanctuary in which they worshipped the Sov- 
 ereign of Universal Nature, and in which they 
 expressed their grateful acknowledgments to 
 the Redeemer of the world. At her holy al- 
 tars we were offered up in our infancy to the 
 God of our salvation. Hallowed be the courts 
 which they have trodden, and blessed be iho 
 altars at which they bowed in adoration ! 
 
 Her children, to their honour be it mentioned, 
 have not deserted the church of their fathers in 
 her distress. Though they have noticed with 
 streaming eyes and bleeding hearts the desola- 
 tion of our Zion ; though the prospect of her 
 restoration at one period appeared almost hope- 
 less ; still, warmed by the genial influences of 
 filial affection, they have retained their allegi- 
 ance to her interests, and preserved their attach- 
 ment to her cause. May the blessings, the 
 richest blessings of heaven, be their portion ; 
 may the arms of Jehovah be their refuge, and 
 his bosom their pillow ! 
 
 Conscious, brethren, that the concerns of the 
 church required the most prompt and vigorous 
 exertions, I have endeavoured to discharge the 
 duties which devolve upon me with fidelity ; 
 and have extended my labours as far as my 
 parochial engagements and bodily strength 
 would admit. My first excursion, after the ri- 
 sing of the last Convention, was directed towards 
 the eastern part of the diocess. I visited the 
 church at Williamsburg, at which place I 
 preached twice, and confirmed eighteen. I vis- 
 ited York, and preached to an attentive auditory 
 twice. I visited Norfolk, and preached several 
 times in that church to a very numerous audi- 
 tory, confirmed near two hundred, and adminis- 
 tered the Lord's Supper to as many. I crossed 
 the river to Portsmouth, and officiated in the 
 church in that place. On my return to Rich- 
 mond, I visited the county of Gloucester, 
 preached in Abingdon church in the morning, 
 and in the evening lectured at the house of the 
 excellent Mrs. Page, the widow of the late gov- 
 ernor of this state. 
 
 My next excursion was in company with Col- 
 onel Patteson, in the county of Chesterfield, 
 in which district I preached once at the house 
 of Col. Branch, and once in the church of Fall- 
 ing Creek. A subscription was at that period 
 opened for the repair of the church, and money 
 sufficient was subscribed upon the spot to an- 
 swer the laudable purpose. 
 
 In the month of August I left Richmond in 
 order to visit the churches in the northern sec- 
 tion of the state. I preached in the county of 
 Culpepper in four different places, to large and 
 respectable congregations, and confirmed, in 
 addition to those of the last year, eighteen. 
 In that place I also held an ordination, and ad- 
 mitted to the holy order of deacon Mr. Clark 
 Brown. In Fauquier I also preached several 
 times to attentive auditories, and confirmed sev- 
 enteen. I then crossed the Blue Ridge into 
 Frederick county, and officiated in Mr. Meade's 
 chapel twice, to a numerous and attentive con- 
 gregation, and confirmed forty-eight. I then 
 proceeded to the county of Jefferson, and 
 preached at Harper's Ferry. The next object 
 which attracted my attention was Shepherds- 
 town, in which place I found a very large and 
 respectable assembly, to whom I preached, and 
 administered the rite of confirmation to up- 
 wards of fifty. From thence I proceeded to 
 Mr. Colson's, and the next day preached to an 
 interesting congregation at the edge of the 
 North Mountain. I then proceeded to Martina- 
 
 .^.. ^ 
 
no 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 burg, where I officiated, and confirmed upwards I 
 of fifty. From thence I bent ray course to Win- 
 chester, where I also preached, and confirmed i 
 twenty-eight. Having performed my episcopal 
 duties in that district, I again crossed the Blue 
 Ridge, and went into the county of Loudoun, 
 and at Leesburg preached to a congregation, 
 confirmed forty» and consecrated a handsome 
 new brick church. May the zeal of its patrons, 
 and the piety of its worthy rector, Mr. Dunn, 
 meet with the blessing of heaven ! I then vis- 
 ited the county of Prince William, and preached 
 to an attentive auditory in that place. I also 
 visited and preached at Dumfries, to a people 
 with whose orderly deportment I was much 
 gratified, confirmed eighteen, and administered 
 the Lord's Supper to a goodly number. I 
 preached also at Aquia church, in the county of 
 Stafford, and confirmed seventeen. On my re- 
 turn home I visited and preached at Fredericks- 
 burg to a very large congregation, confirmed 
 upwards of sixty, and consecrated a handsome 
 brick edifice. The zeal of the members of that 
 church entitles them to the love and veneration 
 of their brethren, and the pious and indefatigable 
 exertions of their minister, Mr. M'Guire, merit 
 my warmest commendation. 
 
 In addition to the duties which I have enu- 
 merated, I have preached in the county of Han- 
 over several times, and have administered the 
 Lord's Supper to that people. I have also vis- 
 ited and preached, upon a funeral occasion, in 
 the county of Surry. I have preached twice in 
 Petersburg, twice in Lunenburg, and confirmed 
 seventeen. I have also preached to a very 
 large assembly in Powhatan. In Richmond I 
 have also held a confirmation, at which cere- 
 mony about one hundred received that holy rite. 
 
 It is my intention, brethren, this fall, to visit 
 the parishes north and south of James river. 
 It is impossible for me to specify the precise 
 time, but the congregations in that diocess may 
 expect me to be with them. 
 
 It gives me great pleasure to mention, that a 
 spirit of gospel industry appears to pervade the 
 minds of all the clergy. When each individual 
 is doing his duty, it would be ungenerous to 
 make the least distinction. They possess my 
 entire confidence, and they deserve it. May 
 that Jesus whose cause they venerate, and 
 whose empire they are endeavouring to pro- 
 mote, own their labours, and crown their exer- 
 tions with the most abundant success ! 
 
 During the time, brethren, in which the Lord 
 Jesus Christ has conferred upon us so many bles- 
 sings, I have to mention one instance of adver- 
 sity with which our Zion has been visited since 
 I last addressed you. The venerable Dr. Cam- 
 eron, a clergyman to whose piety was added a dig- 
 nity of deportment becoming his years and stand- 
 ing, has been taken from our embrace. His little 
 flock have been called to part with their beloved 
 pastor, and his widow and children have to lament 
 the loss of a husband and parent, endeared to 
 them not only by the ties of nature, but by the 
 faithful and honourable discharge of the relative 
 duties of life. He died resigned to the will of 
 heaven, and has entered into the joy of his Lord 
 
 My owm congregation, brethren, continue, by 
 their benevolent efforts, to render my residence 
 in this place agreeable ; it has pleased God in 
 mercy to raise me up friends among those to 
 whom, until lately, I was an entire stranger. 
 May their friendship to me and my family meet 
 its due reward ; may the blessings of divine 
 love be their present and eternal portion ! 
 
 I should be wanting in duty were I to pass 
 over in silence the assistance which I derive 
 from the labours of my friend Dr. Buchanan. 
 Though advanced in years, when nature re- 
 quires retirement and repose, he engages every 
 Sunday in the discharge of the public duties of 
 the ministry, and, without any reward except 
 that which arises from the testimony of his own 
 conscience, he labours in the gospel. May his 
 remaining days be crowned with happiness, and 
 his last end be the end of the righteous. 
 
 Since my residence in Virginia, three churches 
 in St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun- 
 ties, have been furnished with regular and stated 
 worship by the Rev. Mr. Philips ; one in Staf- 
 ford, and one in Prince William, by Mr. Thos. 
 Allen : two in Prince William, by the Rev. Mr. 
 Steel : three in Fauquier by the Rev. Mr. 
 Lemon : three in Jefferson, and three in Berke- 
 ley, by Mr. Benjamin Allen. Martinsburg has 
 called a clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Orrel. Cul- 
 pepper has a second minister, the Rev. Mr 
 Hawley, who also supplies the county of 
 Orange ; and Lunenburg and Mecklenburg are 
 supplied by Mr. John Ravenscroft. 
 
 I have admitted, as candidates for holy orders, 
 Mr. John L. Bryan, and Mr. John Ravenscroft. 
 I have admitted to the holy order of deacons 
 Mr. Clark Brown, Mr. Low, and Mr. Steel, and 
 to the order of the priesthood, Rev. John 
 Philips, and the Rev. Wm. Hart. I have 
 visited Norfolk a second time, and preached 
 four times in that borough, confirmed fifty-two, 
 and baptized thirteen children. I have also 
 visited Princess Anne, Orange, and Albemarle, 
 and preached in each place to attentive and 
 respectable congregations. 
 
 The prospect before us, brethren, is certainly 
 encouraging; and as the Almighty works through 
 the medium and agency of man, it is to the 
 clergy that we are to look up, under heaven, for 
 the revival of our church. " The harvest truly 
 is great, and the labourers are few ;" but while 
 we can rank among those labourers so many in- 
 defatigable and pious men as those who form 
 our body, we have every thing to expect. To 
 exhort them to industry is unnecessary ; their 
 duty prompts them to be watchful, and their 
 zeal impels them to the discharge of their re- 
 ligious obligations. 
 
 Gentlemen of the laity ; — though you are not 
 called to labour in the gospel ministry, still, your 
 situation in life places in your power the means 
 of being useful. When I look around me, and 
 see so many individuals of distinguished char- 
 acter stepping forth in support of the church, 
 my heart revives. It is the church of our 
 fathers ; I therefore commend her interests to 
 your care. The countenance which you afford 
 to me and my brethren convinces me of your 
 
CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 Ill 
 
 zeal, and your presence in our religious council 
 is a pledge of your support. Let us lay our 
 hands upon the altar of our church, and with full 
 purpose of heart determine, God being our 
 helper, to raise her from her ruins, and to re- 
 store her to her primitive and apostolical purity. 
 Brethren, I bid you an affectionate farewell. 
 May you return in health to your families ; and 
 may the God of Jacob be your protector. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Oliver Norris, Re- 
 solved, That the constitution and canons for 
 the government of the church in this diocess, 
 as amended by the present Convention, be pub- 
 lished with the journal of its proceedings ; and 
 that the secretary be directed to send, by post 
 or otherwise, twelve copies to each parish in the 
 state. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, Resolved, 
 unanimously, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be presented to William Munford, Esq., 
 for his disinterested and faithful services as 
 secretary to this Convention. 
 
 No farther business being before the Conven- 
 tion, on motion, the Convention adjourned, to 
 meet again at Fredericksburg, on the first Tues- 
 day in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the Prot. Episcopal Church 
 of Virginia. 
 
 Attest, Wm. Munford, Secretary. 
 
 Constitution and Canons for the Government 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir- 
 ginia, revised and estabiished by the Conven- 
 tion of that Church which met in the City of 
 Richmond on Tuesday, May 2od, 1815; and 
 amended by the Convention which met in the 
 same city on Tuesday, May 2ist, 1816. 
 
 constitution. 
 
 Article I. There shall be a Convention of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state 
 on the third Tuesday in May every year : but 
 the Convention which meets in the year pre- 
 vious ta the meeting of the General Conven- 
 tion, may have power to appoint the time and 
 place of meeting for the next annual session. 
 
 Art. II. The Convention shall be composed 
 of the officiating ministers who have been 
 regularly and canonically elected in parishes or 
 churches within this state, and within that part 
 of the territory of Columbia formerly part of this 
 state ; and of those whom age or infirmity pre- 
 vents from exercising their clerical functions, 
 who shall be considered members ex-officio. 
 The Convention shall also be composed of lay 
 members, consisting of one delegate from each 
 parish (or of two lay deputies, where there 
 shall be no clergyman in the parish), chosen by 
 the vestry thereof, or, if there be no vestry, by 
 at least twelve persons who may with propriety 
 be considered as members of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, duly notified : and the elec- 
 tion shall be certified by at least five members 
 of this church ; provided, that every parish 
 having more than one officiating minister who 
 hath been regularly and canonically elected, 
 
 shall be entitled to send as many lay delegates 
 as it has ministers. 
 
 Art. III. Six members of the clerical, and 
 six of the lay order, shall constitute a quorum for 
 the transaction of business : but a smaller num- 
 ber may adjourn. 
 
 Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be- 
 fore the Convention, the clergy and laity shall 
 deliberate in one body ; and the concurrence of 
 a majority shall give validity to any measure. 
 But, when three members require it, there shall 
 be a vote by orders. 
 
 Art. V. The election of a bishop of this 
 church shall be made in Convention, in the fol- 
 lowing manner. The order of the clergy shall 
 nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and 
 qualified clergyman for that office ; and the 
 votes of two thirds of that order shall be requi- 
 site to constitute a choice. And thereupon 
 such appointment shall be presented to the 
 order of the lay delegates, and be considered 
 by them; and if, on a ballot, it shall appear 
 that the person so nominated is approved of by 
 two thirds of the lay order, he shall be then de- 
 clared to be duly elected. 
 
 Art. VI. In this diocess there shall be but 
 one bishop. He shall be president of the Con- 
 vention ; in which character, it shall be his 
 duty to give to the Convention, as often as he 
 may deem expedient, a general view of the 
 state of the church ; to call special Conven- 
 tions, at whatever times and places he may 
 think necessary ; to preserve order during the 
 time of session ; to put the question, collect the 
 votes, and declare the decision. He may make 
 any motion which he shall judge conducive to 
 the good of the church, but shall not enter into 
 debate ; and he may deliver his sentiments on 
 any subject after it has been discussed, before a 
 vote thereon. 
 
 Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis- 
 copal office, the Convention, immediately upon 
 their assembling, shall choose, by joint ballot, a 
 president from among the order of priests, who 
 shall remain in office until the next election of 
 a president. He shall perform all the duties 
 and possess all the privileges above specified ; 
 but he shall not call special meetings of the 
 Convention, unless apphed to for that purpose 
 by a majority of the standing committee. And 
 if, while there is a bishop in this church, he 
 shall not be present at any meeting of the Con- 
 vention, they shall elect, in the manner afore- 
 said, a president pro tempore. 
 
 Art. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed 
 by the Convention, who shall continue in office 
 during good behaviour. His duty shall be to 
 make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve 
 their journals and records, to attest the public 
 acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into 
 the hands of his successor all books and papers, 
 relative to the concerns of the Convention, 
 which may be in his possession. It shall be his 
 duty to notify, through the channel of the public 
 papers, as he may think proper, the time and 
 place appointed for the meeting of the succeed- 
 ing Convention. 
 
 Art- IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by 
 
112 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 the Convention, who shall continue in office 
 during good behaviour, and who shall discharge 
 the duties usually appertaining to that office. 
 
 Art. X. Before the adjournment of each 
 annual Convention, a standing committee, con- 
 sisting of six members, three clerical and three 
 of the lay order, shall be chosen by a ballot of 
 the clergy and laity. 
 
 Art. XI. If at any time there should be no 
 bishop in this church, the Convention shall 
 divide the state or diocess into districts, and 
 assign to such clergymen as they may appoint 
 the superintendence of a district, which it shall 
 be their duty to visit at least once a year, and 
 to report the ecclesiastical and secular state 
 thereof to the Convention. 
 
 Art. XII. Every parish within this diocess 
 shall be entitled to the entire benefit of this con- 
 stitution, as soon as it shall have signified its 
 ratification thereof, either in writing or by send- 
 ing a lay delegate to the Convention ; and such 
 parish shall thereafter be benefited and bound, 
 equally with the other parishes in this diocess, 
 by every rule and canon which shall be framed, 
 by any Convention acting under this constitu- 
 tion, for the government of this church in eccle- 
 siastical concerns. 
 
 Art. XIII. This constitution shall be un- 
 alterable, except in the following manner : — a 
 proposition for any change shall be introduced 
 m writing and considered in Convention ; and, 
 if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to 
 the several vestries of the parishes which shall 
 have ratified this constitution ; and if again ap- 
 proved of in the next ensuing Convention by a 
 majority, the change shall then take place ; and 
 the constitution, so altered, shall be valid and 
 obligatory. 
 
 The minister of each parish shall make out 
 and continue an exact register of all the com- 
 municants within his congregation ; which reg- 
 ister shall be left, upon his death or removal, for 
 the use of his successor. 
 
 CANON II. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the ministers of our 
 church to be careful in observing all the direc- 
 tions of the rubric, and of the General Conven- 
 tion, which relate to communicants ; to main- 
 tain the most affectionate intercourse with all 
 their members on religious subjects ; but, espe- 
 cially, -to converse with those who offer them- 
 selves for the first time for the communion, on 
 those qualifications which are proper for the 
 worthy receiving of the sacrament, unless they 
 be otherwise satisfied that they are properly 
 qualified. 
 
 LAY DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CANON III. 
 
 Communicants to have Family Worship. 
 It shall be the duty of every communicant of 
 this church, who is the head of a family, to live 
 iu the habitual exercise of family worship. 
 
 The Members of this Church to instruct their 
 families in the Principles of Religion. 
 The members of this church shall instruct 
 their families, as far as they are able, in the 
 principles of the Christian religion ; and, as 
 soon as they are sufficiently informed and im- 
 pressed with the importance and sacredness of 
 their baptismal vow, and have come to a proper 
 age to ratify the same in their own persons, 
 they shall present them to the bishop for con- 
 firmation, when conveniently in their power. 
 
 CANON V. 
 
 The members of this Church to be regular in 
 their attendance on Public Worship. 
 The members of this church shall attend the 
 public worship of God as regularly and con- 
 stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and cir- 
 cumstances in life, may be reasonably expected ; 
 and shall admit of no excuse for the neglect of 
 this important duty, but such as they may plead 
 at the bar of God in the day of judgment. 
 
 CANON VI. 
 
 Offences for which a Layman may be presented 
 and tried. 
 
 Whereas the present state of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Virginia has experienced 
 many and great inconveniences from the want 
 of such regulations and provisions as the good 
 and wholesome government of the said church 
 required, and from the nonperformance of ex- 
 isting canons : Now, in order that such incon- 
 veniences may be removed, so far as lieth in 
 this Convention, and that the rules and canons 
 of the said church, and also those of the General 
 Convention, may be strictly observed and en- 
 forced in all time to come ; that all the mem- 
 bers of the said church, whether clergymen or 
 laymen, may be excited to the most zealous and 
 commendable exertions to further, by all justifi- 
 able means, the future prosperity of the church ; 
 
 Be it ordained. That any lay member of the 
 church, being a communicant thereof, conduct- 
 ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Chris- 
 tian, may and ought to be admonished by the 
 minister and vestry of the parish or congrega- 
 tion ; and if such member persevere in such 
 conduct, he shall be suspended or expelled by 
 the minister and vestry ; in which case he may 
 appeal to the ordinary, who shall have power to 
 confirm or reject the sentence. 
 
 CLERICAL DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CANON VII. 
 
 Offences for which a Clergyman may be brought 
 to trial. 
 Whereas it is essential to the purity and 
 prosperity of all religious communities that the 
 temper and deportment of their ministers be 
 preserved holy and unblameable ; it is hereby 
 declared to be the duty of the bishop, or, if there 
 be none, of the standing committee, to take cog- 
 nizance of any offence against decorum and re- 
 ligion, of which a priest or deacon shall be 
 charged upon credible testimony. Disorderly, 
 scandalous, and immoral conduct, neglect of 
 
CONVENTION OF 1816. 
 
 118 
 
 duty, disregard of the constitution or canons of 
 the church, disseminating or countenancing of 
 opinions which are contrary to her doctrines, 
 gaming, or any other vicious or unseemly diver- 
 sions, are offences for which (as well as for a 
 violation of the 26th canon of the General Con- 
 vention) a minister may be brought to trial. 
 And the mode of proceeding shall be as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 Whenever satisfactory information shall be 
 given in writing, by any two credible members 
 of the church in this diocess, to the bishop or 
 standing committee, that any clergyman is guilty 
 of a violation of the canons, or conducts him- 
 self in any way incompatible with the character 
 of a minister of Christ, the bishop shall summon 
 a meeting of the standing committee, or, if there 
 be no bishop, the president of the standing com- 
 mittee shall assemble them, for the purpose of 
 inquiry and trial. Notice of the time and place 
 of meeting shall be given to the accused party, 
 and also a copy of the charge or charges laid 
 against such clergyman, at least two months 
 before the time appointed for trial. Witnesses 
 shall be called, and no charge shall be deemed 
 substantial but upon the testimony of two credi- 
 ble witnesses, upon oath, either delivered viva 
 voce, or by depositions taken after reasonable 
 notice given of the time and place of taking the 
 same. The party accused may call in any per- 
 son to assist him in his defence, and also such 
 witnesses as he may think proper, and have the 
 benefit of depositions as above prescribed. The 
 bishop, or, if there be no bishop, the standing 
 committee, may appoint a clergyman to conduct 
 the trial on the part of the church ; and counsel 
 may be employed on each side. If, after hear- 
 ing the evidence and the defence of the party 
 accused, two thirds of the quorum of the stand- 
 ing committee shall be of opinion that the per- 
 son is guilty of the charge or charges brought 
 against him, the bishop shall proceed to reprove, 
 suspend, or degrade him, as the offence may de- 
 serve. If there be no bishop, the standing com- 
 mittee shall take record, and give notice of the 
 punishment due to the party offending : and, 
 in the latter case, an appeal may be made to the 
 State Convention, whose decision shall be final. 
 Provided, That none but a bishop shall pro- 
 nounce sentence of deposition or degradation 
 from the ministry on any clergyman, whether 
 bishop, or presbyter, or deacon. 
 
 CANON vm. 
 Manner of proceeding against a Bishop. 
 If the bishop of this church shall voluntarily 
 commit any act or acts violating the constitu- 
 tion or canons, presentment shall be made by 
 the Convention to two or more bishops of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States. Such bishops shall have authority to 
 institute a trial within the diocess of the ac- 
 cused party ; and the sentence of the two 
 bishops, or of a majority of a greater number, 
 being founded on the canons of the church, 
 shall be final ; except the sentence of degrada- 
 tion, in which case he shall be allowed the priv- 
 ilege of an appeal to the House of Bishops, pro- 
 
 H 
 
 vided he give notice of such appeal, within six 
 months, to the bishop who presided in the 
 House of Bishops at their session immediately 
 preceding. 
 
 CANON IX. 
 
 It shall be the duty of every parish to send 
 to the Convention the sum of thirty dollars an- 
 nually, or such sums as the deputies can pro- 
 cure, for the contingent expenses of the church ; 
 which money shall be lodged with the treasurer 
 of the Convention of this church, and held sub- 
 ject to their order. 
 
 CANON X. 
 
 The manner of electing Vestrymen. 
 
 On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall 
 elect eight vestrymen ; but, where it is deemed 
 expedient, the number may be increased to 
 twelve. Two weeks notice shall be given of 
 the meeting by the minister, from the pulpit ; 
 or, if there be no minister, by the vestry ; and 
 if there be no vestry, by any two members who 
 last possessed the power of vestrymen ; or, if 
 there be no surviving members of the vestry, by 
 three respectable members of the church, who 
 shaH cause advertisements of the meeting to be 
 put up at such public places as will secure the 
 notice of the meeting. And every pew-holder 
 or contributor to the support of the church shall 
 be entitled to vote. Every vestryman shall, 
 upon taking his seat, subscribe the followuig 
 form : — 
 
 " I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments to be the word of God, 
 and to contain all things necessary to salvation : 
 and I do solemnly engage to conform to the 
 doctrines and worship of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in these United States." 
 
 The vestrymen thus elected shall choose 
 two church-wardens out of their own body, 
 to discharge the duties appropriate to their 
 office. 
 
 In cases where unavoidable circumstances 
 prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall 
 take place on any time that may be deemed ex- 
 pedient by persons authorized to call the meet- 
 ing, and in the manner aforesaid : and, until a 
 new election, the former vestry shall continue 
 in office. The minister shall be a member ex- 
 ojfficio; and five members shall be required to 
 constitute a quorum. 
 
 CANON XI. 
 
 Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in Virginia which directs the 
 manner of choosing vestrymen in the several 
 parishes is not applicable to the case of church- 
 es built and supported by voluntary associations 
 of individuals, without any parochial charge ; 
 and it is proper that those who hold the sole 
 property of a particular church should provide 
 for its care and management ; — 
 
 In the case of the Monumental Church in the 
 city of Richmond, and in all similar cases, the 
 choice of vestrymen shall be made by the pew- 
 holders of the respective churches, conforming, 
 as to the time of appointment and manner of 
 qualifying the vestrymen, to the regulations 
 
114 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1817. 
 
 prescribed by the 10th canon established by the 
 present Convention ; excepting in the case of 
 Christ Church in the borough of Norfolk, 
 which, being under peculiar circumstances in 
 relation to the numoer of trustees, the time and 
 manner of electing them, and their rector, may 
 
 be permittea to conform to their own regula- 
 tions in these particulars. 
 
 CANON XII. 
 
 The canons and constitution heretofore adopt- 
 ed by the former Conventibns of this state shall 
 be and are hereby repealed. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia^ 
 which assembled in Fredericksburg, on Tuesday, the 6th of May, 1817. 
 
 A suFFJCiENT number of members appearing 
 to form a Convention, the Right Rev. Richard 
 Channing Moore, D. D., bishop of this diocess, 
 took the chair as president of this Convention. 
 
 A committee was appointed to examine the 
 certificates of appointments of the lay deputies ; 
 which committee, consisting of the Rev. John 
 "Woodville, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr. Benja- 
 min Day, reported forthwith the following mem- 
 bers, being present, to be duly appointed, con- 
 formably with the canons of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : — 
 
 Francis Nelson, for St. Martin's parish, in 
 Hanover and Louisa counties ; Samuel Slaugh- 
 ter and Isaac W^inston, jr., for St. Stephen's 
 Church, Culpepper county ; Laurence G. Alex- 
 ander, for Dettingen parish. Prince William ; 
 Samuel G. Adams, for Henrico parish ; George 
 W. Spottswood, for St. Thomas's Church, 
 Orange county ; W^illiam Broadus, for St. 
 Mark's parish, Culpepper ; John Nelson, jr., 
 for St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; Philip 
 Nelson, for Frederick parish ; Hugh Mercer, 
 for Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ; Edmund 
 I. Lee, for Christ Church, Alexandria ; James 
 M. Garnett, for St. Anne's parish, Essex ; 
 John Ambler, for the Monumental Church, in 
 the city of Richmond ; Thomas G. Allen, for 
 Dumfries parish. Prince William ; Rovvzee 
 Peyton, for Aquia parish, Stafford ;,. Abram 
 Shepherd, for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ; 
 Robert Randolph, for Hamilton parish, Fau- 
 quier ; John Daingerfield and Robert Weir, for 
 South Farnham parish, Essex ; Benjamin Day, 
 for St. George's parish, Fredericksburg. 
 
 The following clerical deputies appeared and 
 took their seats in this Convention, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's 
 parish, Fredericksburg ; the Rev. W^illiam H. 
 Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the 
 Rev. John Philips, St. Martin's parish, in Han- 
 over and Louisa ; the Rev. William Steel, Det- 
 tingen parish, Prince William ; the Rev. Hugh 
 C. Boggs, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania ; the 
 Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton parish, Fau- 
 quier ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, Christ Church, 
 Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the Rev. John 
 Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun ; the Rev. 
 Alexander Balmain, Frederick parish ; the 
 Rev. John Woodville, St. Mark's parish, Cul- 
 pepper ; the Rev. Benj%min Allen, St. An- 
 drew's parish, Jefferson county ; the Rev. 
 Thomas Orrill, Norborne parish, Berkeley 
 county ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St. 
 James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; the Rev. 
 
 John L. Bryan, Christ Church, Norborne par- 
 ish, Berkeley county. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Rev. Will- 
 iam Hawley, of the city of Washington, and 
 the Rev. John Bausman, of Calvert county, 
 Maryland, be admitted to seats in this Conven- 
 tion as honorary members. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention be presented to the Rev. Mr. 
 Dunn, for his evangelical and appropriate dis- 
 course on the duties of the ministry, delivered 
 this day in the church of Fredericksburg. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Alexander Balmain, 
 the Rev. George Jjcmon, the Rev. Hugh C. 
 Boggs, Mr. Samuel G. Adams, Mr. William 
 Broadus, and Mr. Benjamin Day, be a commit- 
 tee to take into consideration the state of the 
 church in this diocess, and report thereupon to 
 this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John Dunn, the 
 Rev. John Philips, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a 
 committee to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Oliver Noiris, the 
 Rev. John Woodville, and Mr. Edmund I. Lee, 
 be a committee to examine the treasurer's ac- 
 counts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Benjamin Allen, 
 Mr. Abram Shepherd, and Mr. Robert Ran- 
 dolph, be a committee to examine the accounts 
 of the treasurer of " The Common Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society for the Diocess of 
 Virginia." 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That when the Con- 
 vention adjourns on this day, it will adjourn to 
 meet to-morrow morning, immediately after the 
 conclusion of divine service. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned accord- 
 ingly. 
 
 Wednesday, May 7, 1817. 
 
 The Convention met, according to adjourn- 
 ment, after divine service by the Rev. John S. 
 Ravenscroft. 
 
 The following lay deputies produced certifi- 
 cates of their appointments, which, being read 
 by the secretary, were found conformable to the 
 canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church of 
 Virginia ; whereupon they took their seats in 
 the Convention, viz. ; — 
 
 Mr. Alexander Keech, for St. Mary's parish, 
 Caroline county ; and Mr. John Hoof, for St, 
 Paul's Church, Alexandria. 
 
 For reasons appearing to the Convention, 
 Mr. Robert S. Garnett was also admitted to a 
 seat as lay deputy from St. Anne's parish, EsseJf. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1817. 
 
 115 
 
 The Rev. Andrew Syme, from Bristol parish, 
 Petersburg, and the Rev. WilHam H. Hart, 
 from Henrico parish, also appeared and took 
 their seats in the Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. James Hunter, from St. 
 Anne's parish, Essex, be admitted, also, as an 
 honorary member of this Convention. 
 
 The standing rules for regulating the proceed- 
 ings of the Conventions of this diocess^and the 
 journal of the proceedings of the standmg com- 
 mittee of the church during;, the last year, were 
 read by the secretary. 
 
 The Rev. Benjamin Allen, from the commit- 
 tee to which the accounts of the treasurer of the 
 Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society were 
 referred, presented a report, which was read and 
 approved, in the following words : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 accounts of the Common Prayer-Book and Tract 
 Society, report :^-That they have duly examin- 
 ed the same, and find them correct, a balance 
 being due the treasurer of $318 75. 
 
 A motion was made by the Rev. Benjamin 
 Allen, that the Convention agree to the follow- 
 ing resolutions : — • 
 
 Resolved, That the existing Common Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society be extended to the pro- 
 motion of Christian knowledge in general ; the 
 funds to be apportioned among the respective 
 means made use of, as the managers may deter- 
 mine. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended that an 
 auxiliary society be established in each parish, 
 one half of whose funds shall be thrown into 
 the treasury of the Diocesan Society ; the re- 
 mainder to be applied as its managers may de- 
 termiiie. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the said resolu- 
 tions be laid upon the table. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 
 Resolved, That the committee on the state 
 of the church be requested to inquire and re- 
 port to the Convention, whether it be proper or 
 not to give an expression of the opinion of this 
 house in relation to the 35th canon of the Gen- 
 eral Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, the follow- 
 ing preamble and resolutions were unanimously 
 agreed to by the Convention : — 
 
 "Whereas an erroneous impressiory prevails 
 among the members of the Protestant Church of 
 this diocess, that the Convention, at its last ses- 
 sion in May, 1816, by repealing the sixth canon 
 then in force, intended thereby to withdraw from 
 the ministers of the church the power which the 
 rubric gave them of reproving, censuring, or re- 
 pelling from the communion, any member who 
 may be guilty of the offences in the said sixth 
 canon described : — 
 
 This Convention, for the purpose of removing 
 such impression, feel themselves bound to de- 
 clare, as they do now unanimously declare, that 
 such cannot be fairly considered as the effect of 
 the repeal of the sixth canon ; and, further, that 
 the Convention expects each minister will consci- 
 entiously execute the duty imposed on him by the 
 rubric of the church as it relates to communicants. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the Convention 
 do seriously, and in the most affectionate manner, 
 H 2 
 
 call on the members of this church, and particu- 
 larly heads of families, to comply with the requisi- 
 tions of the 3d and 5th canons of the church of 
 this diocess. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the 
 standmg committee, at every meeting of the 
 Convention, to submit, in addition to the report 
 of their proceedings, the documents also which 
 have been laid before them during the year. 
 
 In conformity with the 10th article of the 
 constitution for the government of this diocess, 
 the Convention proceeded to the election of a 
 standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon, the 
 Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Nor- 
 ris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington, the Hon. William Cranch, and 
 Mr. Edmund I. Lee, were duly elected. 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, 
 Resolved, That the deputies of this diocess 
 in the General Convention be directed to use 
 their mfluence to cause the next General Con- 
 vention, succeeding that to be holden in this 
 month, to hold their next session in the city of 
 Richmond, or at some place convenient to them- 
 selves, and as near the city of Richmond as that 
 convenience will admit of. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr. Alexander Keech, 
 that the Convention agree to the following pre- 
 amble and resolutions ;-^ 
 
 Whereas, from the present desolate state of the 
 church, frequent and combined exertion is neces- 
 sary for its revival throughout the diocess ; and 
 whereas the duties of the bishop require an ex- 
 emption from regular parochial services, it be- 
 comes the sacred duty of this Convention to pro- 
 vide the most ample means in its power for his 
 support, that his exertions may give tone and 
 energy to subordinate efforts for the promotion of 
 Christian knowledge ; therefore, for the accom- 
 plishment of these and other objects, 
 
 Resolved, That the diocess of Virginia be divi- 
 ded into as many convocational districts as, in the 
 opinion of the Convention, may be most expe- 
 dient, and that semi-annual convocations be hold- 
 en in the same, at sUch times and places as the 
 members of the said convocations shall determine. 
 
 Resolved, That each parish shall be entitled to 
 a representation in these convocations of two lay 
 deputies, besides its clergy. 
 
 Resolved, That these convocations shall su- 
 perintend the interest of the church in their re- 
 spective districts, devise means for raising finances 
 for the support of the episcopate, and the promo- 
 tion of Christian knowledge in general, and shall 
 particularly attend to the providing supplies for 
 vacant churches. 
 
 Resolved, That the respective convocations 
 shall, at the opening of each meeting, proceed to 
 the election of a president and secretary : the for- 
 mer in all cases to be elected from the clerical, the 
 latter from the lay order. 
 
 Resolved, That these meetings shall be under 
 the immediate control of the bishop of the diocess, 
 and that a report of all proceedings shall be pre- 
 pared by the meeting, signed by the president and 
 secretary, and forwarded to the bishop, to be by 
 him laid before the ensuing Convention, 
 
 Ordered, That the said preamble and resolu- 
 tions be referred to a committee, consisting of 
 Mr. Alexander Keech, Mr. Edm'md I. Lee, the 
 
116 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1817. 
 
 Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. William H. Wil- 
 mer, and Mr. James M. Garnett. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That leave of absence 
 from the service of this house for the remainder 
 of the session be granted to Mr. Samuel G. 
 Adams. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning 9 o'clock. 
 
 Thuksday, May 8, 1817. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with divine service by 
 the Rev. William H. Wilmer. 
 
 Mr. Edmund I. Lee, from the committee to 
 whom the resolutions submitted by Mr. Alexan- 
 der Keech were referred, presented a report, 
 with several re.solutions, which were read, and, 
 on motion, referred to a comnaittee of the whole 
 Convention. 
 
 The Convention, accordingly, resolved itself 
 into a committee of the whole house, Mr., 
 James M. Garnett in the chair ; and after some 
 time spent therein, the president resumed the 
 chair, and Mr. Garnett reported, That the com- 
 mittee of the whole house had, according to or- 
 der, had under consideration the said report and 
 resolutions, and agreed to several amendments 
 thereto, which he delivered in therewith at the 
 secretary's table ; which amendments, being 
 twice read, were, on questions severally put 
 thereupon, agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 The said report and resolutions, as amended, 
 together with the address thereby proposed, be- 
 ing twice read, were agreed to in the following 
 words : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred sundry 
 resolutions on the subject of dividing the diocess 
 into convocational districts, have, according to 
 order, had the same under consideration, and 
 have agreed to the following resolutions, which 
 they beg leave to siibmit. 
 
 Resolved, That for the purpose of raising a fund 
 for the support of ministers whomay be appointed 
 according to the rules and canons of the church, 
 to preach in those sections of the diocess which 
 are now or may hereafter be without a minister, 
 and also to raise money for the support of the 
 bishop, without being attached to any particular 
 parish, the mmisters of this church do, in their 
 respective parishes, at such time as they shall 
 deem most fit, endeavour to collect, by a collec- 
 tion in their churches, or by subscriptions, such 
 sums of money as the friends of religion shall be 
 disposed to contribute towards the objects ol this 
 resolution. 
 
 Resolved, That all money which may be col- 
 lected as aforesaid, intended by the contributor to 
 be applied to the support of the bishop, shall be 
 transmitted to the treasurer of this church, to be 
 applied in such way as the standing committee 
 shall direct. And so much of the money as shall 
 be raised for the support of the ministers shall be 
 placed in the hands of the vestry of the respective 
 parishes in which it may be raised.- 
 
 Resolved, That 400 copies of the following ad- 
 dress, and of these resolutions, be printed, and 
 eight copies thereof be transmitted, as soon as 
 
 !)racticable, by the secretary, to the clerical and 
 ay delegates attending the present Convention, 
 and to such of the ministers of this church who 
 are not attending the Convention, all of whom 
 are earnestly sohcited to use their best exertions 
 
 to eflfect, as speedily as they can, the object of the 
 first and second resolutions. 
 
 Resolved, That the said address be printed in 
 such a form as to admit subscribers' names to the 
 same. 
 
 Resolved, That as soon as the delegates of any 
 one or more adjoining parishes have funds, sep- 
 arately or unitedly, sufficient to maintain for one 
 year, at a reasonable allowance, a mmister or 
 mmisters in the same, that the vestry, if any there 
 be, or, if*there be none, then the delegates from 
 the said parish or parishes, do give information 
 of the same to the bishop. 
 
 To Christians of the Protestant Episcopalian De- 
 nomination in the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 The visitations with which it has pleased 
 Heaven, for a period (not a very short one), to 
 afflict our country, are sufficient to manifest the 
 powers of its wrath, and are well calculated to ex- 
 cite supplication to its mercy. War has afflicted 
 us with much of its desolation ; sickness has raged 
 with little less than pestilence ; and want ap- 
 proaches (at least to many) with almost the aspect 
 of famine. Hunian affliction is always divine cor- 
 rection ; the pious man bows to its weight with 
 submission ; he mitigates its severity by supplica- 
 tion ; and thus, at least, prepares the sublimest 
 consolation for ills which come not from mortal 
 hands . What have we done in the eyes of Heaven 
 to merit its bounties or to avert its chastisement : 
 or, rather, what have we not done, in the total 
 neglect of God, the abandonment of his worship, 
 the ruin and destruction of his temples, the profa- 
 nation of his word, the contempt of his revelation, 
 the pursuit of all follies, the practice of all im- 
 pieties ? What have we not done to kindle the 
 hottest wrath of Heaven upon our heads, and to 
 exasperate the relenting mercies of God into the 
 just severity of eternal death? No pubUc wor- 
 ship excites in our bosoms the contagious sympa- 
 thy of social devotion ; no public prayer prostrates 
 a people at the altar of Goa, to claim the salvation 
 which he condescends to offer to those who ear- 
 nestly ask it ; no public thanks are presented to 
 the source of all bounties, the benevolent Saviour 
 of man, and the beneficent Father of the world. 
 We live, as it were, without God in the world ; 
 the young rise up without knowing him, and the 
 old pass away without acknowledging him. Su- 
 perstition can prostrate herself in all the fervour 
 of devotion before its idols of brass, and of stone, 
 and of wood ; befoce " images made like to cor- 
 ruptible man, and to birds, and to four-footed 
 beasts, and creeping things," and immure its abom- 
 inations in all the magnificence of costly and 
 massy architecture ; but we, who profess to be- 
 lieve in the uncorruptible, the living God, the God 
 of grace and of mercy, whose mysteries are reve- 
 lation, whose rites are love, whose worship is 
 peace, whose boon is heaven, we turn with frozen 
 apathy from his name and word, feel no devotion 
 to infinite goodness, offer no prayer for salvation, 
 breathe no thanks for redemption. We have 
 turned God out of his temples, and leave their 
 ruins as sepulchres of the piety which erected, 
 and monuments of the wickeaness which profanes 
 them. 
 
 These considerations are awfully affecting to 
 us all, but touch parents and the heads of families 
 with a vital keenness. The patrimony of guilt 
 and irreligion upon which we are rearing, and 
 which we are preparing to bequeath to our chil- 
 dren, will accumulate in rankness m the inheri- 
 tance. If the father does not Uve to curse him- 
 self as the progenitor of his family's shame, his 
 children will live long enough to riot in the un- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1817. 
 
 117 
 
 bridled corruption of their hearts, which no check 
 but Heaven can reclaim, and to despise, if not to 
 curse, the author of their existence, who neglected 
 to impose religious restraints on appetites which 
 no earthly influence can subdue. Jf our own 
 hearts have been rendered so callous by our 
 neglect of public worship, -that we are ourselves 
 willing to forego its enjoyments and its blessings, 
 let us not, however, iling them away from our 
 children. * 
 
 You are Christians. The divine intercessor for 
 man has said, " When tvvo or three meet together 
 in my name, there am I in the midst of them ;" 
 will >ou renounce the promised intercourse with 
 God ? Are you parents ? Intercept not from your 
 children the light which Heaven would shed to 
 illumine their path through life to eternity. As 
 citizens, you love your neighbours and your coun- 
 trymen. Will you withhold from them the moral 
 and religious instruction of the hturgy and the pul- 
 pit, inspiring " on earth peace— goud-will towards 
 man ;" uniting ihem in bonds wrought by almighty 
 hands ; and subliming their aflections, from the 
 low and grovelling objects of sensual appetite, into 
 social benevolence and Christian chanty ? 
 
 Every relation in which we stand to God, to 
 ourselves, to our families, and to society, demands 
 from us a fervent zeal, and an active effort to re- 
 store the church which we profess, purified, by 
 the revolutions she has undergone, from former 
 abuses, endowed by public veneration and Chris- 
 tian piety, and supported by the purity of her doc- 
 trines, the integrity of her ministers, and the be- 
 nevolent toleration of all religious classes. 
 
 With these views the annexed subscription- 
 paper is offered, to ascertain the willingness and 
 ability of individuals to aid the revival of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church in this diocess, and to 
 contribute to the support of a minister for the en- 
 suing year. 
 
 The Rev. Alexander Balmain, from the com- 
 mittee on the state of the church, presented a 
 report, which was read, and being, on motion, 
 amended, approved by the Convention ; and the 
 amendment thereby proposed to the 6th canon 
 was agreed to, as follows : — 
 
 The committee appointed to take into con- 
 sideration the state of the church, and report 
 thereon, having taken the same into considera- 
 tion, and examined the canons of the church, 
 report, That the uniting of the vestry with the 
 minister in the admonition and the suspension 
 of a lay member, being a communicant, as in 
 the sixth canon, is inconsistent with the rubric. 
 The committee therefore recommend that the 
 said canon be so altered as to give to the min- 
 ister alone the power of admonishing and sus- 
 pending ; then the canon will read thus : " Be 
 it ordained, That any member of the church, 
 being a communicant thereof, conducting him- 
 self in a manner unworthy of a Christian, may 
 and ought to be admonished or suspended by 
 the minister of the parish or congregation, ac- 
 cording to the rubric." 
 
 With respect to the advice requested by the 
 Rev. Mr. Philips on the state of things in his 
 parish, St. Martin's, in Hanover county, the 
 committee laments that such a state should 
 have ever occurred. But inasmuch as Mr. 
 Philips had no agency in producing it, and has 
 no power to remedy it, no censure can attach 
 to nim for its continaance. 
 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 reported, That, upon examination, the same were 
 found fair and correct ; and that the balance in 
 his hands, at' the meeting of the present Con- 
 vention, was two hundred and thirty-five dollars 
 eighteen cents, as appears by the following 
 statement of the said accounts : — 
 
 William Munford, Treasurer of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of Virginia, Dr. 
 
 1816, May 23. — To balance due as per 
 
 settlement, . - - . <^60 53 
 
 To cash received for contributions 
 from the parishes for the year 1816, 
 as follows : — ; 
 Of Manchester Parish, by David Patteson, 10 00 
 St. Martin's Parish, Hanover, by Dr. 
 
 Berkeley, 30 00 
 
 St. Mary's Parish, Carohne, by Alex. 
 
 Keech, 30 00 
 
 Shelburne Parish, Loudoun, by the 
 
 Rev. John Dunn, - - - 15 00 
 Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg, by 
 
 John Buford, - - - - 20 00 
 Bristol Parish, Prince George, by the 
 
 Rev. Andrew Syme, - - - 30 00 
 Henrico Parish, by Dr. Adams, - 30 00 
 St. George's Parish, by the Rev. E. C. 
 
 M'Guire, 30 00 
 
 Hamilton Parish, hy Robert Randolph, 30 00 
 St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson, by 
 
 Benj. Allen, jr., - - - 30 00 
 
 Frederick county, by the Rev. William 
 
 Meade, - - - - - 60 00 
 St. i^aul's Church, Alexandria, by the 
 
 Rev. William H. Wilmer, - - 30 00 
 Lexington Parish, by the Rev. Charles 
 
 Crawford, - - - - 30 00 
 Beckford Parish, by Benjamin Black- 
 ford, 30 00 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper, by 
 
 Samuel Slaughter, - - - 30 00 
 St. Mark's Parish, do., by Major Thorn, 30 00 
 The Monumental Church in the city . 
 
 of Richmond, by Dr. McClurg, - 30 00 
 St. Paul's Parish, King George county, 
 
 by Richard Stuart, - - - 30 00 
 Washington Parish, Westmoreland, 
 
 by Henry Lee, jr., - - - 30 00 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, by Francis 
 
 Adams, 30 00 
 
 Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle, by 
 
 Hugh Nelson, - - - - 30 00 
 Oct. 23. — Of Staunton Parish, by Chap- 
 man Johnson, - - - - 30 00 
 From Cumberland county, by Willis 
 
 Wilson, - - - - . 30 00 
 
 1816, 
 May. 
 
 $725 63 
 
 Cr. 
 
 -By account for printing paid by 
 the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 and deducted by him from the 
 cash entered as paid by him to 
 the treasurer, as aforesaid, 15 50 
 
 Amount canied forward, 
 
 $15 50 
 
IJ8 
 
 Amount brought forward, $15 50 
 
 Aug. 6. — By cash paid Bishop Moore in 
 advance to defray expenses of 
 episcopal visitations, arising 
 principally from the hire of a 
 carriage, - - - - 100 00 
 " 22.— By do. paid Ritchie, True- 
 heart, and Du-Val, for print- 
 ing 1,200 copies of the Jour- 
 nals of Convention, - - 99 84 
 Oct. 23. — By do. paid Bishop Moore to- 
 wards defraying expenses of 
 episcopal visitations, - - 60 00 
 " 24.— By loss in exchange of S268 
 of Baltimore and Alexandria 
 bank notes for Virginia notes, 
 at 7 per cent., - - 18 76 
 
 «« 26. — By cash paid Bishop Moore 
 on account of expenses of 
 episcopal visitations, - 101 25 
 
 Dec. 21. — By cash paid do. on the same 
 
 account, - - - 95 00 
 
 Balance due, - - - 235 18 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1817. 
 
 $725 53 
 
 1817, May 6. 
 
 By balance due from the treasurer, $235 18 
 
 Resolved, That the report of the said com- 
 mittee be approved. 
 
 Mr. Philip Nelson, from the committee on the 
 subject of the parochial reports, presented a re- 
 port, which was read and approved, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the subject of the parochial 
 reports, beg leave to report the following conden- 
 sed statement of the reports that have been sub- 
 mitted to them : — 
 
 The report from the parish of Hampton is fa- 
 vourable. A new church has been erected in 
 Warrenton, in Hampton parish. 
 
 The report from Bristol parish states the num- 
 ber of communicants to be increasing, and that 
 the state of the church is now more prosperous 
 than it was when the last report was made. 
 
 The report from the parish of St Stephen states, 
 that there are about twenty-five communicants 
 there — forty baptisms. 
 
 The report from the pansh of Henrico states, 
 that the church there is in a prosperous state. 
 The number of communicants has increased since 
 the last report. 
 
 The report from the parish of St. Mark's, Cul- 
 pepper county, represents the church to be in a 
 more prosperous state than formerly. Communi- 
 cants forty — baptisms twenty — marriages seven. 
 
 The report from the parish of Norbome states, 
 that there are two churches in that parish, one in 
 the town of Martinsburg, the other in the gap of 
 the mountain eight miles from Martinsburg. The 
 number of communicants is small in the church 
 in town. The congregation belonging to the 
 mountain church is numerous — communicants 
 from thirty to forty. The foundation of a church 
 has lately been laid near the site of the old one — 
 baptisms twenty-nine— marriages one— commu- 
 nicants in the parish at large seventy-eight. 
 
 The report from the church in Winchester 
 states, that there are between thirty and forty 
 communicants there, and about fifteen or twenty 
 catechumens. The church in the lower part of 
 the parish flourishing— from fifty to sixty com- 
 
 municants — eleven baptisms, marriages six, and 
 funerals five. 
 
 The report from Christ Church, Berkeley county, 
 as followeth : — thirty-one communicants — bap-' 
 tisms forty-three — catechumens thirty-five. A 
 neat and commodious church has just been 
 erected. 
 
 The report from St. George's parish, Fredericks- 
 burg, states, that there are ninety communicants 
 in the Fredericksburg church — marriages eleven 
 — baptisms forty-five — deaths sixteen. 
 
 The report from St. Mary's parish, Caroline, 
 states, that a Christian spirit is mcreasing in that 
 parish, and that there is a probability of a church 
 being commenced in Port Royal in the course of 
 June next. Communicants thirty. 
 
 The report from the parish of St. James, Meck- 
 lenburg, states, that the spirit of religion is re- 
 viving there. A new building for the purpose of 
 public worship is begun, and will be finished before 
 the month of October. One of the old churches 
 has been partially repaired, and will be completely 
 so in a short lime. 
 
 The report from the parish of Dumfries states, 
 that a vestry has been elected for that parish. 
 Communicants thirty-two-— baptisms sixteen— cat- 
 echumens twenty— deaths seven. 
 
 The report from the parish of Aquia states, the 
 members of the church in that parish are evincing 
 their attachment to the church, by repairing their 
 ancient edifice, which has been dilapidated. Com- 
 municants sixteen — baptisms twenty-five — deaths 
 five — catechumens twelve. 
 
 The report from St. Anne's parish, Essex, states, 
 that there exists a general disposition among the 
 people to attend public worship, and a willingness 
 to support a resident clergyman. Communicants 
 thirty. 
 
 The report from the parish of Shelbume states, 
 that there are -thirty-five communicants now in 
 that parish— baptisms twenty — marriages six — 
 funerals two — psalmody in a prosperous state. 
 
 The report from the parish of St. Andrew's 
 states, that there are one hundred communicants 
 in that parish — baptisms eighty-seven. The new 
 church in Charlestown is nearly finished. The 
 church in a progressive state. 
 
 The report from the parish of South Farnham 
 states, that the church in that parish is about to 
 revive. A new church is about to be built. 
 
 The Monumental Church is represented to be 
 in a quiet state — communicants increasing : — the 
 church in Alexandria continues to improve — 200 
 communicants in the two churches. It is stated 
 to the committee that the church in the Northern 
 Neck is reviving. 
 
 On motion of Mr. James M. Gamett, the 5th 
 canon for the government of the church of this 
 diocess was amended, by striking therefrom the 
 words, " and shall admit of no excuse for the 
 neglect of this important duty, but such as they 
 may," and inserting, in lieu of the words so 
 stricken out, the following, viz. : " and shall neg- 
 lect the performance of this important duty fot 
 no cause whatever, but such as they might." 
 
 The said canon, as amended, was, on the 
 question put thereupon, agreed to by the Con- 
 vention, being in the following words : — 
 
 The members of this church shall attend the 
 public worship of God as regularly and con- 
 stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and circum- 
 stances in life, may be reasonably expected ; and 
 shall neglect the performance of this important 
 duty for no cause whatever, but such as they 
 
CONVENTION OF 1817. 
 
 119 
 
 might plead at the bar of God in the day of 
 judgment. 
 
 I'he Rev. William H. Wilmer presented a 
 report of the managers of the Common Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society of the diocess of Vir- 
 ginia, which was read and approved, being in the 
 following words : — 
 
 Early after the rising of the last Convention, 
 the managers of the Prayer- Book and Tract So- 
 ciety made arrangements for carrying into effect 
 the objects of the society. With this view they 
 procured from Philadelphia twenty-five reams of 
 paper, and proceeded to print 5,500 Tracts, No. 1, 
 which have been forwarded to the different parts 
 of the $tate. They also ordered 100 prayer-books 
 of the stereotype edition, and 100 of a larger size. 
 These have been distributed to different parishes, 
 in such manner as the exigences of each and the 
 smallness of the number seem to require. Since 
 the contributions received at the last Convention, 
 there have been received the sum of sixteen dol- 
 lars twelve and a half cents, and 1,000 copies of 
 Bishop Beveridge's sermons, from the benevolent 
 Society of St. Andrew's. There are now on hand 
 nineteen reams of paper ; and the treasurer is in 
 advance ,^318 67j^ cents, as per his account now 
 rendered. 
 
 To remunerate these responsibiUties, and to 
 provide the means for the furthei- operations of 
 this society, the exertions of the ministers and 
 vestries will be necessary : without their e3rnest 
 co-operation we shall be unable to proceed further. 
 But we trust that the importance of the object 
 will plead its own cause, and create an adequate 
 zeal in the friends of the church and of religion. 
 Who can tell how much light may be diffused ; 
 hovv much evil prevented ; how much misery 
 banished from the earth ; how many souls may 
 be delivered from eternal death, and made heirs 
 of everlasting hfe, by the blessing of God upon so 
 inconsiderable an expense as is required by the 
 contributions to this society ? 
 
 On motion, the resolutions proposed yesterday 
 by the Rev. Benjarnin Allen were taken up, and 
 referred to a committee of the whole Convention. 
 The Convention, accordingly, resolved itself 
 into a committee of the whole house, Mr. James 
 M. Garnett in the chair ; and after some time 
 spent therein, the president resumed the chair, 
 and Air. Garnett reported, That the committee of 
 the whole house had, according to order, had un- 
 der consideration the said resolutions, and agreed 
 to several amendments thereto, which he delivered 
 in therewith at the secretary's table. 
 
 The said amendments being twice read, 
 were, on questions severally put thereupon, 
 agreed to by the Convention ; as were also the 
 said resolutions as amended, being in the fol- 
 lowing words : — 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended that an 
 Auxiliary Common Prayer-Book and Tract So- 
 ciety be established in each parish, one half of 
 whose funds shall be thrown into the treasury 
 of the Diocesan Society, the remainder to be 
 applied as its managers may determine. 
 
 Resolved, That in those parishes where there 
 are a minister and vestry, the minister and 
 church-wardens be the managers of the auxilia- 
 ry society ; in those parishes wnere there is no 
 minister or vestry, the subscribers shall elect 
 their own managers, not exceeding three in 
 number. 
 
 On motion, the following proposition of an 
 
 amendment to the constitution for the govern- 
 ment of the church o( this diocess was consid- 
 ered and approved by the Convention, and or- 
 dered to be transmitted to the several vestries 
 of the parishes which have ratified the said con- 
 stitution, viz. : — 
 
 It is proposed, by way of amendment to the 
 first article of the constitution for the govern- 
 ment of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir- 
 ginia, that there shall be a Convention of the 
 said church on the third Thursday in May in 
 each year;* but the Convention which meets 
 in the year previous to the meeting of the Gen- 
 eral Convention, may have power to appoint the 
 time and place of meeting for the next annual 
 session. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the meeting of the 
 next Convention of the church of this diocess 
 shall be at Winchester. 
 
 The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, from the stand- 
 ing committee, presented a report, which was 
 read, as follows : — 
 
 The standing committee beg leave to report. 
 That, in obedience to the resolution of the last 
 Convention, that they should prepare a detailed 
 scheme for effecting the object of a former let- 
 ter published by the standing committee, they 
 have published and sent circular letters, a copy 
 of which is herewith presented to the different 
 parishes ; that they have received assurances 
 from St. James's parish, in Mecklenburg county, 
 that the sum of fifty-seven dollars will annually 
 be paid by certain persons in that parish to the 
 support of the episcopate ; from St. Andrew's 
 parish, in Jefferson county, that fifty dollars, and 
 from Christ Church, Alexandria, that one hun- 
 dred dollars, will in like manner be paid to the 
 same object ; and promises have been received 
 from several other parishes that they will con- 
 tribute, at the next Convention, what is in their 
 power. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be 
 requested to send to each parish in this diocess 
 a copy of their circular letter on the subject of 
 the fund for the support of the episcopate ; that 
 another opportunity may be afforded to such as 
 have been disappointed in contributing to this 
 very essential object. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of six delegates, to represent the 
 church of this diocess in the approaching Gen- 
 eral Convention ; whereupon the Rev. Wm. H, 
 Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John 
 Dunn, Mr. ChaHes F. Mercer, Mr. Hugh Nel- 
 son, and Mr. Hugh Mercer, were duly elected. 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, 
 Ordered, That eighty dollars each be appro- 
 priated to defray the expenses of the bishop, 
 and of the clerical and lay deputies from this 
 diocess to the General Convention. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the expenses 
 of the secretary, in attending this Convention, 
 
 * The meeting of the next Convention will be 
 on the third Tuesday in May, 1818 ; for, according 
 to the 13th article of the constitution, the above 
 proposition will not be valid and obligatory until 
 approved by that body. 
 
120 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1817. 
 
 be refunded to him out of the funds of the 
 church. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be tendered to Mr. Munford, for 
 his zealous services as secretary. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to 
 the Convention his address on the state of the 
 church, which being heard, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be presented to the Right Rev. 
 Richard Channing Moore, D.D., for his appro- 
 priate and affectionate pastoral address', and 
 that he be requested to furnish a copy thereof 
 for insertion on the Journal. 
 
 The said address is in the following words : — 
 The peculiar duties, brethren, which are at- 
 tached to the episcopal office, I have endeav- 
 oured faithfully to discharge. Nearly three 
 months of the last year have been devoted to 
 episcopal visitations, during which time I have 
 traversed an extensive district of country, and 
 have attended to the concerns of as many 
 parishes as the duties due my own parochial 
 charge would admit of. 
 
 My labours commenced in the county of 
 Orange, at which place I preached to a large 
 and attentive auditory, celebrated the Lord's 
 Supper, and administered the rite of confirma- 
 tion to a goodly number. From thence I pro- 
 ceeded to Albemarle, and officiated in two 
 churches, and also in the courthouse in Char- 
 lottesville. Crossing the Blue Ridge, I passed 
 a Sabbath in Staunton, and preached twice to a 
 multitude of respectable and attentive hearers. 
 Returning from thence, I visited the county of 
 Nelson, and preached in two different places. 
 I then passed into Amherst, and officiated in 
 New Glasgow and Gaines's church. I then 
 visited Lynchburg, at which place I preached 
 twice on the Sabbath to very large congre- 
 gations, and lectured the day following at the 
 house of Mr. Ward, a zealous and worthy 
 member of the church. The county of Buck- 
 ingham then became the object of my attention, 
 in which part of the diocess I preached at the 
 courthouse. Passing from thence to Cumber- 
 land, I officiated in one church on the Sabbath, 
 and in another on the Tuesday following. 
 Leaving Cumberland, I passed into Lunenburg, 
 and preached in two churches to a multitude of 
 religious worshippers, some of whom had trav- 
 elled between thirty and forty miles to receive 
 the Holy Eucharist. Having performed my 
 duties in that county, I visited Mecklenburg, 
 and preached three times to very large audito- 
 ries. In these two last places it is my duty to 
 observe, that the efficiency of the labours of the 
 Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft was evidenced by the 
 crowds who attended upon my services, and the 
 deep sensation which they exhibited during the 
 time of our devotional exercises. The Supe- 
 rior Court, which was sitting, adjourned; and 
 the. worthy judge, and the gentlemen of the bar, 
 with but one exception, attended the services of 
 the sanctuary. 
 
 Having discharged my duties in those coun- 
 ties, I visited Halifax, and preached at the 
 courthouse to a very numerous and attentive 
 
 assembly. I then crossed the Roanoke, and 
 passed one Sabbath in N. C, and preached to a 
 small but devout congregation. Upon my re- 
 turn to Richmond I stopped in Charlotte coun- 
 ty, and preached to a respectable congregation. 
 After remaining in my own parish a few 
 weeks, I visited this city (Fredericksburg), in 
 which place I officiated as usual to a numerous 
 and devout people. (Here I think it my duty 
 to ;emark, that from all the observations I have 
 made, the labours of Mr. M'Guire have received 
 the sanction of his God. He lives in the hearts of 
 the pious people of his charge, and merits this 
 expression of my pastoral approbation.) Here 
 I was joined by the Rev. Mr. Hawley and Mr. 
 M'Guire, who attended me to Port Royal, and 
 on my route through the Northern Neck of Vir- 
 ginia. At Port Royal Mr. H. and myself 
 preached to a large assembly, whose attachment 
 to the church of their fathers was evinced, not 
 only by their devout behaviour, but also by 
 their perfect acquaintance with the liturgy. 
 The responses were audibly made, and excited 
 in my mind the most pleasing sensations. I 
 then crossed the Rappahannock, and preached 
 in the courthouse in King George to a large 
 and respectable congregation. Leaving that 
 place, I visited and preached at Mattox church. 
 The next day Mr, M'Guire officiated at the 
 courthouse in Westmoreland county. We 
 then passed on to Northumberland ; but, as the 
 notice of our intentions had not reached the 
 neighbourhood of the church, the congregation 
 was small. I however lectured for them We 
 then visited Richmond county, at which place 
 I preached to an assembly much alive to the 
 subject to which I called their attention, and 
 delighted with the prospect of a revival of the 
 church among them. From thence we went 
 to Lancaster, and I preached upon a week-day 
 in the church in that county. The congregation 
 hstened to the tidings of salvation with great 
 attention, and the sensibility they manifested 
 gave me reason to hope that my labour in the 
 Lord was not in vain. 
 
 Having thus performed the duties I had 
 marked out in that district, I returned to Port 
 Royal, preached again in that place, and admin- 
 istered the rite of confirmation to a large num- 
 ber of persons. The sensation which they had 
 evinced during my first visit again manifested 
 itself, and deeply affected my heart. 
 
 In the course of the winter, I have preached 
 in Fluvanna, Buckingham, Cumberland, and 
 Chesterfield counties. 
 
 In etery section of the state which I have visit- 
 ed (and these visits have been very general), I 
 have observed the most sincere and ardent attach- 
 ment to the church. From the temper of the peo- 
 ple I draw the most pleasing conclusions : and my 
 mind is perfectly convinced, that, were it possi- 
 ble to procure a greater number of faithful min- 
 isters, those ministers would be received with 
 joy by the vacant parishes, and provision made 
 for their support. Brethren, we have much to 
 do ; and while any thing remains to be done, I 
 trust that no languor will be exhibited by either 
 ministers or people, but that every nerve will 
 
CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 121 
 
 be exerted to carry into effect the hallowed 
 cause in which we have engaged. 
 
 Brethren, it is the church of God, and of our 
 fathers ! It is true she has been prostrate in 
 the dust ; but from her ruins she implores our 
 united aid, and supplicates our assistance. 
 The progress we have already made revives our 
 hopes. The blessings we have already re- 
 ceived encourage us to look for greater mer- 
 cies. Our exertions, I firmly believe, will be 
 crowned with success ; our Zion will raise her 
 dejected head — be disrobed by an omnipotent 
 arm of her weeds, and clothed in the attire of 
 joy. Her harp will be taken from the willows, 
 and the voice of joy and salvation fill her happy 
 courts. 
 
 Brethren of the clergy — We have sworn 
 fidelity to her interest at the altar of the living 
 God. Aided by you, I will proceed in the glo- 
 rious work with all the ardour with which heaven 
 in mercy shall inspire my mind. In your zeal 
 I have a perfect confiderice. Our number, it is 
 true, is yet but small ; but, with Jehovah on our 
 side, we may be confident of success. Unborn 
 generations will enjoy the benefit of our labours, 
 and embalm our memory with the tear of grati- 
 tude and affection. 
 
 Since the last Convention, I have admitted 
 to the order of deacon the Rev. Mr. Low, Mr. 
 Steel, Mr. Allen, Mr. Ravenscroft, and Mr. 
 Bryan ; and to the order of the priesthood, the 
 Rev. Samuel Low and John S. Ravenscroft. 
 The Rev. Mr. Orrill has settled in this diocess. 
 The Rev. Mr. Hawley has removed into the 
 diocess of Maryland. 
 
 Accept, brethren, my sincere wishes for your 
 present and eternal happiness. 
 
 R. C. MOORB. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. George Lemon, 
 Resolved, That seven huridred and fifty copies 
 of the Journal of this Convention be printed ; 
 and that twenty be sent to each parish. 
 
 No further business being before the Con- 
 vention, on motion, the Convention adjourned, 
 to meet at Winchester, on the third Tuesday in 
 May next. 
 
 Richard Channtng Moore, 
 Bishop of the P. E. Church of Virginia. 
 Attest, Wm. Munford, Secretary," 
 
 The 5th and 6th canons of the church of this 
 diocess, as amended by this Convention, are in 
 the following words : — 
 
 CANON V. 
 
 The members of this church shall attend the 
 public worship of God as regularly and con- 
 stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and circum- 
 stances in hfe» may be reasonably expected ; 
 and shall neglect the performance of this impor- 
 tant duty for no cause whatever, but such as 
 they might plead at the bar of God in the day of 
 judgment. 
 
 CANON VI. 
 
 Be it ordained, That any member of the 
 church, being a communicant thereof, conduct- 
 ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Christian, 
 may and ought to be admonished or suspended 
 by the minister of the parish or congregation, 
 according to the rubric. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 which assembled at Winchester, on Tuesday, the 19th of May, 1818. 
 
 The Convention met; but the bishop and 
 many of the clergy not having arrived, it was 
 proposed and agreed to, that the Convention 
 adjourn until to-morrow morning 9 o'clock. 
 
 Whereupon, the Convention adjourned ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 Wednesday, May 20, 1818. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Alexander Balmain. 
 
 The bishop being still absent, Mr. Wilmer 
 took the chair as president pro tempore. 
 
 A committee was appointed to examine the 
 certificates of appointments of the lay deputies ; 
 which committee, consisting of the Rev. John 
 Dunn, the Rev. Samuel Low, and Mf- Edmund 
 J. Lee, reported the following members, being 
 present, to have been duly appointed, conform- 
 ably with the canons of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church of Virginia, viz. : — 
 
 Edmund J. Lee, for Christ Church, Alexan- 
 dria ; Abraham Shepherd, for St. Andrew's 
 parish ; Charles F. Mercer, for Shelburne par- 
 ish ; William H. Fitzhugh and John Moncure, 
 for Aquia Church ; Philip Nelson and Obed 
 Waite, for Frederick parish ; Hugh Nelson, for 
 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle ; Edward 
 Digges, for Hamilton parish ; Samuel Slaugh- 
 ter and Isaac Winston, for St. Stephen's 
 Church, Culpepper ; Joel Ward, for Christ 
 Church, Norborne parish ; Carter Berkeley 
 and Francis Nelson, for St. Martin's parish ; 
 Robert Lewis, for St. George's parish, Freder- 
 icksburg ; John Nelson, jr., for St. James's 
 parish, Mecklenburg ; Lewis Berkeley, for 
 Dettingen parish ; Needham L. Washington, 
 for St. Paul's parish ; Thomas Ambler and Al- 
 fred H. Powell, for Henrico parish ; James 
 Walker, for Norborne parish ; Francis J. Wi- 
 att, for Christ Church, Norfolk. 
 
 The following clerical deputies appeared and 
 look their seats in this Convention, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Alexander Balmain, Frederick 
 parish ; the Rev. William H. Wilmer, St. 
 Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver 
 Norris, Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan- 
 dria ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St. James's 
 parish, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. John Dunn, 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun ; the Rev. Samuel 
 Low, Norfolk ; the Rev. George Lemon, Ham- 
 ilton parish, Fauquier ; the Rev. William 
 Meade, the chapel in Frederick parish ; the 
 Rev. Thomas Horrell, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 
122 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 ley county ; the Rev. John L. Bryan, Christ 
 Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley county ; the 
 Rev. John P. Bausinan, Fredericksville, Albe- 
 marle ; the Rev. Benjamin Allen, St. Andrew's 
 parish, Jefferson county ; the Rev. William 
 King, Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev. Jo- 
 seph R. Andrus, St. Paul's parish, King George 
 county ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. 
 George's parish, Fredericksburg. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Alexander Balmain, 
 the Rev. William H. Wihner, the Rev. John 
 S. Ravenscroft, Mr. Charles F. Mercej, Mr. 
 Edmund J. Lee^ and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a 
 committee to take into consideration the state 
 of the church in this diocess, and report there- 
 upon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon, the 
 Rev Thomas Horrell, Dr. Carter Berkeley, and 
 Dr. Isaac Winston, jr., be a committee to ex- 
 amine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Alfred H. Powell, Mr. 
 Obed Waite, and Mr. John Moncure, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Abraham Shepherd, Mr. 
 Thomas Ambler, and Mr. Francis J. Wiatt, be 
 a committee to examine the accounts of the 
 treasurer of " the Common Prayer-Book and 
 Tract Society for the Dioce«s of Virginia." 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the reading of 
 the canons and journals of the General Con- 
 vention be dispensed with. 
 
 The journal of the proceedings of the stand- 
 ing conimittee of the church, during the last 
 year, was read by the secretary, together with the 
 rules for regulating the proceedings of the Con- 
 ventions of this diocess. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 John Dunn, and a sermon by the Rev. William 
 Meade ; after which the sitting was resumed, 
 and the Right Rev. Bishop Moore having ar- 
 rived, took the chair as president of this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Mr. James B. NichoUs, a lay deputy for St. 
 Paul's Church, Alexandria, also appeared and 
 took his seat. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 thanks of this Convention be presented to the 
 Rev. William Meade, for his evangelical and 
 appropriate discourse delivered in the church at 
 Winchester on this day. 
 
 A motioti was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 that the Convention come to the foHowing res- 
 olution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the annual contributions from 
 Christ Church, in Alexandria, of One hundred 
 dollars, for raising a fund for the support of the 
 bishop, which have now been paid, or which may 
 hereafter be received, be vested in bank-stock, 
 under the direction of the standing committee 
 of this diocess, in the names of George Deneale 
 and John Muncaster, church- wardens of Christ 
 Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria, and their 
 successors, for the purpose aforesaid. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the resolution pro- 
 posed be laid upon the table. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning 9 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 21, 1818. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Mr. Norris. 
 
 The following lay deputies produced certifi- 
 cates of their appointment, m conformity with 
 the canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 of Virginia, and took their seats in the Conven- 
 tion, viz. : — 
 
 VVilliam Broad»s, for St. Mark's parish, Cul- 
 pepper ; Benjamin Blackford and Philip Will- 
 iams, Beckford parish. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas G. Allen, Dumfries 
 Church, Dettingen parish, Prince William, also 
 took his seat. 
 
 The bishop informed the Convention, that, in 
 the absence of John Brockenbrough, a lay dep- 
 uty appointed by the vestry of the Monumental 
 Church in the city of Richmond, he, in pursu- 
 ance of a vote of said vestry, certified the ap- 
 pointment of William Munfoixi to act as lay 
 deputy for that church. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the resolution pro- 
 posed on yesterday by Mr. Edmund J. Lee, be 
 referred to the committee on the state of the 
 church, to consider the same, and report their 
 opinion thereupon. 
 
 Mr. Powell, from the committee appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, presented a 
 report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the 
 treasurer's accounts report. That they have dis- 
 charged that duty, and find the accounts fair and 
 correct ; and that the balance in the hands of 
 the treasurer at the meeting of the present Con- 
 vention was eighty-eight dollars and eighty- 
 seven cents ; all which will appear by the ac- 
 companying accounts and documents, which are 
 respectfully submitted : — - 
 William Munford, Treasurer of the Protestant 
 
 Episcopal Church of Virginia, Dr. 
 
 May 6, 1817. . 
 To balance due as per settle- 
 ment, - - - - ^ $236 18 
 To cash received for contri- 
 butions from the parishes 
 for the year 1817, as fol- 
 lows : — 
 Of St. Martin's Parish, by 
 
 Francis Nelson, - - $25 00 
 St. Stephen's Church, by 
 
 Isaac Winston, jr., - 30 00 
 
 Dettingen Parish, by Law- 
 rence G. Alexander, - 30 00 
 Henrico Parish, by Samuel 
 
 G Adams, - - - 30 00 
 St. Thomas's Church, by 
 
 George W. Spottswood, 30 00 
 St. Mark's Parish, by Will- 
 iam Broadus, - - 30 00 
 St. James's Parish, by John 
 
 Nelson, jr., - - - 15 00 
 St. John's Church, Freder- 
 ick, by the Rev. Alexan- 
 der Balmain, - - 30 00 
 
 . Amount carried forward, $220 00 $235 18 
 
CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 123 
 
 Amount bfought forward, $220 00 $235 18 
 
 Of Frederick Parish, by Philip 
 Nelson, - - - ^ 30 00 
 
 Shelburne Parish, by the Rev. 
 
 John Dunn, - - - 15 00 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, 
 
 by Edmund J. Lee, - 30 00 
 
 St. Anne's Parish, by James 
 
 M. Garnett, - - - 19 00 
 
 The Monumental Church in 
 the city of Richmond, 
 by John Ambler, - - 30 00 
 
 St. Andrew's Parish, by 
 Abram Shepherd, - - 30 00 
 
 Hamilton Parish, by Robert 
 
 Randolph, - - - 30 00 
 
 South Farnham Parish, by 
 
 Robert Weir, - - 20 00 
 
 St. George's Parish, Fred- 
 ericksburg, by Benjamin 
 Day, - - - - 30 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexan- 
 dria, by John Hoof, - 30 00 
 
 Norborne Parish, by the 
 
 Rev. Thomas Horrell, - 30 00 
 
 Bristol Parish, by the Rev. 
 
 Andrew Syme, - - 30 00 
 
 Norfolk Parish, by the Rev. 
 
 WiUiam H. Wilmer, - 30 00 
 
 Decuct account for print- 
 ing paid by the Rev. Will- 
 iam H. Wilmer, 
 
 Total received, 
 
 574 00 
 
 16 50 
 
 1817, May. Gr. 
 To the secretary's expenses 
 
 going to and attending the 
 
 Convention in Fredericks- 
 burg, and returning to 
 
 Richmond, - - _ $21 00 
 ** Stationary for the use of 
 
 the Convention, - - 81 
 " cash paid Bishop Moore, 
 
 Mr. Wilmer, Mr. Dunn, 
 
 Mr. Norris, and Mr. Hugh 
 
 Mercer, delegates to the 
 
 General Convention, $80 
 
 each, - - - - 400 00 
 July 31. 
 To printing account paid 
 
 Du-Val,trueheart&Co., 71 50 
 Nov. 24. 
 To cash paid Bishop Moore, 
 
 on account of expenses of 
 
 episcopal visitations, - 185 50 
 
 1818, April 10. 
 
 To do. paid do. on same ac- 
 count, - - - - 25 00 
 Balance due, 88 87 
 
 557 50 
 
 $792 68 
 
 $792 68 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the report of the 
 committee on the treasurer's accounts be ap- 
 proved. 
 
 Mr. Abraham Shepherd, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the accountjs of the treas- 
 urer of the Common Prayer-Book and Tract 
 Society of the Diocess of Virginia, presented 
 the following statement and report : — 
 
 Prayer-Book and Tract Society of Virgima, in 
 account with William H. Wilmer, Dr. 
 
 1817, May 5th. 
 
 To balance as rendered to the Con- 
 vention of 1817, - - - $318 18i 
 
 " cash paid discount on $146 89, 
 paid to T. & J. Swords, - - 2 19 
 
 " loss of bad notes collected in 
 
 church, - - - - - 1 00 
 
 " cash refunded widow of Rev. Mr. 
 Brown, his subscription, - - 3 00 
 
 Aug. 14. 
 
 To T. & J Swords, for their bill, as 
 
 per No. 1, herewith presented, 38 75 
 
 " cash paid freight and porterage, &c. 1 62^ 
 
 April 20. 
 
 To T. & J. Swords for their bill, as 
 
 per No. 2, 30 80 
 
 " cash paid freight and porterage, - 1 00 
 
 May 19. 
 
 By balance dae from the treasurer, $88 87 
 
 May 8. Cr. 
 
 By amount annual subscrip- 
 tion, - - - - $127 00 
 
 " do. collected in church at 
 
 Fredericksburg, - - 110 00 
 
 " T. & J., Swords for error 
 
 in their bill, - - - 5 00 
 
 " one Prayer-Book, extra 
 
 bound, for myself, - 3 50 
 
 " cash received for .sale of 
 Prayer-Books at Freder- 
 icksburg, - - - 47 80 
 
 •' mv own subscription for 
 
 1816, - - - - 2 00 
 
 " the Rev, John Dunn, for. 
 
 money paid by him, - 17 00 
 
 June 19. 
 
 By cash of Rev. Mr. Hawley 
 
 for Prayer-Books, - - 1 5Q 
 
 June 23. 
 
 By cash of Mr. Curtis for 
 
 4 do. do., - - - 2 00 
 
 " do. six quires paper sold, 1 50 
 
 July 1. 
 
 By do. received of Mr. T 
 
 G. Allen for Prayer-Books, 10 00 
 
 " do. do. of Rev. Mr. Lemon, 10 00 
 
 " cash received of Mr. 
 George Taylor for sun- 
 dries, - - - - 5 85 
 
 " do. do. Rev. Mr. Norris, 
 for sundries, viz. : on ac- 
 count Mrs. Custis, $4, 
 Mrs. Debutts, $2, Mr. 
 Norton, $2, catechisms, 
 62 cents, - - - 8 62 
 
 $396 55 
 
 Amount canied forward, $351 17 $396 55 
 
124 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $351 17 $396 55 
 Oct. 22. 
 By cash of Rev. Mr. Norris 
 
 for 1 Prayer-Book, - 1 00 
 
 1818, Jan. 12. 
 By do. of Rev. Mr. Balmain 
 
 for 28 Prayer- Books, - 9 00 
 ** do. of Rev. Mr. Norris, 
 
 for 2 Prayer-Books, - 1 00 
 
 Jan. 28. 
 By do. of Mr. Allen for 20 do. 10 OO 
 
 372 17 
 
 May 1. — To balance due treasurer, $24 38 
 
 We, the committee appointed to examine the 
 above account, find the balance due the treasurer 
 to be twenty-four dollars and thirty-eight cents, 
 as stated. Abraham Shepherd, 
 
 Francis J. Wiatt, 
 Th. M. Ambler. 
 
 On nlotion, Resolved, That the said statement 
 and report be approved. 
 
 Mr. Wilmer, from the committee on the state 
 of the church, presented the following report : — 
 
 Whereas it is all-important to have the bene- 
 fit of episcopal visitations throughout the dio- 
 cess at an earlier date than the fund appro- 
 priated to that purpose gives any promise of ef- 
 fecting : to that end, Be it resolved by this 
 Convention, That whenever it shall be neces- 
 sary for the bishop to visit any part of this dio- 
 cess, he shall be authorized to call a clergyman 
 from any part of the diocess to supply his place 
 in the duties of his parochial charge for not more 
 than two Sundays. 
 
 And be it further resolved. That for the pay- 
 ment of the travelling expenses of such clergy- 
 man, the sum-'of five dollars shall be required 
 from each parish, in addition to the thirty dollars 
 now payable to the general fund of the church. 
 
 Whereas the assistance of missionaries to 
 visit the destitute parishes is most desirable, 
 but cannot be obtained, owing to the poverty of 
 the church ; and whereas various proposals have 
 heretofore been made for the purpose of raising 
 funds to educate young men desirous of entering 
 into the ministry, which have failed of success, 
 and are yet hkely to fail : It is therefore recom- 
 mended and enjoined upon such of the clergy 
 as are settled, to receive young -men into their 
 families, for the purpo.se of assisting them in 
 their studies ; which young persons, when prop- 
 erly quahfied, may be licensed by the bishop as 
 lay readers, by which means the clergy would 
 be occasionally enabled to make excursions into 
 distant and vacant parishes without leaving their 
 own charge entirely unprovided for — and would 
 have this further advantage, that these students 
 would join practice with theory. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the said report be 
 referred to a committee of the whole Conven- 
 tion, and be the order of the day for to-morrow. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 that the Convention do come to the following 
 resolutions : — 
 
 Whereas differences of opinion prevail among 
 •(Hne of the members of our church as to cer- 
 
 tain fashionable amusements, and it appears de- 
 sirable to many that the sense of the Convention 
 should be expressed concerning them — the Con- 
 vention does hereby declare its opinion that 
 gaming, attending on theatres, public balls, and 
 horse-racing, should be relinquished by all com- 
 municants, as being unworthy of the Christian 
 character ; and it cherishes the hope that this 
 expression of its opinion will be suflScient to 
 produce conformity of conduct and unanimity 
 of opinion among all the members of our com- 
 munion. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the said resolution 
 be laid upon the table. 
 
 The Rev. George Lemon, from the commit- 
 tee to whom the parochial reports were referred, 
 presented a condensed report thereupon, which 
 was received and laid upon the table. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 John S. Ravenscroft, with a sermon by the 
 Right Rev. Bishop Moore, who also administer- 
 ed the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and or- 
 dained three priests and one deacon, after which 
 the sitting vfas resumed. 
 
 The Rev. Alexander Balmain, from the com- 
 mittee on the state of the church, to whom was 
 referred the resolution proposed on yesterday by 
 Mr. Edmund J. Lee, presented a report there- 
 upon, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church, to 
 whom was referred the resolution providing a se- 
 cure and permanent depository of the episcopal 
 fund, have, according to order, had the same un- 
 der consideration, and beg leave to report : — 
 
 That, from the great extent of this diocess, it 
 has been deemed by preceding Conventions high- 
 ly expedient, if not indispensably necessary to the 
 welfare of the Church of Virginia, that the bishop 
 should be relieved from the confinement of paro- 
 chial duties, in order that the benefits of the epis- 
 copal ordinances may be thereby more promptly 
 and widely ditfused ; that the desolate temples of 
 religion may again hear the voice of our chief pas- 
 tor within their own forsaken courts ; and that his 
 venerated authority and influence may be extend- 
 ed over the whole flock which it has pleased God 
 to commit to his pious charge. 
 
 For this salutary and holy purpose, the standing 
 committee of the diocess early recommended the 
 establishment of a fund for the support of the epis- 
 copate, and the Convention seconded their recom- 
 mendation by various resolutions, which have 
 been hitherto followed with imperfect success. 
 Particular parishes have contributed their sub- 
 scriptions towards the fund, with a zeal becoming 
 Its importance to the prosperity of the church, 
 while others have totally disregarded the appeal 
 which has been made to their piety and liber- 
 ality. 
 
 Your committee cannot recommend the aban- 
 donment of a measure, so fraught with common 
 benefit, until every practicable eflFort for its accom- 
 plishment shall have failed. It is confidently be- 
 lieved, that the obstructions which have hitherto 
 opposed its success have arisen from a want of 
 confidence in the means which had been devised 
 for its attainment, rather than from an insensibility 
 to its importance. 
 
 The resolution referred to the committee, if 
 adopted, will effectually secure to the fund that 
 permanent character which should remove among 
 the parishes the fear that the fruits of their Uber- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 125 
 
 ality will be hereafter misapplied ; among the first 
 subscribers, tlie apprehension that their pious con- 
 tributions will not be seconded in time by all their 
 brethren ; and in the church, the belief that any 
 delay, however protracted, can ultimately defeat 
 the object of its piety. 
 
 A decision of the Supreme Court of the United 
 States has recognised the legal existence, and its 
 authority will protect the rights of, the corpora- 
 tion in which the resolution proposes to vest the 
 episcopal fund of this diocess. The committee 
 would have recommended a more central deposi- 
 tory, could one have been obtained under the sanc- 
 tion of law. 
 
 The resolutions of preceding Conventions have 
 too sanguinely contemplated an immediate resort 
 to the fund for the object which it is designed to 
 accomplish. Your committee are of opinion that 
 this should be deferred until the fund shall have 
 been so enlarged as to provide for that object by 
 its annual revenue. They beg leave, therefore, to 
 recommend to the Convention the adoption of the 
 following resolutions : — 
 
 1. Resolved, That the annual contributions from 
 Christ Church, in Alexandria, of one hundred dol- 
 lars, for raising a fund for the support of the 
 bishop, which have now been paid, or which may 
 hereafter be received, together with all other sums 
 which may be anywhere subscribed and collected 
 for the same object, be vested in bank-stock under 
 the direction of the standing committee of this 
 diocess, in the names of George Deneale and John 
 Muncaster, church-wardens of Christ Church, 
 Fairfax parish, Alexandria, and their successors, 
 for the purpose aforesaid. 
 
 2. 'I'hat, in aid of the episcopal fund, the several 
 ministers of this church do, in their respective 
 congregations, at some fit season in each year, de- 
 liver an appropriate discourse, recommending the 
 pious object of the fund, and thereafter make a 
 collection the amount of which they shall special- 
 ly mention in their respective parochial reports. 
 
 3. That each minister do, at some convenient 
 season of every year, visit one or more of the va- 
 cant parishes of this diocess, or of the counties of 
 this commonwealth wherein there is no parish, 
 for the purpose of delivering a similar discourse, 
 and of collecting, by personal applications or other- 
 wise, farther sums for the enlargement of the 
 episcopal fund, of which visit and collections 
 they shall respectively make a report at the suc- 
 ceeding Convention. 
 
 4. That no part of the episcopal fund shall be 
 withdrawn for any purpose, until its annual inter- 
 est shall suflRce for the attainment of its object : 
 and that, in the interim, it shall be the duty of the 
 standing committee to see that its enlargement is 
 hastened by the prompt conversion of its revenue 
 into principal. 
 
 The said preamble and resolutions being 
 twice read, were, on questions severally put 
 thereupon, agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Powell, the committee of 
 the whole Convention was discharged from the 
 consideration of the resolutions thereto referred : 
 And the said resolutions were then read a sec- 
 ond time, and, on questions severally put, were 
 agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 Mr. Mercer, from the committee on the state 
 of the church, presented a farther report, which 
 was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church rec- 
 ommend to the Convention the adoption of the 
 following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary do annex ta the 
 
 I journals of the Convention the foUowing list of 
 
 the clergy of the diocess of Virginia, viz. : — 
 I The Kiuht Rev. Richard Cnanning Moore, 
 D. D., Bishop and Rector of the Monumental 
 Church, Richmond ; the Rev. Benjamin Allen, 
 Jefferson county ; the Rev. Thomas G. Allen, 
 Dumfries Church, Dettingen parish, Prince Will- 
 iam ; the Rev. Alexander Balmain, D. D., Fred- 
 erick parish, Winchester ; the Rev. Hugh C. 
 Boggs, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania ; the Rev. 
 John Bracken, D. D., Williamsburg ; ihe Rev. 
 John li. Bryan, Berkeley county ; the Rev. 
 John Buchanan, D. D., Rector of Henrico par- 
 ish ; the Rev. Alfred Dashiell, deacon, New- 
 London ; the Rev, John Dunn, Shelburne parish, 
 Loudoun county ; the Rev. George Halson, re- 
 siding near Norfolk ; , the Rev. William H. 
 Hart, assistant minister of Henrico parish ; the 
 Rev. Alexander Hay, Antrim parish, Halifax ; 
 the Rev. Thomas Horrell, Berkeley county ; the 
 Rev. William King, Augusta parish, Staunton ; 
 the Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds 
 parishes, Fauquier ; the Rev. Samuel Low, 
 Christ Church, Norfolk borough ; the Rev. 
 Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fred- 
 ericksburg ; the Rev. William Meade, Frederick 
 parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. John Mickle- 
 john, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 Christ Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. John S. 
 Ravenscroft, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; 
 the Rev. William Steele, Prince William ; the 
 Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish^ Dinwiddle ; 
 the Rev. William H. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, 
 Alexandria ; the Rev. John Woodville, St. 
 Mark's parish, Culpepper ; the Rev. John P. 
 Bausman, Fredericksville parish, Albemarle; 
 the Rev. Joseph R. Andrus, St. Paul's Church, 
 King George county. 
 
 And that the secretary annex to the journals 
 of every succeeding Convention a list of the 
 clergy, with all alterations therein produced in 
 the preceding year by ordinations, deaths, re- 
 movals, suspensions, and degradations. 
 
 The said resolution being twice read, was, on 
 the question put thereupon, agreed to by the 
 Convention. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. 
 King have leave of absence from the service of 
 this Convention for the remainder of the session. 
 
 In conformity with the lOth article of the con- 
 stitution for the government of this diocess, the 
 Convention proceeded to the election of a stand- 
 ing committee, by ballot ; whereupon the Rev. 
 William H. Wilmer, Oliver Norris, John Dunn, 
 the Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J. 
 Lee, and Mr. George Taylor, of Alexandria, 
 were duly elected. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again to-morrow morning, immediately after di- 
 vine service. 
 
 Friday, May 22, 1818, 
 
 The Convention met, after attending divine 
 service by the Rev. Mr. M'Guire^ and a sermon 
 by the Rev. Mr. Wilmer. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Low, seconded by Mr. Hugh 
 Nelson, the preamble and resolutions agreed to 
 by this Convention yesterday, on the subject of 
 
126 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 providing a permanent fund for support of the 
 bishop, were reconsidered, and amended by 
 striding therefrotn the words, ** others have to- 
 tally disregarded," and inserting in lieu thereof 
 the following words, viz. : " it is confidently 
 hoped, that in imitation of the example which 
 has been thus afforded them, the other parishes 
 will second." — And the said preamble and res- 
 olutions, as amended, were, on the question put 
 thereupon, agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. liee, the res- 
 olution offered by him on the subject of certain 
 fashionable amusements was taken up, and 
 amended, as follows :- — 
 
 Whereas differences of opinion prevail as to cer- 
 tain fashionable amusements ; and it appears de- 
 sirable to many that the sense of the Convention 
 should be expressed concerning them ; the Con- 
 vention does hereby declare its opinion, that ga- 
 ming, attending on theatres, public balls, and 
 horse- racing, should be relinquished by all com- 
 municants of this church, as having the bad effects 
 of staining the purity of the Christian character, of 
 giving offence to their pious brethren, and of en- 
 dangering their own salvation by their rushing 
 voluntarily into those temptations against which 
 they implore the protection of their heavenly Fa- 
 ther ; and this Convention cherishes the hope that 
 this expression of its opinion will be sufficient to 
 produce conformity of conduct and unanimity of 
 opinion among all the members of our commu- 
 nion. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr, Powell, that the 
 farther consideration of the said resolution be 
 postponed until the second day of the session of 
 the next Convention for ihfe diocess. 
 
 And the question being put thereupon, was 
 determined in the negative. Ayes 12, Noes 28. 
 
 A motion was then made by Mr. Powell, that 
 a resolution of the House of Bishops, in the last 
 General Convention holden at New-York, be 
 adopted in lieu of the said proposed resolution ; 
 which resolution of the House of Bishops was 
 read, as follows : — 
 
 The House of Bishops, solicitous for the preser- 
 vation of the purity of the church ami the piety of 
 its members, are induced to impress upon the cler- 
 gy the important duty, with a discreet but earnest 
 zeal, of warning the people of their respective 
 cures of the danger of an indulgence in those 
 worldly pleasures which may tend to withdraw 
 the affections from spiritual things. And especial- 
 ly, on the subject of gaming, of amusements involv- 
 ing cruelty to the brute creation, and of theatrical 
 representations, to which some pecuUar circum- 
 stances have called their attention— they do not 
 hesitate to express their unanimous opinion, that 
 these amusements, as well from their licentious 
 tendency as from the strong temptations to vice 
 wliich they afford, ought not to be frequented. 
 And the bishops cannot refrain from expressing 
 their deep regret at the information, that in some 
 of our large cities so little respect is paid to the 
 feelings of the members of the church, that theat- 
 rical representations are fixed for the evenings of 
 her most solemn festivals. 
 
 The question being put upon agreeing thereto 
 as a substitute for Mr. Lee's resolution, was 
 determined in the negative. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr. Mercer, that a 
 preamble and resolutions, which he read in his 
 place, and delivered in at the secretary's table, 
 
 be agreed to by the Convention, in lieu of the 
 said proposed resolution ; which preamble and 
 resolutions were in the following words :— 
 
 Whereas differences of opinion have at all times 
 existed in Christian communities as to the criminal 
 tendency of certain customs or amusements, spring- 
 ing from affections of the heart, which, innocent in 
 themselves, lose that character through excessive 
 indulgence ; and legislatures, civil as well as ec- 
 clesiastical, have, by abstaining from the enaction of 
 positive laws to regulate or punish them, admitted 
 the difficulty of distinguishing between their use 
 and abuse, except where the consequences of such 
 abuse left no doubt of their guilt or impropriety : — 
 
 To prescribe, by practicable legal rules, the 
 proper boundary o( expense in dress, furniture, or 
 equipage, or of any other indulgence of taste ; to 
 mark the exact limit beyond which the desire of 
 wealth becomes avarice or extortion, would be as 
 difficult as to regulate and enforce the rights and 
 obligations of hospitality or friendship. It is for 
 God to judge the heart of man. 
 
 It is the province of this Convention to legislate 
 for the government of the church of this diocess, 
 sirt)ject to the ordinances or canons of the Ameri- 
 can Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 Its legislation is not by recommendations, but 
 laws. It is the province and duty of the clergy, 
 not only to enforce the sanction of those laws, but 
 to add to recommendations, persuasions and en- 
 treaties : to discountenance vice and irreligion by 
 the denunciations and threats, — to encourage vir- 
 tue and piety by the invitations, the hopes, and 
 the rewards, of that gospel which they are com- 
 rnissioned to preach. 
 
 The great rule of moral action is prescribed to 
 both clergy and laity, by the unchangeable word 
 of God. 
 
 But, although this Convention deems any ex- 
 pression of its mere opinion upon any subject as 
 a departure from Its peculiar and appropriate du- 
 ties, a necessity is at present urged upon it, by a 
 regard to its own character, tocounteract the ten- 
 dency of misrepresentation to pervert its real mo- 
 tives in relation to certain decisions of its late ses- 
 sions, on a subject which has interested the church 
 of this diocess. 
 
 It has been again called upon, by some of its 
 members, to discountenance certain fashionable 
 amusements ; and it has been said that its reluc- 
 tance on a former occasion to depart from its 
 proper province, amounted to a tacit recognition 
 of their innocence. 
 
 With respect to gaming, by which is understood 
 play for money or other valuable thing, whatever form 
 It may assume, it is undoubtedly a practice re- 
 pugnant ahke to divine and to human law. 
 
 No canon of this church ought to. be regarded 
 as necessary, nor any expression required of the 
 opinion of this Convention, to discountenance a 
 practice so iniquitous, both in its immediate ef- 
 fects and its remote consequences, if indeed it ex- 
 ists among the members of this church. 
 
 That the theatre has, in every country in which 
 it has existed, led to the corruption of morals, 
 might be inferred from the general character of the 
 dramas which it exhibits, if the dangerous circum 
 stances attending the exhibition itself, the numer 
 ous temptations to extravagance and vice to which 
 it exposes its actors and its audience, left any room 
 to doubt its pernicious tendency. 
 
 It will be the proper time to distinguish between 
 the use and the abuse of this fascinating amuse- 
 mept, when the stage shall have been so regulated 
 as to realize the hopes of those who would regayd 
 it as a school of Cluistian morality. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 127 
 
 That dancing, a natural exercise among all na- 
 tions, civilized or savage, blended sometimes (as 
 its sister art, music, has often been) in their re- 
 ligious ceremonies, has been, frequently is, and 
 always may, be innocently and usefully conducted, 
 those only will question whose entire inexpe- 
 rience of the world has left them in ignorance of 
 its effects on the heart and manners. 
 
 That crowded and promiscuous public assem- 
 blies, where no security exists for the moral char- 
 acter of those who compose them except what 
 arises from the possession of the means of pur- 
 chasing admission ; where both gaming and drunk- 
 enness are either licensed or tolerated ; where 
 amusement reels into debauchery, and time, and 
 fortune, and health pay the price of a fleeting and 
 feverish gratification of the love of pleasure — that 
 all such assemblies are hostile to the spirit of 
 Christianity, those who have most frequently 
 witnessed their contagious influence must be ever 
 ready to acknowledge. 
 
 Yet, this Convention will not undertake to say 
 that individuals have not entered innocently these 
 dangerous scenes of pleasure, or passed through 
 them unhurt. 
 
 Still less is it about to denounce and repel by 
 its canons, from the bosom of the church, those 
 who, to its regret, may sometimes appear to coun- 
 tenance them. 
 
 The church warns its members of impending 
 danger : but, in cases of doubt, leaves their inno- 
 cence or guilt to the judgment of an all-seeing God, 
 to the conscience of man, his vicegerent on earth. 
 
 Having said so much to the laity, this Conven- 
 tion would conclude the expression which it has 
 reluctantly made of these opinions, with affec- 
 tionately urging upon the ministers of religion, 
 ■while they enforce the necessary discipline of 
 their respective churches in conformity with the 
 rubric and canons, to unite tenderness with au- 
 thority. 
 
 In the pastoral language of an earlier age of the 
 church, " it is not enough that ye are the fathers, 
 be ye also the mothers of your flock." 
 
 The question being put upon the said mo- 
 tion, was determined in the negative. 
 
 The question recurring on Mr. Lee's resolution, 
 on motion of Mr. Powell, supported by three other 
 members, the sense of the Convention thereupon 
 was taken by orders ; and, the votes being counted, 
 it appeared that the clergy present were unani- 
 mously in favour of the said resolution. Seven- 
 teen of the lay members voted in the aflSrmative, 
 and nine in the negative. 
 
 The bishop therefore announced that the said 
 resolution was agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 8 o'clock. « 
 
 Saturday, May 23, 1818. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by Bishop 
 Moore : after which he delivered his address on 
 the state of the church ; which being heard, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention be presented to the Right Rev. 
 Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his pious 
 and affectionate address on the state of the 
 church this day delivered ; and that he be re- 
 <iuested to furnish a copy thereof for insertion 
 in the journal. 
 
 The said address is in the following words : 
 
 Brethren, — The narrative of my episcopal 
 
 tour, in consequence of its recurrence every 
 year, would cease to enlist your feelings or to 
 command your attention, were it not for that 
 view of the church which it affords you. Every 
 circumstance which has the least bearing upon 
 her interest, I am convinced, must be important 
 in your estimation ; and as I perceive in the 
 laity of our communion such a devotion to her 
 cause, as I perceive in them a disposition to 
 rescue her from oblivion, and to raise her from 
 the dust, my bosom is inspired with confidence, 
 and I am encouraged to proceed in the history 
 of my official proceedings. 
 
 Immediately upon the adjournment of the 
 last Convention I visited Alexandria, preached 
 in both the churches in that city, admitted to 
 the order of deacon Mr. John Bryan and Mr. 
 Keith, and to the priesthood the Rev. William 
 Steel, of the county of Prince William. After 
 my return, in July, from the General Conven- 
 tion, I visited the county of Chesterfield, and 
 preached to an attentive auditory in Falling 
 Creek church. Hanover formed the next ob- 
 ject of my attention, in which county I preached 
 in three of the churches belonging to our com- 
 munion, and in one meeting-house erected upon 
 a general plan. I administered the rite of con- 
 firmation in that district of the diocess to a 
 small number of our members, and witnessed, 
 with infinite pleasure, that devotion to the in- 
 terest of our, communion for which that section 
 of the church is so peculiarly, so highly distin- 
 guished. When I mention the warm devotion 
 of that congregation to the church, I would not 
 be understood to embrace in the expression the 
 most distant idea of religious bigotry. They 
 entertain and express a tenderness for all the 
 sincere worshippers of God ; but, bred in our 
 bosom, instructed in our principles, and well- 
 informed upon every point connected with vital 
 piety, they have united in a determination to 
 rally around the altar of their fathers ; and, by 
 such exertions as will reflect honour upon their 
 venerable families and names to the latest pos- 
 terity, they have justified their claim to my 
 gratitude and respect. 
 
 In the month of September, I embarked in a 
 journey to some of the more distant counties. 
 In Nelson I preached a funeral sermon to a 
 large and deeply impressed auditory, on the 
 occasion of the death of the venerable mother 
 of Judge Cabell. She died as she had lived, 
 an ornament to the Episcopal Church of Vir- 
 ginia : her memory is embalmed by the tears, 
 not only of her children and descendants, but 
 of all who were favoured with her acquaintance. 
 I then crossed James river, into the county of 
 Campbell, and preached twice on Sunday in the 
 Methodist Church, and on Monday evening in 
 the Presbyterian Church, in Lynchburg. The 
 weather being very rainy, congregations were 
 comparatively small, but serious and devout. I 
 then visited New-London, and officiated in the 
 church near that place to a numerous assembly, 
 whose sensibiUty to the truths of religion 
 warmed my heart, and convinced me of their 
 piety and zeal. From New- London I proceeded 
 to Mecklenburg, and consecrated a new church 
 
128 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 erected by the parishioners of the Rev. Mr. 
 Ravenscroft. In that place, brethren, in which 
 the church was thought to be extinct, the friends 
 of our communion have awakened from their 
 slumbers : aided by the exertions of their faith- 
 ful and laborious minister, they have raised a 
 temple sacred to the living God. May that 
 Saviour whom they worship with so much ar- 
 dour and sincerity of heart, accept their sacri- 
 fice and remember them for good. 
 
 From MecklenbuYg I proceeded to the county 
 of Brunswick, and preached to a very large as- 
 sembly. From thence I went to Dinwiddie, 
 and officiated in the church formerly occupied 
 by the Rev. Mr. Jarratt. As I approached the 
 sacred edifice, I viewed it with sensations of no 
 common description. When I entered its walls, 
 I felt that I was treading on holy ground ; and 
 such was my impression of mind, that I could 
 not forbear from supplicating Heaven for the 
 mantle of that estimable, that holy man of God. 
 May Jehovah in mercy grant, that my brethren 
 of the clergy who now hear me may imitate 
 his bright example ; unawed by the world, may 
 they Uve as he did, and leave the minds of their 
 people as deeply impressed with their piety as 
 the minds of Mr. Jarratt's parishioners are with 
 his. I next visited Petersburg, and preached 
 in that place to a small but respectable auditory. 
 
 Having remained in my own parish a few 
 weeks, I made an excursion into » the eastern 
 part of the diocess. I commenced my labours in 
 Gloucester county to a small and attentive au- 
 dience. I then visited Matthews county, and 
 performed the last funeral solemnities for the 
 Rev. Mr. Smith. That gentleman continued 
 his labours until he w^as arrested by the disease 
 which terminated his life ; and it is with pleas- 
 ure I mention, that his parishioners spoke of him 
 with the greatest tenderness and respect. He 
 has left a widow and children behind him, who 
 are settled in great comfort, and deservedly 
 enjoy the confidence and regard of all who 
 know them. 
 
 From Matthews I went to Urbanna, and 
 preached upon a Sabbath to a very large and 
 deeply impressed auditory. I then repaired to 
 Rappahannock, and officiated in that place with 
 great satisfaction to my own mind, and, I trust, 
 some benefit to those who heard me. The con- 
 gregation was very respectable, and many of 
 them appeared to be deeply pious. From 
 thence I went to the church in the county of 
 Essex, and was amply repaid for my labours by 
 the devout attention of a worshipping people. 
 I then bent my course to Port Royal, where I 
 officiated to a large and attentive congregation. 
 In that place I have always been delighted with 
 the behaviour of the inhabitants during divine 
 worship ; and from the representations made to 
 me, I indulge a hope that it will not be long 
 before they will unite in support of a clergyman. 
 From Port Royal I repaired to King George 
 county ; and, although the court was sitting at 
 the time, the judges benevolently accommodated 
 me with an opportunity of preaching to the people. 
 
 I then went to Fredericksburg, in order to 
 admit the Rev. Mr. M'Guire to the priesthood. 
 
 In that place I preached, as usual, to a very 
 large congregation — a congregation who know 
 and who love the truth. 
 
 In the month of March I visited the church 
 of Norfolk, preached twice to large arid respect- 
 able congregations, and administered the rite 
 of confirmation to a considerable number. The 
 church of Norfolk is in a very flourishing, con- 
 dition : their worthy pastor, the Rev. Mr. Low, 
 stands high in the estimation of his parishioners, 
 and labours in the gospel with great fidelity. 
 
 On my way to this Convention I passed a few 
 days in Alexandria, in which city I preached 
 three times ; twice in Christ Church, and once 
 in St. Paul's. St. Paul's, brethren, is a new 
 building, and was consecrated to the service of 
 God the last Sabbath. It is an edifice honoura- 
 ble to the congregation, an ornament to the 
 town, and reflects the greatest credit upon the 
 labours of its worthy pastor, the Rev. Mr. Wil- 
 mer. After the consecration service was con- 
 cluded, I held a confirmation at the church, and 
 imposed my hands and invoked the blessings of 
 God upon eighty-eight persons, belonging to the 
 two churches in that city. In Alexandria the 
 church is rapidly advancing in numbers and in 
 piety. The congregations are overflowing, and 
 listen with tlje greatest avidity to the truths of 
 the gospel. 
 
 In my own parish, brethren, it is my duty to 
 mention, that my people continue to me their 
 affectionate regard — the number of the commu- 
 nicants increase, and the congregation is very 
 respectable. I endeavour to secure the affec- 
 tions of my parishioners by a faithful attention 
 to my parochial duties ; and, in order to pro- 
 mote the interests of the church, I sometimes 
 lecture from one to three times in the week, 
 independent of my Sabbath exercises. If fidel- 
 ity to God, and to their eternal interests, will 
 secure me the bles.sing of Heaven, that blessing, 
 I trust, will be obtained. 
 
 Brethren, we have much to encourage us in 
 the prosecution of the important object in which 
 we are jointly engaged. Many of the laity of 
 this diocess discover an ardour in the cause of 
 religion and the church which is calculated to 
 inspire the minds of the clergy with the greatest 
 energy and hope. While we perceive in them 
 an animation so laudable, the clergy cannot de- 
 spair of success. United in love, we will ad- 
 vance in a solid column, fighting under the ban- 
 ner of* the Lord Jesus Christ — the powers of 
 sin and darkness, I trust, will be vanquished, 
 the glory of God be promoted, our dilapidated 
 churches be rebuilt, and Zion rear her drooping 
 head. 
 
 To promote the cause of genuine religion is 
 our only object ; and as that object is legiti- 
 mate, it must succeed. We know of no ene- 
 mies but the enemies of our exalted Redeemer; 
 we stretch forth the right hand of fellowship to 
 all who in sincerity call upon the Lord Jesus 
 Christ ; we expect to meet in Heaven with 
 Christians of all denominations ; and, while we 
 labour in our department, we wish prosperity to 
 all the Saviour's friends. Yes, brethren, in 
 Heaven, distinctions will be done away— we 
 
CONVENTION OF 1818. 
 
 129 
 
 shall then be imbodied under one name — " the 
 spirits of the just made perfect" — and in joyful 
 union we will unite with them and angels in 
 singing unto Him who loved us, and washed 
 us from our sins in his own blood ; unto Jesus, 
 the exalted, precious Jesus, be all honour and 
 glory ascribed for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 A motion was made by the Rev. Mr. Low, 
 That the Convention do come to the following 
 resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the meeting of the next Con- 
 vention shall be in the borough of Norfolk. 
 
 On motion of the Hon. Hugh Nelson, the 
 resolution proposed was amended, by striking 
 out the words, " borough of Norfolk," and in- 
 serting in lieu thereof the words, " town of 
 Charlottesville." 
 
 And the said resolution, as amended, was, on 
 the question put thereupon, agreed to by the 
 Convention. 
 
 On motion, the amendment proposed by the 
 last Convention to the constitution for the gov- 
 ernment of the Protestant Episcopal Church of 
 Virginia, was taken up and considered— where- 
 upon, it was Resolved, That the said amend- 
 ment be agreed to, so that the meeting of the 
 next Convention of the church of this diocess 
 shall be holdcn on the third Thursday in May 
 next. But it was farther proposed and agreed 
 to by the Convention, that a proposition be 
 made, to be ratified by the said next Convention, 
 and (prior to the meeting thereof) to be trans- 
 mitted by the secretary to the vestries of the 
 several parishes which have ratified the said 
 constitution, viz. : that the said first article be 
 so amended, that the time of the Convention's 
 annual meeting shall thereafter be on the first 
 Thursday in June in each year. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent the 
 church of this diocess in the next General Con- 
 vention, to be holden at Philadelphia ; where- 
 upon the Rev. William H. "Wilmer, John S. 
 Ravenscroft, William Meade, George Lemon, 
 Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Mr. 
 Philip Nelson, and Mr. Charles F. Mercer, 
 were duly elected. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William Meade, Re- 
 solved, unanimously. That the thanks of this 
 Convention be presented to the secretary for 
 his zealous and disinterested services. 
 
 The bishop retired, being compelled to leave 
 the Convention by urgent pastoral duties ; 
 whereupon Mr. Charles F. Mercer was re- 
 quested to take the chair as president pro 
 tempore. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. George Lemon, the 
 report of the committee to whom the parochial 
 reports were referred was taken up, and ordered 
 to be inserted in the journal, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the subject of the parochial 
 reports beg leave to present the following con- 
 densed statement of the reports that have been 
 submitted to them. 
 
 In the congregation at the church in Winches- 
 ter, Frederick parish, divine service is tolerably 
 well attended, and generally performed with de- 
 votloa and decency. Number of communicants 
 
 between 30 and 40 — of baptisms 21— of marriages 
 3— and of funerals 6. 
 
 The church of St. Stephen's, Culpepper, is still 
 without a minister, though every exertion has 
 been made by the vestry to obtain one, but hitherto 
 without success. 
 
 Since the meeting of the last Convention, a 
 neat and commodious church has been erected on 
 the North Mountain, in Norborne parish— the 
 congregation and communicants have increased. 
 Communicants 90— baptisms 10 — funerals 5— mar- 
 riages 3. 
 
 In St. James's Church, Shelburne parish, Lees, 
 burg — baptisms 22 — communicants 42 — funerals 
 2 — marriages 3. 
 
 An Episcopal Female Society for the promo- 
 tion of Christian Knowledge has been here estab- 
 lished. 
 
 The report from Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle, is favourable. The sacrament has not been 
 administered since the settlement there of a min- 
 ister ; who, as yet, has only received deacon's 
 orders. Baptisms 5 — funerals 3. 
 
 The congregations of Hamilton parish, Fau- 
 quier, continue numerous and attentive, and, it is 
 hoped, the spirit of true religion is increasing 
 among them. The church is not yet finished, but 
 some measures have been lately taken to forward 
 that purpose. 
 
 The report from St. Paul's parish. King George 
 county, states, that religion is in a more pros- 
 perous state than it has been for several years, 
 and that the congregations are as large as the 
 house at present used for divine service will admit 
 of. 
 
 Since October last, baptisms 32 — marriages 3— 
 deaths 4. 
 
 In Staunton, the members of the church are 
 few ; at Jennings's Branch, the congregations are 
 respectable ; and in Nelson the prospect is flatter- 
 ing ; marriages 39 — baptisms 39. 
 
 In Dumfries Church, Dettingen parish, Prince 
 William county, communicants 30— baptisms 13 
 — deaths 8. 
 
 Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, Stafford, 
 conununicants 16 — baptisms 4 — 1 death. 
 
 In St. Martin's parish, in the counties of Han- 
 over and Louisa— the connexion between the ves- 
 try and their late rector, the Rev. John Philips, 
 has lately ceased. 
 
 The vestry are zealous and anxious for the in- 
 troduction of another minister, beUeving that a 
 pious and diUgent labourer in our Lord's vineyard 
 would there meet with a cordial reception and a 
 comfortable support. Communicants about 30, 
 
 The report from St. James's parish, Mecklen- 
 burg county, states, that the expectation held out 
 in the last year's report has been realized. The 
 church there begun has been finished, and conse- 
 crated by the Right Rev. Richard C. Moore, and 
 regularly occupied on alternate Sundays since. 
 The service is well attended, and an increasing 
 interest therein is felt and manifested, and the 
 number of members and communicants has in- 
 creased. Communicants 18. In the lower part 
 of the parish, little or no interest is taken in the 
 cause, except by a few who are members and com- 
 municants— 10 in all. No increase m the past 
 year. 
 
 Baptisms 56 — 44 of them black, eleven white 
 children, and 1 adult, white— 4 marriages and 6 
 funerals. Whole number of communicants in the 
 parish 28. 
 
 Church on Richmond Hill. The congregation 
 is in a flourishing state. The old church being 
 inadequate to the accommodation of all its mem- 
 bers, they have, within the past year, determined 
 
130 
 
 CONVfiNTIOM OF 1819. 
 
 upon the erection of a spacious and handsome 
 brick church, which has been commenced, and is 
 going on with every prospect of complete success. 
 Communicants about 30. 
 
 In Christ Church, Berkeley county, no change 
 has taken place indicative of a revival since the last 
 year's report. The regular attendance, however, 
 of the members on the public worship of God, 
 and their orderly deportment while there, encour- 
 age the hope that the dihgent use of those means 
 which God, in his word, has promised to bless and 
 make effectual in bringing the people out of dark- 
 ness into light, and from the bondage of sin and 
 Satan into the glorious liberty of the ctiildren of 
 God, will be at last successful. 
 
 Two members added at ^ last communion :— 
 whole number of comn\unicants 33 — baptisms 50 
 — catechumens 35—1 marriage — 1 death. 
 
 Parish of St. Andrews. Communicants 150 — 
 baptisms 153— funerals (not before reported) 27— 
 marriages (not before reported) 13. 
 
 A religious library has been established in each 
 of the principal congregations of the parish, the 
 benefits of which are extended to the catechumens 
 and the poor. Baptisms, 1 adult, 10 children, by 
 the minister of this parish, in vacant parishes 
 where no register is kept. 
 
 The church in Fredericksburg is still in a 
 flourishing state, increasing in numbers and piety. 
 
 In the parish of St. Mark, Culpepper county, 
 there are 42 communicants; and, since the last 
 Convention, 39 baptisms, 5 marriages, and 8 fu- 
 nerals. 
 
 In Norfolk, the church is in a flourishing con- 
 dition. The number of those who attend on its 
 public services is very large, and the body of its 
 members characterized by very encouraging ap- 
 pearances of religious life. Communicants about 
 130 — baptisms 67 — marriages 27. 
 
 The Monumental Church is in the same state 
 as formerly, — communicants increasing. The 
 chapel in the county of Frederick is in the same 
 
 state as formerly, and another church in that 
 county nearly completed. 
 
 The churches in Alexandria continue in a flour- 
 ishing condition ; since the last Convention, a large 
 and commodious edifice has been erected and 
 consecrated to the public service of God, in place 
 of the old St. Paul's Church, which had been 
 sold. The number of communicants is increasing, 
 and it is hoped that there is a correspondent im- 
 provement in the piety of its members, and in their 
 attachment to the principles of the church. 
 
 Beckford parish, Shenandoah county. The 
 church in this parish has many sincere lovers, 
 who are not only able, but willing, to aid in reviving 
 the celebration of its ordinances among them. At 
 present, they are destitute of a pastor. Could one 
 be procured, they would most cheerfully support 
 him. In one part of the parish it has lately been 
 proposed to erect a brick church, and there is no 
 doubt of its being erected in the course of a short 
 time. This parish earnestly requests the Rev. 
 clergy to a.ssist them as frequently as convenient, 
 and entreats the bishop to send them a pastor as 
 speedily as possible, pliedging themselves to pro- 
 vide for his comfortable support. 
 
 George Lemon, 
 Chairman of the Committee. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Benjamin Allen, 
 
 Resolved, That one thousand copies of the 
 Journal of this Convention be printed ; and 
 that the same be distributed by the secretary, 
 under the superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 No farther business being before it, on mo- 
 tion, the Convention adjourned, to meet at Char- 
 lottesville, in the county of Albemarle, on the 
 third Thursday in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 
 Church of Virginia. 
 
 Attest, William Munford, Secretjuy, 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginiaf 
 which assembled at Petersburg, on Thursday y the i2th of May, 1819. 
 
 Thb Convention met, and was opened with 
 divine service, and a sermon by the Rev. Enoch 
 M. Lowe. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore took the chair 
 
 as president of the Convention 
 
 A committee, consisting of the Rev. John S. 
 Ravenscroft, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr. Will- 
 iam Mayo, were appointed to examine the cer- 
 tificates of appointments of the lay deputies ; 
 whereupon the following gentlemen, being pres- 
 ent, were reported to have been duly chosen, 
 conformably with the canons of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : — 
 
 Robert Page, for the church in Winchester ; 
 Philip Nelson, for Frederick parish ; John 
 Thom, for St. Mark's Church, Culpepper ; 
 John Nelson, jr., for St. James's parish, Meck- 
 lenburg; William Mayo, for the Monumental 
 Church in the city of Richmond ; Nathaniel 
 Craighill, for St. Andrew's parish, Jeflferson 
 county ; Carter Berkeley, for St. Martin's par- 
 ish, Hanover ; Robert Randolph, for Hamilton 
 parish, Fauquier ; Sylvester Nash, for Christ 
 Church, Norbome parish ; Josias Clapham, for 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ; John Gram 
 
 Washington, for St. Paul's Church, Alexan- 
 dria ; Grandison Aisquith, for Christ Churchy 
 Alexandria ; Strother M. Helm, for Norbome 
 parish, Berkeley ; Norman Nash, for Hampshire 
 county ; George M. Carrington, for Richmond 
 Hill Church, Henrico parish ; Needham L. 
 Washington, for St. Paul's parish, King George ; 
 John Gray, for St. George's parish, Fredericks- 
 burg. 
 
 The following clericaJ deputies appeared and 
 took their seats in thi« Convention, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. W. H. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, 
 Alexandria ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol 
 parish, Petersburg ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 Christ Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. J. S. Ra- 
 venscroft, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; 
 the Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun ; 
 the Rev. John L. Bryan, Christ Church, Nor- 
 bome parish, Berkeley county ; the Rev. Ben- 
 jamin Allen, St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ; 
 the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's 
 parish, Fredericksburg; the Rev. Thomas G. 
 Allen, Dettingen parish, Dumfries ; the Rev. 
 William H. Hart, church on Richmond Hill, 
 Henrico parish; the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, 
 
 »er, for Bristol parish, Petersburg ; George F. 1 Norbome parish, Berkeley ; the Rev. William 
 
CONVENTION OF 1819. 
 
 131 
 
 Steel, Dettingen and Leeds parishes, Prince 
 William county ; the Rev. S. Wydown, St. 
 Martin's parish, Hanover county. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 the Rev. John Dunn, the Rev. John S. Ravens- 
 croft, Mr. Robert Randolph, Dr. Carter Berke- 
 ley, and Mr. WiUiam Mayo, be a conamittee to 
 take into consideration the state of the church in 
 this diocess, and report thereupon to this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Oliver Norris, the 
 Rev. William H. Hart, the Rev. Edward C. 
 M'Guire, Mr. Needham L. Washington, and 
 Mr. John Nelson, jr., be a committee to examine 
 the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Robert Page, Mr. George 
 F. Washington, and Mr. John Thorn, be a 
 committee to examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr, Philip Nelson, Mr. John 
 Grammer, and Mr. John Gray, be a committee 
 to examine the accounts of the treasurer of *' the 
 Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society for 
 the Diocess of Virginia." 
 
 On motion of Mr. Philip Nelson, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the Rev. Enoch 
 M. Lowe be requested to accept the thanks of 
 this Convention, for his evangelical and appro- 
 priate sermon delivered this morning. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 
 Resolved, That the reading of the canons of 
 this church at present be dispensed with. 
 
 The journal of the proceedings of the standing 
 committee during the last year was read by 
 the secretary, together with the rules for regu- 
 lating the proceedings of the Conventions of 
 this diocess. 
 
 A report from the managers of " the Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society of the Diocess of Vir- 
 ginia" was presented by Mr. Wilmer, and read, 
 as follows : — 
 
 The managers of <*the Prayer-Book and Tract 
 Society of the Diocess of Virginia," in obedience 
 to the rule of the Convention, beg leave to make a 
 report of their proceedings. 
 
 Since the formation of the society, it appears, 
 that about six hundred prayer-books, five hundred 
 Expositions of the Catechisni by Lewis, and fif- 
 teen thousand tracts, have been distributed. Some 
 of the prayer-books and catechisms have been sold 
 on a profit, and the proceeds thereof have been ap- 
 plied to the credit of the society. There are now 
 on hand 120 prayer-books of the smaller size, 18 
 of the larger, 500 of the Expositions of the Cate- 
 chism, and one thousand of the catechism with- 
 out comment. There remains in the hands of the 
 treasurer the sum of seventy-one dollars and nine 
 cents, as per account herewith rendered to the 
 Convention. For this balance responsibilities 
 have been incurred, on account of tracts now in 
 the press. Arrangements have been made for 
 printing, which promise hereafter a more regular 
 and uninterrupted supply of tracts than we have 
 hitherto been able to obtain; and the difl!iculty 
 which has presented itself in regard to the means 
 of transmitting the tracts to the various parts of 
 the state, we hope to remove, by forming a depot 
 at each of the places, Norfolk, Richmond, Fred- 
 ericksburg, and Winchester ; at each of v^hich it 
 is proposed to appoint an agent for receiving and 
 distributing them. 
 
 The managers felicitate themselves, that al- 
 I 
 
 though the operations of the society have been re- 
 tarded more than perhaps might reasonably have 
 been expected, yet, that some good has already 
 been done, and they hope and believe that the ar- 
 rangements which they have now succeeded in 
 making, will hereafter give more promptitude and 
 efficacy to their exertions. They therefore feel 
 encouraged to call upon the friends of religion and 
 the church to aid them in carrying into effect the 
 important and benevolent objects of the institu- 
 tion. 
 
 W. H. Wilmer, Chairman. 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 9 o'clock, 
 
 Friday, May 14, 1819. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the bishop. 
 
 Mr. Robert Page, from the committee for ex- 
 amining the treasurer's accounts, presented a 
 report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 We, the undersigned committee appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, report. That 
 we have discharged that duty, and find the ac- 
 counts fair and correct ; and that the balance in 
 the hands of the treasurer at the meeting of the 
 present Convention, was four hundred and eigh- 
 teen dollars and sixty-eight cents ; all which 
 will appear by the accompanying accounts and 
 documents, which are respectfully submitted, 
 Robert Page, 
 Geo. F. WASHiNGTOif, 
 John Thom, 
 
 William Munford, Treasurer of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of Virginia, in account with 
 said Church, Dr, 
 
 1818, May 20, 
 
 To balance due by settlement,, * 
 To cash received for contrit)utions from 
 the parishes for the year 1818, as 
 follows ;— 
 Of Christ Church, Alexandria, by Ed' 
 
 mund I. Lee, - - - - 
 St. Andrew's Parish, by Abraham 
 
 Shepherd, - - . - 
 
 Shelburne Parish, by the Rev. John 
 
 Dunn, 
 
 Aquia Church, by William H. Fitz- 
 
 hugh, 
 
 Frederick Parish, by Philip Nelson, 
 
 do. by the Rev. Alexander Balmain, 
 Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle, by 
 
 Hugh Nelson, - ^ . ^ 
 Hamilton Parish, by Edward Digges, 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper, by 
 
 Isaac Winston, jr., - 
 Christ Church, Norbome Parish, by 
 
 Joel Ward, - - - - 
 St. Martin's Parish, Hanover, by Car- 
 ter Berkeley, - . , , 
 St. James's Parish, Mecklenburg, by 
 
 John Nelson, jr., 
 Dettingen Parish, by Lewis Berkeley, 
 St. Paul's Parish, King George 
 
 County, by Needham L. Wash-. 
 
 ington, , - - _ . 
 
 $88 87 
 
 30 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 3Q 00 
 30 00 
 30 00 
 
 30 00 
 30 00 
 
 80 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 30 00 
 20 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 Amount earned forward. 
 
 $473 87 
 
]32 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1819. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $473 87 
 
 Of Henrico Parish, sent by the Rev. 
 
 Mr. Hart, 30 00 
 
 Norborne Parish, Berkeley, by James 
 
 Walker, 80 00 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, by Francis 
 
 I. Wiatt, 30 00 
 
 St. George's Parish, Fredericksburg, 
 
 by Robert Lewis, - - - 30 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, by 
 
 the Rev. William H. Wilmer, $30 i 
 
 Deducting S. Snowden's ac- > 24 00 
 
 count for printing, &c., - 6 ) 
 Bristol Parish, Petersburg, by the 
 
 Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, - - 30 00 
 Dumfries Church, Dettingen Parish, 
 
 by Thomas G. Allen, - - 14 00 
 
 St. Anne's Parish, Essex, by Robert 
 
 Lewis, 30 00 
 
 St. Mark's Parish, Culpepper, by Will- 
 iam Broadus, - - - - 30 00 
 Monumental Church in the city of 
 
 Richmond, by Bishop Moore, - 30 00 
 Beckford Parish, Shenandoah, by 
 
 Benjamin Blackford, - - - 30 00 
 1818, August 16. 
 Of Dettingen Parish, by hands of 
 
 Bishop Moore, - - - - 30 00 
 Accomack County, by do., - - 30 00 
 
 $841 87 
 
 May 13, 1819.— To balance due, $418 68 
 
 1818, May. Cr. 
 
 By cash paid for Bishop Moore, at Oc- 
 
 coquan, - - - - - $1 00 
 
 " do. paid the Rev. William H. Wil- 
 mer, stage-hire for do. on way to 
 Winchester,^ 7 00 
 
 June 11. 
 
 By printing account paid Thomas 
 Ritchie, editor of the Richmond En- 
 quirer, - - - - - -2 25 
 
 June 13. 
 
 By cash paid Lewis Armistead, hack- 
 driver, on account of Bishop Moore's 
 episcopal visitations, - - - 124 00 
 
 June 16. 
 
 By printing account, paid Ritchie, True- 
 heart and Du-Val, - - - - 77 94 
 
 July 11. 
 
 By hack-hire paid Lewis Armistead, on 
 account of Bishop Moore's episco- 
 pal visitations, - - - - 36 00 
 
 August 16. 
 
 By cash paid Bishop Moore on same 
 
 account, - - - - - 10 00 
 
 October 13. 
 
 By hack-hire paid Lewis Armistead, on 
 
 same account, - - - - 88 00 
 
 October 26. 
 
 By cash paid Bishop Moore on same 
 
 account, 40 00 
 
 " cash paid Bishop Moore on same 
 account, - - - - 37 00 
 
 Amount brought forward. 
 Balance due from the treasurer. 
 
 Errors excepted, 
 
 $423 19 
 418 68 
 
 $841 87 
 
 WiLLUM MuNFORD, Treasurer. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Page, 
 
 Resolved, That the said report and statement 
 of the treasurer's account be approved. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Needham L. Washington, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention 
 express their approbation of the object of the 
 Colonization Society, and offer up their hearty 
 prayers for its success. 
 
 The Convention then attended divine ser- 
 vice by the Rev. Thomas G. Allen, and a ser- 
 mon by the Rev. John Dunn •, after which, the 
 session was resumed. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 address the board of managers of the Coloniza- 
 tion Society, and to express the approbation and 
 good wishes of this house. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of Mr. Wil- 
 mer, Mr. Needham L. Washington, and Mr. 
 Robert Page. 
 
 Mr. Wilmer, from the standing committee, 
 presented a report of the money collected in the 
 different parishes on account of the fund for 
 the support of the episcopate, and of the invest- 
 ment of part thereof in stock ; which was read, 
 as follows : — 
 
 Received on account of the Fund for the Sup" 
 port of the Episcopate. 
 
 1818, Dec. 3. 
 
 By the Rev. William H. Wilmer, $169 00 
 
 1819, January 11th. 
 
 By the Rev. John Dunn, amount of 
 collection in Shelbume Parish, Lou- 
 doun, 67 68 
 
 " the Rev. Oliver Norris, amount of 
 annual contribution from Christ 
 Church, Alexandria, - - - 100 00 
 
 " George Taylor, Esq., from a sub- 
 scriber for life, - - - - 50 00 
 
 " contribution from St. Andrew's Par- 
 ish, Jefferson County, - - - 100 00 
 
 " the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, col- 
 lected in St. Stephen's Church, Cul- 
 pepper, 21 50 
 
 •* Robert Randolph, Esq., collected in 
 
 Hamilton Parish, Fauquier, - - 71 25 
 
 " the Rev. J. S. Ravenscroft, annual 
 subscription, from St. James's Par- 
 ish, Mecklenburg, - - - - 65 00 
 
 Collection in the same parish, - - 33 75 
 
 Collection in Brunswick County, - 24 67 
 
 By William Mayo, Esq., collection in 
 
 the Monumental Church, Richmond, 200 66 
 
 " the Rev. William H. Hart, collection 
 
 in the church on Richmond Hill, - 33 00 
 
 *< the Rev. Thomas G. Allen, collec- 
 tion in Dumfries Church, - - 17 34 
 
 " in Aquia Church, - - - - 6 00 
 
 Stock purchased by the standing corn- 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $423 19 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $959 85 
 
CONVENTION OF 1819. 
 
 133 
 
 Amount brought forward, $959 85 
 
 tnittee in the Farmers' Bank of Al- 
 exandria : — 
 
 1818, Dec. 7. 
 
 3 Shares, at $52, 
 
 1819, Feb. 17. 
 
 1 Share, at do., 
 April 8. 
 
 4 Shares, at $50, 
 
 Balance in hand. 
 
 • $156 00 
 
 52 00 
 
 200 00 
 
 408 00 
 
 $551 85 
 
 I have about three hundred dollars yet to col- 
 lect from subscribers for the above purpose, and 
 which I would have collected before this, but for 
 my being unable for a long time to attend to 
 any business. Edmund J. Lee. 
 
 May lOth, 1819. 
 
 A donation of one hundred dollars to the said 
 fund was this day presented by Mrs. Jarratt, 
 widow of the Rev. Devereaui Jarratt, deceased ; 
 whereupon, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be given lo Mrs. Jarratt, the 
 relict of the late Rev. Devereaux Jarratt, for 
 the very liberal donation of one hundred dollars, 
 which she has made to the episcopal fund ; and 
 that the secretary of the Convention be request- 
 ed to transmit to Mrs. Jarratt a copy of this reso- 
 lution, and to assure her of the high sense en- 
 tertained by the Convention of this obligation, 
 endeared as it is by the munificence of the 
 ^onor, and by the recollection of the virtues of 
 her late husband. 
 
 Mr. Philip Nelson, from the committee for 
 examining the accounts of the treasurer of the 
 Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society, pre- 
 sented a report and statement, which were read, 
 as follows : — 
 
 We, the committee appointed to examine the 
 accounts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book 
 and Tract Society of the Diocess of Virginia, 
 have examined the account, and find the balance 
 due by the treasurer seventy-one dollars and 
 nine cents. Philip Nelson, 
 
 J. Grammer, 
 
 May Hth, 1819. John Gray. 
 
 A motion was made by the Rev. Benjamin 
 Allen, that the Convention agree to the follow- 
 ing resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the managers of the Com- 
 mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society be autho- 
 rized to receive and apply any funds committed 
 to them for the promotion of Christian knowl- 
 edge generally. 
 
 On motion of Mr. William Mayo, 
 
 Ordered, That the said proposed resolution 
 be referred to a select committee. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of the Rev. 
 Samuel Wydown, the Rev. William Steel, the 
 Rev. Benjamin Allen, and Mr. Philip Nelson. 
 
 In conformity with the 10th article of the 
 constitution for the government of this diocess, 
 the Convention proceeded to the ejection of a 
 standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon the 
 Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver 
 
 Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington, Edmund J. Lee, and George Tay- 
 lor, Esqrs., were duly elected. 
 
 On motion, the Convention also proceeded to 
 the election, by ballot, of eight delegates to rep- 
 resent this diocess in the next General Conven- 
 tion ; whereupon the Rev. WiUiam H. Wil- 
 mer, the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. 
 William Meade, the Rev. George Lemon, the 
 Hon. Bushrod Washington, Edmund J. Lee, 
 Charles F. Mercer, and Philip Nelson, Esqrs., 
 were duly elected. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 15, 1819. 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the bishop. 
 Mr. John Moncure, a lay deputy for Aquia 
 Church, in Overwharton parish, Stafford county, 
 produced a certificate of his appointment in con- 
 formity with the canons, and took his seat in 
 the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Benjamin Allen, from the commit- 
 tee to which the resolution offered by him for 
 the promotion of Christian knowledge was 
 referred, presented the following resolutions in 
 lieu thereof; which, being twice read, were, on 
 questions severally put thereupon, agreed to by 
 the Convention, viz. : — 
 
 Resolved, That it is inexpedient to connect a 
 missionary fund with any other. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 friends of the church immediately to organize 
 themselves into a missionary society for the 
 benefit of vacant parishes ; of which society the 
 bishop of the diocess shall be cx-o^cio president. 
 The Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, from the 
 committee on the state of the church, presented 
 a report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the state 
 of the church, have, according to order, had the 
 same under their consideration, and beg leave to 
 submit the following resolutions : — 
 
 Whereas it was recommended at the last Gen- 
 eral Convention, that the sense of the different 
 State Conventions should be taken, and reported 
 to the ensuing General Convention, on certain 
 amendments to the constitution of the church in 
 these United States — one of which relates to the 
 second article of the constitution as now estab- 
 Ushed, and is in the following words, viz. : — 
 
 " To strike out from the beginning of the second 
 article to the end of the first period, which termi- 
 nates with the word ' Convention,' and to insert, 
 in lieu thereof, the following provisions : — Every 
 state or territory of the United States may be 
 made to constitute, of itself, or in union with the 
 whole or certain portions of any other state or 
 territory, one diocess, or be divided into two or 
 more diocesses by the General Convention, with 
 the consent of the local ecclesiastical authority or 
 authorities affected thereby. Each diocess shall 
 be entitled to a representation of the clergy and 
 laity, to consist of deputies chosen in such man- 
 ner as the Convention of the diocess may pre- 
 scribe ; the number of clerical deputies of each 
 diocess to be in the proportion of one deputy for 
 every five ministers resident, and the number of 
 lay deputies, of one for every ten congregations 
 organized therein ; provided that every diocess 
 shall be entitled to at least two clerical and two 
 
134 
 
 CONVENTION OP 18ig. 
 
 lay deputies, and that no diocess shall be entitled 
 to more than twelve clerical and eight lay depu- 
 ties in the General Convention. In all questions 
 submitted to the house of clerical and lay depu- 
 ties, the decision thereupon, if required by the 
 representation of any diocess, shall be by orders ; 
 each order having one vote expressed by a majori- 
 ty of the voices therein, and the concurrence of 
 both orders shall be necessary in such case to 
 constitute the vote of the house." 
 
 And ypur committee being of opinion that no 
 beneficial result would be obtained either to the 
 general or particular interests of the church by 
 agreeing to the said proposed amendment, but, 
 on the contrary, that much injury would be sus- 
 tained in various ways, particularly by the ten- 
 dency which the proposed amendment has to ex- 
 cite jealousy among the different diocesses and 
 branches of the church ; — 
 
 Thefefore, be it Resolved by the Convention of this 
 diocess, That it is inexpedient to agree to the 
 said amendment of the second article of the con- 
 stitution of the church as now estabUshed. 
 
 And whereas it was also recopimended by the 
 last General Convention that an alteration should 
 be made in the first article of the constitution of 
 the general church, which amendment is in the fol- 
 lowing words, viz. : — 
 
 " Resolved, That it is expedient to alter the 
 first article of the constitution of this church, so 
 fiEir as it fixes the time of the meeting of the Gen- 
 eral Cpnyention thereof, by striking out the vvords 
 — 'third Tuesday in May, in the year of our 
 Lord 1808, and on tlie third Tuesday in May ;' 
 and inserting, instead thereof, the words, 'first 
 Tiiesday in October, in the year of our Lord 1823, 
 and on the first Tuesday in October.^ " 
 
 And your committee being of opinion that it 
 will be advantageous to the interests of the 
 church that the san^e be adopted : therefore, 
 
 Be it Resolved by the Convention of this diocess, 
 That the proposed amendment of the first article 
 of the constitution of the general church be con- 
 curred in. 
 
 Your committee have also had under their con- 
 sideration an amendment, proposed at the last 
 Convention of this diocess, in the constitution of 
 the church in this state, by which the time of 
 jneeting of the Conventions shall hereafter be on 
 the first Thursday in June of each year, instead 
 of the third Thursday in May. — And, being of 
 opinion that the proposed change would very con- 
 siderably increase the inconvenience which the 
 lay delegates already have to encounter in leav- 
 ing their homes at a busy season of the year, 
 therefore, 
 
 Be it Resolved by this Convention, That it is in- 
 expedient to agree to the said proposed amend- 
 ment or alteration o£ the conAtJiution of the 
 church in this diocess. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 The said resolutions being twice read, were, 
 on questions severally put thereupon, agireejd to 
 by the house. 
 
 The Conyeation then attended divine service 
 by the Rev. Samudi Wydown, and a sermon by 
 the Rev. William H. Hart ; after which the 
 session was resumed. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to 
 tjie Convention his address on the state of the 
 church ; which being heard, 
 
 Res.oJ,ved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convieation be presented to the Right Rev. 
 Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his af- 
 fectionate and appropriate pastoral address, and 
 
 that he be requested to furnish a copy thereof 
 for insertion in the Journal. 
 
 The said address is in the following words : — 
 
 Brethren, — To effect great and important 
 objects, great and continued exertion is required. 
 Difficulties must not be permitted to paralyza 
 our efforts, nor to unnerve our arm. The mind, 
 fixed upon a legitimate point, must put forth all 
 its energies in the attainment of the contempla- 
 ted design. To press forward towards the 
 mark, and to persevere with firmness, can alone 
 secure to us success, and effect the completion 
 of that hallowed object in which we have enga- 
 ged,-r-the resuscit^tipn of thp phurch of ©or 
 fathers. 
 
 When travelling through this extensive dio» 
 cess, fatigued with labours peculiar to the 
 station which I occupy, my spirits are always 
 revived by recurring to that noble principle 
 which forms the soul of this Convention, and 
 which animates the bosom of each individual 
 member. It is to raise our Zion from the dust, 
 to build up her prostrated altars, and to furnish 
 the people of our communion with the bread pf 
 life, that we are labouring. Jehovah from his 
 throne of mercy looks down with approbation, 
 and whispers to our hearts, " Well done, good 
 and faithful servants." 
 
 When the ruins of our desolated temples 
 meet my eye, and the religious privations of the 
 people are presented to my view, my soul ist 
 overwhelmed with those reflections peculiar to 
 the case. Considering the enemy of mankind 
 as the origin of the desolation and distress which 
 I behold, a new impetus is communicated 
 to my mind ! The cross of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ is presented to my view, and " lo ! I am 
 with you always," revives my heart, and impels 
 n>e to renewed exertion. To labour in the 
 vineyard of the crucified Saviour, has formed 
 my chief delight for the last thirty-two years of 
 my life ; and though the power of doing good 
 is in a degree abridged by an increase of years, 
 still my inclination is as great as it has ever 
 been ; and if I can add one stone to the sacred 
 edifice, and see the church of my fathers placed 
 upon that height to which the apostolic purity 
 of her doctrines entitles her, I shall commit my 
 head to the pillow of death with satisfaction, 
 and leave my best blessings to those who shall 
 survive me. 
 
 Were I to say, brethren, that I entertain the 
 least doubt of our ulthnate success, I should 
 speak a language foreign to my heart. We are 
 not, it is to be remembered, entering within the 
 enclosures of other denominations, and interfe- 
 ring with them. We are absolutely seeking the 
 lost sheep of our own fold. We are in pursuit 
 of those who have been baptized at the altars 
 we are appointed to guard, and who are desti-; 
 tute Jof spiritual food. 
 
 When I look around me, and with an anxious 
 solicitude yiew those labourers engaged with 
 me in the work ; when I witness their zeal, 
 and listen to the sacred truths they deliver ; 
 when I hear the name of Jesus and the 
 triumphs of redeeming grace proclaimed by 
 yputhful lips ; >yhen I see the standard of tho 
 
CONVENTION OF 1819. 
 
 195 
 
 cross erected in every pulpit ; when I hear the 
 Redeemer proclaimed as the Lord our righte- 
 ousness, the only hope of the believer ; when I 
 see the ministers of the church leading their 
 flocks to the Saviour, as " the way, and the 
 truth, and the life;" when I behold those who 
 have been set apart to the sacred ministry by 
 the imposition of my hands, treading in the 
 steps of Hall, Davenant, and Hooker ; conduct- 
 ing their fellow-mortals, not to Socrates and 
 Seneca for relief, but to that fountain which 
 was opened on Calvary for the salvation of a 
 ruined world ; — the wilderness and solitary 
 places of the church appear stripped of their 
 v/eeds, and are presented to my enraptured 
 view in all the verdure of primitive times. 
 
 Brethren, we have much cause of gratitude 
 to God for the mercies conferred upon us ; and 
 though all has not been done that we could 
 have wished, still, enough has been effected to 
 convince us that the Lord is with us, and that 
 Jehovah smiles upon our efforts. 
 
 After leaving the Convention in Winchester 
 last May, in which place I confirmed a goodly 
 number, and ordained two priests and one dea- 
 con, I repaired to the congregation at Bunker's 
 Hill, at which place I consecrated a neio stone 
 church to the service of Almighty God, preach- 
 ed to a devout and pious people, and confirmed 
 thirty-five persons. I then visited Martinsburg, 
 at which place I preached twice on the Sab- 
 bath, to a respectable and attentive auditory, 
 and confirmed fourteen. After discharging my 
 duties in Martinsburg, J visited the North 
 Mountain, where I proclaimed the truths of the 
 gospel to a large and attentive assembly, conse- 
 crated a new and beautiful church, and confirm- 
 ed fifteen. 
 
 From the North Mountain I went to Shep- 
 iherdstown, at which place I preached to a large 
 •fiuditory, and confirmed fifty. From thence I 
 \vent to Charlestown, in Jefferson county, open- 
 ed a new and elegant church, and confirmed 
 twenty-five. From Charlestown I repaired to 
 the chapel in Frederick county, and preached to 
 a pious and devout assembly. After completing 
 the object of my visit beyond the Blue Ridge, I 
 crossed into the county of Loudoun, and visited 
 the parish under the care of Mr. Dunn, preach- 
 ed twice on the Sabbath, and once on Monday, 
 to large and attentive congregations, ^.nd con- 
 firmed twelve. From Loudoun I repaired to 
 Prince William, and preached at Haymarket. 
 From thence I went to Fauqui-er, consecrated a 
 new church, delivered a discourse adapted to the 
 occasion, arid assisted in the administration of 
 the Lord's Supper. From Fauquier I passed 
 into Culpepper, and preached to a large con- 
 gregation. Frooi Culpepper I went to Orange, 
 and preached on the Sabbath to a large and at- 
 tentive assembly. From Orange I went to Al- 
 bemarle, but, as some mistake had taken place 
 relative to my appointment, I was not presented 
 with an opportunity of officiating. Having thus 
 finished my spring tour, I returned to Richmond. 
 
 Remaining at home a fortnight, I again left 
 my parish the last of June, on a visit to some 
 of the lower counties. In Ne^y J^ent I prea^ch- 
 
 ed to an attentive congregation, in the old parish 
 church of St. Peter's. I then repaired to York- 
 town, and officiated in the courthouse, and on 
 the subsequent Sabbath preached in the church 
 in Williamsburg, administered the Lord's Sup- 
 per to the people, and then returned home. 
 
 The claims of Hanover to my pastoral atten- 
 tion summoned me into that county, in which 
 district I preached, in the course of the week, 
 in four places of public worship, and lectured a* 
 Doctor Carter Berkeley's. My visit to that 
 parish was again repeated after a little time, 
 when I administered the Lord''s Supper, and 
 preached, as usual, to a pious and attentive con- 
 gregation at the Fork Church. The state of 
 that parish, composed of individuals endeared to 
 me by a thousand tender considerations, in- 
 duced me to visit it a third time, when I preach- 
 ed in two of the churches, administered the 
 Lord's Supper, and lectured at Mr. Francis 
 Nelson's. 
 
 The last autumn, I left Richmond on a tour 
 to the northern section of the diocess, preached 
 in Fredericksburg in the evening, and continued 
 my journey as far as Alexandria. In that city 
 I preached five times in three days, to over- 
 flowing, pious congregations. From Alexandria 
 I passed into Prince William, consecrated a new 
 church, preached to a pious people, and admin- 
 istered the Lord's Supper. From Prince V/itlr 
 iam I again repaired to Fredericksburg, at 
 which place I preached twice, and assisted Mr. 
 M'Guire in the administration of the Lord's 
 Supper. From thence I went to Port Royal, 
 where I also officiated, and then returned to 
 Richmond. In addition to the duties above 
 specified, I have visited C^iesterfield several 
 times — preached once in the church of Falling 
 Creek, and also upon two funeral occasions. 
 
 In the month of November I visited Norfolk, 
 in which place I delivered an ordination sermon, 
 and admitted to the holy order of priest the 
 Rev. Mr. Avery, of Edenton, North Carolina. 
 From Norfolk I went to the eastern shore of 
 Virginia, preached in three different places in 
 the county of Accomack, and administered the 
 Lord's Supper to a deeply impressed congrega- 
 tion. From Accomack I proceeded to North- 
 ampton, in which county I preached to a large 
 and attentive assembly. The congregation in 
 Accomack have procured the services of the 
 Rev. Mr. Eastbum, and it is my duty to state, 
 that, from the devotional disposition of the peo- 
 ple, I have every reason to believe that the sit- 
 uation will secure to him the greatest comfort. 
 
 It will not be thought irrelevant, brethren, to 
 notice at this time my late excursion through 
 the diocess of North Carolina. The church in 
 that state is rising in all the vigour of youth. A 
 new edifice has been lately erected in Fayette- 
 ville, an ornament to the town, and a credit to 
 the exertion of its founders, which I consecrated 
 to the service of Almighty God. I confirmed 
 in that place sixty persons, and admitted the 
 Rev. Mr. Shaw to the order of deacons. Among 
 the Jist .of worthies who have exerted them- 
 selves in the building of the church in Fayette-, 
 ville, I find the names of Cameron ftn4 Wins- 
 
1S6 
 
 CONVENTION OF* l6ld. 
 
 low, the sons of two of our deceased clergy. 
 May the spirit of their fathers continue to ani- 
 mate their bosoms, and may the children of 
 other ministers imitate their noble, their lauda- 
 ble example. The church in Wilmington is 
 also in a prosperous condition. I preached in 
 that place to pious, crowded auditories, and con- 
 firmed one hundred and thirty-three persons. 
 Newbern is also rising in importance. The 
 congregation have determined to erect a new 
 church, upon the plan of that in Fayetteville. I 
 preached in Newbern five times in three days, 
 confirmed fifty-two persons, and administered 
 the Lord's Supper to a large body of pious 
 communicants. I visited Washington, Green- 
 ville, and Tarborough, and preached several 
 times in each place. 
 
 Brethren, animated with the disposition of 
 doing good, let us renew this day, to God and 
 his church, our vows of fidelity. We have 
 pledged ourselves to exert every nerve in the 
 prosecution of the cause ih which we have em- 
 barked, and let us redeem that pledge by an in- 
 defatigable attention to our duty. Let us con- 
 tinue to love one another. Let us pray for our 
 mutual success. Let us speak the same things, 
 and proclaim the same truths. Peace will then 
 be within our walls, and the blessing of the Al- 
 mighty will rest upon our labours. Going forth 
 in the strength of the Lord God, and making 
 mention of his righteousness, and his only, the 
 powers of darkness must yield to the force of 
 divine truth. The gospel will triumph over all 
 its enemies. The kingdom of the Messiah 
 must and will prevail, until the earth shall be 
 filled with the knowledge of God, as the waters 
 cover the sea. To assist in the accomplish- 
 ment of the divine promises, we have been 
 called to labour. Attired in the armour of the 
 gospel, God will be on our side, and will ren- 
 der our efforts successful. The members of our 
 churches will hold up our hands, and pray for 
 the advancement of the hallowed cause. " Who 
 is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of 
 that which is good 1" Brethren of the clergy 
 and laity, you carry with you my warmest 
 prayers and benediction. May Jehovah be your 
 portion, and underneath you may he place the 
 everlasting arms of his love. 
 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the commit- 
 tee to whom the parochial reports were refer- 
 red, presented the following report ; which, be- 
 ing read, was approved by the Convention, 
 viz. : — 
 
 The committee on the subject of the parochial 
 reports beg leave to present the following con- 
 densed statement of the reports that have been 
 presented to them. 
 
 The church in Hampshire county begins to ex- 
 hibit some symptoms of revival. About ten con- 
 ¥egations have been formed since July last, 
 here are two churches nearly completed, and 
 preparations are making to repair an old one. The 
 Rev. Messrs. Allen and Bryan have visited these 
 congregations, and baptized fifteen. A vestry have 
 been elected, and a number of persons are anxious 
 to receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper 
 when an opportunity offers. 
 
 Christ Church, Norbome paridi, Berkeley coun- 
 
 ty. The Rev. John L. Bryan, rector. Commu- 
 nicants fifty— baptisms, one adult, eighteen white 
 children and seven coloured — marriages five — 
 catechumens thirty-five — funerals four. This 
 church has lately had times of refreshing from the 
 presence of the Lord. Many appear to be truly 
 penitent, and are inquiring what they shall do to 
 be saved, among whom are some of the young, 
 who, according to the counsel of Solomon, re- 
 member their Creator in the days of their youth. A 
 Sunday School has been established in this parish, 
 which promises extensive usefulness to society. 
 
 Wickliffe Church, Frederick county. This is 
 a new church, lately erected. The congregation 
 is just forming, and the prospects are flattermg. 
 
 The report From St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson 
 county, states, 200 communicants, eighty-eight 
 baptisms, six marriages, fifteen burials ; and ihe 
 collections made for the episcopal fund amount to 
 f 100. As directed by the last Convention, the 
 rector of this parish, the Rev. Benjamin Allen, vis- 
 ited a vacant parish in Shenandoah county, and 
 made a collection for the episcopal fund. The 
 proceeds were left in the hands of one of the vestry 
 for the purpose of increasing it. The amount has 
 not been received. Sunday Schools have been 
 established throughout the parish, and have pro- 
 ved extensively useful. 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg, Shelburne parish. 
 Baptisms twelve, and one adult — communicants 
 forty-three, one added — marriages three — burials 
 two— collection for the episcopal fund $61 67. 
 
 Dettingen and Leed's parishes, Prince William 
 county. A new church has been built and con- 
 secrated. Communicants twenty-six— baptisms 
 thirty, and ten blacks— marriages ten. Prayer- 
 books are getting into general use, and a confident 
 hope is entertained that the principles of vital and 
 practical piety are gaining ground among them. 
 
 The churches in Alexandria continue to be in 
 an improving condition. The number of commu- 
 nicants has increased, especially among the young, 
 many of whom have set the laudable example of a 
 public and worthy profession of religion. The 
 members of the church, generally, are strength- 
 ening in their attachment to their own principles, 
 and, it is hoped, are growing also in grace, and in 
 the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. From Christ Church, Alexandria, $100 
 have been received for the episcopal fund. 
 
 In St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, there 
 have been, since the last Convention, four mar- 
 riages, nine funerals, and twenty-five baptisms ; 
 and there are at present forty-five communicants, 
 five of whom have been added in the last year. 
 
 The report from Norbome parish, Berkeley 
 county, states, that its minister, only having dea- 
 con's orders, and consequently not having author- 
 ity to administer the sacrament of the Lord's Sup- 
 per, has not been able to ascertain with any cer- 
 tainty the number of communicants in his parish. 
 He believes, however, the number to be about one 
 hundred. Marriages two — one baptism — funerals 
 three. The minister of this parish farther states 
 in his report, that the prospects of religious im- 
 provement are very encouraging. The church 
 is raising her drooping head, and the kingdom of 
 our Lord and Saviour is rapidly advancing. The 
 vestry of this parish have purchased for their cler- 
 gyman a comfortable parsonage. 
 
 The cause of pure and undefiled religion still 
 prospers in Frederick parish. The congregation 
 are devout, and attentive to the public services of 
 the church, and exemplify in their life and conver- 
 sation the purity of their principles. 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county. The 
 minister of this parish not being present, the lay 
 
CONVENTION OF 1819. 
 
 137 
 
 delegate in Convention begs leave to state, that re- 
 ligion is still increasing, as appears by the number 
 of communicants.whichhas advanced since the last 
 report from six to thirty-two, all of whom appear 
 to be deeply impressed with the solemnity of their 
 profession. The congregations generally are large, 
 and much attached to their worthy minister, whose 
 labours appear likely to raise that portion of the 
 church, long prostrate and almost hopeless. Pa- 
 rents are becoming more attentive to the impor- 
 tant duty of Christian education. Baptisms twen- 
 ty-five, of which two were adults. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover county. The state 
 of the church is encouraging. A Sunday School 
 has lately been instituted, which promises much 
 good to the rising generation. Communicants 
 forty— baptisms two— marriages two. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. Nothing very ma- 
 terial has occurred in this parish since the last 
 Convention. The administration of the word and 
 sacraments are, perhaps, better attended now than 
 ever they were. Owing to the severe and protract- 
 ed indisposition of the rector, he has not been able 
 to pay that attention to the duties of his office 
 which he could have wished, and the state of his 
 parish required. 
 
 In Hamilton parish the number of communi- 
 cants has increased, and religious zeal seerns gen- 
 erally increasing. A collection was made in this 
 church for the episcopal fund amounting to $71 25. 
 A Sunday School has been established in this par- 
 ish, and is in a flourishing condition. 
 
 In Dumfries Church, Dettingen parish, Prince 
 William county. Communicants thirty-four— bap- 
 tisms forty-three — marriages eleven— deaths four. 
 A collection of $17 34 for the benefit of the epis- 
 copal fund was taken up in this church. 
 
 In Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, Staf- 
 ford county. Communicants twenty-one — bap- 
 tisms seventeen — one marriage — deaths four. A 
 collection of %G was made in this church for the 
 episcopal fund. 
 
 The report from St. James's parish is favoura- 
 ble. The service is well attended, and heartily 
 joined in by the members. The number of com- 
 municants has increased. In the upper congrega- 
 tion there are twenty-two, in the lower nine com- 
 municants — baptisms twenty-seven, one of them 
 an adult — funerals six — no marriages. A collec- 
 tion of $24 67 for the episcopal fund was taken 
 up by the minister of this parish in Brunswick 
 county. A collection was also taken up for the 
 same purpose in this parish of $33 75. 
 
 Church on Richmond Hill. A new church has 
 been commenced, and it is hoped will soon be 
 completed. Communicants forty — ^baptisms twen- 
 ty-six—marriages five. One flourishing Sunday 
 School. Contribution to episcopal fund $33. 
 
 The congregation of the Monumental Church 
 continues in the same state in which it was report- 
 ed the last year. The number of the communi- 
 cants increases, and several of the most valuable 
 of the society joined the altar upon the last Easter- 
 Sunday. A large .Sunday School has been estab- 
 lished in this church. 
 
 The church in Fredericksburg still enjoys the 
 converting and sanctifying influences of the Holy 
 Spirit, to an extent eminently encouraging. Com- 
 municants ninety-four— baptisms twenty-eight — 
 marriages ten — funerals twelve — Sunday Schools 
 three, containing 225 scholars, and one parish 
 library. 
 
 The Rev. William H. Wilraer, from the com- 
 mittee appointed to prepare an address to the 
 President of the American Colonization Society, 
 resented the following, which, being twice read, 
 
 and amended, was, on the question put there- 
 upon, approved by the Convention, viz. : — 
 
 To the Hon. Bushrod Washington, President of the 
 American Colonization Society. 
 
 Petersburg, May 14, 1819. 
 Dear Sir, — We, the committee appointed by the 
 Convention to carry into effect the foregoing res- 
 olution, have great pleasure in fulfilling this duty. 
 The object of the society over which you pre- 
 side, is one which cannot fail to awaken the sym- 
 pathy of every humane mind. The forebodings 
 of the politician, the regrets of humanity, and 
 the prayers of Christians, have long been turned 
 upon the question of providing a remedy for 
 the evils growing out of the slave population in 
 this country. To ameliorate the condition of 
 that portion of society, and at the same time to 
 secure an exemption from any tendency to licen- 
 tiousness and insubordination, are objects which 
 have been considered irreconcileable ; and which 
 have served to perplex and discourage both the 
 politician and the philanthropist. The plan and 
 views of your society, as far as they are under- 
 stood by this Convention, appear well calculated 
 to effect and harmonize these objects ; to rescue 
 this unhappy class of our fellow-creatures from 
 the ignorance, vice, and degradation to which the 
 habits and sentiments, if not the necessities, of the 
 present social state, will for ever doom them while 
 they remain in this country — to restore a people 
 whom " God hath made of one blood" with our- 
 selves to their natural birthright of human be- 
 ings ; and, by a process so gradual as to guard 
 against the effects of too abrupt a termination of 
 long-established habits, to deliver our land from a 
 calamity which, in its present progress, is por- 
 tentous of incalculable misery and disaster. Nay, 
 more ; your sphere of benevolence takes a still 
 wider range, and proposes, by colonizing this 
 people on the coast of Africa, to diffuse thereby the 
 blessings of civilization and Christianity through- 
 out the vast extent of that benighted region. 
 May it not be, that the great Disposer of events 
 designs thus to vindicate the mysterious dispen- 
 sations of that power, which can render that 
 which was itself an outrage upon every principle 
 of humanity and religion, subservient to the great 
 purposes of his providence and grace ? Like the 
 captivity of Joseph, which was meant, indeed, for 
 evil by the perpetrators of the crime, may not the 
 affecting history of this people prove, that their 
 misfortunes were permitted in order "to save 
 much people alive," and to render their own desti- 
 ny ultimately more glorious than it otherwise 
 would have been. 
 
 These views and hopes are confirmed by the re- 
 markable synchronism of events and circumstan- 
 ces. The simultaneous efforts that are in prep- 
 aration on every part of the globe for the further- 
 ance of humanity and rehgion; the unanimity 
 with which the Colonization Society has been 
 cherished and supported, even among those who 
 might have been supposed to be hostile to it ; and 
 the patronage which our general government 
 seems disposed to afford to it, are flattering indi- 
 cations that these are the mighty doings of Him 
 " who turneth the hearts of men as rivers of wa- 
 ter." The time appears to have come, when " the 
 isles shall wait on Him," and " Ethiopia shall 
 stretch out her hands unto God,"— when the poor 
 negro on the banks of the Sherbro, the Niger, the 
 Gambia, and the Senegal, shall behold their wa- 
 ters whitening with the sails of commerce— when 
 he shall behold cities spreading around, and tem- 
 ples lifting up their heads,— when he shall hear his 
 valleys and rocks resound with "the church-going 
 
 I 
 
13S 
 
 CONVENTION OF 18iiO. 
 
 bell," which shall call him to worship, in the 
 beauty of holiness, the God and Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind. To labour 
 in this work is to co-work with God. For your 
 encouragement to persevere, you require not our 
 approbation. You have a more elevated source 
 of satisfaction, a nobler reward, in the conscious- 
 ness of doing good, and in the high prospects 
 which your labours have already unfolded. But 
 yve deemed it matter of justice to ourselves, to as- 
 sure you of our best wishes and prayers. In the 
 name of God and of humanity, we wish you good 
 luck. May Heaven prosper and reward your la- 
 bour of love ! 
 
 For yourself, sir, individually, be pleased to 
 accept the assurances of our high esteem. Long 
 may you live to preside over the American Coloni- 
 zation Society, and to extend to other lands the 
 blessings of a life which has already conferred im- 
 portant benefits on your own country. 
 We are, very respectfully, 
 Your friends and obedient servants, 
 William H. Wilmeb, 
 Robert Page, 
 Needham L. Washington, 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. William H. Wil- 
 mer be requested to transmit the foregoing ad- 
 
 dress to the Hon. Bushrod Washington, president 
 of the American Colonization Society. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William H. Hart, 
 
 Resolved, That the next meeting of the Con- 
 vention for this diocess shall be at Alexandria, 
 on the Thursday preceding the third Tuesday in 
 May next, being the 11th day of that month. 
 
 On motions severally made. 
 
 Resolved, That 750 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed, and distributed 
 among the parishes by the secretary, under the 
 superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 Resolved, also, That the thanks of this Con- 
 vention be presented to the secretary for his ser- 
 vices, and that the expenses incurred by him in 
 travelling and attendance be defrayed by the 
 church. 
 
 The Convention, having finished the business 
 before it, adjourned, to meet again at Alexandria, 
 on the Thursday preceding the third Tuesday 
 in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 
 Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of Virginia. 
 Attest; William Munforo, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 which assembled at Alexandria, on Thursday, the 11 th of May, 1820. 
 
 The Convention met, and was opened with 
 divine service, and a sermon by the Rev. John 
 S. Ravenscroft. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore took the chair 
 as president of this Convention. 
 
 A committee, consisting of the Rev. John S. 
 Ravenscroft, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Dr. Carter 
 Berkeley, were appointed to examine the certifi- 
 cates of appointments of the lay deputies ; 
 whereupon the following gentlemen, being pres- 
 ent, were reported to have been duly chosen, 
 conformably with the canons of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : — 
 
 John Nelson, jun., for St. James's parish, 
 Mecklenburg ; Sylvester Nash, Christ Church, 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley ; Robert Beverley, 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex ; John H. Wingfield, 
 New Church, Antrim parish, Halifax ; Bushrod 
 Washington, St. PauFs Church, Alexandria ; 
 Benjamin Blackford, Beckford parish, Shenan- 
 doah ; Carlyle F. Whiting, Christ Church, 
 Norfolk ; Edmund J. Lee, Christ Church, 
 Alexandria ; Abraham Shepherd, St. Andrew's 
 parish, Jefferson ; Tillotson Fryatt, Norborne 
 parish, Berkeley ; George Taylor and George 
 Fayette Washihgton, Henrico parish ; Epaph- 
 roditus Jj. Waring, Washington parish, West- 
 moreland ; Wilspn Cary Selden, Shelburne par- 
 ish, Loudoun ; Robert Lewis, St. George's 
 parish, Fredericksburg ; Robt. Randolph, Ham- 
 ilton parish, Fauquier ; William Foote, Det- 
 tingen parish, Prince William ; Philip Nelson, 
 Chapel, Frederick ; Strpther Jones, church in 
 Winchester, Frederick parish ; Robert Page, 
 Wickliffe Church, Frederick ; Hugh Nelson, 
 Fredericksville, Albemarle ; Wm. Mayo, Monu- 
 mental Church, city of Richmond ; Carter 
 Perlfteley, St. Martin's parish, Hanover ; Rob- 
 
 ert Weir, South Farnham parish, Essex ; Lewis 
 Berkeley, Haymarket Church, Leed's parish, 
 Prince William ; and William H. Fitzhugh, 
 Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, Stafford. 
 
 The following clerical deputies appeared and 
 took their seats in the Convention, viz. ; — 
 
 The Rev. William H. Wilmcr, St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 Christ Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Alexan- 
 der Balmain, Frederick parish, Winchester ; 
 the Rev. William Meade, Chapel, Frederick 
 county ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St. 
 James's parish, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. John 
 L. Bryan, Christ Church, Norborne parish, 
 Berkeley county ; the Rev. George Lemon, 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; the Rev. Benjamii) 
 Allen, St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ; the 
 Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, 
 Fredericksburg ; the Rev. Thomas G. Allen, 
 Dettingen parish, Dumfries ; the Rev. Enoch 
 M. Lowe, Norborne parish, Berkeley ; the Rev. 
 Wm. Steel, Dettingen and Leeds parishes. Prince 
 William ; the Rev. Samuel Wydown, St. Mar- 
 tin's parish, Hanover ; the Rev. John Reynolds, 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex ; the Rev. Daniel 
 Stephens, Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev. 
 Joseph Lanston, Beckford parish, Shenandoah ; 
 the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville 
 parish, Albemarle ; and the Rev. Joseph R. 
 Andrus, missionary, late of St. Paul's parish, 
 King George. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 
 Resolved, That the following clergymen, who 
 are not members of this Convention, be invited 
 to take seats therein, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Horrell, Charles Mann, 
 Ethan Allen, and Charles C. Austin, of Mary- 
 land ; the Rev. Adam Empie and Richard S. 
 
CONVENTION OP 1820. 
 
 130 
 
 Mason, of North Carolina ; the Rev. Walter 
 D. Addison and Reuel Keith, of Georgetown, 
 D. C. ; the Rev. William Hawley and Andrew 
 T. M'Cormack, of the city of Washington. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, the follow- 
 ing rules of order were read and adopted, for 
 jsegulating the proceedings of this Convention, 
 yiz. : — 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with the morning service of the church. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, unless to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent liimself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or be 
 unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall with due respect address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without 1-eave of the house. 
 
 ,6. A question being once determined, shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue'^in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 i^ the decision. 
 
 9. No njotion shall be cpnsidered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, 
 it shall be determined on before any new thing 
 is introduced, except the question of adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 11. The question on a niotion for adjoum- 
 jnent shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about "to rijse, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. Will- 
 iam Meade, Mr. Bushr.od Washington, Mr. 
 William Mayo, and Mr. Robert Randolph, be a 
 committee to take into consideration the state of 
 the church in this diocess, and report thereupon 
 to the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Oliver Norris, the 
 Rev. Alexander Balmain, the Rev. George 
 Lemon, Mr. Robert Lewis, Doctor Wilson 
 Gary Selden, and Mr. Strother Jones, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That Doctor Carter Berkeley, Mr. 
 George Taylor, and Mr. Abraham Shepherd, be 
 a committee to exan^iine the treasurer's ac- 
 counts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, 
 the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, and Mr. John 
 Nelson, jun., be a committee to examine the 
 .accounts of the treasurer of " The Common 
 
 Prayer-Book and Tract Society for the Diocess 
 of Virginia." 
 
 On motion of Mr. Ravenscroft, 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine and report upon the present state of the 
 " Widows' Fund." 
 
 And a committee was appointed, consisting 
 of Mr. Ravenscroft and Mr. Wilmer. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lemon, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 the Convention be returned to the Rev. Mr. 
 Ravenscroft, for his impressive and appropriate 
 discourse delivered on this occasion. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until 
 to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 12, 1820. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by Bishop 
 Moore, 
 
 The Rev. John Dunn, a clerical deputy from 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun, attended and took 
 his seat. 
 
 Doctor Berkeley, from the committee appoint- 
 ed to examine the treasurer's accounts, present- 
 ed a report and statement, which were read, in 
 the following words and figures, viz. : — 
 
 Alexandria, May 12, 1820. 
 We, the undersigned committee appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, report. That 
 we have discharged that duty, and find the ac- 
 counts fair and correct, and that the balance 
 in the hands of the treasurer at the meeting of 
 the present Convention, was $772 68 ; all 
 which will appear by the accompanying account 
 and documents, which are respectfully sub- 
 mitted. 
 
 Carter Berkeley, 
 Abraham Shepherd, 
 George Taylor. 
 
 On motion, Resolved,That the said report and 
 statement of the treasurer's account be approved 
 and passed by the Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, a preamble 
 and resolution, submitted by him, in relation to 
 the episcopal fund, were referred to a select 
 committee to be considered. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of Mr. Ed- 
 mund J. Lee, Mr. Abraham Shepherd, Mr. 
 Robert Page, Doctor Wilson Gary Selden, and 
 Mr. Hugh Nelson. 
 
 The journal of the proceedings of the stand- 
 ing committee of this diocess \yas submitted to 
 the Convention by Mr. Wilmer^ and re?id by the 
 secretary. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Wilmer, 
 
 Resolved, That the resolution passed by the 
 Convention of 1818, requiring the sum of five 
 dollars to be paid annualiy in addition to the 
 thirty dollars called for by the ninth c?inon, be 
 and is hereby rescinded. 
 
 A motion wag made by Mr. Lee, that the 9th 
 canon of this church be amended, s.o that thck 
 said canon read thus : — > 
 
 " It shall be the duty of every parish to send 
 to the Convention the sum of thirty, and not 
 less than fi/teen dollars, annually^ fpr theii ,cpn- 
 
140 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1820. 
 
 tingent expenses of the church ; which money 
 shall be lodged with the treasurer of the Con- 
 vention of this church, and held subject to their 
 order." 
 
 And the question being put upon the said 
 motion, was determined in the negative. 
 
 The Convention then suspended its session, 
 for the purpose of attending divine service ; 
 whereupon the service was read at St. Paul's 
 Church by the Rev. William Meade, and a ser- 
 mon delivered by the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch ; 
 the service was also read at Christ Church by 
 tlie Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, and a sermon de- 
 livered by the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft. 
 
 The sitting of the Convention being resumed, 
 a motion was made by Mr. Hugh Nelson, that 
 the following resolution be adopted : — 
 
 Resolved, That the meeting of the next Con- 
 vention shall be at the town of Charlottesville, 
 in the county of Albemarle. 
 
 And the question being put thereupon, was 
 determined in the negative. 
 
 A motion was then made by Mr. Meade, that 
 the Convention agree to the following resolu- 
 tion : — 
 
 Resolved, That the meeting of the n^xt 
 Convention shall be in the borough of Norfolk. 
 
 A motion was thereupon made by the Rev. 
 Benjamin Allen, that the resolution so proposed 
 be amended, by striking therefrom the words 
 "borough of Norfolk," and inserting in heu 
 thereof, " town of Staunton, in the county of 
 Augusta." 
 
 Whereupon, the question being put, was de- 
 termined in the negative. 
 
 The said resolution, that the meeting of the 
 next Convention shall be in the borough of Nor- 
 folk, being twice read, was, on the question put 
 thereupon, agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 13, 1820. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev 
 William H. Wilmer. 
 
 Mr. Edmund J. Lee, from the committee to 
 which was referred the preamble and resolution 
 offered by him on the subject of the episcopal 
 fund, reported, that, upon considering the same, 
 the said committee proposed the following in 
 lieu thereof : — 
 
 The Convention of this diocess having hereto- 
 fore expressed their opinion of the great im- 
 portance to the promotion of religion, among those 
 who professed to belong to the Episcopal Church, 
 it would be, to release the bishop from the duties 
 of the charge of a particular congregation, have 
 ■called upon the members of this church to con- 
 tribute towards raising a fund, the interest of 
 which should be appropriated exclusively to the 
 support of the bishop, and thereby afford him am- 
 ple opportunities to travel frequently and regularly 
 through the diocess. While the Convention is 
 happy to find that this laudable object has not 
 been overlooked, and are pleased that a founda- 
 tion has been laid for raising the contemplated 
 fund, they cannot let the present session pass by 
 without again calling on the members of the 
 church to aid in so desirable an undertaking. 
 
 It is therefore Resolved, 
 
 1. That the vestry of each parish forthwith 
 cause a registry to be made of the names of all 
 persons who profess to belong to the Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 2. That each person who professes to belong to 
 the Episcopal Church in this diocess, be called on 
 
 to pay the sum of one dollar annually for 
 
 years. 
 
 3. That the lay delegates attending the present 
 Convention do, with the clergymen of the differ- 
 ent parishes, use their influence with their re- 
 spective vestries to have appointed in each parish 
 one or more fit person or persons, who shall wait 
 upon the different members of the church, and 
 solicit of each person the above sum of one dollar. 
 
 4. That the money which shall be received in 
 pursuance of the preceding resolutions shall be 
 forthwith remitted to the chairman of the stand- 
 iwg committee of this diocess. 
 
 5. That the ministers of each parish do report, 
 
 on or before the day of next , to the 
 
 standing committee, their proceedings under these 
 resolutions. 
 
 The said preamble and resolutions being 
 twice read, the question was put upon the first 
 resolution, and determined in the negative. 
 
 A motion was then made by the Rev. Benja- 
 min Allen, that the second resolution be amend- 
 ed by striking out the words, " called on to pay 
 the sum of one dollar," and inserting, in their 
 stead, the words, " requested to contribute a sum 
 not less than fifty cents." 
 
 The said amendment being under discussion, 
 a motion was made by Mr. Wilmer, that the 
 farther consideration of the said preamble and 
 resolutions be postponed until the second day of 
 the next Convention : and the question being 
 put thereupon, was determined in the affirma- 
 tive. 
 
 The Convention proceeded, in conformity 
 with the tenth article of the constitution for the 
 government of this diocess, to the election of a 
 standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon the 
 Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Nor- 
 ris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington, Edmund J. Lee, and George Tay- 
 lor, Esqrs., were duly elected. 
 
 The Convention also proceeded to the elec- 
 tion, by ballot, of eight delegates to represent 
 this diocess in the approaching General Conven- 
 tion ; whereupon the Rev. William H. Wil- 
 mer, the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. 
 William Meade, the Rev. George Lemon, Will- 
 iam Mayo, Philip Nelson, Charles F. Mercer, 
 and John Nelson, jun., Esqrs., were duly elected. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Meade, 
 
 Resolved, That William H. Fitzhugh, Esq., 
 be appointed a deputy to the General Conven- 
 tion, in the event of the inability of Charles F. 
 Mercer, Esq., to attend the said Convention. 
 
 A suspension of the sitting of this Conven- 
 tion then took place, for the purpose of attend- 1 
 ing divine service ; when the service was read I 
 by the Rev. Adam Empie, and a sermon de- ' 
 livered by the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft. 
 
 The session being resumed, the Rev. Enoch 
 M. Lowe, from the committee appointed to ex- 
 amine the account of the treasurer of the Com- 
 mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society, presented 
 
CONVENTION OF 1820. 
 
 141 
 
 a report and account thereto subjoined, which 
 were read in the following words and figures : — 
 
 Alexandria, May I3th, 1820. 
 The committee appointed to examine the ac- 
 counts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book and 
 Tract Society of Virginia have discharged that 
 duty, and find the same to be correct. 
 
 Enoch M. Lowe, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 and account be approved and passed by the 
 Convention. 
 
 Mr. Wilmer, from the committee on the 
 state of the church, presented the following 
 report : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave to recommend the adoption of the following 
 preamble and resolutions : — 
 
 Whereas nothmg is more important, under the 
 blessing of God, than a pious and well-educated 
 ministry, it is 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention will ardently 
 cherish and endeavour to promote this object. 
 
 Resolved, That as the College of William and 
 Mary will probably soon employ a clerical profes- 
 sor m that institution, who will take charge of 
 such theological students as maybe committed to 
 his care ; as the professors of the college have 
 also made liberal offers of assistance to such stu- 
 dents of all denominations, and as an excellent 
 theological library belongs to the college, it is 
 
 Resolved, That the favour and benefit of these 
 circumstances are duly appreciated, and are wor- 
 thy of the attention of the members of the church. 
 
 The said resolution# being twice read, were, 
 on questions severally put thereupon, agreed to 
 by the Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the several ministers of this 
 church do continue to carry into execution the 
 2d and 3d resolutions, passed by ihe Conven- 
 tion in the year 1818, on the subject of the 
 episcopal fund. 
 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the committee 
 to which the parochial reports were referred, 
 presented the following condensed report : — 
 
 The committee appointed to condense the parochial 
 reports have performed that duty, and beg leave to 
 make the following report : — 
 
 The committee are informed by Bishop Moore, 
 that, alth9ugh in the Monumental Church in the 
 city of Richmond he does not perceive any pecu- 
 liar religious excitement, yet it is with infinite 
 pleasure he can say, that the members in full 
 communion preserve their good standing; and 
 that upon every sacramental occasion there is 
 some small increase of members. The congrega- 
 tion are regular in their attendance upon public 
 worship, and manifest a disposition to render his 
 ministry among them happy and agreeable. The 
 number of communicants is about 125 or 130. 
 
 The church on Richmond Hill. This congre- 
 gation has been almost crushed by the pressure 
 of the times ; but through divine favour it appears 
 to be again reviving. 
 
 The pastor of St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, 
 has the satisfaction to report to this Convention, 
 that it pleases God to continue his blessing with 
 his word, though the increase is chiefly to be 
 found in the upper congregation of the parish. 
 The number of communicants has increased since 
 
 the last report, and I would hope that, in the esti- 
 mation of those around us, the church is gaining 
 ground. The number of communicants is thirty- 
 five, of which twenty-six are in the uj)per and 
 nine in the lower congregation— two marriages — 
 thirty-six baptisms, nineteen of them blacks — 
 three funerals. 
 
 In obedience to the order of the Convention of 
 1818 he visited the county of Brunswick, and on 
 the 5th Sunday in August last preached at Red 
 Oak Church, when a collection was made for the 
 benefit of the episcopal fund of twenty -one dol- 
 lars and forty cents. He also visited the county 
 of Dinwiddle, and preached in Sappone Church 
 on the first Sunday in September, when there 
 was collected for the same fund the sum of twenty- 
 five dollars and eighty cents. In the month of 
 April he preached in his own parish, and collected 
 on the 16th, at St. James's Church, thesum of thir- 
 teen dollars and eighty-seven cents, and on the 23d, 
 at Speed's Church, the sum of three dollars twelve 
 and a half cents ; the small amount of these two 
 last collections is to be accounted for by the an- 
 nual subscription of the parish to this fund, 
 amounting to sixty-six dollars ; the whole amount 
 collected for this fund is one hundred and thirty 
 dollars nineteen and a half cents. 
 
 Beckford parish, Shenandoah county. This 
 parish is in an infant state : they have had no 
 Episcopal minister among them since the revo- 
 lutionary war, except occasional visits, and these 
 only within the last two or three years — the pres- 
 ent minister has not resided there long enough to 
 enable him to say with correctness what the pros- 
 pect is. The parish includes the whole county of 
 Shenandoah : the few Episcopal families residing 
 in it are much scattered, and the people in general 
 pleased with the doctrines of the church. Mar- 
 riages five — baptisms two. 
 
 The chapel in the county of Frederick. The 
 attendance of the members of this church is reg- 
 ular, and their deportment serious — the services 
 of the church are well supported by the congre- 
 gation, and it is believed there is an increase of 
 vital piety — the interest of nine shares in the Little 
 River Turnpike is annually contributed to the 
 bishop's fund, and the shares themselves will be 
 given to the iristitution should it be prosecuted 
 with a likelihood of success : these shares are 
 valued at one hundred dollars each, and yield an 
 interest of at least six per cent. Twelve dollars 
 per annum are also subscribed to the same fund. 
 
 Dumfries Church, Dettingen parish. Prince 
 William county. Communicants thirty-three — 
 baptisms thirty-one — marriages thirteen — deaths 
 four. A collection was made in this church for 
 the benefit of the episcopal fund, which amounted 
 to six dollars sixty-six and a quarter cents. 
 
 Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, StaflTord 
 county. Communicants twenty-four — baptisms 
 twenty — deaths two. A collection was made in 
 this church for the benefit of the episcopal fund, 
 which amounted to five dollars and forty-five 
 cents. 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg, Shelbume par- 
 ish. Baptisms nine. An accession of two per- 
 sons to the number of communicants has taken 
 place within the year ; one of them is a person of 
 colour. The present number of communicants 
 forty-five— marriages seven. Divine service is 
 regularly attended in this church. Thirty dollars 
 have been collected for the episcopal fund. 
 
 Hamilton parish. Of the congregations of this 
 parish, those of Warrenton and Liberty, meetings 
 continue numerous and attentive ; while that of 
 Cool Spring is still but a small one. The com- 
 municants are increasing in numbers, and many 
 
 k 
 
142 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1820. 
 
 of them give most satisfactory evidence of growth 
 in spirituality and heavenly-njindedneSS. It is 
 confidently hoped that the cause of rehgion in 
 general, of 6ur church tn particular, is advancing 
 in the reverence and aflfections of the people. 
 
 The congregation of the church m Winchester, 
 the parish of Frederick, is more numerous, se- 
 rious, and devout than formerly. Communicants 
 between thirty and forty— catechumens thirty- 
 baptisms eleven— funerals three — marriages two. 
 A Sunday School has been lately instituted, and 
 promisies, under divine blessing, to be productive 
 of the most salutary consequences. 
 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper. Communicants 
 forty-seven, two having died, and four being added 
 since the last Convention — marriages seven — bap- 
 tisms twenty, one of which was an adult — fune- 
 rals twelve. 
 
 Dettingen and Leeds parish. Baptisms twenty^ 
 one — commuhicants thirty, four having removed. 
 In this parish there has been an increase of com- 
 municants, and a greater attention to the ordi- 
 nances of the gospel. Prayer-books increase, and 
 some of the congregation ha'Ve become more en- 
 gaged for redemption through the blood of Christ. 
 
 The church in Fredericskburg still enjoys the 
 gracious presence and agency of God the Holy 
 Ghost, restoring fallen man to happiness and God. 
 Communicants one hundred — baptisms thirty - 
 three — funerals fifteen — marriages fifteen. 
 
 Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley coun- 
 ty — communicants fifty — baptisms nine, of which 
 two were adults, and seven infants — marriages four 
 — funerals two. The Sunday School established 
 last year is still progressing in usefulness. 
 
 Wickliffe Church, Frederick county. Commu- 
 nicants six — baptisms four — one funeral. 
 
 In Norborne parish there are, communicants one 
 hundred and one — catechumens forty-five — mar- 
 riages six — baptisms twenty-four — funerals six- 
 teen. 
 
 Of the above number of communicants, twentj*^- 
 four have been added since the last Convention ; 
 several are now in preparation for this holy ordi- 
 nance. The prospects of the church in this par- 
 ish are flattering in the highest degree. The peo- 
 ple are spiritual and devotional, and manifest a 
 growing attachment to the principles and the lit- 
 urgy of their church. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover. There is no 
 material alteration in the state of the churches 
 since the last report, except that the congregation 
 of the Fork Church is increased. There are 
 hopes that the good leaven of divine truth will, in 
 the end, produce the conversion of sinners to God. 
 The Sunday School is kept up better on the part 
 of the teachers than in the regular attendance of 
 the scholars. Communicants forty -one — baptisms 
 five — marriages four — one death. 
 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, and Washington 
 
 f)arish, Westmoreland, have been without a regu- 
 ar ministry for thirty years. The people in gen- 
 eral manifest a sincere desire to receive the gos- 
 pel, and considerable exertions are making to re- 
 suscitate the churches. Baptisms fifteen — mar- 
 riages eight — funerals four — Sunday Schools three 
 — scholars one hundred and eighty. The number 
 of communicants cannot be ascertained, as the 
 ordinance has not been administered. 
 
 The church in Augusta parish has been reor- 
 ganized, and enjoys the ordinances of the gospel. 
 The members oi the church in this parish are but 
 few in number. 
 
 The parish in Nelson county is sometimes vis- 
 ited by the minister of Augusta parish, who thinks 
 a minister might be supported who would under- 
 take the keeping of a school. 
 
 At Harrisonburg, in Rockingham, there is a 
 pleasing prospect of much good being done. 
 
 Communicants in Augusta parish about twelve 
 — marriages six — baptisms twenty-six — one fii- 
 neral. 
 
 According to a Report prepared by the Rev. James 
 tV. Eastbum, and which was to have been commu- 
 nicated at the last Convention, the following is the 
 6tate of the church in St. George's parish, Acco- 
 mack county. 
 
 The parish having been vacant for several years^,' 
 no regular ordinances have been administered 
 until the 10th of January, 1819. The Churches 
 are now repairing, and a general spjirit of reli- 
 gious attention seems to be Excited. The number 
 of communicants is uncertain, as the Lord's Sup- 
 per has not yet been administered. 
 
 The Rev. James W. Eastbum continued in the 
 parish but a little more than six months, during 
 which there were thirty-six baptisms, of which 
 one was a white adult, and twenty-three coloured 
 children — one marriage— funerals three. 
 
 Before the departure of the Rev. Mr. Eastbum, 
 the repairs of the churches had considerably pro- 
 gressed. There are four Sunday Schools under 
 the patronage of the Union Society — four com- 
 municants have been added to the church. 
 
 St. George's parish, Accomack. Rev. Benja- 
 min Smith rector, since November 15, 1819. 
 Baptisms seven — marriages two — funerals five — 
 communicants fifty-six, as near as can be ascer- 
 tained ; five have been added since November. 
 Sunday School scholars four hundred. 
 
 Parish of St. Andrew's. There has been an 
 increase of communicants ; sixty of those formerly 
 registered in this parish have been formed into a 
 church in Maryland. The present number of 
 communicants is one hundred and fifty — baptisms 
 seventy-five — marriages nine — burials nine. The 
 church in Shepherdstown has been increased in 
 capacity. Contribution to episcopal fund fifty 
 dollars. 
 
 The congregation of St. Pavil's Church, Alex- 
 andria, is rather increasing in numbers, and, therfe 
 is reason to hope, in piety, and in attachment to 
 the principles of the church. There is a Sunday 
 School belonging to this church of one hundred 
 and twenty persons, who are regularly catechised 
 and instructed in the principles of religion. The 
 number of communicants about one hundred and 
 ten — of baptisms fifty-three— of funerals twenty. 
 
 The church in Charlottesville is not yet organ- 
 ized, but the present appearance is extremely flat- 
 tering to its pastor. 
 
 The congregation of Christ Church, Alexan- 
 dria, are regular and devout in their attendance on 
 public worship. The number of communicants 
 has increased since the last report, and it is be- 
 lieved that the whole number amounts to upwards 
 of one hundred. There is a Sunday School at- 
 tached to this church, which promises to prove a 
 blessing. This congregation have contributed 
 their usual quota of one hundred dollars to the 
 episcopal fund. 
 
 Agreeably to the resolution of the Convention 
 in the year 1818, the rector of this church notified, 
 in October last, the different parishes in the coun- 
 ties of Westmoreland, Northumberland, Lancas- 
 ter, and Richmond, of his intention to preach and 
 administer the sacraments of the church in that 
 destitute part of our Zion, and to make collections 
 for the episcopal fund ; but, in consequence of 
 sickness, he was deprived the pleasure of per- 
 forming this service. However, the Rev. Dr. 
 Wilmer kindly supplied his place, and the sum 
 of twenty dollars has since been received from 
 
€0NVENTI0N OF 1820. 
 
 143 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Washington, of.Westmoreland county, 
 for the episcopal fund. 
 
 Oliver Norkis, Chairman. 
 
 iThe said report being read, was approved. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay into the hands of the standing committee 
 the sum of five hundred dollars, to be by them 
 vested in some safe stock, for the increase of 
 the fund for the support of the episcopate. 
 
 Mr. Edmund J. Lee laid before the Conven- 
 tion an account of the receipts and investments 
 of the episcopal fund, by the wardens of Christ 
 Church, Alexandria. 
 
 The said account being read, was approved 
 by the Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Wilmer, 
 
 Resolved, That the deputies to the General 
 Convention be instructed to act in conformity 
 with the resolution of the last Convention of 
 this diocess, disapproving of the amendment 
 proposed to the second article of the constitu- 
 tion of this church. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered his 
 pastoral address on the state of the church, 
 which being heard. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention be presented to the Right Rev. 
 Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his affec- 
 tionate and impressive pastoral address, and that 
 he be requested to furnish a copy thereof for 
 insertion in the journal. 
 
 The said address is as follows : — 
 ' Brethren, — Every Convention, as it pre- 
 sents itself to view, affords us the greatest en- 
 couragement. The information we receive 
 from the different sections of the diocess is cal- 
 culated to inspire our minds with hope, and to 
 stimulate us to renewed and increased exertion. 
 The parishes which have been filled continue to 
 prosper ; and many parts of our Zion, which for 
 years have been buried in ruin, are calling for 
 help and entreating our assistance. 
 
 When I first entered upon the discharge of 
 my important duties, I felt an apprehension that 
 the efforts which were made by the friends of 
 the church were too vigorous to continue, and 
 that after the lapse of a few years, unless the 
 most marked success should crown our labours, 
 those efforts would be succeeded by a state of 
 languor and despair. The undertaking in which 
 we had engaged formed an object of such mag- 
 nitude as to excite my fears ; the difficulties 
 with which we had to struggle were sufficient 
 to appal the stoutest heart, and to excite trem- 
 blings in the firmest mind. To have beheld 
 our dilapidated churches without alarm, was 
 impossible ; to have reflected upon the scattered 
 flocks which once filled their courts, without 
 labouring under an apprehension that they might 
 never again be collected, would have evinced a 
 temper arrogant and presumptuous. Sensible 
 of the prejudices which existed against the 
 church, and frequently wounded by the observa- 
 tions which were made in my presence, my 
 bosom was alive to the embarrassments which 
 surrounded us, and I trembled for the Ark of 
 God. The night of our affliction has, however, 
 
 been succeeded by a glorious day ; the prayers 
 of the pious have ascended to Heaven, and pro- 
 cured for us the blessing of God, and the Al- 
 mighty hath hfted upon us the light of his 
 countenance. 
 
 The success which has attended the labours 
 of the clergy, and the warm and animated in- 
 terest which the laity have taken in the restora- 
 tion of the church, prove to a demonstration 
 that the work is God's, and that the set time 
 for the Lord , to have mercy upon Zion has 
 come. Yes, brethren, the machine has been 
 set in motion by an omnipotent arm ; it is di- 
 vine grace which in the first instance directed 
 our attention to the hallowed object, and it is 
 divine grace which hath influenced us to per- 
 severe in the important work. Had we not 
 been actuated by principles such as Heaven 
 could indulgently approve, and had we not been 
 sustained by His grace, we must have fainted 
 by the way. It is to Jehovah that we are in- 
 debted for the success with which we have been 
 favoured. *' Not unto us, O ! Lord, not unto 
 us, but unto thy name, be the praise, for thy 
 honour and for thy truth's sake." 
 
 The same means which have been so sig- 
 nally blessed will, if persevered in, produce 
 still greater effects. While the ministers of the 
 altar continue to preach the gospel, and to live 
 agreeably to its precepts, they may rest satisfied 
 that the Almighty will own their labours. " Lo, 
 I am with you always," is the Redeemer's 
 promise to the faithful heralds of the cross. 
 Let us, my reverend brethren, be determined to 
 " take heed to ourselves and to our doctrine ;'* 
 to " make full proof of our ministry ;" to pro- 
 claim the Lord Jesus as *' the way, and the 
 truth, and the life ;" to adorn the gospel of 
 God our Saviour in all things ; to "follow 
 peace with all men, and holiness, without which 
 no man shall see the Lord." 
 
 Gentlemen of the laity, — Great is the happi- 
 ness which arises in my mind, from that union 
 of affection which has always subsisted between 
 the clergy and yourselves. To see so many in- 
 dividuals returning, year after year, to assist in 
 the councils of the church, is a proof that we 
 live in love and in peace, and that the God of 
 love and peace is with us. I owe you a debt 
 of gratitude for your indulgent reception of my 
 labours which I shall never be able to repay. 
 Fidelity in the discharge of my public duties ; 
 a wish to promote, by every honourable and 
 legitimate effort, the interest of the church you 
 have so much at heart ; and my constant prayer 
 to God for the happiness of the flock over 
 which the Holy Ghost hath made me overseer, 
 form the only return which it is in my power to 
 render you for your kindness. 
 
 Since the last Convention I have visited the 
 city of Williamsburg, preached and administered 
 the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the 
 church, and lectured in the houses of two of the 
 most respectable families in the place. I have 
 also preached in St. Peter's Church, New Kent, 
 upon two different occasions — once in July, and 
 again in the last month. In August I visited 
 Petersburg, and preached to an overflowing and 
 
144 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1821. 
 
 deeply penetrated congregation. I also visited 
 Hanover the last summer, preached in all the 
 churches in that parish, and administered the 
 Lord's Supper at the house of Mr. Francis Nel- 
 son. My visit to that county was repeated in 
 December last, at which time I administered 
 the Lord's Supper in the Fork Church, and ad- 
 mitted the Rev. Mr. Wydown to the holy order 
 of the priesthood. I have visited and preached 
 in the county of Amelia, in which section of the 
 diocess there are a considerable number of the 
 most respectable families sincerely attached to 
 the church, and who are disposed to make the 
 most vigorous efforts in favour of her interests. 
 I have also been in Chesterfield, and preached 
 in the church at Falling Creek. Goochland 
 has been attended to, and in the courthouse I 
 officiated to a large and attentive congregation. 
 In October last I preached to a crowded audi- 
 tory at Orange courthouse, and administered 
 the Lord's Supper at the house of Mr. Madison, 
 the late President of the United States, to his 
 venerable and pious mother. I visited Albe- 
 marle also, preached in Walker's church, and at 
 the courthouse in Charlottesville, to large and 
 respectable assemblies. In November I visited 
 Norfolk, preached several times in the church, 
 and administered the Lord's Supper. I also 
 lectured at the houses of the venerable Mr. 
 Reed and of Mr. John Southgate. I then 
 crossed the bay, and visited the counties of 
 Northampton and Accomack. In Northampton 
 I preached in the courthouse, the lower and 
 upper chapels, and lectured at the house of Dr. 
 Parker. In Accomack I preached and admin- 
 istered the Lord's Supper in the parish church, 
 lectured in Drummondtown, and also in Acco- 
 mack. The last month I repeated my visit to 
 Norfolk, preached twice, and administered the 
 Lord's Supper in the church. I have admitted 
 to the order of deacons, since the last Conven- 
 tion, the Rev. Mr. Aisquith, Rev. Mr. Reynolds, 
 
 Rev. Mr. Norman Nash ; and to the priesthood 
 the Rev. Samuel Wydown. 
 
 As your regard for the interests of the 
 church must render you alive to her prosperity 
 in every section of the country, I consider it 
 not irrelevant to state to you that I have at- 
 tended the Convention in North Carolina, and 
 that the church in that diocess holds up to 
 your view the most encouraging prospects. In 
 Edenton, at which place the Convention con- 
 vened, our sittings were attended by great num- 
 bers of people, some of whom had come from a 
 distance of near fifty miles to witness our pro- 
 ceedings and attend upon our ministry. In that 
 place I ordained two deacons, and admitted one 
 gentleman to the priesthood. In that diocess, 
 so late as the year 1817, there was not a single 
 clergyman : they are now blessed with the la- 
 bours of seven faithful men, and in the course 
 of another year several candidates, who are 
 now preparing for holy orders, will be admitted 
 to the ministry of the word. 
 
 Wishing you an agreeable interview with 
 your families, I bid you an affectionate adieu. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Benjamin Allen, 
 
 Resolved, That 750 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed, and distributed 
 among the parishes by the secretary, under the 
 superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Wilmer, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be presented to the secretary for his ser- 
 vices, and that the expenses incurred by him 
 in travelling and attendance be defrayed by the 
 church. 
 
 The Convention, having finished the business 
 before it, adjourned, to meet again at Norfolk, 
 on the third Tuesday in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia. 
 
 Attest, William Munford, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, which 
 assembled at Norfolk, on Thursday, the 17th of May, 1821. 
 
 At a meeting of a Convention of clerical and 
 lay deputies from parishes of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia, 
 assembled at Norfolk, on Thursday, the 17th 
 day of May, 1821, 
 
 The Right Rev. Richard C. Moore, D, D., 
 bishop of the diocess (after divine service by the 
 Rev. John S. Ravenscroft), delivered a sermon 
 appropriate to the occasion, and then took the 
 chair as president of the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Philip Nelson and Mr. 
 Robert Randolph be appointed a committee 
 to examine the certificates of appointment of 
 the lay deputies, and report thereupon immedi- 
 ately. 
 
 The said committee accordingly examined, at 
 the secretary's table, such certificates as were 
 produced, and reported to the Convention that 
 the following gentlemen were duly appointed in 
 conformity wiSx the canons for the government 
 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church, whereupon 
 they appeared and took their seats, viz. : — 
 
 E. J. Lee, for Christ Church, in Fairfax parish, 
 Alexandria ; William Sharp, for Christ Church, 
 Norfolk ; William S. Stone, for Fredericksburg ; 
 Richard Taylor, for Truro parish, Fairfax coun- 
 ty ; Philip Nelson and Francis G. Taylor, for 
 Frederick parish ; John Hoof, for St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; Albert Allmand, for Hen- 
 rico Church ; James W. Parker, for St. George's 
 parish, Accomack ; Francis Nelson, for St. 
 Martin's parish, Hanover ; John Nelson, for St. 
 James's parish, Mecklenburg ; Jacob Parker, for 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton ; Edward Val- 
 entine, for Augusta parish, Staunton ; Robert 
 P. Waring, for St. Anne's parish, Essex ; Moses 
 B. Chase and Arthur Emerson, for Portsmouth 
 parish, Norfolk county ; Warner Lewis, for 
 Southampton parish, Essex ; Abraham Shep- 
 herd, for St. A^ndrew's parish, Jefferson ; John 
 
CONVENTION OF 1821. 
 
 145 
 
 Grammer, for Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Robert 
 Randolph, for Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; Will- 
 iam Mayo, for the Monumental Church in the 
 city of Richmond. 
 
 The following clerical deputies also^ appeared 
 and took their seats, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Oliver Norris, for Christ Church, 
 in Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the Rev. Enoch 
 M. Lowe, for Christ Church, Norfolk ; the Rev. 
 Edward C. M'Guire, for Fredericksburg ; the 
 Rev. William Meade, for Frederick parish ; 
 the Rev. William H, Wilmer, for St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. William H. Hart, 
 for Henrico Church ; the Rev. Benjamin B. 
 Smith, for St. George's parish, Accomack 
 county ; the Rev. Samuel Wydown, for St. 
 Martin's parish, Hanover ; the Rev. John S. 
 Ravenscroft, for St. James's parish, Mecklen- 
 burg ; the Rev. Simon Wilmer, for Hungar's 
 parish, Northampton ; the Rev. Benjamin Allen, 
 for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ; the Rev 
 Andrew Syme, for Bristol parish, Petersburg ; 
 the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, for Norborne parish, 
 Berkeley ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, for 13raton 
 parish, Williamsburg. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lowe, seconded by Mr. 
 Syme, 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. George Halson, of 
 Norfolk county, be admitted to an honorary seat 
 in this Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, the rules 
 of order adopted by the last Convention were 
 read by the secretary, and adopted for the gov- 
 ernment of the proceedings of this Convention, 
 viz. : — 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with the morning service of the church. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, unless to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or 
 be unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate, without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined, shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the~ president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. . 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined on before any new thing is 
 introduced, except the question of adjournment. 
 
 K 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other^ and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the resolutions relating to 
 the fund for the episcopate, which were by the 
 last Convention postponed for farther considera- 
 tion, be referred to a select committee to report 
 thereupon. 
 
 And a committee was appointed of Mr. Lee, 
 Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. Robert Randolph, Mr. 
 Abraham Shepherd, and Mr. William Mayo. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts, consisting of 
 Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. John 
 Grammer, and Mr. John Hoof. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee to examine the 
 state of the church in this diocess be appointed, 
 of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, John S. Ra- 
 venscroft, Oliver Norris, and William Meade, 
 Mr. William Sharp, Mr. William Stone, Mr. 
 Francis Nelson, and Mr. Francis G. Taylor. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee to examine the 
 accounts of the treasurer of the Common Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society be appointed, of the 
 Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Benjamin Allen, and 
 Mr. Jacob Parker. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee to examine the 
 accounts of the treasurer of the Widows' Fund 
 be appointed, of the Rev. Simon Wilmer, John 
 S. Ravenscroft, and Mr. Richard Taylor. 
 
 Ordered, That a committee to examine the 
 parochial reports be appointed, of the Rev. 
 Enoch M. Lowe, Andrew Syme, Reuel Keith, 
 William H. Hart, Benjamin B. Smith, and Ed- 
 ward R. Lippit. 
 
 Mr. Lee laid before the Convention a resolu- 
 tion of the vestry of Christ Chtirch, Fairfax 
 parish, Alexandria, on the subject of the fund 
 for support of the episcopate ; which resolution 
 being read, was ordered to be referred to the 
 select committee this day appointed. 
 
 Mr. Lowe announced, that the members of 
 the Presbyterian and Baptist congregations, in 
 the borough of Norfolk, had voluntarily, and in 
 a very friendly and affectionate manner, offered 
 their churches in the said borough to this Con- 
 vention, for the purpose of performing divine 
 service therein during the session thereof ; 
 whereupon. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 the Convention be presented to their said Chris- 
 tian brethren for the kindness thus manifested, 
 and that their said offer be gratefully accepted. 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 18th, 1821. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 William H. Wilmer. ; 
 
 The following gentlemen produced certificates 
 of appointment as lay deputies, which, being 
 read by the secretary, were approved, in con- 
 formity with the canons ; whereupon they took 
 
U6 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1821. 
 
 their seats as members of the Convention ; 
 viz. : — - 
 
 Thomas Smith, for Ware parish, Gloucester 
 county ; Christopher Tompkins, for Kingston 
 parish, Matthews ; Burwell Bassett, for Bruton 
 parish, Wilhamsburg ; and James Chowning, for 
 Christ Church, Middlesex ; the Rev. John H. 
 "Wingfield, a clerical deputy from Antrim parish, 
 Halifax county, also appeared and took his seat. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Simon Wilmer, sec- 
 onded by the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention biB presented to the bishop for 
 his impressive and appropriate discourse, de- 
 livered before this body at the opening of the 
 Convention. 
 
 Mr. John Nelson, from the committee for 
 examining the treasurer's accounts, presented 
 a report and statement, which were read, in the 
 followhig words and figures, viz. : — 
 
 Norfolk, May 18, 1821. 
 We, the undersigned committee appointed to 
 examine the treasurer's account, report, That 
 we have discharged that duty, and find the ac- 
 counts fair and correct ; and that the balance 
 in the treasurer's hands, at the meeting of the 
 present Convention, is $161 24; all which will 
 appear by the accompanying account and docu- 
 ments, which are respectfully submitted, by 
 John Nelson, jun., John Hoof, 
 Philip Nelson, J. Grammer. 
 
 Mr. Edmund J. Lee, from the select com- 
 mittee on the subject of the fund for the support 
 of the episcopate, presented a report, which was 
 read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the res- 
 olutions upon the subject of the permanent fund 
 for the support of the episcopate, have, according 
 to order, had the same under consideration, and 
 have agreed upcm th« following resolutions, which 
 they beg leave to report. 
 
 1. Resolved, That the vestry of each congrega- 
 tion in the respective parishes of this diocess, do 
 take immediate steps to ascertain the number of 
 adult persons in their parishes who profess to be- 
 long to the Episcopal Church. 
 
 2. That the vestries cause each adult person, 
 professing themselves to belong to the church, to 
 be called on, and requested each to pay the sum 
 of dollars, to be applied to the said fund. 
 
 3. That the money which shall be received by 
 the vestries in pursuance of the preceding resolu- 
 tions be forthwith remitted to the president of the 
 standing committee of the church, for that com- 
 mittee to invest it as heretofore directed. 
 
 4. That on or before the first day of January 
 next, Eind from time to time thereafter, reports be 
 made to the standing committee, of the proceed- 
 ings under these resolutions. 
 
 5. That an appropriate address from the Con- 
 vention on this subject be adopted and circulated, 
 with the preceding resolutions, among the mem- 
 bers of the church. 
 
 6. Resolved, That copies of these res- 
 olutions and of the address be printed ; and that 
 
 copies be transmitted, as soon as practi- 
 cable, to each of the clergymen of the church, and 
 to each of the lay delegates attending this Con- 
 vention, all of whom are earnestly solicited to use 
 their utmost exertions to effect the object of the 
 said resolutions. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lee, 
 
 Ordered, That the said resolutions and ad- 
 dress be laid upon the table. 
 
 A suspension of the sitting of the Convention 
 then took place, for the purpose of attending 
 divine service ; whereupon the service was read 
 by the Rev. Oliver Norris, and a sermon de- 
 livered by the Rev. William Meade. 
 
 The session being resumed, the resolutions 
 on the subject of the fund foi: the support of the 
 episcopate, were, on motion of the Rev. Wm, 
 H. Wilmer, referred to a committee of the whole 
 house : whereupon the Convention resolved it- 
 self into a committee accordingly, for the pur- 
 pose of considering the said resolutions, Mr. 
 Bassett in the chair ; and, after some time, the 
 bishop having resumed the chair, Mr. Bassett 
 reported. That the committee of the whole house 
 had, according to order, had under consideration 
 the resolutions to them referred, and agreed to 
 the five first resolutions, but disagreed to the 
 last. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the consideration 
 thereof by the house be postponed until to- 
 morrow. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 19, 1821. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer. 
 
 The Rev. John Reynolds, a clerical dejjuty 
 from the parish of St. Anne's, in the county of 
 Essex, attended, and took his seat in the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, from the com- 
 mittee appointed to examine the accounts of the 
 treasurer of the Widows' Fund, presented a re- 
 port, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the state 
 of the Widows' Fund beg leave to observe, that, 
 owing to the absence of the papers and accounts, 
 they can present no statement of the actual amount 
 of the fund, or of the manner in which its proceeds 
 are now applied. They believe, however, that it 
 remains, as to the principal, as reported by the 
 committee who last examined the treasurer's ac- 
 counts. And it being satisfactorily ascertained 
 that the Rev. Dr. Buchanan, by reason of age and 
 infirmity, is desirous to resign the oflice of treas- 
 urer, and surrender the funds in his hands. 
 
 Your committee therefore beg leave to recom- 
 mend, that the amount constituting the Widows' 
 Fund be placed in the hands of a treasurer to be 
 appointed by this Convention. 
 
 That the direction and management of the fund 
 be transferred to the standing committee of this 
 diocess, according to whose direction only shall 
 its affairs be administered, and by whose order on 
 the treasurer all payments be made. 
 
 That the Right Reverend the Bishop of the 
 diocess be appointed to receive from the present 
 treasurer the specialties, books, and cash belong- 
 ing to the fund, and to transmit the same to the 
 treasurer now to be appointed. 
 
 That it be the duty of the treasurer of this fund 
 to present annually to the standing committee a 
 statement of the condition of the fund, and of the 
 manner in which its proceeds have been applied, 
 with the names of the persons to whom relief has 
 been afforded ^ which statement shall form a part 
 
CONVENTION OF 1821. 
 
 147 
 
 of the annual report of the proceedings of that 
 committee. 
 
 Resolved, That John Hoof, of Alexandria, be 
 appointed treasurer of the fund for the relief of 
 the destitute widows and orphans of deceased 
 clergymen in this diocess. 
 
 Resolved, That it be the duty of the said treas- 
 urer to call upon delinquent subscribers by letter 
 for the amount that may be in arrear. 
 
 Resolved, That it be his duty to send by the 
 standing committee, to each Convention of this 
 diocess, the subscription books of the fund, for 
 the purpose of obtaining new subscriptions to the 
 same. 
 
 Resolved, further. That, at the meeting of every 
 Convention of this diocess, a sermon be preached 
 and a collection made for the benefit of this fund, 
 and that the Right Rev. the Bishop do appoint the 
 clergyman who shall officiate on that occasion. 
 
 The said report and resolutions, being, twice 
 read, were, upon the questions severally put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, from the commit- 
 tee to whom the parochial reports were refer- 
 red, presented a report, which was read, as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 Norfolk, May 19, 1821. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the pa- 
 rochial reports, respectfully submit the followmg 
 condensed view of the same. 
 
 In the Monumental Church, Richmond — the 
 congregation are steady in their attendance upon 
 divine worship. At the administration of the 
 Lord's Supper the greatest solemnity is preser- 
 ved, and some additional members generally ad- 
 ded. They are alfectionate to their pastor, and the 
 greatest love and harmony prevail. 
 
 In the parish of St. Andrew's— there are com- 
 municants 150, baptisms 45, funerals 27. This 
 parish, within the last two years, has contributed 
 to the episcopal fund more than sufficient to re- 
 deem its pledge of ,f 50 per annum. The general 
 state of the church is improving, though nothing 
 worthy of special note exists. 
 
 In the parish of Bristol, Petersburg — there are 
 communicants 40, marriages 10, funerals 16, bap- 
 tisms 36. The minister of this jparish states, that 
 for two years past considerable amendment has 
 taken place in regard to attendance on public wor- 
 ship and the solemn duties of religion. 
 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton county. This 
 parish for many years has been in a gloomy and 
 unpromising state ; but the present minister re- 
 ports a favourable and signal change in its spirit- 
 ual interests! A large church has been repaired, 
 and Sunday Schools have been instituted. There 
 are baptisms 41, communicants 28, funerals 6, 
 1 marriage. 
 
 In St. James's parish, Mecklenburg— there are 
 communicants 35, marriages 2, baptisms 39, buri- 
 als 9. The minister is sorry that he cannot report 
 any numerical addition to the communicants in 
 the two congregations he has in charge. He is 
 hopeful, however, that an increase of spiritual life 
 and strength is manifested by those formerly enu- 
 merated. There has been collected for the bish- 
 op's fund $91 87i. 
 
 In the church in Fredericksburg — there are com- 
 municants 100, baptisms 13, deaths 6, marriages 
 11. Something has been done for the episcopal 
 fund, and it is hoped more will be done hereafter. 
 
 In Frederick parish, Winchester — there are com- 
 municants 35, baptisms 10, marriages 4, funerals 
 3, and one Sunday School. 
 
 In the Chapel congregation — communicants 55, 
 funerals 3, baptisms 10. The service- well per- 
 
 K 'i 
 
 formed, and'tlie attendance of the members reg- 
 ular. 
 
 In St. George's parish, Accomack county- 
 there are baptisms 24, marriages 2, funerals 16, 
 conuhunicants 55, and 400 Sunday? School s«hol- 
 ars. 
 
 In Norbome parish, Berkeley county— there are 
 baptisms 46, burials 8, marriages 3, communicants 
 100. 
 
 Christ Church, Norbome parish, Berkeleycounty 
 — communicants 60, baptisms 2, marriages 2. The 
 spiritual state of this church has not undergone a 
 material change since the last report. The peo- 
 ple are serious and attentive to the word of God, 
 and are regular in their attendance on public wor- 
 ship. 
 
 In Hamilton parish — there are communicants 
 46, baptisms 10, marriages 9. 
 
 In this parish no remarkable change has taken 
 place since the last report. 
 
 In Augusta parish, Staunton — there are com- 
 municants 25, catechumens i 5, marriages 12, bap- 
 tisms 33, funerals 7. 
 
 In Christ Church, Norfolk— there are commu- 
 nicants 160, catechumens 75, baptisms 27, mar- 
 riages 2, funerals 14. The prospects of this church 
 the minister states to be flattering. It enjoys in 
 a most signal manner the converting and sancti- 
 fying influences of the Holy Ghost ; God in his 
 boundless mercy is daily adding to the church 
 such as, it is hoped, will be eternally saved. 
 
 The old congregation of Portsmouth parish 
 has been revived, and promises to become a flour- 
 ishing branch of our Zion. 
 
 In Bruton parish, Wilhamsburg — there are com- 
 municants 25, baptisms 4, funerals 2, 1 marriage. 
 
 In the parishes of Washington, Westmoreland 
 county, St. Anne and South Farnham, Essex coun- 
 ty, and some other parishes— there are baptisms 
 91, marriages 10, funerals 14, communicants 118, 
 Sunday Schools 9, and scholars 400. 
 
 In Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria — 
 there are communicant« 1.30, baptisms 50, Sunday 
 scholars 100. Though the minister of this church 
 has cause of sorrow in the death of several of the 
 pious and exemplary members of his charge, yet 
 his congregation continues to flourish, and to af- 
 ford increasing evidence of a growth in grace. 
 Since the last Convention, about 30 new members 
 have been added to his communion. 
 
 In St. Paul's Church, Alexandria — there are 
 baptisms 48, marriages 15, funerals 28, communi- 
 cants 15, 2 deceased, 3 removed. 
 
 In the church on Richmond Hill, there are com- 
 naunicants 40. The minister states that the situa- 
 tion of this church is much improved since the last 
 Convention. 
 
 Enoch M. Lowe, Chairman^ 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the house. 
 
 The Rev. Wilham H. Wilmer, from the com- 
 mittee on the state of the church, presented a 
 report, which was read, and, on motion, order- 
 ed to be laid upon the table. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lee, the resolutions con- 
 cerning the fund for the support of the episco- 
 pate were taken up and considered, whereupon 
 the first resolution was, on the question put, 
 disagreed to b^ the Convention ; the second and 
 fourth resolutions were amended, and agreed to 
 as amended ; the third and fifth were agreed to 
 without amendment ; and the Convention con- 
 curred with the committee fcf the whole house 
 in disagreeing to the sixth resolution. 
 
1'48 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1«21. 
 
 The said resolutions, as amended and appro- 
 ved, are the following :— • 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the res- 
 olqiions upon the subject of the permanent fund 
 forlhe support of the episcopate, have, according 
 to order, had the same under consideration, and 
 have agreed upon the following resolutions, which 
 they beg leave to report : — 
 - 1. Resolved, That the vestries or trustees of 
 each congregation in the respective parishes of 
 this diocess, do cause each adult person profes- 
 sing themselves to belong to or to be friendly to 
 the church, to be called on, and requested, each, 
 to pay the sum of not less than one dollar, to be 
 applied to the said fund. 
 
 2. Resolved, That the money which shall be re- 
 ceived by the vestries or trustees in pursuance of 
 the preceding resolution, be forthwith remitted to 
 the president of the standing committee of the 
 church, for that conunittee to invest it as hereto- 
 fore directed. 
 
 3. Resolved, That on or before the first day of 
 January next, and from time to time thereafter, re- 
 ports be made to the standing committee of the 
 proceedings tinder these resolutions. 
 
 4. Resolved,. That an appropriate address from 
 the Convention on this subject be adopted and cir- 
 culated, with the nreceding resolutions, among the 
 members of the church. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Ravenscroft, the following 
 additional resolution, being twice read, was, on 
 the (question put thereupon, agreed to by the Con- 
 vention, viz. :— 
 
 6. Resolved, That, in those parts of the dio- 
 cess where there are no vestries or trustees, the 
 friends of the churchbe requested to give theiraid 
 in eft'ecting the object of these resolutions. 
 
 The proposed address of this Convention to 
 the members of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in this diocess being again read, was 
 approved unanimously, as follows : — 
 
 To the Membera of the Episcopal Church in the Di- 
 ocess of Virginia. 
 
 Dear FRnsNDs and Brethren ; — 
 It has been the anxious wish of preceding 
 Conventions to relieve the bishop of this diocess 
 from all parochial charge, so as to enable him to 
 vifiit frequently and in regular course each con- 
 gregation in the state. This measure has been 
 suggested as the most etFectual that could be de- 
 vised for promoting the prosperity of religion 
 among the members of our communion. To this 
 end a fund has been created, under the sanction of 
 the Conveption, having for its object the accuniu- 
 lation of an amount, the annual interest of which 
 may be sufficient for the support of the episco- 
 pate. Some efforts have been made to carry this 
 plan into eff'ect ; but the attempt thus far has not 
 answered the expectations of its friends, and the 
 mode heretofore adopted for effecting it promises 
 at best only a distant prospect of success. 
 
 The present Convention, deeply sensible of the 
 magnitude and importance of the object, beg leave 
 again to call your attention to this interesting sub- 
 ject. When the members of our church seriously 
 reflect upon the reaUty of religion, that it is em- 
 phatically the one thing needful, they will not, it 
 is hoped, hesitate in giving their cheerful aid to all 
 reasonable means which may tend to the promo- 
 tion of this greatest of blessings. That this sub- 
 ject has not been heretofore duly appreciated by 
 the Episcopalians in general, is much to be feared. 
 It is in vain to profess our attachment to the 
 Christian rehgion, and our wish ito see it flourish 
 
 among us ; words are not sufficient ; they arff 
 cheap, and will not alone produce a lasting bene- 
 fit to any cause. It is only by actions, flowing 
 from a Christian principle, that the sincerity of our 
 professions can be tested. The Convention, in 
 the name and for the sake of that holy religion 
 which they most ardently desire to see extended 
 from heart to heart, from house to house, and 
 made the governing rule of all our conduct, do now 
 solicit the members of their communion to con- 
 tribute a small portion of those worldly goods 
 which it has pleased our Divine Father to bestow 
 on them, towards carrying into full and immediate 
 effect the plan which has been adopted for placing 
 the head of the church in this diocess in a situa- 
 tion to be extensively useful in this holy cause. 
 They cherish the hope that this appeal to the pi- 
 ety and zeal of our members will not be in vain. 
 
 If the proposed plan is carried into execution, as 
 it can be where there are willing minds, " our ven- 
 erable bishop will be able to visit every part of the 
 diocess ; he will have it in his power to encourage 
 the desponding, rouse the thoughtless, give direc- 
 tion to the zeal and energy of the pious, and im- 
 press upon the whole a salutary impulse." The 
 waste places and desolations of Zion would be re- 
 paired, and our decayed and forsaken churches 
 would be rebuilt, and rendered once more vocal 
 with praise. Let it never be forgotten, that all the 
 means and institutions of religion are calculated 
 and intended to improve our hearts, to purify our 
 affiections, to place them on heavenly things, 
 and to subdue all the evil propensities of a de- 
 praved nature. The Convention, under a full 
 sense of their relation to the church, and of their 
 own awful responsibihty as to the manner they 
 discharge the solemn duties of their station, are 
 constrained to remind their friends and brethren, 
 that every relation in which we stand to God, to 
 ourselves, to our dear families and friends, and to 
 society, demands from us all a fervent zeal and an 
 active effort to restore our church, endowed by 
 public veneration, supported by the purity of her 
 doctrines, the integrity and zeal of her ministers, 
 and the Christian toleration of all religious classes, 
 to her true character. With these feelings and 
 views do the members of this Convention most 
 earnestly entreat their brethren to reflect upon the 
 necessity of adopting the measure now submitted 
 to them, " and that they manifest their gratitude to 
 Ahnighty God, and their sense of the great im- 
 portance of his blessed revelation ; that they con- 
 sider the unspeakable reward they will receive 
 from that gracious Master to whom they belong, 
 whose goodness demands the warmest returns of 
 love, duty, and obedience ; and that they contrib- 
 ute, to the utmost in their power, to render this ac- 
 ceptable service to his cause." 
 
 On motion of Mr. Ravenscroft, The journal' 
 of the proceedings, during the last year, of the 
 standing committee of the church in this djocess, 
 was read by the secretary. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William Meade, sec- 
 onded by Mr. Abraham Shepherd, 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention of cler- 
 ical and lay deputies for the diocess of Virginia' 
 be holden at Charlottesville, in the county of 
 Albemarle. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Edward C. McGuire, 
 
 Ordered, That the committee appointed to ex- 
 amine the account of the treasurer of the Com- 
 mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society be dis- 
 charged from that duty. 
 
 The Rev. William H. Wilmer laid before the 
 
CONVENTION OF 1821. 
 
 u§ 
 
 Convention accounts of the management of the 
 fund for the support of the episcopate. 
 
 The said accounts were approved by the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The sitting was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service ; when the 
 service was read by the bishop, and a sermon 
 delivered by the Rev. Reuel Keith. 
 
 The sitting being resumed, the Rev. "William 
 H. Wilmer presented a report from the mana- 
 gers of the Common Prayer-Book and Tract So- 
 ciety, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The managers of the Prayer-Book and Tract 
 Society of Virginia report, That iii consequence 
 of the establishment of auxiliary societies through- 
 out the diocess, the friends of the parent institu- 
 tion have been so much abridged as to paralyze its 
 efforts. The annual collection usual at the meet- 
 ing of the Conventions was not made the last 
 year, and the managers have felt authorized, un- 
 der these circumstances, to solicit the contribution 
 due from subscribers. Only a small amount of 
 money, therefore, has been received during the last 
 year. With this one hundred prayer-books have 
 been purchased, and three thousand tracts print- 
 ed. Twenty prayer-books and several hundred 
 tracts have been sent to the Female Auxiliary So- 
 ciety in Accomack, from which the sum of ten 
 dollars was received on the 10th instant. Twelve 
 prayer-books and an assortment of several hun- 
 dred tracts have been sent to Christ Church par- 
 ish, in Middlesex ; and such other distributions 
 have been made as the exigences and demands 
 have seemed to require. The remaining prayer- 
 books and tracts are now in Norfolk, at the dispo- 
 sal of the Convention. 
 
 Under the present circumstances, the mana- 
 gers submit it to the wisdom of the Convention, 
 whether it be better to dissolve the society, or 
 whether it be possible to incorporate with it the 
 subordinate societies, and thus to secure that har- 
 mony of sentiment and action which is essential 
 to the vigour and prosperity of such institutions. 
 William H. Wilmer, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the said report be 
 laid upon the table. 
 
 The following resolutions vyere proposed by 
 the Rev. Benjamin Allen, viz. :— 
 
 Resolved, That the existing Common Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society be extended to the pro- 
 motion of Christian knowledge in general, the 
 funds to be apportioned among the respective 
 means made use of, as the managers may deter- 
 mine. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 friends of the church, in the different sections of 
 the diocess, to organize branches auxiliary to 
 this society, which branches, after supplying 
 their respective districts, shall throw their sur- 
 plus funds into the treasury of this society. 
 
 Resolved, That the officers of all such aux- 
 iliaries shall be ex-qfficio managers of this so- 
 ciety. 
 
 Resolved, That each member of this society 
 be entitled to two prayer-books and ten tracts 
 per annum. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Meade, 
 
 Resolved, That the further consideration of 
 the said resolutions be indefinitely postponed. 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That Mr. Alhnand have 
 
 leave of absence from this Convention for the 
 remainder of its session. 
 
 The report of the committee on the state of 
 the church was, on motion, taken up, and again 
 read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church, 
 taking into consideration the deficient condition 
 of the diocess as respects the means of theologi- 
 cal instruction, and the importance of retaining 
 among ourselves, for education, those young men 
 who may be disposed to devote themselves to the 
 sacred office of the ministry, recommend to this 
 Convention the estabhshment of a theological 
 school in Williamsburg ; it being understood that 
 the society of the college in that plac^ is willing 
 that such a step should be taken, and that the 
 faculty have generously offered to afford gratui- 
 tously, to all bona fide students of theology, a 
 course of lectures for the support of such schooL 
 
 It is therefore recommended, that a board of 
 *rustees, consisting of the following clergymen 
 and laymen, to wit :— the Right Rev. Bishop 
 Moore, the Rev, John S. Ravenscrofl, the Rev. 
 William H. Wilmer, the Rev. William Meade, 
 the Rev. Reuel Keith, and Dr. Augustine Smith, 
 the Hon. Burwell Bassett, the Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington, Colonel Hugh Mercer, and William 
 Mayo, Esq., any three of whom shall constitute 
 a quorum, be appointed to adopt the most efficient 
 means for establishing the same, by raising funds 
 and selecting one or more professors ; the pro- 
 ceedings of which board shall be subject to the 
 decision of the next Convention. 
 
 It is also recommended, that the Board of 
 Trustees enter into a correspondence with the 
 standing committees of the diocesses of Maryland 
 and North Carohna, in order to ascertain whether 
 the members of our church in those states are dis- 
 posed to co-operate with us in this important 
 measure. 
 
 In recommending these resolutions, the com- 
 mittee think proper to declare, that they do not 
 intend any opposition to the General Seminary 
 estabUshed by the General Convention. On the 
 contrary, we cordially desire to see the prosperity 
 of an institution so vitally connected as that is 
 with the reputation and interest of our church. 
 But as there are peculiar circumstances which 
 render it necessary to cherish a seminary in the 
 southern district, we considet the duty of attempt- 
 ing it as coming within the scope of the resolution 
 made by the House of Bishops, which declares its 
 intention " not to interfere with any plan now 
 contemplated or that may be hereafter contempla 
 ted in any diocess or diocesses for the establish- 
 ment of theological institutions or professorships." 
 
 Therefore,' Resolved, That Mr. John Nelson, 
 jr., delegate from St. James's parish, Mecklen- 
 burg county, be appointed to solicit subscriptions 
 throughout the diocess for the above purpose. 
 
 Resolved further, That the board of trustees 
 be authorized, in case of death or resignation of 
 the above collector, to appoint another for the 
 said purpose, and generally to give such instruc- 
 tions and directions as shall, in their judgment, be 
 proper. 
 
 The said resolutions and preamble thereto 
 being twice read, were, on questions severally 
 put thereupon, agreed to by the Convention. 
 
 A motion was made by the Rev. Benjamin 
 B. Smith, that the following resolution be 
 adopted : — 
 
 Resolved, That in amendment of the last 
 clause of the 10th canon of the church in this 
 
150 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1821, 
 
 state, the words, " within three years," be in- 
 serted after the words, "at any time." 
 
 And the question being put thereupon, was 
 determined in the negative. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the 
 church in this diocess for the ensuing year ; 
 whereupon the following gentlemen were duly 
 elected, viz. : the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 John Dunn, Oliver Norris, the Hon. Bush- 
 rod Washington, Edmund J. Lee, and George 
 Taylor, Esqrs. 
 
 The Convention also proceeded, in like man- 
 ner, to the election of eight delegates to repre- 
 sent this diocess iii the next General Conven- 
 tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the 
 United States ; whereupon the following gen- 
 tlemen were duly elected, viz. : the Rev. Will- 
 iam H. Wilmer, John S. Ravenscroft, Wilham 
 Meade, Simon Wilmer, Philip Nelson, Will- 
 iam Mayo, Hugh Mercer, and Edmund J, Lee, 
 Esqrs, 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lowe, 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay to each of the delegates to the General 
 Convention the sum of fifty dollars, to defray 
 their expenses. 
 
 The bishop delivered liis pastoral address on 
 the state of the church ; which being heard. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, 
 seconded by the Rev. John Reynolds, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be presented to the Right Rev. Richard C. 
 Moore, D. D., bishop of this diocess, for his 
 affectionate and evangelical pastoral address, 
 and that he be requested to furnish a copy 
 thereof for insertion in the Journal. 
 
 The said address was as follows :t- 
 
 Brethren, — Another year has revolved since we 
 last assembled in Convention, to deliberate upon 
 the affairs of the church, and to take sweet coun- 
 sel together. An account of the discharge of our 
 clerical duties since that period has been recorded 
 in Heaven ; may that record bear witness to our 
 fidelity to God, and to our watchfulness over our 
 respective flocks. 
 
 The advances of our communion have been 
 such as to call for our gratitude to Heaven. The 
 clergy continue to manifest their zeal in the cause 
 of religion, and their attachment to the principles 
 of the church. Their best efforts have been used 
 in the discharge of their ministerial duties, and 
 there appears to exist among them, the strongest 
 disposition to fulfil their sacred obligations. To 
 make the least discrimination in the expression of 
 my confidence in their integrity would be painful 
 to my heart, at a time in which I have reason to 
 believe that the utmost energies of all have been 
 exerted in promoting the prosperity of our Zion. 
 
 Fettered as I am with the weight of a parish, in 
 addition to that which cometh upon me daily, the 
 care of all the churches, it is impossible to make 
 those exertions which could be effected with ease 
 were I released from parochial obligations. The 
 necessity of administering to the wants of my 
 congregation in Richmond, renders my pastoral 
 visits to the churches too much hurried. It pre- 
 vents me from improving them to the best advan- 
 tage, and precludes the possibiUty of acquiring 
 that knowledge of the members of our connexion 
 80 indispensably necessary. Instead of passing a 
 
 few days in each parish, and forming an intimattf 
 acquaintance with the individuals of the different 
 congregations, I appear among them, not as the 
 spiritual father of the whole family, but as a 
 stranger, and am obliged to pass with such rapid* 
 ity from one place to another, that I am only 
 known to a majority of the people of my charge 
 in my official character. 
 
 The Convention of the church in this diocess, 
 alive to these considerations, have pressed, with 
 great wisdom and energy, the subject of an inde- 
 pendent support for the episcopate. As the emolu- 
 ments arising from the source to which I allude 
 vvould never equal the amount of my present 
 living, I cannot be charged with indelicacy in 
 urging the principle as a matter of primary im- 
 portance. If the wealthy members of the church 
 would contribute but a small portion of their 
 worldly goods to this object, it could be effected 
 with the greatest ease ; the claims of the whole 
 diocess would then be equally imperative upon 
 the bishop ; he would have it in his power to 
 travel as far and wide as the circumstances of the 
 church would require, and would discharge the 
 duties appertaining to his appointment as the chief 
 pastor of the flock. Should I not live to address 
 you again upon a conventional occasion, I must 
 entreat you to bear in mind, that I consider the 
 subject of a support for the episcopate as a matter 
 of leading importance, and earnestly supphcate 
 you to make that provision for my successor con- 
 templated and embraced in the above remarks. 
 
 Since the last Convention, I have preached and 
 administered the Lord's Supper in the county of 
 Chesterfield. I have visited Dinwiddie, and offi- 
 ciated in the church once filled by that pious ser- 
 vant of God, the Rev. Devereaux Jarratt, and also 
 twice in the town of Petersburg. In October I 
 made an excursion into the upper country, visited 
 the county of Orange, but was prevented from 
 officiating by the inclemency of the weather. I 
 crossed the Blue Ridge, and visited Staunton in 
 the county of Augusta, in which place I preached 
 twice, to large and overfloj^ing congregations, 
 and confirmed eighteen persons. The church in 
 Staunton appears to be in a flourishing condition, 
 and is blessed with the faithfijl services of the 
 Rev. Mr. Stephens. After leaving Staunton, I 
 again crossed the Blue Ridge, and, agreeably to 
 appointment, met several of the clergy in Char- 
 lottesville. On Sunday morning I preached to a 
 very large congregation, and, in connexion with 
 the clergy who were present, administered the 
 Lord's Supper. On Monday I rode to the Green 
 Mountain, upon which day I read prayers, and 
 Mr. Meade preached ; and on Tuesday Mr. Wy- 
 down read prayers, and I preached and adminis- 
 tered the Lord's Supper to a number of devout 
 communicants. From the Green Mountain I re- 
 paired to Mr. Hugh Nelson's, and on Wednesday 
 preached and administered the Lord's Supper in 
 Walker's church, and admitted the Rev. Mr. Mar- 
 shall, of Culpepper, to the holy order of the priest- 
 hood. 
 
 In November I left home on a visit ta the Nor- 
 thern Neck of Virginia, and on the 15th of the 
 month preached twice in Fredericksburg. I then 
 passed on to Port Royal on the I6lh, in which 
 place I read prayers and preached. On the 17th 
 I read prayers and preached at Vauter's church, 
 in the county of Essex. On the 18th I rode to 
 Rappahannock, and read prayers and preached ; 
 I then crossed the Rappahannock river, and on the 
 19th I read prayers and preached at Richmond 
 courthouse. On the 20th I read prayers and 
 preached at White Chapel church. On the 21st 
 I read prayers and preached at Lancaster court- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1822. 
 
 151 
 
 house. On the 22d I read prayers and preached 
 in Christ Church, Lancaster county, and in the 
 evening lectured at Mr. Armistead Currie's. On 
 the 23d I rode to Northumberland, and officiated 
 in Wicomico church. On the 25th I read pray- 
 ers and preached in the courthouse in Northum- 
 berland. On the 26th I officiated in the church 
 at Maltox Bridge, Westmoreland county, and also 
 administered the Lord's Supper. On the 27th I 
 rode to King George courthouse, and there offi- 
 ciated. On the 28th I read prayers and preached 
 in the old church in. King George county ; I then 
 rode to Port Conway, and lectured the same even- 
 ing at the house of Mr. Turner. On the 29th I 
 crossed the Rappahannock to Port Royal, in 
 which place I performed the funeral service, and 
 then bent my course towards Richmond. On this 
 tour, I rode in 18 days 360 miles, and officiated 17 
 times. 
 
 I have been this month in Mecklenburg county, 
 and preached and administered the Lord's Supper, 
 in Mr. Ravenscroft's parish, to a large and atten- 
 tive assembly. I have also visited the county of 
 Hahfax, and preached in the church near the 
 courthouse, to an attentive congregation, under 
 the care of the Rev. Mr. Wingtield. 
 
 Thus, brethren, have I endeavoured to fulfil the 
 important duties intrusted to my care : and it is 
 with pleasure I inform you, that I discover, in 
 every district I visit, the strongest attachment to 
 the church. In the Northern Neck of Virginia in 
 particular, I observed such striking evidences of 
 the afifection of the people to the church of their 
 fathers, as has deeply affected my heart. In that 
 region, occupying a space of more than one hun- 
 dred miles, they have not one clergyman of the 
 
 church to officiate regularly among them in their 
 churches. They appear to be an affectionate peo- 
 ple, and I have no question would render the life 
 of a virtuous clergyman happy who would reside 
 among them. Were I a young man, I should not 
 hesitate to throw myself into their arms, and ad- 
 minister to their spiritual necessities. Accept, 
 my beloved brethren, every expression of my pas- 
 toral regard, and may the Lord be with you all. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lowe, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be presented to the secretary for his servi- 
 ces, and that his travelling expenses be paid out 
 of the contingent fund. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be presented to the inhabitants of the 
 borough of Norfolk, for their kindness and hos- 
 piiaUty manifested to its members during its 
 present session. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Simon Wilmer, ' 
 
 Ordered, That 750 copies of the Journal of 
 proceedings of this Convention be printed, and 
 distributed under the superintendence of the 
 bishop and secretary. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again at Charlottesville, on the third Thursday 
 in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moobe, 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia. 
 
 Teste, William Munford, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of ike proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, which 
 assembled at Charlottesville, on Thursday, the I6th of May, 1822. 
 
 The Convention met, and was opened with 
 divine service by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore 
 and a sermon by the Rev " ' ~ 
 
 Edward C. M'Guire. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore took the chair 
 as president of the Convention ; and it appear- 
 ing that Mr. Wm. Munford, the secretary of 
 the Convention, was absent. 
 
 Ordered, That Edw. Colston act as secretary 
 pro tempore. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon, 
 Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr. Edmund J. Lee, be 
 a committee to examine the certificates of the 
 appointments of lay deputies. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lemon, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the certificates of lay 
 deputies, made the following report, viz. : The 
 committee appointed to examine the credentials 
 of lay deputies have examined the same, and 
 report, that the following persons appear to be 
 duly elected, viz. : 
 
 John Campbell, Washington parish, West- 
 moreland county; Hugh Nelson, Fredericks- 
 ville parish, Albemarle county ; Dr. F. Carr 
 and Tucker Coles, St. Anne's parish, Albemarle ; 
 William Huntington, Henrico church, Rich- 
 mond city ; Hugh Mercer, St. George's parish, 
 Fredericksburg ; Wm. M. Thompson, St. Ste- 
 phen's church, Culpepper; John Nelson, jr., 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; Edward Col- 
 ston, Norborne parish, Berkeley ; William G. 
 Stuart, St. Paul's parish, King G«orge; Ed- 
 
 ward Valentine, jr., Augusta parish, Augusta ^ 
 Abraham Shepherd, St. Andrew's parish, Jef- 
 ferson ; Obed Waite and Philip Nelson, Fred- 
 erick parish, Frederick ; Francis Nelson, St. 
 Martin's parish, Hanover ; Robert Randolph, 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; Thomas L. Latane, 
 South Farnham parish, Essex ; John Gilliam, 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Robert P. Waring, 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex; E. J. Lee, Christ 
 Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria; William 
 Mayo, Monumental Church, Richmond city ; 
 Alexander Gait, Christ Church, Norfolk bor- 
 ough. 
 
 They further report, that the paper purport- 
 ing to be thfi credential of the appointment of a 
 lay delegate from Mill Creek Church, Berkeley, 
 is not in due form, and that the said delegate is 
 not entitled to a seat in this Convention ; 
 whereupon it was, on motion of Mr. Hugh 
 Nelson, 
 
 Ordered, That the said report do lie upon 
 the table. 
 
 The following clerical deputies appeared and 
 took their seats in the Convention, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the 
 Rev. William Meade, Chapel, Frederick coun- 
 ty ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St. James's 
 Church, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. George Le- 
 mon, Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; the Rev, 
 
152 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1822. 
 
 Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fred- 
 ericksburg ; the Rev. WiUiam Steel, Dettingen 
 and Leeds parishes, Prince William ; the Rev. 
 John Reynolds, St. Anne's parish, Essex ; the 
 Rev. Daniel Stephens, Augusta parish, Staun- 
 ton ; the Rev. Fred. Hatch, Fredericksvilk 
 parish, Albemarle ; the Rev. Rich. H. Barnes, 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover ; the Rev. Reuel 
 Keith, Bruton parish, Wilhamsburg ; the Rev. 
 Edward R. Lippit, Norborne parish, Berkeley ; 
 the Rev. William Crawford, Trinity parish, 
 Louisa ; the Rev. John J. Robinson, Frederick 
 parish, and Grace Church, Norborne parish, 
 Berkeley ; the Rev. Benj. B. Smith, St. An- 
 drew's parish, Jefferson ; the Rev. William H. 
 Hart, Church on Richmond Hill ; the Rev. 
 Herbert Marshall, St. Stephen's parish, Cul- 
 pepper ; the Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne parish, 
 Loudoun ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol 
 parish, Petersburg ; the Rev. John H. Wing- 
 field, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ; and 
 the Rev. Josias Claphain, St. Paul's parish. 
 King George, and Washington parish, West- 
 moreland. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. WiHiam 
 Meade, the Rev. Oliver Norris, and Messrs. 
 WiUiam Mayo, Robert Randolph, and Hugh 
 Nelson, be a committee to take into consider- 
 ation the state of the church in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That Messrs. Hugh Mercer, Abra- 
 ham Shepherd, Obed Waite, and Francis Nel- 
 son, be a committee to examine the treasurer's 
 account. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John Dunn, the 
 Rev. Daniel Stephens, Messrs. John Nelson, 
 jr., and Robert P. Waring, be a committee to 
 examine the account of the treasurer of the 
 Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society of 
 the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, the 
 Rev. Fred. Hatch, Messrs. E. J. Lee, and John 
 Campbell, be a committee to examine and 
 report on the present state of the Widows' 
 Fund. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon, 
 Messrs. Phihp Nelson, and Edward Valentine, 
 jr., be a committee to examine the parochial 
 reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 Messrs. Hugh Nelson, and Abraham Shepherd, 
 be a committee to examine the accounts of the 
 trustees of the Episcopal Fund. 
 
 Ordered, On motion of the Rev. George 
 Lemon, that the Rev. Mr. Mann, a clergyman 
 from the diocess of Maryland, attending this 
 Convention, be invited to an honorary seat 
 therein. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 the following rules were read and adopted, for 
 regulating the proceedings of this Convention, 
 viz. : — 
 
 1st. The business of every day shall be 
 introduced with the morning service of the 
 church. 
 
 2d. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3d. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or 
 be unable to attend. 
 
 4th. When any member is about to speaR in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5th. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate, without leave of the house. 
 6th. A question ueing once determined, shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds of 
 the house. 
 
 7th. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8th. Every member who shall be in the 
 house when any question is put, shall, on a 
 division, be counted, unless he be personally 
 interested in the decision. 
 
 9th. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10th. When any question is before the house, 
 it shall be determined upon before any new 
 thing is introduced, except the question of ad- 
 journment. 
 
 11th. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12ih. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave the chair. 
 
 It appearing that Mr. Wm. Munford, the 
 treasurer of this Convention, is not present, on 
 motion of the Rev. Mr. Meade, 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Hugh Mercer be ap- 
 pointed to receive and account for, to the treas- 
 urer, the contributions of the several parishes to 
 the Contingent Fund ; whereupon, the follow- 
 ing payments were made, viz. : — 
 By Mr. John Campbell, Washington parish, 
 
 Westmoreland county, - - $30 
 
 Dr. F. Carr, St. Anne's parish, Albe- 
 marle, - - - - - - 30 
 
 Mr. William Huntington,Henrico Church, 
 Richmond city, - - - - 15 
 
 Hugh Mercer, St. George's parish, Fred- 
 ericksburg, 30 
 
 William M. Thompson, St. Stephen's \ 
 and St. Mark's Churches, Culpep- > 40 
 ^per, $20 each, - - - ) 
 
 John Nelson, jr., St. James's parish, 
 
 Mecklenburg, - - - - 30 
 
 Edward Colston, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 ley, -...,. 30 
 W. G. Stuartj St. Paul's parish, King 
 
 George, - . - - - - 30 
 
 Edward Valentine,- jr., Augusta parish, 
 
 Augusta, . - . . 10 
 
 Abraham Shepherd, St. Andrew's parish, 
 
 Jefferson, 30 
 
 Obed Waite and Philip Nelson, Fred- 
 erick parish, Frederick, - - 30 
 
 Amount carried forward, $305 
 
CONVENTION OF 1822. 
 
 153 
 
 Amount brought forward, $305 
 
 By Francis Nelson, St. Martin's parish, 
 
 Hanover, - - - - - 20 
 Robt. Randolph, Hamilton parish, Fau- 
 
 quier, 
 
 30 
 
 T. L. Latane, South Farnham parish, 
 Essex, 20 
 
 The Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish, 
 Petersburg, - - - - - 30 
 
 Mr. Robert P. Waring, St. Anne's parish, 
 Essex, 30 
 
 Edmund J. Lee, Christ's Church, Fair- 
 fax parish, Alexandria, - - - 30 
 
 William Mayo, Monumental Church, 
 Richmond city, - - - - 30 
 
 A. Gait, Christ's Church, Norfolk bor- 
 ough, 30 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Steel, Dettingen and 
 Leeds parishes, Prince William, - 13 
 
 Mr. Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun, - 30 
 
 Mr. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, Alex- 
 andria, - - - - - - 30 
 
 Mr. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle, ---... 30 
 
 Mr. Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, Nor- 
 folk county, ----- 30 
 
 $658 
 The Rev. Mr. RavenscToft, from the committee 
 to examine the account of the trustees of the Epis- 
 copal Fund, made the following report, viz. : — 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the ac- 
 count of the trustees of the Bishops' Fund, re- 
 port. That the account presented is truly stated, 
 by which it appears, that the money paid in has 
 been vested in bank-stock ; thirty-three shares 
 in the Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, amounting 
 to $1,650, and six shares in the Bank of Alex- 
 andria, amounting to $1,200, making an aggre- 
 gate of $2,850 ; and that there is a balance in 
 the hands of the trustees of $5 16, which they 
 have carried to the new account : all which will 
 more fully appear by referring to the account of 
 Richard M. Scott, President of the Farmers' 
 Bank of Alexandria, herewith filed. And the 
 said report, being read, was approved by the 
 Convention. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Reuel Keith, the 
 Convention adjourned until to-morrow morn- 
 ing, 9 o'clock, 
 
 Friday, May 17, 1822. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and morning prayer was read by the 
 Right Rev- Bishop Moore. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Dunn, from the committee to 
 examine the account of the treasurer of the 
 Prayer-Book and Tract Society^ made the fol- 
 lowing report, viz. ; The committee to whom 
 were referred the accounts of the treasurer of 
 the Prayer-Book and Tract Society, have per- 
 formed that duty, and report, that it appears by 
 the accounts and documents rendered (all of 
 which are correct), that there is a balance due 
 the treasurer of $40 86, which is respectfully 
 submitted. 
 
 Which report, with the accompanying docu- 
 jaoents, was laid upon the table. 
 
 Mr. Hugh Mercer, from the conunittee to ex- 
 amine the treasurer's account, made the follow- 
 ing report, viz. : The committee to whom was 
 referred the treasurer's account have, accord- 
 ing to order, had the same under consideration ; 
 they find the account properly stated, and sup- 
 ported by correct vouchers, leaving a bcdance in 
 favour of the church, on the 16th instant, of 
 $47 88, in the treasurer's hands. The account, 
 with the accompanying documents, the commit- 
 tee ask leave respectfully to submit to the 
 house. Which report was received by the 
 Convention, and, on motion of Mr. William 
 Mayo, 
 
 Ordered, That the same, with the accom>- 
 panying documents, lie upon the table. 
 
 The Rev. Reuel Keith, from the committee 
 to whom was referred the examination of the 
 accounts of the treasurer of the Widows' Fund, 
 made the following report, viz. : The commit- 
 tee to whom waiS referred the subject of ex- 
 amining the accounts of the treasurer of the 
 fund for the relief of the widows and orphans 
 of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church 
 of Virginia, report, that they have, according to 
 order, had the same under consideration, and 
 find, that there is now in the hands of the treas-^ 
 urer $3,709 83, in three per cent, and six per 
 cent, stock of the United States, and in the 
 Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, which last stock 
 yields six per cent. : there is in the hands of the 
 treasurer $6 94 ; all of which will more fully 
 appear by the account of the treasurer herewith 
 filed. 
 
 On motion of Mr. John Campbell, 
 Ordered, That the said report be recommitted 
 to the committee which brought it in. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Wilmer, from the trustees of the 
 Theological School, reported as follows, viz. : — A 
 committee was appointed to draught an address to 
 the members and friends of the church, which 
 was printed, and circulated very generally throughr 
 out the diocess. A correspondence was entered 
 into with the diocesses of Maryland and North 
 Carolina, which resulted in some difference of 
 opinion as to the usefulness of the contemplated 
 school, and its location at Wilhamsburg, by the 
 diocess of Maryland ; but was deferred, as to any 
 definitive step, until the meeting of their Conven- 
 tion in the present year. From the State of North 
 Carohna, no reply whatever has been received. 
 
 Mr. John Nelson, jr., who was appointed to so- 
 licit subscriptions throughout the diocess, has in- 
 dustriously prosecuted the object committed to 
 him, and met with success beyond the most san- 
 guine expectations of the trustees and friends of 
 the measure, as will more fully appear by the an- 
 nexed statement of the amount obtained in the 
 different places he was able to visit personally, 
 viz. : — 
 
 In Fredericksburg, $1,062 00 
 
 " Alexandria, 770 00 
 
 " Berkeley county, 150 00 
 
 " Frederick, 1,185 00 
 
 " JeflEerson, 515 33 
 
 " Norfolk and Portsmouth, . . . 1,334 00 
 " Petersburg, ........ 454 00 
 
 " Richmond, 1,920 00 
 
 " Mecklenburg county, . . . . . 2,025 00 
 " Scattering, 853 00 
 
 $10,268 33 
 
154 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1Q22. 
 
 Making an amount of $10,268 33, the existing 
 state of which is shown by the account thereof 
 rendered by the agent, and hereto annexed. In 
 presenting this report to the Convention, the 
 trustees cannot refrain from felicitating the friends 
 of the church on the favour manifested towards 
 this very important measure by the pieople at 
 large, and from expressing their sanguine hope, 
 that the future applications which will continue 
 to" be made will enable them, at an early day, to 
 put in operation so desirable an institution. The 
 delay of another year, however, is inevitable, be- 
 cause the subscriptions were taken payable in 
 three iiistalments, the first of which has only be- 
 come due ; a measure judged prudent from the 
 very depressed state of the country in its money 
 concerns. 
 
 They further report the following constitution, 
 viz. : — 
 
 1. The board of trustees of the Theological 
 School of the diocess of Virginia shall consist of 
 the bishop of the diocess and thirteen members, 
 to be chosen by the Convention of the church, 
 who shall continue in office during good beha- 
 viour. 
 
 2. The bishop of the diocess shall be, ex-officio, 
 president of the board. 
 
 3. The board shall appoint its own vice-presi- 
 dent, treasurer, and secretary. 
 
 4. It shall be the duty of the board to take 
 proper steps to collect the money already sub- 
 scribed, and to obtain additional funds in aid of 
 the institution. 
 
 5. There shall be an annual meeting of the 
 board of trustees on the day previous to the meet- 
 ing of the Convention, and at the place appointed 
 for the same. 
 
 6. Special meetings of the board shall be called 
 by the bishop, on the application of any three 
 trustees, at such places as the bishop shall ap- 
 point, due notice of which shall be given. 
 
 7. At all meetings of the board, whether gener- 
 al or special, eight members shall be necessary to 
 constitute a quorum. 
 
 8. A majority of the trustees present shall be 
 necessary to determine any measure, question, or 
 business before them. 
 
 9. Vacancies occurring in the board shall be 
 supplied by the vote of the Convention at their 
 annual meetings. 
 
 10. The funds of the Theological School shall be 
 under the ma^nagement of the trustees (who shall 
 report annually to the Convention a full state 
 of the same), and be subject, in the disposition of 
 the same, to the control and direction of that 
 body. 
 
 11. The management of the institution shall be 
 vested in the board of trustees, who shall have 
 power to choose a professor or professors, and lo 
 prescribe a course of study agreeably to the can- 
 ons of the church, and in general to make rules 
 and regulations for the government and good man- 
 agement of the institution. 
 
 12. The board of trustees shall keep a regular 
 record of their proceedings, and report the same 
 regularly to the annual meetings of the Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 13. Thi§ constitution, or any article thereof, 
 shall not be altered or amended, unless by a vote 
 of two thirds of the Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, the words, 
 " who shall continue in office during good be- 
 haviour," in the first article, were struck out, 
 and the other articles, having been severally 
 considered by the Convention, were adopted ; 
 wixereupon, 
 
 Ordered, That the said constitution, as amend- 
 ed, be adopted as the constitution of the Theo- 
 logical School of the diocess of Virginia. 
 The Convention adjourned for divine service. 
 Morning service was read by the Rev. Mr. 
 Wingfield, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Ra- 
 venscroft. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment ; and, on motion of the Rev. Mr. Hatch, 
 was further adjourned until five o'clock. 
 The Convention met at five o'clock. 
 Ordered, That the Convention do now pro- 
 ceed to the election of deputies to the General 
 Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Edmund J. Lee and Ed- 
 ward Colston be a committee to count the bal- 
 lots. 
 
 Mr; Colston, from the committee to count the 
 ballots, made the following report : — The com- 
 mittee appointed to count the ballots for the 
 election of deputies to the General Convention, 
 have, according to order, performed that duty, 
 and report, That there were forty ballots taken, 
 of which the following gentlemen have a ma- 
 jority, viz. : — the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the 
 Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. William 
 Meade, Mr. Hugh Mercer, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 Mr. William Mayo, and Mr. Philip Nelson, 
 who are therefore elected; but that no other 
 person had a majority of the whole number of 
 ballots given ; whereupon, 
 
 Ordered, That the Convention now proceed 
 to the election of one clerical deputy, to supply 
 the deficiency of clerical delegates to represent 
 this diocess in the General Convention ; and 
 the same committee being appointed to count 
 the ballots, reported, that the Rev. Edward C. 
 M'Guire has a majority of the whole number of 
 ballots, and is duly elected. 
 
 Ordered, That the Convention now proceed 
 to elect members of the standing committee for 
 this diocess, and that the Rev. John S. Ravens- 
 croft and the Rev. Mr. Wingfield be a commit- 
 tee to count the ballots. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, from the com- 
 mittee appointed to count the ballots for mem- 
 bers of the standing committee of this diocess, 
 made the following report: — The committee 
 appointed to count the ballots for the election 
 of the members of the standing committee, have, 
 according to order, performed that duty, and 
 find that the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the 
 Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the 
 Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J. 
 Lee, and Mr. George Taylor, are duly elected. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the next meeting of the Con- 
 vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church for 
 the Diocess of Virginia shall be held on the 
 second Tuesday in May next, at Leesburg, in 
 the county of lioudoun. 
 
 Mr. Campbell, from the committee to whom 
 was recommitted the report concerning the 
 Widows' Fund, made the following additional 
 report : — The committee further report, that, du- 
 ring the present session of the Convention, the 
 bishop has delivered to one of the committee 
 the note of Robert Andrews, executor of Robert 
 
CONVENTION OF 1822. 
 
 155 
 
 Andrews, deceased, for eight hundred dollars ; 
 also, a check from the Bank of Virginia upon the 
 Bank of Washington, for $268 90 ; making the 
 whole fund $4,783 67. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Campbell, 
 
 Ordered, That the report, with the accompa- 
 nying documents, lie upon the table. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Hatch, 
 
 The Convention adjourned until to-morrow 
 morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 18 
 
 1822. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and morning prayers were read by the 
 bishop. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lemon, from the committee to 
 whom were referred the parochial reports, made 
 the following report, viz. : — The committee on the 
 subject of the parochial reports beg leave to pre- 
 sent the following condensed statement of the re- 
 ports that haye been submitted to them. 
 
 The Monumental Church, Richmond. The 
 number of communicants in this church has in- 
 creased since the last meeting of the Convention. 
 A Tuesday lecture has been estabhshed by the 
 rector, which bids fair to be productive of the 
 greatest advantages ; and the congregation are reg- 
 ular in their attendance upon pubhc worship. 
 
 The report of St. Stephen's parish, Culpepper, 
 for two years, states the number of baptisms 8 — 
 marriages 3— deaths 12— communicants added 2. 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county. Bap- 
 tisms 20, 3 of them black children— marriages 6— 
 deaths 14 — to the communicants no additions. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover. The congrega- 
 tions in this parish are increasing in numbers and 
 piety. Communicants 46— baptisms 13— funerals 
 5 — marriages 5. 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier. The congregations 
 in this parish have increased in numbers, and, it is 
 hoped, in serious attention to the truths of the 
 gospel, during the last year. The communicants 
 also have increased in number, and, it is believed, 
 of such as are tnily converted from sin to God. 
 Then- number is about 50. 
 
 The Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg. This 
 church continues to enjoy the fostering smiles of 
 God the Saviour. The congregation is large and 
 increasing, and growing in devotion to the cause 
 of God. Communicants upwards of 100 — baptisms 
 23— funerals 16. 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg, Shelbume par- 
 ish, Loudoun county. Communicants about 35 
 (the number having been lessened by deaths and 
 removals) — one communicant lately added — bap- 
 tisms 62 — marriages 10 — burials 3. 
 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper. Communicants 
 about 40 ; some have died, some removed, and 
 some been added, within the last two years ; mar- 
 riages 7 — baptisms 28, one of which was an adult 
 • — funerals 5. 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George, and Washington 
 parish, Westmoreland. Communicants 40— bap- 
 tisms 25 — catechumens 26— funerals 4. The min- 
 ister of these parishes has had charge of them 
 only from the first of January last. The congrega- 
 tions are regular in their attendance upon divine 
 worship. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk borough. Commtmi- 
 cants 182— catechumens 80— baptisms 41— funer- 
 als 26— marriages 7. The church has been com- 
 pletely repaired since the injury received in Sep- 
 tember last, and inuch improved and beautified. 
 A gradual but steady work of grace has for some 
 time been going on in the congregation of this 
 
 church, and its fruits have been an addition of 
 about 20 members to our communion within the 
 last year. 
 
 The church in Frederick county. Communicants 
 77 — baptisms 14, of whom 2 were blacks — marria- 
 ges 3— -deaths 3 — Sunday Schools 3. Among the 
 deaths, it is a mournful duty to report that of the 
 Rev. Alexander Balmain, late rector of the said 
 church, June, 1821, in the 80th year of his age. 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish. Thp 
 state of this congregation has undergone no ma- 
 terial change since the last report. 
 
 Portsmouth parish. 1 marriage — baptisms 6 — 
 communicants 10. The report from this parish is 
 highly favourable, both as respects the spiritual 
 and temporal condition of the church. 
 
 Fredericksville and St. Anne's parishes. The 
 rector laments that he cannot report these parish- 
 es as in a highly prosperous religious state; but, 
 amid mUch to deplore, there are grounds fot 
 thankfulness and hope. There seems to be an in- 
 creased attention to religion ; and occasionally 
 some new professor is enrolled under the heaven- 
 ly banner. One of the edifices of worship has re- 
 cently been repaired, by the exertions of a few re- 
 spectable individuals. Communicants about 35, 
 of which number 10 have been added since the 
 present rector took charge of these parishes — 
 marriages 38— funerals 12. 
 
 Norbome parish, Berkeley county. Communi- 
 cants 100 — baptisms 11 — marriages 3— burials 5. 
 There are at present in this parish four places of 
 stated preaching, at all of which there are respect- 
 able and attentive congregations. The prospects 
 of the church in this parish are, upon the wnole, 
 encouraging. 
 
 St. Anne and South Famham parishes, Essex. 
 The state of these parishes is much the same as 
 reported last year; a few communicants have 
 been added, and religious influence has in some 
 degree increased among the members. Baptisms 
 44— marriages 5— deaths 7— communicants 80 — 
 Sunday Schools 7— Sunday scholars 400. 
 
 Augusta parish. The state of this parish is 
 nearly the same as at the last report. The rector 
 has nothing very interesting to communicate ; but, 
 taking all circumstances together, thinks the pros- 
 perity of the church is advancing. Marriages 10 
 —baptisms 11— funerals 3— communicants 25. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The rector re- 
 ports, that the affairs of the church are in an im- 
 proving condition. The congregation are regular 
 and devout in their attendance upon public wor- 
 ship, and, it is hoped, are increasing in piety and 
 attachment to the principles of the church, as well 
 as in numbers. There is a Sunday School at- 
 tached to the church, rn which upwards of 100 
 children are instructed in the rudiments of knowl- 
 edge, and in the Bible and liturgy. A Female 
 Society has been formed, for the purpose of teach- 
 ing female children to sew, knit, &c. ; of supply- 
 ing the most indigent among them with clothes, 
 and, in general, of cultivating in them the princi- 
 pies and habits of knowledge, industry, and vir 
 tue. Communicants about 160— baptisms, inclu 
 ding 8 adults, 69— marriages 19— funerals 16. 
 
 Henrico Church, Richmond Hill. The congre- 
 gation has much increased in numbers within the 
 past year, and its present prospects are highly flat- 
 tering to all concerned. Marriages 7— baptisms 
 10. Several additions have been made to the 
 number of communicants; but, through deaths 
 and removals, the aggregate number has rather 
 diminished than increased since the last report ; 
 it is at present about 35. 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county. The 
 rector of this parish lias the satisfaction to report 
 
156 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1822. 
 
 more- favourably on the state of the parish than 
 at the last meeting of the Convention. The atten- 
 tion of the people to the two additional preaching 
 places then reported continues, and in the fixed 
 congregations increasing fervour is manifested. 
 An addition of 4 adults, heads of famihes, has 
 been made to the number of communicants, and, 
 as he trusts and believes, from the saving convic- 
 tions of the Holy Spirit. A Sunday School, very 
 favourably reported of, has been established in a 
 remote comer of the parish, by the zeal and ear- 
 nestness of one of the members of the upper con- 
 gregation ; from which a neighbourhood very des- 
 titute of religious instruction, it is hoped, will de- 
 rive lasting benefit. Two of the communicants 
 having removed, the number is now 37— marriages 
 5 — baptisms, including 16 black children, 26 — 
 funerals 8. 
 
 Leed^ and Dettingen parishes. Prince William 
 county. Leeds is in a more flourishing condition 
 than when last reported. In Dettingen no mate- 
 rial change has taken place within the last two 
 years ; there have been 25 marriages and 20 bap- 
 tisms—communicants 29 : within the above period 
 tjbere have been several removals and deaths. 
 George Lemon, Chairman. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 the following resolution was adopted, to wit ; — 
 
 Whereas it appears by the reports from the 
 ^iflferent vestries, on the proceedings had under 
 the resolutions of the last Convention on the 
 .subject of the Bishops' Fund, that untoward 
 circumstances and the pressure of the times 
 alone have prevented a full compliance with 
 ,the said resolutions ; but it appears that the 
 |)arishes are disposed to give their aid to carry 
 .them into effect, therefore, be it Resolved by 
 Ihis Convention, That it be recommended to 
 ihe different vestries to proceed to carry into 
 .effect the object of the said resolutions, in the 
 manner in their judgment best calculated to 
 ensure success, and make report to each en- 
 suing Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Abraham Shepherd, 
 
 Resolved, That it shall be the duty of every 
 minister of this diocess to make a register of 
 each adult member within his cure, agreeably 
 to the 40th canon of the General Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Wilmer, from the committee 
 on the state of the church, made the following 
 report, viz. : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church 
 beg leave to recommend to the Convention the 
 adoption of the following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be 
 requested to take into consideration the consti- 
 tution and canons of the church, to revise the 
 same, with the different amendments made to 
 them, to examine what further amendments are 
 required, and to make report to the next Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The said resolution was agreed to by the 
 Convention. 
 
 Mr. Mayo, from the committee appointed to 
 count the votes for the trustees of the Theologi- 
 cal School, reported, that the following gentle- 
 men, viz. : the Rev. Mr. Wilmer, Mr. Ravens- 
 croft, Mr. Meade, Mr. Norris, Mr. M'Guire, 
 Mr. Lowe, and Messrs. Burwell Bassett, Will- 
 iam Mayo, Hugh Mercer, John Gray, Carter 
 
 Berkeley, Philip Nelson, and John Nelson, jr., 
 were duly elected. . 
 
 The Convention adjourned for divine service. 
 
 Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Hart, and 
 a sermon by the bishop. 
 
 The Convention met agreeably to adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Wilmer offered the following 
 resolution, viz. : — 
 
 Resolved, That the managers of the fund for 
 the relief of. the widows and orphans of de- 
 ceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church of 
 Virginia, be authorized to compound, upon the 
 best practicable terms, with any dehnquent sub- 
 scribers, for arrears which may remain unpaid, 
 and which it is alleged cannot now be collected ; 
 which resolution was agreed to by the Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Waite, 
 
 Ordered, That 750 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention be printed, and distributed by 
 the secretary among the parishes, under the 
 superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 The following resolution was offered by the 
 Rev. Mr. Meade, and agreed to by the Conven- 
 tion, viz. : — 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay annually to the bishop and president of the 
 standing committee the amount of postage on 
 all letters and official communications ; and 
 also that one hundred dollars be paid to the 
 bishop for past expenses of postage. 
 
 The following resolution was adopted on 
 motion of the Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, viz. : — 
 Whereas Evan Ragland, of the parish of An- 
 trim, and county of Halifax, did, by his last will 
 and testament, devise to the President, Mas- 
 ters, and Professors of the College of William 
 and Mary, in trust for the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in Virginia, &c., certain lands and 
 other property : And whereas the said devise 
 was resisted by the heir-at-law of the said Evan 
 Ragland, and a suit has been instituted on the 
 subject, which is now depending in the Court 
 of Appeals, on an appeal from a decree of the 
 Chancery Court of Lynchburg, in favour of the 
 claims of the church : And whereas it is of the 
 greatest importance to the credit and welfare 
 of the church, that every ground of prejudice 
 should be done away ; therefore, be it Re- 
 solved, That John Nelson, jr. and Wm. Leigh 
 be empowered to make a compromise with the 
 heirs of said Evan Ragland, so as to avoid the 
 evil arising from keeping alive the prejudices 
 which are now, it is hoped, dying away. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, 
 
 Resolved, That the five gentlemen who re- 
 ceived the greatest number of votes as dele- 
 gates to the General Convention, be appointed 
 members of the board of trustees to the The- 
 ological Seminary ; whereupon the following 
 gentlemen were declared elected, and thereupon 
 nominated as trustees, viz. : the Rev. William 
 H. Wilmer, the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the 
 Rev. William Meade, Messrs. Hugh Mercer, 
 and Edmund I. Lee. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Waite, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention 
 
CONVENTION OF 1822. 
 
 157 
 
 be presented to the citizens of Charlottesville 
 and its vicinity for their hospitality and polite- 
 ness to the members thereof. 
 
 The pastoral address was then rejtd by the 
 bishop, which being heard, 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, 
 
 Resolved, That the Right Rev. Bishop Moore 
 be requested to furnish a copy of his truly pas- 
 toral address, to he inserted on the minutes of 
 this Convention. 
 
 The said address is as follows : — 
 
 Brethren, — The labours attendant upon the 
 sacred and responsible office which I hold, are 
 sensibly alleviated by the encouraging prospect 
 which our ecclesiastical concerns present to my 
 view. Aided by a virtuous and evangelical clergy, 
 the church committed to my charge is increasing 
 in numbers and in consequence ; regaining that 
 religious importance to which her scriptural prin- 
 ciples entitle her, and inspiring with joy and grat- 
 itude the minds of her friends. 
 
 The order and spirituality which distinguish 
 her solemn services, have secured to her the at- 
 tachment and approbation of an intelligent com- 
 munity. That respect to our laws and to our 
 rulers inculcated in her liturgy, inspires the public 
 mind with confidence in the integrity of her prin- 
 ciples ; that abstraction from all poUtical concerns 
 which marks the conduct of her clergy, and that 
 devotion to duty by which they are actuated, bid 
 fair to secure her future advancernent. In almost 
 every direction to which I bend my course, I per- 
 ceive her rising from the ruin in which she has 
 been involved ; taking her harp from the willows, 
 and proclaiming the praises of her Almighty de- 
 liverer. 
 
 The liberal subscriptions to our Theological 
 School furnish us with an undeniable evidence 
 of the good-will of the community ; and the pres- 
 ent council of the church proves to a demonstra- 
 tion that the representation I have made is cor- 
 rect. In 1814, the Convention of this diocess con- 
 tained the names of only seven clergymen ; while 
 the assembly I am now addressing includes in its 
 number twenty-three ministers of the gospel: 
 
 At the close of the last Convention in Norfolk, 
 I crossed the bay to the eastern shore of this state, 
 and preached in three places in the county of 
 Northampton, and also in three places in the 
 county of Accomack. In Accomack I consecrated 
 to the service of Almighty God a large and ele- 
 gant church, and administered the holy rite of 
 confirmation. In the month of July I went to 
 the city of WiUiamsburg in company with the 
 Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, in which place we were 
 joined by the Rev. Mr. Low, of Norfolk, both of 
 which gentlemen officiated in the church ; but 
 my own labours were arrested by the unfavoura- 
 ble state of the weather. In the month of August 
 I left Richmond on my way to the upper coun- 
 try ; visited Alexandria, preached in both churches, 
 ordained four deacons, and administered the Lord's 
 Supper. 
 
 From Alexandria I went to Leesburg, at which 
 place I preached to a large, attentive, and deeply 
 impressed auditory. I then passed on to Charles- 
 town, in Jefferson county, at which place I also 
 preached. Leaving Charlestown, I hastened to 
 Shepherdstown, in the same county, and there I 
 also officiated. From Shepherdstown I went to 
 a chapel at the North Mountain, where I preached 
 to a large congregation. From the North Moun- 
 tain I proceeded, in company with the Rev. Mr. 
 Lippit, to Martinsburg, at which place I preached 
 twice on the Sabbath to large and attentive 
 
 congregations, and administered the rite of con- 
 firmation. I then passed on to the church at 
 Mill Creek, in wliich place, notwithstanding the 
 weather was very rainy, I preached to a devout 
 and respectable congregation. From Mill Creek I 
 went to Winchester, where I also officiated, and 
 was assisted in the service by the Rev. Mr. Meade. 
 
 The county of Hampshire formed the next ob- 
 ject of my attention, in which district I preached 
 in three different places. In Hampshire, brethren, 
 but two or three years since, we had not a single 
 place of worship belonging to our communion : 
 through the laborious efforts, however, of the 
 Rev. Norman Nash, there are now two respecta- 
 ble churches. From Hampshire I returned to 
 Winchester, at which place I preached on the 
 Sabbath, and was prevented the further prosecu- 
 tion of my episcopal labours by a severe indisposi- 
 tion, which confined me in the house of Judge 
 Holmes for fifteen days. 
 
 I should consider myself wanting in gratitude, 
 were I to pass over in silence the kind attentions 
 I received from Judge Holmes and his family. 
 Though a stranger, he took me in, and benevo- 
 lently furnished me with every comfort, my situa- 
 tion required. The best medical aid was afforded 
 me by Dr. Barton of Winchester, and Dr. Everett 
 of Albemarle, who, with that hberality which has 
 marked the conduct of my valuable firiend and 
 family physician. Dr. Trent of Richmond, refused 
 any remuneration. My heart was comforted with 
 the fihal attentions of the Rev. Mr. Meade and Mr- 
 Robertson ; and the inhabitants of WinchesteF 
 conferred upon me every evidence of their sympa^ 
 thy and regard. 
 
 After my recovery I returned to Richmond, 
 and on my way home passed a Sabbath at the 
 hospitable mansion of my friend Col. R. Randolph ^ 
 of Fauquier, where I read the service of the- 
 church, and dehvered a discourse to his family. 
 1 also stopped a day in Hanover, where I preached,, 
 and administered the Lord's Supper to the ven- 
 erable Mrs. Nelson, and many of her numeroua- 
 connexion. In the autumn I visited Petersburg, 
 preached, and administered the rite of confirma- 
 tion. In January I went down into Gloucester 
 county, and preached a funeral discourse on the 
 occasion of the death of Mrs. Smith, the amiable 
 relict of one of the former clergy of the diocess,. 
 and her daughter, Mrs. Tabb. 
 
 Thus, brethren, I have endeavoured to dis- 
 charge the duty required at my hands by the Al- 
 mighty and his church. My disposition to be' 
 found at my post is as fervent as it has ever 
 been. My constant prayer to God is offered tq> 
 for the prosperity of Zion, and, while I live, my 
 utmost efforts shall be excited in her behalf. 
 
 To ensure our future progress, my brethren of 
 the clergy, we must persevere in the faithful dis- 
 charge of our duty to God. Proclaiming the doc- 
 trines of the cross ; preaching Jesus Christ and 
 him crucified ; conforming our lives to the holy 
 precepts we inculcate ; living in love and in peace 
 with each other, and with the members of our 
 congregations, the God of love and peace will be 
 with us. " The wilderness and the solitary place 
 will be glad, and the desert yet uncultivated \by 
 the spiritual husbandman will rejoice and blossom 
 as the rose." 
 
 Gentlemen of the laity, — It is pleasing to ob- 
 serve the unanimity subsisting between the clergy 
 and yourselves. We acknowledge you as co- 
 workers with us, and it will always afford me the 
 most heartfelt delight to meet you in our public 
 councils. Future generations will reap the blessed 
 effects of our labours ; and, when our bodies are 
 slumbering in the grave, our children will remem- 
 
158 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 ber with gratitude the efforts we have made in 
 their behalf ; be influenced by our example to 
 support the same cause, and to kneel at the same 
 altars upon which we have oflered up the incense 
 of our cfevotions. 
 
 Brethren of the clergy and laity, I wish you a 
 happy interview with your famihes, and may the 
 Lord be with you all ! 
 
 Prayers were read by the bishop, and, , 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lee, 
 
 The Convention adjourned, to meet on the 
 second Tuesday in May next, at Leesburg, in 
 Loudoun county. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of 
 Virginia. 
 Teste, Edward Colston, Sec. p?o tern. 
 
 Journal of the Procecdivgs of a Coiroeidion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 tvhich assembled at Leesburg ^ in the County of Loudoun, on Tuesday, the Idth of May, 1823, 
 
 At a meeting of a Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of the State of Virginia, held 
 at Leesburg, in the county of Loudoun, on Tues- 
 day, the 13th day of May, in the year of our Lord 
 one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, 
 
 A sufficient number of members to constitute 
 a Convention appearing, in the absence of the 
 Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D. D., 
 bishop of this diocess, who was prevented from 
 attending by the sickness of his family, the Rev. 
 William H. Wilmer, D. D., was elected, by joint 
 ballot of the clerical and lay deputies, in con- 
 formity with the canons of the church, president 
 pro tempore of this Convention, and accordingly 
 took his seat as such. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared and took tlieir seats, 
 viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. V^^m. H. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, 
 Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, Christ 
 Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the Rev. 
 John Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ; 
 the Rev. William Meade, Chapel, Frederick 
 parish ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St. 
 James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; the Rev. 
 William Steel, Dettingen and Leeds parish. 
 Prince William county ; the Rev. John Arm- 
 strong, Wheeling, Ohio county ; the Rev. Fred- 
 erick W. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle county ; the Rev. Robert Prout, Princess 
 Anne county; the Rev. Amos C. Treadway, 
 Lynchburg ; the Rev. John H. Wingfield, Ports- 
 mouth parish, Norfolk county ; the Rev. Charles 
 H. Page, Kanawha county ; the Rev. Reuel 
 Keith, Bruton parish, Williamsburg ; the Rev. 
 John J. Robertson, Frederick parish, Winchester ; 
 the Rev. Josias Clapham, St. Paul's parish, King 
 George county, and Washington parish, West- 
 moreland ; the Rev. Stephen W. Prestman, 
 Dumfries parish, Prince William, and Aquia 
 parish, Stafford. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. WiUiam Steel, the 
 Rev. John Armstrong, and Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 be appointed a committee to examine the cer- 
 tificates of appointments of the lay deputies. 
 The said committee then withdrew, and, after 
 son>e time, returning into the house, presented 
 the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report that 
 the following persons have been duly elected as 
 lay delegates to this Convention : — 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, John Nelson, 
 jr. ; Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish, 
 Edmund J. Lee ; Hamilton parish, Fauquier, 
 Robert Randolph and Elias Edmonds ; St. 
 Martin's parish, Hanover, Carter Berkeley ; St. 
 Anne's parish, Essex, James M. Garnett and 
 Robert P. Waring ; Frederick parish, Philip 
 Nelson and Obed Waite ; parish of Lynnhaven, 
 Princess Anne county, Thurmer Hoggard ; 
 Staunton congregation, Augusta, Edward Valen- 
 tine, jr. ; Henrico parish, Charles F. Mercer ; 
 South Farnham parish, Essex county, Henry 
 Young and Thomas L. Latine ; Leeds parish, 
 Prince William, Carter B. Fontaine ; St. George's 
 parish, Fredericksburg, Robert Lewis ; Lynch- 
 burg parish, Isaac Newton Whiting ; .Shelburne 
 parish, Loudoun county, Ludwell Lee ; St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria, Humphrey Peake ; Zion 
 Church, parish of St. Andrew's, Jefferson, 
 Bushrod C. Washington. 
 
 The committee further report. That a certifi- 
 cate purporting to be from the vestry of Fafrfax 
 parish, held on the 10th day of this month, at 
 the Falls Church, purporting to appoint John 
 Moore as a lay delegate to this Convention, 
 having been presented, the committee are of 
 opinion, if there is an Episcopal congrega- 
 tion belonging to that church, then it is un- 
 der the government of the vestry who have ap- 
 pointed Edmund J. Lee to represent that parish. 
 The committee are therefore of opinion, that 
 the said John Moore is not entitled to a seat 
 in this Convention, a« a delegate from Fairfax 
 parish. 
 
 The «aid report being read, was, on the ques- 
 tion put thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 On motion made and seconded, 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Bryan, and the 
 Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of the diocess of Maryland, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Jones, of the eastern diocess, 
 be invited to accept of honorary seats in this 
 Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Philip 
 Nelson, Mr. Obed Waite, and Doctor Humphrey 
 Peake, be appointed a committee to examine 
 the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 the Rev. Wilham Meade, the Rev. Oliver Nor- 
 ris, Mr. James M. Garnett, Mr. Ludwell Lee, 
 Mr. Charles F. Mercer, and Mr. Robert Lewis, 
 be a committee to take into consideration the 
 state of the church in this diocess, and report 
 thereupon to this Convention." 
 
CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 159 
 
 On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. William 
 H. Wilmer be added to that committee. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Edward Valentine, Mr. 
 Thurmer Hoggard, and Mr. Henry Young, be a 
 committee to examine the accounts of the treas- 
 urer of the Prayer-Book and Tract Society of 
 Virginia. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John J. Robertson, 
 the Rev. Robert Prout, Dr. Carter Berkeley, 
 and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a committee to ex- 
 amine the state of the fund for support of wid- 
 ows of deceased clergymen. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, 
 the Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev. John H. Wing- 
 field, the Rev. Josias Clapham, and the Rev. 
 Stephen W. Prestman, be a committee to ex- 
 amine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Ludwell Lee, Mr. Robert 
 Randolph, and Mr. Robert Lewis, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the account of the treasurer 
 of the fund for the permanent support of the 
 episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 and seconded by the Rev. William Steel, that 
 the deliberations of this Convention be conduct- 
 ed with closed doors : — 
 
 Whereupon, the question being put, was de- 
 termined in the negative. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William Steel, 
 
 Resolved, That the rules of order adopted by 
 the last Convention for the government of their 
 proceedings, be the rules of proceeding during 
 the present Convention.* 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Mr. Wingfield, and a sermon by the Rev. John 
 S. Ravenscroft, after which the Convention 
 again assembled. 
 
 On motion, the treasurer received the follow- 
 ing contributions from sundry parishes of this 
 diocess, viz. : — 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, Mr. 
 
 Wilmer, - - - - $25 00 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Ed- 
 mund J'. Lee, r - - - 30 00 
 
 Frederick parish, Obed Waite, - 30 00 
 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun, Ludwell 
 
 Lee, - - - - - 30 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, John 
 
 Nelson, 30 00 
 
 Dettingen and Leeds parish. Prince 
 
 William, Carter B. Fontaine, - 5 00 
 
 Princess Anne county, Lynnhaven 
 
 parish, Mr. Hoggard, - - 22 00 
 
 Lynchburg parish, Mr. WTiiting, - 30 00 
 
 Portsmouth parish, Norfolk, Mr. 
 
 Wingfield, - - - - 10 76 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg, Mr. 
 
 Keith, - - - - - 20 00 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover, Dr. 
 
 Berkeley, - - - - 20 00 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier, Elias Ed- 
 monds, 25 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, $277 75 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, Mr. Gar- 
 
 nett, - _ - - - 
 
 Staunton congregation, Augusta, Mr. 
 
 Valentine, . . . . 
 
 South Farnhara parish, Essex, Mr, 
 
 Young, 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, 
 
 Mr. Lewis, - - - . 
 2ion Church, St. Andrew's parish, 
 
 Jefferson, Mr. Washington, 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, Mr. Ravens- 
 croft, _ - _ . - 
 Bristol parish, Prince George, do. 
 Dumfries parish, Prince William, Mr. 
 
 Prestman, - - 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $277 75 
 
 ♦ Vide Journals of Ijist Convention. 
 
 Mr. John Nelson, jr., in pursuance of a res- 
 olution of the last Convention, on the subject 
 of a compromise with the heirs of Evan Rag- 
 land, deceased, presented a report, which was 
 read, as follows : — 
 
 In pursuance of a resolution of the last Con- 
 vention, authorizing me, together with William 
 Leigh, Esq., of HaHfax, to propose to the heirs 
 of Evan Ragland, deceased, a compromise of 
 the controversy depending with them in the 
 Court of Appeals, I went to the county of 
 Halifax in the month of February, when I as- 
 certained that no compromise could be effected 
 at that time, in consequence of one of the heirs 
 being a resident of the State of Kentucky, who, 
 although written to for that purpose,- had given 
 no authority to any person to settle it in his be- 
 half. It is proper I should inform the Conven- 
 tion, that another bar to a compromise exists, 
 in the infancy of some of the heirs. I will also 
 State, that those of the heirs with whom I con- 
 ferred on the subject are not disposed to yield 
 any part of what they claim ; being aware of 
 the advantage they have in a contest with the 
 church, in consequence of her not being recog- 
 nised by the courts as a legally existing body. 
 John Nelson, jr. 
 
 On motion. Ordered, That the said report be 
 laid upon the table. 
 
 Mr. Wilmer, from the committee appointed to 
 revise and amend the canons of the church in 
 this diocess, reported, That, according to order, 
 the said committee had considered the subject, 
 and proposed the following resolution for adop- 
 tion by this Convention, viz. : — 
 
 Resolved, That the 10th canon be amended, 
 by striking out the words, " five members," in 
 the concluding paragraph, and inserting, in lieu 
 thereof, " a majority of the whole number." 
 
 The said resolution being read, was, on the 
 question put thereupon, agreed to by the house. 
 
 The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, of St. George's 
 parish, Fredericksburg, appeared and took his 
 seat in the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. M'Guire be 
 added to the committee on the state of the 
 church. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William Meade, 
 
160 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee to revise and 
 superintend a republication of the constitution 
 and canons of the church in this diocess, as 
 amended by the present and former Conven- 
 tions, be appointed ; and that the constitution 
 and canons so revised be published with the 
 Journal of the present Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the secretary of the Conven- 
 tion, and the Rev. William H. Hart, of the city 
 of Richmond, be the committee to make the said 
 revisal and republication. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, half past 8 
 o'clock. 
 
 Wednesday, May 14, 1823. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 WjUiam Meade. 
 
 The Rev. Richard H. Barnes, of St. Martin's 
 parish, Hanover, appeared and took his seat in 
 the Convention. 
 
 The following gentlemen produced certificates 
 of appointment as lay deputies, which, being 
 read, were approved, in conformity with the 
 canons ; whereupon, they took their seats as 
 members of this Convention, viz. : — 
 
 Mr. Thomas G. Moncure, for Aquia Church, 
 Oyerwharton parish, Stafford county ; Mr. Ed- 
 ward Colston, for Norborne parish, Berkeley 
 county. 
 
 A petition of Mr. John Moore to this Conven- 
 tion was presented and read, setting forth, that 
 he was, on the 10th instant, duly elected a lay 
 deputy to represent the interests of the congre- 
 gation of the Falls Church, in Fairfax parish, 
 in the Convention ; that, on the first day of its 
 meeting, the Convention refused him a seat, 
 upon the ground that the parish of Fairfax was 
 properly represented by members of Christ 
 
 Church, in Alexandria, within the district of 
 Columbia ; the petitioner represents, that in the 
 parish of Fairfax there are three churches ; 
 Christ's, St. Paul's, and the Falls Church ; 
 that the glebe attached to the said parish lay 
 within that part of the District of Columbia ceded 
 by the State of Virginia to the United States, 
 which has since been sold, agreeably to a law 
 of Congress; that he verily believes that the 
 vestry from whom he received his appointment 
 are organized agreeably to the canons of the 
 church, and prays that the case of the congre- 
 gation at the Falls Church, in the parish of 
 Fairfax, may be reconsidered, and such meas- 
 ures be adopted as the Convention in their wis- 
 dom may think proper. 
 
 Ordered, That the said petition be referred 
 to the committee on the state of the church, to 
 report their opinion thereupon to the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Mr. John Nelson, jr., from the committee 
 appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 presented a report, which was read, as fol- 
 lows : — ' 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 treasurer's accounts, have, according to order, 
 had the same under consideration ; they find 
 the account properly stated, and supported by 
 
 correct vouchers, leaving a balance in favour 
 of the church of $338 16 in the hands of the 
 treasurer. The account, with the accompany- 
 ing documents, the committee ask leave respect- 
 fully to submit. 
 
 John Nelson, Jr., Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 Mr. Valentine, from the committee to exam- 
 ine the account of the treasurer of the Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society, presented a report, 
 which was read, as follows : — 
 
 Leesburg, May 14, 1823. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the ac- 
 counts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book and 
 Tract Society of the Diocess of Virginia, have 
 discharged that duty, and find the same to be 
 correct. g 
 
 Ed. Valentine, jr., Chairman. j 
 
 The said report was, on the question put ^ 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 Mr. William Mayo, a lay deputy from the 
 Monumental Church in the city of Richmond, 
 produced a certificate of his appointment, in 
 conformity with the canons, and was admitted to 
 a seat in this Convention. 
 
 Mr. Ludwell Lee, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the state of the fund for the 
 permanent support of the episcopate in this di- 
 ocess, presented a report, which was read, as 
 follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the ac- 
 count of the Bishops' Fund, report, that since the 
 last report, as appears by the treasurer's account 
 hereto annexed, there have been purchased four 
 shares of the stock of the Farmer's Bank of Al- 
 exandria, at ^50 a share ; that there is now in 
 the hands of the agent of the standing committee 
 the sum of one hundred and fortyTthree dollars and 
 sixteen cents, to be laid out in bank-stock. The 
 committee, from information received from one 
 of the standing committee, state the fund at this 
 time to consist of thirty-six shares of Farmers' 
 Bank stock, comprehending the four above men- 
 tioned, six shares of Alexandria Bank stock, at 
 $200 a share, and one share of the Ashby's Gap 
 turnpike road, transferred by the Rev. William 
 Meade to the proper person, the nominal amount 
 of which is $100— making in the whole the 
 sum of ^3,440.-r-All which is respectfully submit- 
 ted. 
 
 Ludwell Lee, Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Steel, that the Con- 
 vention do agree to the following resolution : — 
 
 Whereas the efforts made for raising a fund 
 for the support of the bishop of this diocess, 
 have, from various causes, not been successful ; 
 
 Beit therefore Resolved, That the subject be 
 referred to the standing committee of the dio- 
 cess, with instructions to adopt such mode of 
 raising the necessary fund as shall appear to 
 them most expedient. 
 
 And the question being put thereupon, was 
 determined in the negative. 
 
 The Rev. John J. Robertson, from the com- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 161 
 
 imttee for examining the state of the fund for 
 the support of the widows and orphans of de- 
 ceased clergymen, presented a report, which was 
 read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the ex- 
 amination of the accounts of the treasurer of 
 the funds for the relief of the widows and or- 
 phans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia, report, That they have, ac- 
 cording to order, had the same under consider- 
 ation, and find that there is in the hands of the 
 treasurer, 
 
 3 per cent, stocks, - - - $2,037 78 
 
 6 per cent, stock, . > - 172 05 
 
 40 shares of Farmers' Bank of Al- 
 exandria stock, at $60 per share, 
 being par price, - - - - 2,000 00 
 1 share stock in Bank of Virginia at 
 
 par, 100 00 
 
 Cash in hand, 
 Robert Andrews's executor's note, 
 
 bearing interest from Feb. 28th, 
 
 1822, until paid. 
 Note received in part of Albemarle 
 
 collections, bearing interest from 
 
 June 24, 1822, until paid, - 
 
 $4,309 83 
 14 02 
 
 800 00 
 
 69 87 
 
 Whole amount, $5,193 72 
 
 All which will appear more fully by the ac- 
 count of the treasurer, herewith filed. 
 
 J. J. Robertson, Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. Ol- 
 iver Norris, and a sermon by the Rev. William 
 H. Wilmer, after which the session was re- 
 sumed. 
 
 The Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, from the com- 
 mittee on the state of the church, presented a 
 report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the peti- 
 tion of John Moore, have, according to order, had 
 the subject committed to them under considera- 
 tion, and beg leave to report thereon, that there is 
 no canon now in existence which provides for the 
 division of parishes, nor for more than one repre- 
 sentation from a parish. Your committee, previ- 
 ously to having received this petition, had prepared 
 a canon for the accommodation of all cases where 
 the division of a parish should be absolutely ne- 
 cessary, and which they recommend for the adop- 
 tion of the Convention, in the following words : — 
 
 Canon for the Division of Parishes. 
 
 Whereas, from the great extent of many of the 
 parishes in this diocess, and from various other 
 causes, it may be for the interest of the church, 
 and for the convenience and quiet of the people, 
 to permit the division of some of the parishes ; 
 
 Be it therefore enacted, That whenever it shall 
 be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Con- 
 vention that such division is expedient, or when the 
 desire of the people of the parish for such divis- 
 ion shall be manifested, by repairing the old 
 churches or building new ones, electing a vestry, 
 conformably to the regulations of the church, and 
 shall produce to the Convention the original sub- 
 
 1j 
 
 scriptions of the vestry of the church from which 
 the application for the division of a parish is made, 
 to the test required by the 10th canon, and also 
 produce a register of the names of those who 
 wish for a division of the parish, on application to 
 this Convention, such petitioners may be received 
 as a distinct parish. 
 
 The said, resolution being twice read, was, 
 on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the 
 house. 
 
 A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 that the Convention do agree to the following 
 resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be, 
 and they are hereby authorized, to select some 
 competent person to call on the different mem- 
 bers of this church to contribute to raising the 
 fund for the support of the bishop, payable in 
 one, two, three, and four years. 
 
 Ordered, That the said resolution be referred 
 to the committee on the state of the church, to 
 report their opinion to the Convention there- 
 upon. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of eight delegates to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United 
 States ; whereupon the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : the Rev. William H. 
 Wilmer, the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. 
 Edward C. M'Guire, the Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 Mr. William Mayo, Mr. Hugh Mercer, Mr. John 
 Nelson, jr., and Mr. Robert Lewis. 
 
 The Convention also proceeded, in like man- 
 ner, to the election, by ballot, of a standing com- 
 mittee of the church in this diocess for the en- 
 suing year ; whereupon the following gentle- 
 men were duly elected, viz. : the Rev. William 
 H. Wilmer, John Dunn, and Oliver Norris, the 
 Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 and Mr. George Taylor. 
 
 On motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay to each of the delegates to the General Con- 
 vention the sum of fifty dollars, to defray their 
 expenses. 
 
 On motion. 
 
 Resolved, That the five gentlemen who re- 
 ceived the greatest number of votes as delegates 
 to the General Convention, be appointed mem- 
 bers of the board of trustees to the General The- 
 ological Seminary ; whereupon the following 
 gentlemen were declared elected, and thereupon 
 nominated as trustees, viz. : the Rev. Will- 
 iam H. Wilmer, the Rev. William Meade, the 
 Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. William Mayo, 
 and Mr. Hugh Mercer. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Obed Waite, seconded by 
 the Rev. John Armstrong, 
 
 Resolved, That the next meeting of the Con- 
 vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church for 
 the Diocess of Virginia shall be held at Staun- 
 ton, in the county of Augusta. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again to-morrow morning, at half past 8 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 15, 1823. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 
162 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 John Armstrong. 
 
 Mr. Ravenscroft, from the committee on the 
 state of the church, to whom the resolution 
 yesterday proposed on the subject of the Bishops' 
 Fund was referred, presented a .report, which, 
 on motion of Mr. John Nelson, jr., was order- 
 ed to be laid upon the table. 
 
 On motion of Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 
 Resolved, That the travelling expenses of the 
 Rev, John Dunn, in attending the meetings of 
 the standing committee, be paid by the treas- 
 urer, out of the contingent fund. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the travelling expenses of the 
 secretary of the Convention be paid in like 
 manner. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 
 Ordered, That 750 copies of the Journal of 
 this Convention, with the revised canons and 
 constitution annexed, be printed, and distributed 
 by the secretary among the parishes, under the 
 superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention 
 be presented to the citizens of Leesburg, for 
 their hospitahty and kindness to the members 
 thereof. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Oliver Noitis, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention be presented to the ministers 
 and elders of other congregations of Cjiristians 
 in the town of Leesburg, for their brotherly 
 kindness in offering the use of their churches to 
 the ministers of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 during the session of the present Convention. 
 
 On motions severally made. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay the sum of seven dollars to the doorkeeper 
 of this Convention, for his services during the 
 present session ; and the sum of seven dollars 
 to the person who officiated as doorkeeper to 
 the Convention at Charlottesville, in the county 
 of Albemarle. 
 
 On motion, the report of the committee on 
 the state of the church, this day presented, was 
 taken up and read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church, 
 to whom was committed the consideration of the 
 annexed resolution, have had the same under 
 examination, and beg leave to recommend to 
 the Convention the adoption of the same, as 
 a measure calculated to have a beneficial influ- 
 ence on the proposed object. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee be, 
 and they are hereby authorized, to select some 
 competent person to call on the different mem- 
 bers of this church to contribute to raising the 
 fund for the support of the bishop, payable in 
 one, two, three, and four years. 
 
 And the question being put upon agreeing to 
 the said resolution, was determined in the neg- 
 ative — Ays 19, Noes 22. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, 
 • Ordered, That the ays and noes upon the 
 said question be inserted in the journal. 
 
 The names of the gentlemen who voted in the 
 affirmative are, the Rev, William H. Wilmer, 
 
 Oliver Norris, John S. Ravenscroft, William 
 Steel, John Armstrong, Robert Prout, John H. 
 Wingfield, Charles H. Page, and John J. Rob- 
 ertson ; Messrs. Edmund J. Lee, James M. Gar- 
 nett, Thurmer Hoggard, Edward Valentine, 
 Charles F. Mercer, Henry Young, Carter B. 
 Fontaine, Robert Lewis, Isaac N. Whiting, and 
 Edward Colston — 19. 
 
 And the names of the gentlemen who voted 
 in the negative are, the Rev. John Dunn, Will- 
 iam Meade, Frederick W. Hatch, Amos C. 
 Treadway, Reuel Keith, Josias Clapham, Ste- 
 phen W. Prestman, Richard H. Barnes, and 
 Edward C. M'Guire; Messrs. John Nelson, 
 jr., Robert Randolph, Elias Edmonds, Rob- 
 ert P. Waring, Philip Nelson, Obed Waite, 
 Thomas L. Latine, Ludwell Lee, Humphrey 
 Peake, Bushrod C. Washington, WilUam Mayo, 
 Thomas G. Moncure, and Carter Berkeley — 22. 
 
 The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the com- 
 mittee to whom the parochial reports were re- 
 ferred, presented a report, which was read, as 
 follows : — 
 
 The committee on the subject of the parochial 
 reports, beg leave to nresent the following con- 
 densed statement of the reports that have been 
 submitted to them. 
 
 The rector of Christ Church, Fairfax parish, 
 represents the congregation as having undergone 
 no material change since the last report ; as de^ 
 vout in their attention to the public services of the 
 church, and, as he hopes, improving in Christian 
 graces and virtues. Communicants are about 
 one hundred and twenty — baptisms about forty- 
 five. 
 
 The congregation at Lynchburg has but recently 
 received the blessing of a stated ministry. It has 
 been regularly organized under the present rector, 
 who has also in charge two congregations in the 
 neighbourhood, one of which has it in contempla- 
 tion to build a church ; and it is expected that a 
 church will also be erected at Lynchburg, and by 
 the other congregation in which he officiates. 
 The rector reports, that the service is well attend- 
 ed in all these places, and he is encouraged to 
 hope that his labour will not be in vain in the 
 Lord. Baptisms two. 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg, Shelburne par- 
 ish. Baptisms seventeen — marriages six — burials 
 two — communicants about thirty-six, and one per- 
 son of colour. An accession of one person to the 
 number of communicants has taken place within 
 the year. This congregation are regular in attend- 
 ance on divine service, and the rector is encour- 
 aged to hope that they are improving in Christian 
 piety. 
 
 Dettingen and Leeds parishes. Prince William, 
 continue in much the same state as when last re- 
 ported. The pubhc buildings at Haymarket have 
 been purchased for a church, parsonage, and 
 schoolnouse. A new church has been erected in 
 Dettingen parish. Communicants the same as be- 
 fore, except four removed and three admitted — 
 baptisms eighteen — marriages thirteen. 
 
 Parish of Frederick. Communicants one hun- 
 dred — baptisms fourteen— funerals eleven — mar- 
 riages seven. 
 
 Portsmou th parish. The rector of this parish is 
 happy in having it to say, that the state of his 
 charge has suffered nothing since his last report. 
 The church has been put in neat and comfortable 
 repair, and the congregation has somewhat in- 
 creased. There have been ten added to the list 
 of his communicants ; all of whom, he has reason 
 
CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 to hope, are of the number of such as shall be sa- 
 ved. 'Communicants eighteen — baptisms fifteen 
 — funerals nine — marriages five. 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley county. Communi- 
 cants ninety-seven — baptisms thirty-one — burials 
 three — marriages three. 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg. The state 
 of this parish continues to improve. Since the 
 last Convention a Bible Society has been formed 
 and gone into operation, with hopes of considerable 
 extension. The parish, however, has to deplore, 
 in the death of Col. Samuel Goode, the loss of a 
 most exemplary man, steadfast churchman, and 
 devout Christian. Communicants forty — baptisms 
 thirty-four, one an adult — marriages seven. 
 
 Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne. The ves- 
 try of this parish have repaired their edifices for 
 pubhc worship. The congregation is attentive to 
 the word preached. Nineteen persons have been 
 added to the original number of communicants, 
 which was but three when the present rector en- 
 tered upon his charge ; and hopes of still brighter 
 days are anticipated. Communicants nineteen — 
 baptisms eighteen, two adults — funerals seven. 
 
 Augusta parish, Staunton. Since the last re- 
 port, a few communicants have been added ; and 
 an increased attachment has been manifested to 
 the interests of the church. Communicants about 
 twenty — baptisms seven — funerals five — marria- 
 ges six. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover. The congrega- 
 tions in this parish are not materially changed 
 since the last report. Communicants forty-five — 
 baptisms four — funerals three — one marriage. 
 
 St. Paul's parish. King George, and Washing- 
 ton parish, Westmoreland. There have been five 
 added to the list of communicants since the last 
 Convention : — there have been two deaths and four 
 removals : the number of communicants is now 
 about thirty-nine— baptisms thirty-two— funerals 
 eight — marriages six. In the former parish, there 
 is an increased attention to the public services of 
 the church. In the latter, a Sunday School has 
 been lately established, which promises to be of 
 great usefulness. 
 
 Christ Church, Berkeley county. This church 
 being without a pastor, divine service is performed 
 by a lay reader. The congregations are attentive, 
 and zealously engaged in the great business of 
 working out their salvation. It is hoped tliat the 
 spirit of religion is increasing, and that, in this 
 part of our Zion, our God has regarded the day of 
 small things. 
 
 Kanawha parish. The congregation is increas- 
 ing in number, and has about ten communicants. 
 Baptisms three — marriages one. At Coalmouth 
 the congregation is in a very flourishing state, and 
 many are earnestly seeking the pearl of great 
 price. Communicants twelve — baptisms fifteen. 
 In Charlestown and in Mason, it is expected 
 churches will be built ; and there is one now build- 
 ing at the mouth of Coal. There are two Sun- 
 day Schools in this parish. 
 
 Fredericksville parish , Albemarle. N o material 
 change has t£iken place in this parish since the 
 last report. The congregation in Charlottesville 
 is large and attentive. At Walker's church the 
 congregation is, as usual, very small, the spirit of 
 religion languishing, and the neighbourhood gen- 
 erally presents but a gloomy prospect. Within the 
 last year, the part of the rector's time formerly 
 given to the Green Mountain neighbourhood, 
 where the congregation was small, has been trans- 
 ferred to Orange courthouse, at which place the 
 mterests of the church require a minister, and 
 where the congregation is large and attentive. 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex. This pariah is with- 
 L2 
 
 out a minister, but anxious to engage one. South 
 Farnham parish is in the same condition. 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg. The plen- 
 tiful showers of divine grace have fallen, during 
 the past year, with blessed consequences, upon 
 this portion of our Lord's vineyard. It has been, 
 indeed, a season of refreshing from the presence 
 of the Lord. Several have been painfully con- 
 victed of sin, and anxiously inquiring what they 
 must do to be saved. The number of anxious in- 
 quiries has continued to increase, and the deep 
 and painful convictions of some have terminated 
 in the enjoyment of a peace which passeth under- 
 standing. Others yet remain, who, weary and 
 heavy laden, are earnestly seeking that rest which 
 is prepared for the penitent. The rector antici 
 pates, in the end of this good work, a valuable ac 
 cession of piety and influence to the cause of evan- 
 gelical truth among us, and the addition of an ac 
 ceptable mite to that revenue of glory which is 
 accruing to the glorified Head of the church from 
 the progress of his cause upon earth. Though 
 the subjects of revivals, in other parts of the Lord's 
 vineyard, may have been more numerous, there 
 are few instances in which a revival has been 
 characterized by more genuine or decided cases 
 of conversion. Baptisms in this church during 
 the last year amount to forty-one, three adults — 
 communicants one hundred and six, nine lost by 
 death and removal ; one Sunday School, contain- 
 ing one hundred and twenty-six scholars. 
 
 Dumfries and A quia Churches. There are 
 pleasing indications that the word preached in 
 these churches is not in vain. The congregations 
 are attentive and devout ; and in Dumfries a more 
 than common interest is manifested in spiritual 
 concerns. The rector rejoices in the improving 
 prospect of his charge. A place for pubhc wor- 
 ship has been purchased and fitted up in Dum- 
 fries. Communicants twenty-two — baptisms ten 
 — marriages six— deaths five. A Sabbath School 
 has been estabhshed. Aquia Church, communi- 
 cants eleven — baptisms six — one marriage— ^leaths 
 two. 
 
 Wheeling parish, Ohio county. The Rev. John 
 Armstrong has been engaged in this station for 
 about two years, and signal success appears to 
 have attended his ministry. In this region, which 
 was but lately " a howling wilderness," the seeds 
 of spiritual life have been sown, and the dews of 
 divine grace have fallen with prolific virtue. Un- 
 der the care of the present pastor, an Episcopal 
 church has been built in the town of Wheeling, 
 of brick, sixty feet by forty-five, containing seven- 
 ty-two large and commodious pews, an organ, and 
 a bell. Ten miles from this place, by the zealous 
 influence of the same Rev. gentleman and the 
 blessing of God, another Episcopal church has 
 been built. May heaven bless the good work, and 
 make the hearts of his people to rejoice ! Com- 
 municants twenty-three — baptisms, sixteen chil- 
 dren and six adults — marriages sixteen. 
 
 In St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, there is no 
 material alteration. Its condition is improving, 
 and the number of communicants increasing. 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Fred'k. W. Hatch, Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The session was suspended, for the purpose 
 of attending divine service by the Rev. Fred- 
 erick W. Hatch, and a sermon by the Rev. 
 William Meade ; after which, the Convention 
 again met. 
 
 The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, from the board 
 
164 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 of trustees of the Theological School, presented 
 a report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 In obedience to the 12th article of the constitu- 
 tion of the Theological School of Virginia, the 
 board of trustees submit to the Convention their 
 annual report of the proceedings and state of the 
 institution. 
 
 In fulfilling the duties intrusted to them by the 
 last Convention, the trustees adopted the earliest 
 and most effectual method, which the judgment 
 of gentlemen learned in tlie law could devise, for 
 securing the funds of the institution. The money 
 collected on the first instalment, which became 
 due on the first of May, 1622, has been loaned out 
 by the treasurer of the board, on the best security, 
 and the amount of three thousand nine hundred 
 and thirty-nine dollars eighty-four cents is now 
 yielding an interest of six per cent. The board 
 also adopted the best means within their power 
 for increasing the funds of the school, by appoint- 
 ing a number of gentlemen throughout the state 
 agents of the institution for that purpose. These 
 agents not havmg made their reports, it is not 
 known what success has attended their exertions ; 
 but it is beUeved, from partial information, that the 
 success, at least in some of the counties, has been 
 encouraging. The board would especially ac- 
 knowledge the zeal and success of Mr. Robert P. 
 Waring, the agent for Essex county, who has pro- 
 cured subscriptions exceeding $1,000 ; six hundred 
 of which he has generously given himself, with 
 the expectation of securing yet additional contribu- 
 tions. In addition to the appointment of agents 
 in various counties, the board, at a recent meeting, 
 have appointed other special agents, who have en- 
 gaged to make speedy and persevering efforts to ac- 
 complish the collection of the contemplated fund. 
 
 The board also selected and appointed a profes- 
 sor of divinity, the Rev. Mr. Keith, who has been 
 rendering partial services in the institution during 
 the past year. 
 
 The whole amount of funds novy claimed by the 
 society, including what is subscribed and paid in, 
 is somewhere about fourteen thousand dollars, 
 together with a valuable donation of theological 
 books, made by a gentleman of the Northern Neck 
 of Virginia, in addition to those given the institu- 
 tion by the late Rev. Mr. Andrus. 
 
 During the past year, two vacancies have occur- 
 red in the clerical members of the board of trus- 
 tees, by death and resignation. By the constitu- 
 tion, it belongs to the Convention to supply these 
 vacancies. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted by the 
 
 Trustees, 
 
 May 15th, 1823. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The resignation of the Rev. John S. Ravens- 
 croft, of the office of trustee of the Theological 
 School, and the death of the Rev. Enoch M. 
 Lowe, another trustee of the said school, being 
 announced, the Convention proceeded to the 
 election, by ballot, of two persons, as trustees, 
 to supply the vacancies thereby occasioned ; 
 whereupon the Rev. John H. Wingfield and John 
 Dunn were duly electednrustees of the Theolo- 
 gical School, to supply the said vacancies. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 
 3 gain at Staunton, in the county of Augusta, on 
 ie third Thursday in May next. 
 
 Wm. H. WiLMER, President pro tern. 
 Teste, Wm. Monfoed, Secretary. 
 
 Constitution and Canons for the government of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 revised and republished by order of the Con- 
 vention of that church which met at Leesburg, 
 Loudoun county, on Tuesday , the IZth of 
 May, 1823. 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Art. I. There shall be a Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this state on 
 the third Thursday in May every year : but the 
 Convention which meets in the year previous to 
 the meeting of the General Convention, may 
 have power to appoint the time and place of 
 meeting for the next annual session. 
 
 Art. II. The Convention shall be composed 
 of the officiating ministers who have been 
 regularly arkl canonically elected in parishes or 
 churches within this slate, and within that part 
 of the territory of Columbia formerly part of 
 this state ; and of those whom age or infirmity 
 prevents from exercising their clerical fiinc- 
 tions, who shall be considered members ex- 
 ojicio. The Convention shall also be composed 
 of lay members, consisting of one delegate from 
 each parish (or of two lay deputies, where there 
 shall be no clergyman in the parish), chosen by 
 the vestry thereof, or, if there be no vestry, by 
 at least twelve persons who may with propriety 
 be considered as members of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church, duly notified ; and the elec- 
 tion shall be certified by at least five members 
 of this church ; provided, that every parish hav- 
 ing more than one officiating minister who hath 
 been regularly and canonically elected, shall be 
 entitled to send as many lay delegates as it has 
 ministers. 
 
 Art. III. Six members of the clerical, and 
 six of the lay order, shall constitute a quorum 
 for the transaction of business ; but a smaller 
 number may adjourn. 
 
 Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be- 
 fore the Convention, the clergy and laity shall 
 deliberate in one body ; and the concurrence of 
 a majority shall give validity to any measure. 
 But, when three members require it, there shall 
 be a vote by orders. 
 
 Art. V. The election of a bishop of this 
 church shall be made in Convention, in the 
 following manner. The order of the clergy 
 shall nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit 
 and qualified clergyman for that office ; and the 
 votes of two thirds of that order shall be requi- 
 site to constitute a choice. And thereupon 
 such appointment shall be presented to the or- 
 der of the lay delegates, and be considered by 
 them ; and if, on a ballot, it shall appear that 
 the person so nominated is approved of by two 
 thirds of the lay order, he shall be then decla- 
 red to be duly elected. 
 
 Art. VI. In this diocess there shall be but 
 one bishop. He shall be president of the Con- 
 vention ; in which character it shall be his 
 duty to give to the Convention, as often as he 
 may deern expedient, a general view of the 
 state of the church ; to call special Conven- 
 tions, at whatever times and places he may 
 tbiak necessary ; to preserve order during the 
 
CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 165 
 
 time of session ; to put the question, collect 
 the votes, and declare the decision. He may 
 make any motion which he shall judge condu- 
 cive to the good of the church, but shall not 
 enter into debate ; and he may deliver his sen- 
 timents on any subject after it lias been discus- 
 sed, before a vote thereon. Whenever it shall 
 be necessary for the bishop to visit any part of 
 this diocess, he shall be authorized to call a 
 clergyman from any part of the diocess, to sup- 
 ply his place in the duties of his parochial 
 charge, for not more than two Sundays. 
 
 Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis- 
 copal office, the Convention, immediately upon 
 their assembling, shall choose, by joint ballot, a 
 president from among the order of priests, who 
 shall remain in office until the next election of 
 a president. He shall perform all the duties 
 and possess all the privileges above specified ; 
 but he shall not call special meetings of the 
 Convention, unless applied to for that purpose 
 by a majority of the standing committee. And 
 if, while there is a bishop in this church, he 
 shall not be present at any meeting of the Con- 
 vention, they shall elect, in the manner afore- 
 said, a president pro tempore. 
 
 Art. VIII. A- secretary shall be appointed 
 by the Convention, who shall continue in office 
 during good behaviour. His duty shall be to 
 make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve 
 their journals and records, to attest the public 
 acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into 
 the hands of his successor all books and papers, 
 relative to the concerns of the Convention, 
 which may be in his possession. It shall be 
 his duty to notify, through the channel of the 
 public papers, as he may think proper, the time 
 and place appointed for the meeting of the suc- 
 ceeding Convention. The secretary shall an- 
 nex to the journals of every succeeding Conven- 
 tion a list of the clergy, with all alterations 
 therein produced in the preceding year by or- 
 dinations, deaths, removals, suspensions, and 
 degradations. 
 
 Art. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by 
 the Convention, who shall continue in office du- 
 ring good behaviour, and who shall discharge 
 the duties usually appertaining to that office. 
 
 Art. X. Before the adjournment of each 
 annual Convention, a standing committee, con- 
 sisting of six members, three clerical and three 
 of the lay order, shall be chosen by a ballot of 
 the clergy and laity. 
 
 Art. XI. If at any time there should be no 
 bishop in this church, the Convention shall di- 
 vide the state or diocess into districts, and as- 
 sign to such clergymen as they may appoint 
 the superintendence of a district, which it shall 
 be their duty to visit at least once a year, and 
 to report the ecclesiastical and secular state 
 thereof to the Convention. 
 
 Art. XII. Every parish within this diocess 
 shall be entitled to the entire benefit of this con- 
 stitution, as soon as it shall have signified its 
 ratification thereof, either in writing or by send- 
 ing a lay delegate to the Convention ; and such 
 parish shall thereafter be benefited and bound, 
 l^ually with the othei parishes in this diocess, 
 
 by every rule and canon which shall be framed, 
 by any Convention acting under this constitu- 
 tion, for the government of this church in eccle- 
 siastical concerns. 
 
 Art. XIH. This constitution shall be unal- 
 terable, except in the following manner : — A 
 proposition for any change shall be introduced 
 in writing, and considered in Convention ; and, 
 if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to 
 the several vestries of the parishes which shall 
 have ratified this constitution ; and if again 
 approved of in the next ensuing Convention by 
 a majority, the change shall then take place, 
 and the constitution, so altered, shall be valid 
 and obligatory. 
 
 The minister of each parish shall make out 
 and continue an exact register of all the com- 
 municants within his congregation ; which reg- 
 ister shall be left, upon his death or removal, for 
 the use of his successor. 
 
 CANON II. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the ministers of our 
 church to be careful in observing all the direc- 
 tions of the rubric, and of the General Conven- 
 tion, which relate to communicants; to main- 
 tain the most affectionate intercourse with all 
 their members on religious subjects ; but, espe- 
 cially to converse with those who offer them- 
 selves for the first time for the communion, on 
 those qualifications which are proper for the 
 worthy receiving of the sacrament, unless they 
 be otherwise satisfiied that they are properly 
 qualified. 
 
 LAY DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CANON in. 
 Communicants to have Family Worship. 
 It shall be the duty of every communicant of 
 this church, who is the head of a family, to live 
 in the habitual exercise of family worship. 
 
 The members of this Church to instruct their 
 families in the Principles of Religion. 
 The members of this church shall instruct 
 their families, as far as they are able, in the 
 principles of the Christian religion ; and» as 
 soon as they are sufficiently informed and im- 
 pressed with the importance and sacredness of 
 their baptismal vow, and have come to a proper 
 age to ratify the same in their own persons, they 
 shall present them to the bishop for confir- 
 mation, when conveniently in their power. 
 
 CANON V. 
 
 The members of this Church to he regular in 
 their attendance on Public Worship. 
 The members of this church shall attend the 
 public worship of God as regularly and con- 
 stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and cir- 
 cumstances in life, may be reasonably expected ; 
 and shall neglect the performance of this im- 
 portant duty for no cause whatever, but such as 
 they might plead at the bar of God in the day 
 of judgment. 
 
166 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 Offences for which a Layman may he presented 
 and tried. 
 
 Whereas the present state of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of Virginia has experienced 
 many and great inconveniences from the want 
 of such regulations and provisions as the good 
 and wholesome government of the said church 
 required, and from the nonperformance of ex- 
 isting Canons : — Now, in order that such incon- 
 veniences may be removed, so far as lieth in 
 this Convention, and that the rules and canons 
 of the said church, and also those of the Gen- 
 eral Convention, may be strictly observed and 
 enforced in all time to come ; that all the mem- 
 bers of the said church, whether clergymen or 
 laymen, may be excited to the most zealous and 
 commendable exertions to further, by all jus- 
 tifiable means, the future prosperity of the 
 church : — 
 
 Be it ordained, That any member of the 
 church, being a communicant thereof, conduct- 
 ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Chris- 
 tian, may and ought to be admonished or sus- 
 pended by the minister of the parish or congre- 
 gation, according to the rubric. 
 
 CLERICAL DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CANON VII. 
 
 Offences for which a Clergyman may be brought 
 to trial. 
 
 Whereas it is essential to the purity and pros- 
 perity of all religious communities, that the 
 temper and deportment of their ministers be 
 preserved holy and unblameable ; it is hereby 
 declared to be the duty of the bishop, or, if 
 there be none, of the standing committee, to 
 take cognizance of any offence against decorum 
 and rehgion, of which a priest or deacon shall 
 be charged upon credible testimony. Disorder- 
 ly, scandalous, and immoral conduct, neglect of 
 duty, disregard of the constitution or canons of 
 the church, disseminating or countenancing of 
 opinions which are contrary to her doctrines, 
 gaming, or any other vicious or unseemly diver- 
 sions, are offences for which (as well as for a 
 violation of the 26th canon of the General Con- 
 vention) a minister may be brought to trial. 
 And the mode of proceeding shall he as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 Whenever satisfactory information shall be 
 given, in writing, by any two credible members 
 of th€ church in this diocess, to the bishop or 
 standing committee, that any clergyman is 
 guilty of a violation of the canons, or conducts 
 himself in any way incompatible with the char- 
 acter of a minister of Christ, the bishop shall 
 summon a meeting of the standing committee, 
 or, if there be no bishop, the president of the 
 standing committee shall assemble them, for 
 the purpose of inquiry and trial. Notice of the 
 time and place of meeting shall be given to the 
 accused party, and also a copy of the charge 
 or charges laid against such clergyman, at 
 least two months before the time appointed for 
 trial. Witnesses ^5hall be called, and no charge 
 shall be deemed substantial but upon the testi- 
 
 mony of two credible witnesses upon oath, 
 either delivered viva voce, or by depositions 
 taken after reasonable notice ^iven of the time 
 and place of taking the same. The party accu- 
 sed may call in any person to assist him in his 
 defence, and also such witnesses as he may 
 think proper, and hav£ the benefit of depositions 
 as above prescribed. The bishop, or, if there 
 be no bishop, the standing committee, may ap- 
 point a clergyman to conduct the trial on the 
 part of the church ; and counsel may be em- 
 ployed on each side. If, after hearing the evi- 
 dence and the defence of the party accused, 
 two thirds of the quorum of the standing com- 
 mittee shall be of opinion that the person is 
 guilty of the charge or charges brought against 
 him, the bishop shall proceed to reprove, sus- 
 pend, or degrade him, as the offence may de- 
 serve. If there be no bishop, the standing com- 
 mittee shall take record and give notice of the 
 punishment due to the party offending : and, in 
 the latter case, an appeal may be made to the 
 State Convention, whose decision shall be final. 
 Provided, That none but a bishop shall pro- 
 nounce sentence of deposition or degradation 
 from the ministry on any clergyman, whether 
 bishop, or presbyter, or deacon. 
 
 CANON VIII. 
 
 Manner of proceeding against a Bishop. 
 If the bishop of this church shall voluntarily 
 commit any act or acts violating the constitu- 
 tion or canons, presentment shall be made, by 
 the Convention, to two or more bishops of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States. Such bishops shall have authority to 
 institute a trial within the diocess of the accused 
 party ; and the sentence of the two bishops, or 
 of a majority of a greater number, being founded 
 on the canons of the church, shall be final ; ex- 
 cept the sentence of degradation, in which case 
 he shall be allowed the privilege of an appeal to 
 the House of Bishops, provided he give notice 
 of such appeal, within six months, to the bishop 
 who presided in the House of Bishops at their 
 session immediately preceding. 
 
 CANON IX. w 
 
 It shall be the duty of every parish to send to 
 the Convention the sum of thirty dollars an- 
 nually, or such sums as the deputies can pro- 
 cure, for the contingent expenses of the church ; 
 which money shall be lodged with the treasurer 
 of the Convention of this church, and held sub?^ 
 ject to their order. 
 
 CANON X. 
 
 The manner of electing Vestrymen. 
 On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall 
 elect eight vestrymen ; but, where it is deemed 
 expedient, the number may be increased to 
 twelve. Two weeks notice shall be given of 
 the meeting by the minister, from the pulpit ; 
 or, if there be no minister, by the vestry ; and, 
 if there be no vestry, by any two members who 
 last possessed the power of vestrymen ; or, if 
 there be no surviving members of the vestry, 
 by three respectable members of the church ; 
 who shall cause advertisements of the meeting 
 
CONVENTION OF 1823. 
 
 167 
 
 to be put up at such public places as will secure 
 the notice of the meeting. And every pew- 
 holder or contributor to the support of the 
 church shall be entitled to vote. Every ves- 
 tryman shall, upon taking his seat, subscribe 
 the following form : — 
 
 " I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments to be the word of God, 
 and to contain all things necessary to salvation : 
 and I do solemnly engage to conform to the 
 doctrines and worship of the Protestant Episco- 
 cal Church in these United States." 
 
 The vestrymen thus elected shall choose two 
 church-wardens out of their own body, to dis- 
 charge the duties appropriate to their office. 
 
 In cases where unavoidable circumstances 
 prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall 
 take place at any time that may be deemed ex- 
 pedient by persons authorized to call the meet- 
 ing, and in the manner aforesaid : and, until a 
 new election, the former vestry shall continue 
 in office. The minister shall be a member cx- 
 qffi.cio; and a majority of the whole number 
 shall be required to constitute a quorum. 
 
 CANON XI. 
 
 Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church of Virginia which directs the 
 manner of choosing vestrymen in the several 
 parishes is not applicable to the case of churches 
 built and supported by voluntary associations 
 of individuals, without any parochial charge ; 
 and it is proper that those who hold the sole 
 property of a particular church should provide 
 for its care and management : — 
 
 In the case oi the Monumental Church in the 
 city of Richmond, and in all similar cases, the 
 choice of vestrymen shall be made by the pew- 
 bolders of the respective churches, conforming, 
 as to the time of appointment and manner of 
 qualifying the vestrymen, to the regulations 
 prescribed by the 10th canon established by the 
 present Convention ; excepting in the case of 
 Christ's Church, in the borough of Norfolk, 
 which, being under peculiar circumstances in 
 relation to the number of trustees, the time and 
 manner of electing them, and their rector, may 
 be permitted to conform to their own regula- 
 tions in these particulars. 
 
 CA-NON XH. 
 
 For the Division of Parishes. 
 
 Whereas, from the great extent of many of 
 the parishes in this diocess, and from various 
 other causes, it may be for the interest of the 
 church, and for the convenience and quiet of 
 the people, to permit the division of some of the 
 parishes ; 
 
 Bfi it therefore enacted, That whenever it 
 shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the 
 Convention that such division is expedient, or 
 when the desire of the people of the parish for 
 such division shall be manifested, by repairing 
 the old churches or building new ones, elect- 
 mg a vestry, conformably to the regulations of 
 the church, and shall produce to the Convention 
 the original subscriptions of the vestry of the 
 church from which the application for a division 
 
 of a parish is made, to the. test required by the 
 10th canon, and also produce a register of the 
 names of those who wish for a division of the 
 parish, on application to this Convention, such 
 petitioners may be received as a distinct parish. 
 
 CANON XIII. 
 
 It shall be the duty of every minister of this 
 diocess to make a register of each adult mem- 
 ber within his ?rure, agreeably to the 40th canon 
 of the General Convention. 
 
 CANON XIV, 
 
 The canons and constitution heretofore adopt- 
 ed by the former Conventions of this state, shall 
 be and are hereby repealed. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS 
 
 Concerning the Fund for the permanent support 
 of the Episcopate. 
 
 Thursday, May 21, 1818. 
 
 1st. Resolved, That the annual contributions 
 from Christ Church in Alexandria, of one hun- 
 dred dollars, for raising a fund for the support 
 of the bishop, which have now been paid or 
 which may hereafter be received, together with 
 all other sums which may be anywhere sub- 
 scribed and collected for the same object, be 
 vested in bank-stock, under the direction of the 
 standing committee of this diocess, in the names 
 of George Deneale and John Muncaster, church^ 
 wardens of Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alex- 
 andria, and their successors, for the purpose 
 aforesaid. 
 
 2d. Resolved, That, in aid of the Episcopal 
 Fund, the several ministers of this church do, 
 in their respective congregations, at some fit 
 season in each year, dehver an appropriate dis- 
 course, recommending the pious object of the 
 fund, and thereafter make a collection, the 
 amount of which they shall specially mention 
 in their respective parochial reports. 
 
 3d. Resolved, That each minister do, at some 
 convenient season of every year, visit one or 
 more of the vacant parishes of this diocess, or 
 of the counties of this commonwealth wherein 
 there is no parish, for the purpose of delivering 
 a similar discourse, and of collecting, by per- 
 sonal applications or otherwise, farther sums 
 for the enlargement of the Episcopal Fund, of 
 which visit and collections they shall respect- 
 ively make a report at the succeeding Conven* 
 tion. 
 
 4th. Resolved, That no part of the Episcopal 
 Fund shall be withdrawn for any purpose, until 
 its annual interest shall suffice for the attain- 
 ment of its object ; and that, in the interim, it 
 shall be the duty of the standing committee to 
 see that its enlargement is hastened by the 
 prompt conversion of its revenue into principal, 
 
 Saturday, May 19, 1821. 
 
 1st. Resolved, That the vestries or trustees 
 of each congregation in the respective parishes 
 of this diocess, do cause each adult person, pro- 
 fessing themselves to belong to or to be friendly 
 to the church, to be called on, and requested, 
 
168 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1824. 
 
 each, to pay the sum of not less than one dollar, 
 to be applied to the said fund. 
 
 2d. Resolved, That the money which shall 
 be received by the vestries or trustees in pur- 
 suance of the preceding resolution, be forthwith 
 remitted to the president of the standing com- 
 mittee of the church, for that committee to 
 invest it as heretofore directed. 
 
 3d. Resolved, That on or before the first day 
 of January next, and from time to time there- 
 after, reports be made to the standing commit- 
 tee of the proceedings under these resolutions. 
 
 4th. Resolved, That an appropriate address 
 from the Convention on this subject be adopted 
 and circulated, with the preceding resolutions, 
 among the members of the church. 
 
 6th. Resolved, That, in those parts of the 
 diocess yvhere there are no vestries or trustees, 
 the friends of the church be requested to give 
 
 their aid in effecting the object of these resolu- 
 tions. 
 
 Satitrday, May 18, 1822. 
 
 Whereas it appears by the reports from the 
 different vestries on the proceedings had under 
 the resolutions of the last Convention, on the 
 subject of the Bishop's Fund, that untoward 
 circumstances, and the pressure of the times 
 alone, have prevented a full compliance with 
 the said resolutions, but it appears that the 
 parishes are disposed to give their aid to carry 
 them into effect : — ■ 
 
 Therefore, be it Resolved by this Convention, 
 That it be recommended to the different ves- 
 tries to proceed to carry into effect the object 
 of the said resolutions, in the manner in their 
 judgment best calculated to ensure success, 
 and make report to each ensuing Convention. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 which assembled at Staunton, on Thursday, the 20th of May, 1824. 
 
 The Convention met, and was opened with 
 divme service by the Rev. Reuel Keith, and a 
 sermon by the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took 
 the chair as president of the Convention. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared and took their seats, 
 Tiz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, D. D., St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. William Meade, 
 Chapel, Frederick county ; the Rev. Daniel Ste- 
 phens, D. D., Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev. 
 Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Al- 
 bemarle ; the Rev. John H. Wingfield, Ports- 
 mouth parish, Norfolk county ; the Rev. Reuel 
 Keith, Alexandria; the Rev. William Wickes, 
 Christ Church, Norfolk borough ; the Rev. Syl- 
 vester Nash, Hampshire parish ; the Rev. Ira 
 Parker, Christ Church, Lancaster county, and 
 Wicomico parish, Northumberland county ; the 
 Rev. Silas Freeman, Lexington parish, Amherst 
 county ; the Rev. Robt. Prout, Lynnhaven par- 
 ish, Princess Anne county ; the Rev. Chas. H. 
 Page, Kanawha parish, Kanawha county. 
 
 Ordered, That Dr. Carter Berkeley and John 
 G. Williams, Esq. be appointed a committee 
 to examine the certificates of appointment of 
 the lay deputies ; who then withdrew, and after 
 a short time returned, and presented the follow- 
 ing report : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report, that the 
 following persons have been duly elected lay 
 delegates to this Convention : — 
 
 Nicholas W. Parker, Christ Church, Norfolk 
 borough ; John Grammer, jr., Petersburg, par- 
 ish of Bristol ; George Sharfe, Hampshire par- 
 ish ; Thurmer Hoggard, parish of Lynnhaven ; 
 Yeaman Smith, St. George's parish, Fredericks- 
 burg ; John G. Williams, Monumental Church, 
 Richmond ; Isaac Cannell, St. Paul's Church, 
 Alexandria ; Francis Nelson and Carter Berke- 
 ley, St. Martin's parish ; Philip Nelson, Freder- 
 
 I ick parish, Frederick county ; Strother Jones, 
 I Kanawha parish ; Edward Valentine, jr., Augus- 
 ta parish ; Franklin G. Smith, Christ Church, 
 Alexandria, parish of Fairfax. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That John G, Williams 
 be appointed secretary to this Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That Robert Greenhow 
 be appointed treasurer to this Convention. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Hatch, 
 
 Resolved, That the rules of order adopted by 
 the last Convention for the government of their 
 proceedings, be the rules of proceeding during 
 the present Convention ; which rules are as 
 follows : — 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with the morning service of the church. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house, unless he have leave or be 
 unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice in 
 the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined, shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds of 
 the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, be 
 counted, unless he be personally interested in 
 the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1824. 
 
 169 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined upon before any new thing is 
 introduced, except the question of adjournment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 The following preamble and resolution were 
 offered by the Rev. William Meade, and unan- 
 imously adopted. 
 
 Whereas Mr. William Munford, who has for 
 many years served this Convention as secretary 
 and treasurer, has signified by letter \Ls wish 
 to resign these charges, it is hereby 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be returned to him for the obliging and 
 faithful manner in which he has performed the 
 duties of the said offices, and that the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore be requested to express the 
 same to him, in the name of the Convention, 
 and to add their best wishes for his prosperity 
 and happiness. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That Mr. William 
 Munford, late treasurer, be requested to pay 
 over to Mr. Robert Greenhow the funds in his 
 hands belonging to this church. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Wm. Wickes, the 
 Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, D. D., the Rev. Wm. 
 Meade, the Rev. Daniel Stephens, D. D , Dr. 
 Carter Berkeley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a 
 committee to take into consideration the state of 
 the church in this diocess, and report thereupon 
 to the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John H. Wingfield, 
 the Rev. Robert Prout, Mr. John Grammer, jr., 
 and Mr. Nicholas W. Parker, be a committee 
 to examine the accounts of the treasurer of the 
 Prayer- Book and IVact Society of Virginia. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Ira Parker, the Rev. 
 Charles H. Page, the Rev. Sylvester Nash, 
 Mr. Strpther Jones, Mr. Frankhn G. Smith, 
 Mr. Isaac Cannell, and Mr. Y^aman Smith, be 
 a committee to examine the account of the 
 treasurer of the fund for the permanent support 
 of the episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Francis Nelson, the Rev. 
 Reuel Keith, the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, 
 and Mr. Edward Valentine, jr., be appointed a 
 committee to examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. George Sharfe and Mr. 
 Thurmer Hoggard be a committee to examine 
 the state of the fund for support of widows of 
 deceased clergymen. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith and the 
 Rev. Frederick W. Hatch be a committee to 
 examine the parochial reports. 
 
 On motion, the secretary received the fol- 
 lowing contributions from sundry parishes in 
 this diocess, viz. : — 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk borough, - - $30 00 
 Parish of Bristol, Petersburg, - - - 30 00 
 Hampshire parish, ------ 15 00 
 
 Parish of Lynnhaven, - - - - - - 20 00 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 15 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $110 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, $llO 00 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, - - 30 00 
 
 Frederick parish, 30 00 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover, - - - 20 00 
 Kanawha parish, -- - - - - - -18 00 
 
 Augusta parish, -- 20 00 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of 
 
 Fairfax, - - - - 30 00 
 
 Wicomico parish, Northumberland, - - 5 00 
 Christ Church, Lancaster county, - - 11 62 
 Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 ley county, by the Rev. Wm. Meade, 11 00 
 Farnham parish, Essex county, - - - 20 00 
 Portsmouth parish, ------ 26 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, ------- 30 00 
 
 8361 62 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock, 
 
 Friday, May 21, 1824. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore. 
 
 Mr. Edmund Penn produced a certificate of 
 his appointment as lay deputy for the parish of 
 Lexington, which, being read, was approved — 
 whereupon he took his seat as a member of this 
 Convention. 
 
 Mr. Francis Nelson, from the corimiittee ap- 
 pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 presented a report, which was read, as follows : 
 
 The committee on the treasurer's accounts 
 
 beg leave to report, that they have had the 
 
 same under due consideration, and find them to 
 
 be correct. All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Francis NELsdN, Fred'k W. Hatch, 
 
 Reuel Keith, Edwd. Valentine, Jr. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. John H. Wingfield, from the com- 
 mittee to examine the account of the treasurer 
 of the Prayer-Book and Tract Society, present- 
 ed a report, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the ac- 
 counts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book and 
 Tract Society of the Diocess of Virginia, have 
 discharged that duty, and find the same to be cor- 
 rect. John H. Wingfield, Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 Mr. Thurmer Hoggard, from the committee 
 for examining the stale of the fund for the sup- 
 port of the widows and orphans of deceased 
 clergymen, made the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 examination of the accounts of the treasurer of 
 the funds for the relief of the widows and or- 
 phans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia, report, that they have, ac- 
 cording to order, had the same under considera- 
 tion, and find that there is now in the hands of 
 the treasurer, 
 3 per cent, stock, ----- $2,037 78 
 6 per cent, stock, - - - - 172 5 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $2,209 83 
 
170 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1824. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $3,209 83 
 1 share of stock in Bank of Virginia, 
 at par, 100 00 
 
 44 shares of stock in Farmers' Bank 
 
 of Alexandria, 2,200 00 
 
 Robert Andrews's executor's note, 
 bearing interest from 28th of Feb- 
 ruary, 1822, until paid, - - - - 800 00 
 
 Cash in the hands of the treasurer, - 150 48 
 
 $5,460 31 
 All which will appear more fully by the ac- 
 count of the treasurer herewith filed. 
 
 Thupmer Hoogard, Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Amos .C. Treadway, of Lynchburg 
 parish, appeared and took his seat in this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Mr. Seth Ward produced a certificate of his 
 appointment as a lay deputy for Lynchburg 
 parish, which being read, was approved — where- 
 upon he took his seat as a member of this Con- 
 vention^ 
 
 The Rev. Charles H. Page, from the com- 
 mittee appointed to examine the state of the 
 fund for the permarient support of the episco- 
 pate in this diocess, presented a report, which 
 was read, as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the ac- 
 count of the Bishops' Fund report, that since the 
 laist report, as appears by the treasurer's account 
 hereto annexed, that there are in Alexandria 41 
 shares in the Farmers' Bank, at $50 each (par 
 value), making $2,050, dividing six per cent. ; 
 also, six shares in the Bank of Alexandria, the 
 par value $200 each, making $1,200, dividing 
 five per cent. 
 
 The total amount in stocks, $3,250. Amount 
 of cash in hand, $205 66, to be vested in stock. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Charles H. Page, Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. V^illiam H. Wilmer, D. D., from 
 the committee on the state of the church, re- 
 ported a canon upon the subject of clerical dis- 
 cipline, which being read, was, upon motion, 
 laid upon the table. 
 
 The proceedings of the standing committee 
 of this diocess, since the last Convention, were 
 presented and read. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of eight delegates to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United 
 States ; whereupon the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : — ^The Rev. VS^illiam 
 H. Wilmer, the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. 
 William Wickes, the Rev. Frederick W. 
 Hatch, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. John Nelson, 
 jr., Mr. William Mayo, and Mr. Philip Nelson. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 John H. Wingfield, and a sermon by the Rev. 
 Silas Freeman, after which the session was re- 
 sumed. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the church 
 in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where- 
 upon the following gentlemen were duly elected, 
 viz. : — The Rev. Vvilliam H. Wilmer, the Rev. 
 John Dunn, the Rev. GUver Norris, the Hon. 
 Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, and 
 Mr. George Taylor. 
 
 On motion. 
 
 Resolved, That the next meeting of the 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 for the diocess of Virginia shall be held in the. 
 city of Richmond. 
 
 Mr. Seth Ward paid to the secretary $30, 
 the contribution from the Lynchburg parish — 
 St. Paul's parish, King George, paid by Bishop 
 Moore, $20 — and Wishington parish, West- 
 moreland, paid by Bishop Moore, $10. 
 
 The report of the committee upon the state 
 of the church, which had been laid upon the 
 table, was taken up, and, on motion made and 
 seconded, was referred to a special committee, 
 consisting of the Rev. Wm. H.Wilrfier, D.D.,Mr. 
 John G. Williams, and Mr. John Grammer, jr. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 Saturday, May 22, 1824. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjovim- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 John H. Wingfield. 
 
 Mr. John Grammer, jr., from the special 
 committee to whom was referred the report of 
 the committee upon the state of the church, re- 
 ported a canon, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 CANON VII. 
 
 Offences for which a Clergyman may be brought 
 to trial. 
 
 Whereas it is essential to the purity and 
 prosperity of all religious communities, that the 
 temper and deportment of their ministers be 
 preserved holy and unblameable, it is hereby 
 declared to be the duty of the bishop and of 
 the standing committee to take cognizance of 
 any offence against decorum and religion of 
 which a priest or deacon shall be charged, upon 
 credible testimony. Disorderly, scandalous, and 
 iqimoral conduct, neglect of duty, disregard of 
 the constitution or canons of the church, dis- 
 seminating or countenancing of opinions which 
 are contrary to her doctrines, gaming, or any 
 other vicious or unseemly diversions, are of- 
 fences for which (as well as for a violation of 
 the 26th canon of the General Convention) a 
 minister may be brought to trial, and the mode 
 of proceeding shall be as follows : — 
 
 Whenever the bishop shall have reason to 
 suspect a clergyman of any of the above-men- 
 tioned errors in life or doctrine, he shall inform 
 the standing committee of the same ; or when- 
 ever any member of the standing committee 
 shall have reason for such suspicion, he shall 
 give due notice of it to the rest ; whereupon 
 the committee shall proceed to inquire into the 
 circumstances of the case ; and if they shall 
 think that there is a sufl!icient cause for a trial, 
 they shall communicate the same to the bishop, 
 stating specifically the charges made. Where- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1824. 
 
 171 
 
 upon, by order of the bishop, a council of pres- 
 byters, consisting of not less than three, shall 
 be convened, who, under the direction of the 
 bishop, shall proceed in due time to try the party 
 accused. A copy of the accusation or accusa- 
 tions, and notice of the time and place of trial, 
 shall be communicated to the accused party by 
 the bishop of the diocess, at least one month 
 previous to the time of trial. And furthermore, 
 it shall be the duty of the standing committee, 
 at such trial, to lay before the bishop and his 
 presbyters such evidence as they may be able 
 to obtain relative to the case under investiga- 
 tion. Witnesses may be called and examined, 
 and depositions taken, after reasonable notice 
 given of the time and place of taking the same ; 
 and all evidence received on such a trial shall 
 be given upon oath or affirmation, before a justice 
 of the peace. The party accused may call on 
 any person to assist him in his defence, and 
 have the benefit of witnesses and depositions, 
 as above prescribed, on his giv-ing to the stand- 
 ing committee reasonable notice of the time and 
 place of taking such depositions. If two thirds 
 of the council of presbyters shall consider the 
 charges as substantiated, they shall report to 
 the bishop the facts of the case, and what sen- 
 tence, in their judgment, ought to be pronoun- 
 ced ; whereupon the bishop shall proceed to 
 acquit, or else reprove, suspend, or degrade 
 him, as in his judgment the case may demand. 
 Furthermore, it is provided. That if there be 
 no bishop, the standing committee shall take 
 the place of the bishop, ordering all the circum- 
 stances of trial, and pronouncing such sentence 
 as the case may demand ; only, that their exer- 
 cise of discipline shall not proceed farther than 
 the act of suspension. 
 
 Resolved, That the seventh canon, for which 
 this is a substitute, be, and the same is hereby 
 repealed. 
 
 On motion made and seconded, 
 Resolved, That the said canon be, and the 
 same is hereby adopted. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Nicholas H. 
 Cobbs be invited to take a seat in this Conven- 
 tion. , - 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the treasurer be 
 directed to pay the sum of seven dollars to the 
 doorkeepers of this Convention, for their services 
 during the present session. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the standing com- 
 mittee be directed to publish the canons of the 
 church, in the form of a letter, relative to the 
 candidates for holy orders, and to draw up proper 
 forms of recommendation for the use of such 
 candidates, in order to avoid the many incon- 
 veniences which have hitherto attended their 
 application for orders. 
 
 The following preamble and resolutions were 
 offered by the Rev. William H. Wilmer : — 
 
 Whereas there are throughout the state, in 
 the possession of families and individuals, many 
 valuable books, the remnants of ancient libraries, 
 that are of but little use. to their owners, but 
 which would be of great value to the Theological 
 School of this diocess. 
 
 It is hereby Resolved, That the friends of the 
 
 church, who are in possession of such books as 
 they can conveniently spare, be, and they are 
 hereby respectfully requested, to send them, for 
 the use of the school, to the minister of thje 
 parish, or of the adjoining parish, or to Profes- 
 sor Keith, of Alexandria. 
 
 Resolved, also, That the clergy and laity of 
 the diocess, who have in their possession Jour- 
 nals of the Convention of this state holden an- 
 terior to^the year 1812, be requested to forward 
 them to the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, of Alex- 
 andria, for the purpose of enabling him to pub- 
 lish the whole of them in regular series, and in 
 a compact form. 
 
 On the question put thereupon, they were 
 agreed to. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be tendered to the ministers and el- 
 ders of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches 
 in this place, for the liberal and kind offer of 
 their churches for the use of the Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be tendered to the citizens of this 
 place, for their kind and hospitable attentions 
 to the members of the Convention during its 
 session. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Robert Prout, and a sermon by the Rev. Wm. H. 
 Wilmer, after which the session was resumed. 
 
 Mr. Alexander Garrett produced his creden- 
 tial as lay delegate for the parish of Fredericks- 
 ville, in Charlottesville, which being read, was 
 approved ; whereupon he took his seat as a 
 member of this Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the 
 committee to whom the parochial reports were 
 referred, presented a report, which was read, as 
 follows : — 
 
 The committee on the parochial reports have 
 taken them into consideration, and beg leave to 
 present them to the Convention in the following 
 condensed form : — 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover, has no pastor at 
 present, but its prospects are not materially al- 
 tered. 
 
 In Augusta parish, the interests of the church 
 are represented as rather languishing, in conse- 
 quence of removals and deaths. Marriages five 
 — baptisms seven— funerals five — communicants 
 fifteen. 
 
 In Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne county, four 
 have been added to the church. Communicants 
 twenty-three— baptisms eleven — burials thirteen. 
 
 The church in Hampshire county has suffered 
 much for want of regular ministrations hereto- 
 fore ; to secure which, its present scattered and 
 enfeebled condition renders every effort necessary. 
 Those energies, however, they appear willing to 
 exert, and are endeavourmg, to the extent of their 
 ability, to render the ministration of the word both 
 permanent and frequent. 
 
 Seven places of worship are regularly attended 
 — five of them once and twice a month, on Sun- 
 days, and other places, occasionally, on week 
 days. Baptisms thirty-two, three adults — mar- 
 riages three— funerals six. 
 
 The rector of Fredericksville parish mentions, 
 with gratitude to Him who disposes the hearts 
 of men to good, the liberality manifested by the 
 citizens of Charlottesville, and several respecta- 
 
in 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1824. 
 
 ble gentlemen in its vicinity, in subscribing funds 
 for building an Episcopal church in the town, and 
 for the friendly interest they have taken in the 
 subject. Baptisms about tweniy-four, ten col- 
 oured persons — funerals eight. 
 
 In Kanawha parish no material change has 
 taken place during the last year. In the congre- 
 gation at the mouth of Coal, and also that of 
 Charlestown, there are about twelve communi- 
 cants. 'I'he minister has once visited Cabell 
 county, and several limes the county of Mason, 
 where he found the people favourably disposed to 
 the church, and a very wide field for ministerial 
 labours. Baptisms thirty-five, twelve coloured 
 children — deaths sixty, thirty-five children — mar- 
 riages twelve 
 
 The present pastor of Christ Church, Norfolk, 
 has had the charge of it about fourteen months, 
 in which lime eight persons have been added to 
 the communion. Twenty-two deaths -have taken 
 place, thirty -lour have been baptized, and thirteen 
 marriages celebrated. There are at present in the 
 congregation one hundred and eighty-four com- 
 municants, and one Sunday School. In a general 
 view of the state of this congregation, the pastor 
 is able to say that it is flourishing. The public 
 wdrship is well attended; and religion, he be- 
 lieves, IS advancing. On the subject of contribu- 
 tions to the Theological Seminary — an institution 
 increasing in interest in this diocess, some dif- 
 ficulty has arisen, which the pastor, in justice to 
 the parish, and in the hope that it may now be 
 removed, thinks it proper to explain. "When the 
 subscription was offered to the congregation in 
 Norfolk, the expectation was that the seminary 
 would be located at Williamsburg ; hence many, 
 from their attachment to that ancient seat of learn- 
 ing, subscribed more than they would have done 
 if expecting its location anywhere else. Being, 
 however, as anxious as any other portion of the 
 diocess for the success of the seminary, the hope 
 may be entertained, that now a temporary loca- 
 tion is contemplated, all diflSculty in relation to 
 their subscriptions may be removed. 
 
 In Lynchburg parish the service is well at- 
 tended, and the prospects of the church are, upon 
 the whole, encouraging. Baptisms three— mar- 
 riages two. 
 
 In Bristol parish, Petersburg, the rector reports 
 considerable improvement in the attention of the 
 congregation to religious duties. The worship 
 of the church is well attended, and the number 
 of communicants is increased. Baptisms thirteen 
 — marriages sixteen— deaths thirty-seven. 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst, had been for some 
 years without a minister, until July last, at which 
 time not a single individual was to be found who, 
 it is believed, would have gone to the communion, 
 had it been celebrated. Present prospects, how- 
 ever, are somewhat encouraging ; the ministry of 
 the word is well attended ; numbers, it is beheved, 
 are daily becoming convinced " of sin, of righte- 
 ousness, and of judgment." There are three 
 churches in this parish to repair ; two of which, 
 and to rebuild the other, exertions are now about 
 to be made. Baptisms forty-three, coloured per- 
 sons sixteen — deaths five — one marriage. 
 
 In Hungar's parish the rector believes the Re- 
 deemer's cause to be progressing, though no ma- 
 terial change has taken place since the last report. 
 Baptisms one hundred and twenty-one — mar- 
 riages nine — funerals twenty-seven— communi- 
 cants twenty-nine. 
 
 The congregation of Portsmouth parish in- 
 creases slowly, and the general state of the church 
 here is prosperous ; an increased attention to re- 
 ligion is manifested, and the attendance on the 
 
 preached word is more regular and general. The 
 gospel kingdom is gaining ground, and the rector 
 rejoices in the hope of a " day of better things," 
 not far distant. Baptisms nineteen — funerals eight 
 — communicants nineteen. 
 
 In Lancaster and Northumberland, the glory of 
 our ancient Zion is still visible. In the venerable 
 rums of her dilapidated temples — the mouldering 
 pillar — the prostrate altar— the shattered dome — 
 the spacious court — once thronged with joyful mul- 
 titudes, and the solitary remnant who now traverse 
 the waste, mourning over its desolation, and seek- 
 ing to hght up in their souls the flame of devotion 
 at altars where the sacrifice for sin has long since 
 ceased to be represented, exhibit to the mind of 
 the beholder a most melancholy subject of con- 
 templation. The minister of these parishes still 
 trusts, from the increased attention to religion, 
 and the growing respect manifested for the liturgy, 
 that, through the instrumentality even of his divi- 
 ded services, the congregations may be built up, 
 Two of the churches, it is expected, will be re- 
 paired. Baptisms thirty-six — funerals five^mar- 
 riages four 
 
 Parish of Frederick. Since the last Conven- 
 tion, the Rev. Mr. Roberstson having left the 
 church in Winchester, the Rev. Mr. Meade is 
 now sole rector of the parish, officiating alter- 
 nately at W inchester and the chapel. The state 
 of the congregations is considered as good. The 
 attendance on divine worship, with a few^xcep- 
 tions, IS very regular. The number of communi- 
 cants has been increased by the addition of eight 
 during the last year. The mimber of baptisms is 
 twelve, one of which is an adult. Two societies 
 of females, formed m the two congregations for the 
 purpose of promoting domestic and foreign mis- 
 sions, and the education of pious young men, 
 promise very effectual and permanent support to 
 these important objects. In the Chapel congrega- 
 tion very handsome collections have been made 
 for these purposes for some years past ; in the 
 congregation at Winchester the efforts have but 
 just commenced, though with very flattering pros- 
 pects of success, as nearly fifty dollars were ob- 
 tained in the few first weeks of its institution. 
 The minister of this parish, encouraged by the 
 success with which it has pleased Heaven to 
 crown his endeavours in this cause, begs leave to 
 state to the church the method which, by experi- 
 ence, he has found most effectual, in the hope of 
 inducing his brethren to make trial of the same. 
 Believing that the great duty and need of raising 
 up and properly educating pious young men for 
 the ministry, and of supplying the destitute parts 
 of our own land, as well as the nations of the 
 heathen world, with the ministrations of the gos- 
 pel, only required to be fiillyand frequently placed 
 before the hearts of Christians, as we do the other 
 duties and doctrines of religion, in order to induce 
 them to take a lively and active interest in the 
 promotion of the same, he has for some years past 
 been pursuing the following plan. He has sup- 
 plied himself with a number of the best religious 
 magazines of the day, which give a full view of 
 all the spiritual wants, as well as religious exer- 
 tions and charities, of the whole Christian world ; 
 from these he has always t>een enabled to collect 
 a great variety of most interesting and edifying 
 pieces on all those, subjects which are most dear 
 to every Christian's heart, and which from time 
 to time he reads to the members of the congrega- 
 tion. In the country congregation, he has for 
 some years been in the habit of having meetings 
 for this purpose at private houses on some day in 
 the week, where a number of the families most 
 convenient assemble together. A few hours are 
 
CONVENTION OF 1824. 
 
 173 
 
 spent in prayer, singing suitable hymns, and read- 
 ing the above-mentioned selections. Sometimes 
 the ladies are engaged in some work which is dis- 
 posed of for the benefit of the cause ; and the 
 younger members of the famihes are brought also, 
 and encouraged to take an interest m what is 
 passing. The minister can truly testify, for him- 
 self and those of his charge, that these meetings 
 are unusually interesting, and have the effect of 
 drawing the hearts of those present towards the 
 important objects laid before them. As evidence 
 of which he states, that for some years past he 
 has, by means of these meetings in the Chapel 
 congregation, collected about one hundred dollars 
 annually, which for the two last years has been 
 sent to the general Missionary Society of the 
 church. At the same time, the communicants of 
 this congregation have been contributing between 
 fifty and one hundred dollars annually to the Edu- 
 cation Society of the District of Columbia, besides 
 liberal subscriptions to the Theological School of 
 Virginia. In the church of Winchester, a female 
 society for promoting the education of pious young 
 men, and for missionary purposes, has been formed 
 within a few months, and promises to do well. 
 In order to give proper information to the minds 
 of the members, and also to impress proper feel- 
 ings on their hearts in regard to these subjects, 
 the minister has occasionally substituted, on Sun- 
 day afternoons, the above-mentioned extracts in 
 place of the sermon, and has reason to believe 
 that this plan is not only pleasing, but will be im- 
 proving and profitable. He hopes to raise the 
 annual sum of one hundred dollars from this con- 
 gregation, which, for the present, it is intended to 
 apply entirely to the education of pious young 
 men, together with a separate contribution from 
 the communicants. The minister of this parish 
 has been thus particular, because he thinks the 
 time has arrived when it behooves every minister 
 to make full trial of his ministry in this respect, 
 and because he believes that there is not a con- 
 gregation in the church from which something 
 may not be obtained from willing hearts, if the 
 subjects be properly and frequently presented to 
 them. Small contributions may thus be obtained 
 from pious females, and even from children, as 
 well as from the male members of the church, 
 which would not in the least degree interfere with 
 any other necessary collection for the support of 
 the church. He is firmly persuaded that no other 
 plan will produce half the effect, or will long con- 
 tinue in operation ; and therefore urges his breth- 
 ren to adopt that which his own experience for 
 many years has proved to be successful. 
 
 Monumental Church. It is with great pleasure 
 that the rector of the Monumental Church in the 
 city of Richmond informs the Convention, that the 
 state of his congregation is very promising. A 
 Bible class was instituted by him the last winter, 
 which has been uniformly well attended. It con- 
 sisted of from eighty to a hundred ladies, whose 
 religious deportment was highly pleasing, and 
 who, from the readiness with which they an- 
 swered the questions proposed to them, must 
 have closely studied the subjects under considera- 
 tion. The number of communicants slowly in- 
 creases. The congregation are uniform in their 
 attendance upon divine worship, and devout in 
 their behaviour. The rector closes his report by 
 recommending to the clergy the institution of 
 Bible classes in their respective parishes, and to 
 be diligent in their catechetical instructions to 
 the children belonging to their congregations. 
 Communicants one hundred and thirty. 
 
 The committee cannot close this report with- 
 out recommending to the particular attention of 
 
 the parishes in the diocess, the subjects introdu- 
 ced to their notice in the interesting returns from 
 Frederick parish by the Rev. Wm. Medde, and 
 from the Monumental Church by our venerable 
 bishop. All wlftch is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Frkd. W. Hatch, Chairman. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Williaiii Meade, from the mem- 
 bers of the board of trustees of the Theologi- 
 cal School, present in Staunton, presented a re- 
 port, which was read, as follows : — 
 
 The trustees of the Theological School of Vir 
 ginia now present, though not in sufficient num- 
 ber to form a quorum, I'eel it their duty to submit 
 to the Convention the following report : — 
 
 At the last meeting of the trustees, the Rev. 
 Reuel Keith was engaged as Professor m the in- 
 stitution, and requested to hold himself in readi- 
 ness to take charge of it whenever it should go 
 into operation. He accordingly settled in Alex- 
 andria in the month of October last, and has had 
 under his charge, since that time, from twelve to 
 fourteen students, thirteen of whom were candi- 
 dates for orders. There are at present under his 
 care eleven young men, pursuing their studies 
 with fair prospect of their future respectability and 
 usefulness, and it is expected that not less than 
 twenty will wish to enter at the ensuing session. 
 During the present term, the students have been 
 instructed by the professor in Biblical Literature 
 and Criticism, the original languages of the Bible, 
 Prideaux's Connexions, Home on the Inspiration 
 of the St:riptures, Jahn's Archology, Butler's An- 
 alogy, and Magee on the Atonement. The more 
 advanced class has recited to the Rev. W. H. Wil- 
 mer, who has had charge of the department of 
 Systematic Theology, Pearson on the Creed, Bur- 
 net on the Articles, and such other authors as the 
 time admitted, and the course of study prescribed 
 by the House of Bishops required. 
 
 The trustees take great pleasure in contempla- 
 ting the present state and encouraging prospects 
 of the school ; and in bearing testimony, as far as 
 they know and believe, to the zeal, fidelity, and 
 ability with which the professors have discharged 
 the duties of their professorship. They feel it in- 
 cumbent on them also to state, from satisfactory 
 information, that the whole course of studies has 
 been entirely conformed to the canons oif the 
 church. 
 
 Under the present circumstances of the school, 
 the trustees are of opinion that Alexandrians the 
 best place for the present location, and they beg 
 leave to recommend to the Convention the adop- 
 tion of a resolution to that effect. 
 
 The account of the treasurer herewith submit- 
 ted will show the state of the funds. Various 
 obstacles have interposed against the collections 
 expected to be made for this object. In addition 
 to the pecuniary embarrassments which have pre- 
 vented the acquisition of new subscriptions, and 
 retarded the collection of those already obtained, 
 a difliculty has occurred on the ground that the 
 terms of the subscription involved a condition of 
 location which has not been observed on the part 
 of the church. The hope, however, is entertain- 
 ed, that when the inconvenience and even im- 
 practicability of establishing the school at Will- 
 iamsburg are considered, with the advantages of 
 the place now proposed for its location, the objec- 
 tions that have accrued will be removed. Will- 
 iamsburg is too remote and inaccessible to justify 
 the hope that students can be obtained for a the- 
 ological institution at that place. The experi- 
 
174 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 ment was tried there for one year without suc- 
 cess, and no hope of success seemed to present it- 
 self in the time to come. No sooner was the trial 
 made in Alexandria, than the number of students 
 and the means of supporting the indigent among 
 them increased beyond our most sanguine expec- 
 tations. All that is now wantmg to complete, suc- 
 cess, under the blessing of God, is the liberal co- 
 operation of the friends of the church. A pious 
 and well-qualified minister of our church has de- 
 voted himself entirely to the arduous duties of an 
 instructerof the pious youth who wish to be qual- 
 ified for the work of the ministry, and requires 
 only a moderate support for himself and family : 
 that support the trustees are unable as yet to af- 
 ford from the interest of their vested fund, and 
 have to call upon the liberality of the friends of the 
 church to give them the ability, by the prompt pay- 
 ment of the subscriptions already made, and by 
 the most active exertions to obtain others. 
 
 We cannot hope for a full and permanent sup- 
 ply of pious and well-educated ministers from any 
 other source than the institution we commend to 
 the liberal patronage of our members. 
 
 The number of pious young men who are de- 
 sirous to devote their lives to this sacred cause is 
 continually increasing, and the disposition to aid 
 the more needy of them to procure a suitable edu- 
 cation is increasing in an equal degree ; and to us 
 do both the pious yOuths and their benevolent pa- 
 trons look for an institution which shall furnish 
 them that instruction by means of suitable profes- 
 sors. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, received by the Convention. 
 
 And on motion, Resolved, That the Theolo- 
 
 gical School of Virginia be located for the pres- 
 ent in the town of Alexandria. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That 750 copies of the 
 Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis- 
 tributed by the secretary among the parishes, 
 under the Superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be presented to the secretary for 
 his faithful services rendered during the present 
 session. 
 
 The following preamble and resolution were 
 offered by the Rev. William Meade, and adopted. 
 
 "Whereas the bishop has signified to the Con- 
 vention his desire and intention of employing 
 an assistant, which is now rendered absolutely 
 necessary to the discharge of his episcopal du- 
 ties in the diocess, and that he is willing to pay 
 one half of the assistant's salary out of his own 
 purse ; 
 
 Therefore, Resolved, That as soon as the 
 bishop shall have obtained an assistant, he com- 
 municate the same to the ministers and vestries, 
 stating what would be needful, on their part, to 
 the support of said assistant, and making such 
 a representation of all the circumstances of the 
 case as he may deem most effectual. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again in the city of Richmond on the third 
 Thursday in May next. 
 
 Richard C. Moore, 
 Bishop of the P. E. Church of Virginia. 
 
 Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 which assembled in the City of Richmond on Thursday, May 19th, 1825. 
 
 The Convention met, and was opened with 
 divine service by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, 
 and a sermon by the Rev. Oliver Norris. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took 
 the chair as president of the Convention. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared and took their seats, 
 viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. ,John Dunn, Shelburne parish, 
 Loudoun county ; the Rev. Wilham H. Hart, 
 Henrico parish, Henrico county ; the Rev. Ed- 
 ward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Freder- 
 icksburg ; the Rev. William Meade, Frederick 
 parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. Oliver Nor- 
 ris, Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of Fair- 
 fax ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish, 
 Petersburg, Dinwiddle county ; the Rev. Will- 
 iam H. Wilmer, D. D., St. Paul's church, Al- 
 exandria; the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fred- 
 ericksville parish, Albemarle county ; the Rev. 
 Richard H. Barnes, Hambleton and Leeds par- 
 ish, Fauquier county ; the Rev. William Craw- 
 ford, Trinity parish, Louisa county ; the Rev. 
 Daniel Stephens, D. D., Augusta parish, Staun- 
 ton ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, Alexandria ; the 
 Rev. John H. Wingfield, Portsmouth pari^, 
 Norfolk county ; the Rev. Charles H. Page, 
 Kanawha parish, Kanawha county ; the Rev. 
 
 Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's parislh, Jefferson 
 county ; the Rev. Silas C. Freeman, Lexington 
 parish, Amherst county ; the Rev. Sylvester 
 Nash, Hampshire parish, Hampshire county ; 
 the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, Lynchburg parish, 
 Lynchburg ; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rus- 
 sel parish, Bedford county ; the Rev. Mark L. 
 Chevers, Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne ; the 
 Rev. Robert B. Croes, assistant minister of the 
 Monumental Church, Richmond ; the Rev. John 
 Cooke, St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Lou- 
 isa counties ; the Rev. George A. Smith, Christ 
 Church, Norfolk borough. ■ ^ 
 
 Ordered, That Dr. Carter Berkeley and Mr. 
 John G. Williams be a committee to examine 
 the certificates of appointment of the lay depu- 
 ties ; who then withdrew, and after a short 
 time returned, and presented the following re- 
 port : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report that 
 the following persons have been duly elected 
 lay delegates to this Convention : — 
 
 John Grammer, jr., Bristol parish, Peters- 
 burg, Dinwiddie county ; Seth Ward, Lynch- 
 burg parish, Lynchburg ; Edward Colston, Nor- 
 borne parish, Martinsburg ; George Hamilton, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 175 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg ; John Nel- 
 son, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; 
 Robert E. Steed, Christ Church, Norfolk bor- 
 ough ; Philip Nelson, Frederick parish, Fred- 
 erick county ; Jacqueline A. Marshall, Leeds 
 and Hamilton parish, Fauquier county ; Ed- 
 mund I. Lee, Christ Church, Alexandria, parish 
 of Fairfax ; John Dove, parish of Henrico, Hen- 
 rico county ; Bushrod C. Washington, St. An- 
 drew's parish, Jefferson county ; Edmund Penn, 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county ; Armistead 
 Mosby, Augusta parish, Staunton ; Thurmer 
 Hoggard, parish of Lynnhaven, Princess Anne 
 county ; Francis Nelson, parish of Hampshire, 
 Hampshire county ; Charles A. Alexander, par- 
 ish of Shelburne, Loudoun county ; William 
 0. Latane and Richard Croxton, South Farn- 
 ham parish, Essex county ; James M Garnett 
 and Henry Waring, St. Anne's parish, Essex 
 county ; John Hooff, St. Paul's Church, Alex- 
 andria ; William Mayo and John G. Williams, 
 Monumental Church, city of Richmond ; James 
 Rudder, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ; 
 Carter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, Hanover 
 county. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. John P. M'Guire be in- 
 vited to attend the sittings of this Convention. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the rules of order adopted 
 by the last Convention for the government of 
 their proceedings, be the rules of proceeding 
 during the present Convention ; which rules are 
 as follows : — 
 
 L The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with the morning service of the church. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address tite chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house, unless he have leave or be 
 unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds of 
 the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, be 
 counted, unless he be personally interested in 
 the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, 
 it shall be determined upon before any new 
 thing is introduced, except the question of Ad- 
 journment. 
 
 H. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and 
 without debate. 
 
 12. When tbe#house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 Dr. F. Carr produced a certificate of his ap- 
 pointment as a lay deputy for the parish of 
 Fredericksville, Albemarle county, which being 
 read, was approved ; whereupon he took his 
 seat as a member of this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 D. D., the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. Dan- 
 iel Stephens, D. D., the Rev. Oliver Norris, 
 the Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr. James M. Garnett, 
 Mr. Edward Colston, Mr. William Mayo, Mr. 
 Philip Nelson, and Mr. Edmund L Lee, be a 
 committee to take into consideration the state 
 of the church in this diocess, and report there- 
 upon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 the Rev. Alexander Jones, the Rev. John Dunn, 
 Mr. Bushrod C. Washington, Dr. Jacqueline 
 Marshall, and Mr. Thurmer Hoggard, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, 
 the Rev. William H. Hart, Mr. Robert E. Steed, 
 and Mr. Seth Ward, be a committee to examine 
 the accounts of the treasurer of the fund for the 
 permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, Dr. 
 Carter Berkeley, Mr. John Nelson, and Mr. 
 John Hootf, be a committee to examine the 
 treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 the Rev. John H. Wingfield, the Rev. Silas C. 
 Freeman, the Rev. Richard H. Barnes, and 
 Mr. WilHam Latane, be a committee to examine 
 the state of the fund for the support of the wid- 
 ows of deceased clergymen. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to 
 the Convention the following 
 
 PASTORAL ADDRESS. 
 
 Once more, my beloved brethren, hath the Al- 
 mighty in his providence pennitted us to assem- 
 ble in Convention, to come up to the house of God 
 in company, and to talee sweet counsel together. 
 Twelve months have elapsed since our last an- 
 nual meeting, during which time we have been 
 preserved in safety, and not one has been taken 
 from our ranks. " Bless the Lord, Oh our souls, 
 and forget not all his benefits." 
 
 With the calls which have been made upon me 
 from various parts of the diocess the last year it 
 has been impossible for me to comply, owing to 
 the want of an assistant to fill my place in this 
 city. As far, however, as the duty I owe my own 
 congregation, and the indisposition under which 
 1 have laboured, would admit of my absence from 
 home, I have yielded to the solicitations of the 
 people, and have visited the country parishes. 
 
 On my way home from the Convention in 
 Staunton last May, I stopped in the county of 
 Cumberland, and preached to an attentive auditory 
 at the house of Mr. William Cock. That ven- 
 erable man, and a considerable number of his 
 neighbours, still retain their attachment to the 
 church of their fathers ; and I have no Houbt that 
 a spirited and well qualified missionary would 
 soon revive its interests in that district, and repair 
 
176 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 the desolations of our Zion in that part of the 
 diocess. 
 
 In the month of June I vis^fod the county of 
 Gloucester, and ofKcwted on the Sabbath to a 
 large congregation in Ware (Jhurch ; and on the 
 day following I rode to Abingdon Church, but ow- 
 ing to a heavy rain I preaclied to a small auditory. 
 Few are the parishes which hold out stronger in- 
 ducements for the location of a clergyman than 
 Gloucester. The people, notwithstanding their 
 long privation of the services of the church, con- 
 tinue their attachment to our communion. Within 
 a few years they have repaired one of their houses 
 of worship, and would furnish a clergyman of 
 piety and talents with a comfortable support. The 
 society is excellent, and 1 am confideiit that I do 
 them no more than justice to say, that a clergy- 
 man might calculate with certainty upon a happy 
 settlement in the4)08om of that aiffectionate and 
 hospitable people. 
 
 In th6 month of July I went to WiUiamsburg, 
 at which place I preached to a large congregation, 
 and also administered the Lord's Supper. The 
 first of August I visited the town of Petersburg in 
 company with Dr. Wilmer, at which place I ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper; admitted to the 
 holy order of deacons the Rev. John Cook and the 
 Rev. Lucius Carter. I preached in the evening, 
 and then bade them farewell. 
 
 In September 1 visited the churches in Alexan- 
 dria, and preached to both congregations. In No- 
 vember I went to Hanover, preached in Allen's 
 Creek Church, and also at the mansion of the late 
 Col Sims. The Rev. Mr. Cook is settled in Han- 
 over ; he is domg much good, and is very much 
 beloved by the people of his charge. 
 \ The latter end of November I again went into 
 the lower country, preached and administered the 
 Lord's Supper on the morning of the Sabbath, in 
 the church in Williamsburg, and in the evening 
 lectured at the house of Judge Semple, and con- 
 firmed his daughter. 
 
 The Monday following I rode to Yorkt<?wn, 
 preached in the morning at the courthouse, and 
 in the afternoon at the house of Mr. Nelson, to 
 attentive congregations. 
 
 Last month I visited the county of Amelia, and 
 preached at the house of Mr. Meade. In that 
 county there exist all the materials necessary for 
 the formation of a respectable congregation ; and 
 I give it as my decided opinion that a faithful, pru- 
 dent, and intelligent clergyman would be well re- 
 ceived by the people, and meet with abundant suc- 
 cess in his ministry. 
 
 To remedy some difficulties, brethren, which 
 have presented themselves to view, I conceive it 
 a duty incumbent on me at this time to offer a few 
 observations on the subject of an obedience to the 
 rubrics of the church; and as the clergy cannot 
 charge me with unkindness in my intercourse 
 vvith them, I trust ray remarks will be received 
 with the same spirit of conciliation with which 
 they will be offered, and not charged to a spirit of 
 improper domination. 
 
 The church of which we are members has al- 
 ways felicitated herself upon the possession of a 
 liturgy, combining with the soundest sense the 
 purest and most sublimated devotion : a hturgy 
 which has commanded the respect and admira- 
 tion of some of the greatest and most enlightened 
 men who have lived since the reformation. To 
 enable the clergy to conduct the devotions of the 
 people in perfect uniformity, rubrics have been at- 
 tarhed to all the offices of religion; a compliance 
 with which is required of every minister prior to 
 his ordination. 
 
 Although the services of the church have been 
 
 thus guarded, still it has sometimes happened that 
 a departure from the hturgy has taken place, and 
 the beauty of our incomparable form of worship 
 been, in some measure, destroyed. 
 
 When an individual, instructed in the peculiar- 
 ities of our services, is engaged in the duties of the 
 sanctuary, he can follow, with indescribable pleas- 
 ure, the officiating clergyman in the regular exer- 
 cise of his office ; he is always prepared to unite 
 in the prayers, and to worship the Lord in the 
 beauty of holiness, without the least distraction 
 of mind. But when it so happens that the clergy- 
 man is inattentive to the rubrics, the devotional 
 exercises of the worshipper are obstructed : his 
 mind, instead of bemg preserved calm and serene, 
 becomes perplexed, and his religious feelings 
 changed into those of disappointment, if not dis- 
 pleasure. I indulge the hope, brethren, that in 
 those instances in which the aberrations alluded 
 to have been practised, they have arisen more from 
 inconsideration than design ; and that it is only 
 necessary to mention the evil to have it remedied. 
 
 Another subject to which I must call your at- 
 tention, is the fund for the support of the episco- 
 pate in the diocess of Virginia. I do this with 
 less reluctance than I otherwise should, in conse- 
 quence of my age, and the impossibility of reaping 
 from it any personal advantages whatever. 
 
 The bishop of the diocess has duties to perform 
 which render it improper that he should be con- 
 fined to the superintendence of a particular parish. 
 All the congregations in the state forrri the objects 
 of his pastoral charge, and are equally entitled to 
 his superintending care. Were the bishop at per- 
 fect liberty, he could visit at pleasure the desti- 
 tute parts of his diocess ; convince the people of 
 the interest he takes in their concerns ; keep alive 
 their attachment to the church, and prevent them 
 from a departure from the fold. When confined 
 to the charge of a single congregation, the en- 
 treaties of those who are destitute of ministerial 
 aid cannot be complied with. His children ask 
 for the -bread^f life at his hands, and he is obliged 
 to withhold the aid for which they implore : they 
 plead their relation to him as to their spiritual 
 father, and they plead in vain ; they demand his 
 fostering care in accents which touch his heart, 
 but their demands, however reasonable and just, 
 it is beyond his power to satisfy. 
 
 Such, brethren, has been my situation since my 
 residence in Virginia ; and such must be the situa- 
 tion of my successor, unless some provision should 
 be made to meet the evil. A clergyman of suita- 
 ble talents, who would travel through the diocess, 
 and who might be employed as at missionary at 
 the same time, could, I am well convinced, in the 
 space of two years, complete the plan you have 
 already commenced, and enable your diocesan to 
 perform the duties belonging to his office. What 
 person, who considers himself a member of the 
 church, would refuse a few dollars for the comple- 
 tion of such an object ? What Virginian, who 
 recollects the attachment of his departed parents 
 to the church, and who remembers the period 
 when he was led by them to worship in our courts, 
 would shut his ears to our petitions, or send us 
 empty away from his doors ? My brethren, I have 
 travelled too much through this diocess to con- 
 sider such an event possible. I know the Virginia 
 character too well to believe that the old church, 
 dilapidated as she is in many places, would ask 
 for bread and receive a stone. No, my brethren, 
 it is impossible. The remains of their parents 
 lie inter-red, in many instances, within the walls 
 or around the walls of our ruined temples ; and 
 those revered relics would make such an appeal 
 to their hearts as they would not be willing to 
 
CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 irt 
 
 resist. Make then, I beseech you, one vigorous 
 and united effort in the case submitted to you ; 
 enter upon the concern with one heart and one 
 mind, and the Lord will in mercy bless your 
 efforts. 
 
 At the last Convention an arrangement was 
 made for the procuring an assistant in this parish, 
 in order to enable me to attend to the duties of 
 the diocess. The assistant contemplated has 
 been called, and is now a member of this Con- 
 vention. I have promised to pay him $500 annu- 
 ally out of my salary, and the last Convention 
 pledged themselves for a similar sum. I mention 
 these circumstances in order that the parishes 
 may take such measures to raise their proportion 
 of the salary as they consider expedient in the 
 case. May God in tender mercy, my beloved 
 brethren, preside in the council of his church, di- 
 rect us in all our doings, and further us with his 
 continual help. 
 
 Richard C. Moore. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the pastoral ad- 
 dress of the bishop be referred to the commit- 
 tee on the sLate of the church. 
 
 The standing committee of the diocess made 
 a report of their proceedings during the past 
 year, which was read. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That Mr. Garnett, Mr. 
 WiUiams, Mr. Grammer, and Mr. John Nelson, 
 be a committee to consider a proposition which 
 has been made through a member of this Con- 
 vention, as authorized by one of the heirs of 
 Evan Ragland, deceased, to effect an amicable 
 settlement of the suit that is now pending 
 against the heirs of said decedent. 
 
 The standing committee of the diocess re- 
 ported that they had causae! the canons of the 
 church, relative to candidates for holy orders, to 
 be printed in the form of a letter, agreeably to 
 tin ^solution of the last Convention, which 
 they have now ready for distribution. 
 
 On motion, the secretary received the follow- 
 ing contributions from sundry parishes of this 
 diocess : — 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk borough, 
 Parish of Bristol, Petersburg, 
 Parish of Lynnhaven, - - - 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksbvirg, 
 Frederick parish, - - - - 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover, 
 Augusta parish, . - - - 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of 
 
 Fairfax, 
 
 Farnham parish, Essex county, 
 Portsmouth parish, - - - 
 St. Anne's parish, . - - 
 Henrico parish, - - - - 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun, 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 
 Hambleton and Leeds parish, 
 St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county, 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, 
 Lynchburg parish, Campbell county, 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. 
 Monumental Church, city of Rich- 
 mond, 
 
 $30 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 20 
 
 00 
 
 30 
 
 00 
 
 20 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 30 
 
 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 20 
 
 50 
 
 30 
 
 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 24 00 
 
 23 
 
 87 
 
 18 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 30 
 
 00 
 
 20 
 
 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 M 
 
 $488 37 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 20, 1825. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with divine service by 
 the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, and a sermon by 
 the Rev. Daniel Stephens, D. D. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee 
 to whom was referred the examination of the 
 accounts of the treasurer of the funds of the 
 widows and orphans of deceased clergymen of 
 the Episcopal Church of Virginia, made the fol- 
 lowing report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 treasurer's accounts of the fund for the relief of 
 the widows and orphans of deceased clergymen, 
 report, that they have examined the same, which 
 is herewith exhibited, and they recommend that 
 the same be approved by the Convention. 
 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee 
 on the state of the church in this diocess, pre- 
 sented the following report : — 
 
 Whereas the bishop in his pastoral address has 
 affectionately urged upon his clergy the observance 
 of the rubrics of the church, as directed by the 
 canons ; and has also impressed upon the Con- 
 vention the necessity of making some arrange- 
 ment for raising a part of the salary for the sup- 
 port of his assistant in the Monumental Church, 
 in conformity to the resolution adopted by the last 
 Convention : — 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention heartily con- 
 curs with the bishop in recommending to the nain- 
 isters a punctual observance of the same, warning 
 them of the danger of yielding to prejudices sup- 
 posed to exist against the liturgy, either in the 
 breasts of the irreligious, or of those who may be 
 present at our churches, who are accustomed to 
 other services ; and particularly would they urge 
 it upon the ministers and parents to train up the 
 younger members in the church in the use of the 
 prayer-book, as the best means of ensuring a reg- 
 ular and edifying use of the liturgy, and would 
 also recommend it to the ministers occasionally to 
 expatiate on the excellences and advantages of our 
 incomparable service. At the same time the Con- 
 vention feels bound in duty to the Church of Vir- 
 ginia to state, that but few instances of departure 
 have occurred, and also that there is a growing 
 attachment to the services of the church through- 
 out the diocess. 
 
 Resolved, That the bishop and standing com- 
 mittee be, and they are hereby authorized, to ap- 
 point some competent person or persons to call on 
 the members of the Episcopal Church in this di- 
 ocess, in such places as may be thought expedient, 
 to solicit contributions for the permanent fund for 
 the support of the bishop ; and out of the contri- 
 butions it is recommended that as much be an- 
 nually appropriated towards the payment of the 
 assistant of the bishop, as may be necessary to 
 supply any deficiency in that portion of his sup- 
 port which the different vestries in the diocess are 
 required to provide. 
 
 Resolved, That the bishop do address a circular 
 letter to the members and vestries of the different 
 parishes of the diocess, upon the subject of raising 
 a salary for the support of the assistant to the 
 bishop : the ministers are hereby required to lay 
 the same before their respective vestriei, and to 
 
178 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 read the same from the pulpit to their respective 
 congregations. 
 
 On motion made and seconded, 
 
 Resolved, That the first resolution reported 
 by the committee upon the state of the church 
 be, and the same is hereby adopted. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the second and 
 third resolutions reported by the committee on 
 the state of the church, be for the present laid 
 upon the table. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Meade presented the following 
 letter, addressed to this Convention from the 
 Colonization Society. 
 
 Office of the Colonization Society, 
 Washington, \2th May, 1825. 
 To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of Virginia. 
 
 The managers of the Colonization Society re- 
 spectfully solicit the attention of the Episcopal 
 Convention to the great objects of their institu- 
 tion. Their success has already exceeded their 
 expectations. The colony at Liberia is in a pros- 
 perous and improving state. The interest in its 
 favour is more deep and extensive than ever be- 
 fore, and a thousand urgent motives are addressed 
 to every virtuous mind, especially to Christian 
 ministers, to prevent their neglect of this encoura- 
 ging crisis, and to excite to renewed exertions in 
 this sacred cause of justice and religion. 
 
 It is through the clergy that the board believe 
 they may act most successfully on the public 
 mind. Much, therefore, do they desire the sanc- 
 tion of the several ecclesiastical bodies in the 
 United States to their plans and proceedings. 
 
 They beg leave, therefore, to suggest to this 
 Convention a measure which they intend to pro- 
 pose to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
 Churches. 
 
 That a resolution be adopted, recommending to 
 the congregations under the care of this Conven- 
 tion collections in behalf of the Colonization So- 
 piety, to be made on the- 4th of July, of on the 
 gabbath immediately precedmg or succeeding 
 that day. 
 
 By order of the board, 
 
 R. R. GuR LEY, Resident Agent. 
 
 On motion, Jlesolved, That this Convention 
 have witnessed, with the deepest emotions of 
 gratitude tg Qod, the degree of success with 
 which it has pleased him to bless the efforts of 
 the American Colonization Society : they ob- 
 serve with pleasure ^n increasing interest in its 
 prosperity everywhere manifested throughout 
 this Union, and particularly in the proceedings 
 of the last Legislature of this state, and they 
 recommend continued and increasing exertions 
 in its favour to the charitable and patriotic in 
 this diocess. 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That it be earnestly rec- 
 ommended to the different clergymen and ves- 
 tries of the Protestant Episcopal Church within 
 this diocesp, to have collections made in their 
 respective churches on the Sabbath either pre- 
 ceding or succeeding the 4tli of July, in aid of 
 the funds of the Colonization Society. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of eight delegates to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United 
 States : whereupon the following gentlemen 
 
 were duly elected, viz : — Tlie Rev. William 
 H. Wilmer, D. D., the Rev. William Meade, 
 the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, the Rev. Ed- 
 ward C. M'Guire, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. 
 William Mayo, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr. 
 James M. Garnet t. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the church 
 in this diocess for the ensuing year : whereupoa 
 the following gentlemen were duly elected, 
 viz. : — The Rev. William H. Wilmer, the 'Rev. 
 Olive^^ Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. 
 Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and 
 Mr. George Taylor. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again to-morrow morning, at 10 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 21, 1825. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with divine service by the 
 Rev. Sylvester Nash, and a sermon by the Rev. 
 William Meade. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Hatch, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the state of the fund for 
 the permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess, presented a report, which was read, as 
 follows : — 
 
 The committee on the fund for the support 
 of the episcopate have had the subject under 
 consideration, and beg leave to report, as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 In the year 1823, there was vested in 
 bank-stock of the Farmers' Bank of 
 Alexandria, at par value, ^ $2,050 00 
 
 Also, in stock of the Bank of Alexan- 
 dria, - - - - - 1,200 00 
 
 AlsOj one turnpike share, not consid- 
 ered valuable, - - - - 100 00 
 
 During the past year, and up to the 
 present period, ther^ haye accrued 
 to this fund, chiefly in dividends on 
 stock, 402 16 
 
 $3,752 16 
 
 This last amount, with the exception 
 of $9 66, has been invested in the 
 Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, from 
 all which it appears that the sum 
 total of the fund for the support of 
 the episcopate is, as above stated, $3,752 16 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 F. W. Hatch, 
 Robert E. Steed, 
 Seth Ward, 
 Wm. C. Latane, 
 Wm. H. Hart. 
 The said report was, on the question put 
 thereupon, approved by the Convention. 
 On motion made and seconded. 
 Resolved, TTiat the second and third resolu- 
 tions reported by the committee upon the state 
 of the church be now taken up and considered. 
 The resolutions were accordingly taken up 
 and read. 
 
 And, on motion made and seconded. 
 Resolved, That the second resolution report- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 170 
 
 ed yesterday by the committee upon the state 
 of the church be indefinitely postponed. 
 
 The names of those who voted in the affirm- 
 ative are as follows : — 
 
 The K*v. John Dunn, the Rev. Edward C. 
 M-Guire, the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. 
 Andrew Syme, the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, the Rev. Will- 
 iam Crawford, the Rev. Daniel Stephens, the 
 Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev. John H. Wingfield, 
 the Rev. Charles H. Page, the Rev. Alexander 
 Jones, the Rev. Silas C. Freeman, the Rev 
 Sylvester Nash, the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, 
 the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, the Rev. John 
 Cook, the Rev. George A. Smith ; Messrs. John 
 Grammer, jr., Seth Ward, Edward Colston, 
 George Hamilton, John Nelson, Robert E. 
 Steed, Philip Nelson, Jac(|ueline A. Marshall, 
 Bushrod C. Washington, Edmnpd Penn, Ar- 
 mistead Mosby, Thurmer Hoggard, Francis Nel- 
 son, Charles A. Alexander, William C. Latane, 
 Richard Croxton, Henry Warring, John Hooff, 
 William Mayo, John G. WiUianas, Garter Berke- 
 ley, F. Carr— 40. 
 
 The names of those who voted in the negative 
 are as follows: — 
 
 The Rev. William H. Hart, the Rev. Mark 
 L. Chevers, the Rev. Robert B. Croes, Messrs. 
 Edmund I. Lee, J.phn Doye, and James M- Gar- 
 nett — 6. 
 
 On motion, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the third reso- 
 lution reported by the same committee on the 
 state of the church be adopted. 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, from the Board 
 of Trustees of the Theological School, present- 
 ed a report, which was read, as follows : — ■ 
 
 Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theohgical 
 School of Virginia, to the Convention of the Diocess 
 assembled in Richmond, May IQth, 1825. 
 With the liveliest emotions of gratitude to the 
 great Head of the church for the blessing which 
 has been poured out upon our first efforts, we are 
 enabled to report to the Convention, that during 
 the present session, commencing in October last, 
 twenty-one young men have been pursuing their 
 studies under the two professors appointed to this 
 very important charge. As every thing belonging 
 to this institution must be interesting to all the 
 true friends of religion and the church, and as the 
 members of the Convention, in particular, are 
 bound to watch over its proceedings, we herewith 
 present a brief statement of the different subjects 
 and books which have engaged the attention of the 
 students during the past and present session : The 
 professor of Greek and Hebrew Literature, Biblical 
 Criticism, and Evidences of Christianity, reports, 
 that by the end of the term, the junior class will 
 have completed the History of the Church before 
 the advent of our Saviour, the Jewish Antiquities, 
 and the Evidences of the Inspiration of the Scrip- 
 tures. The text-books used are, the historical 
 books of the Old Testament, and Prideaux's Con- 
 nexions, Paley's Evidences, and Home on the 
 Inspiration of the Scriptures, and on the Jevvish 
 Antiquities. They have also spent a large portion 
 of their time in the critical study of the foyr Gos- 
 pels and the Acts of the Apostles in the Greek, 
 and have read about eighteen chapters in Genesis 
 and thirty Psalms in Hebrew. The senior class 
 bi^ve gtudied, iij the same way, the whole ol" the 
 
 Epistles and about twenty chapters of Isaiah in He- 
 brew. The professor of 'Systematic Divinity, Ec» 
 clesiastical History, and the Nature, Ministry, and 
 Polity of the Church, reports, that there were nine 
 students under his care who have gone through 
 the following exercises : twice in the week they 
 have recited in Systematic Divinity and Ecclesi-r 
 astical History, alternately; have finished Pearson 
 on the Creed, Burnet on the Articles, and Mor 
 sheim's Ecclesiastical History. In addition to the 
 recitations m these text-books, the studtiiiLs have 
 been required to produce weekly, in rotation, ^ 
 thesis on some point of systematic divinity, not so 
 fully discussed in the foregoing books, having ref» 
 erence to Magee and Stackhouse ; also, to produce 
 a written dissertation on each bopk qf Scripture, 
 giving an account of its authenticity, contents, 
 scope, design, &c. In this way, the whole course 
 in this branch is now nearly completed. Ecclesi- 
 astical Polity, tlie Book of Common Prayer, and 
 Canons of the Church, remain yet to be studied. 
 Besides these exercises, each member of the class 
 iiS required, in alphabetic rotation, tp read the ser? 
 vice of the church, and a sermon of his own com, 
 position, once a week, in presence of the profesr 
 sors and the whole school, 'i'he students are 
 permitted, on these occasions, to offer their criti? 
 cisms and remarks on the performances ; and, on 
 the following week, the professors alternately dcr 
 liver their sentiments on the same. In such exerr 
 cises of the mind are the young candidates for the 
 ministry diligently engaged, daily adding somer 
 thing to their stock of useful information, acquir 
 rnig an accurate knowledge of the sacred text, 
 equipping themselves with the whole armour of 
 God, using themselves to those weapons with 
 which they must contend against the enemies of 
 religion, and exercising themselves in those duties 
 which they will soon be called upon to perfprqi iij 
 behalf of the congregations which are now waiting 
 to enjoy their first labours of love. Besides the 
 exercises just mentioned, over which the profes? 
 sors preside, the students meet on one evening of 
 each week for the purpose of mutual edification, 
 by prayer and religious conversation ; they are also 
 actively and usefully engaged on the S^^bbath, iij 
 the Sunday Schools belonging to the Episcopal 
 churches in Alexandria; and on the evenings of 
 the Sabbath, as also on one other evening in each 
 week, they take part in the religious exercises of 
 private meetings in the town or in its suburbg, 
 among the poor and destitute. 
 
 For the purpose of obtiaming an accurate knowlr 
 edge of the spiritual condition of the world, and 
 especially of our own country and church, an4 
 thereby affecting their hearts with a lively concern 
 for the same, and determining what part they wilj 
 take in improving that condition, the students have 
 followed the good example of their brethren in the 
 General Seminary, by instituting a society of in- 
 quiry, and entering into such correspondence as 
 shall be most likely tp, afford them the needful 
 information, particujjn-ly by soliciting a free inter- 
 course with the abpvetmentioned society in the 
 General Senjinary. 
 
 The board pf trustees have also to report to th^ 
 Convention th^ resujt of their deliberations at thp 
 present meeting. From the representations made 
 tq it by those prpfessors to whona they had in- 
 trusted the important charge during the last and 
 present sessipn, it appeared highly desirable tp 
 afford them aid in sorne of tho various departrnenta 
 of theplpgical science and pastoral duty which 
 require the attention of the teachers in such a 
 schppl. The trustees have therefore appointed the 
 Rev. Mr. Norris professor of Pastoral Theology, 
 a^ the s&tQ.<^ time appointinjg; a committee y([\lg^ 
 
180 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 powers to select some suitable person to be profes- 
 sor of Systematic Divinity and Pulpit Eloquence. 
 
 To meet the additional expense of one of the 
 new prolessors, is a subject which has for some 
 time past engaged the attention of the friends of 
 our seminary, and it is confidently believed that 
 such arrangements can be made as will ensure a 
 competent support to a suitable professor. 
 
 In relation to the funds of the seminary, the 
 board have to state that its collections have ex- 
 ceeded the sum of nine thousand dollars, and the 
 subscriptions the sum of . 
 
 The agents appointed to obtain further subscnp- 
 tions have been prevented, by a variety of causes, 
 from performing the duty assigned them ; but they 
 hope the time is not far distant when all things 
 will be favourable to a successful prosecution of 
 this work, and they will be enabled to present our 
 school to all the friends of the church throughout 
 the diocess, sohciting that pecuniary assistance 
 which is so neediul lo its prosperity. In the mean- 
 time, we cannot refrain from taking this opportu- 
 nity of addressing ourselves to those especially 
 who, from their local situation or other circum- 
 stances, may have never been applied to, and ear- 
 nestly beseech them to consider the claim which 
 this mstitution has upon their pious charity ; we 
 beg them to consider the good example which 
 Christians and philanthropists in every age and 
 church have afforded to the world by the endow- 
 ment of such institutions, and particularly how 
 those who have abounded in the wealth of this 
 world, or had few dependants and connexions ur- 
 ging a strong claim upon their earthly goods, have, 
 in making their arrangements for departing this 
 life, endeavoured so to dispose of their possessions 
 as to make them redound most to the good of 
 mankind, and the glory of that God whose bles- ' 
 sing maketh rich, and who will require at our hands 
 a strict account of all the talents committed to our 
 trust. 
 
 It is with indescribable pleasure that the board 
 now makes mention of those auxiliary education 
 societies which have been formed in aid of the 
 great object of the seminary. These are, with few 
 if any exceptions, under the direction of the female 
 members of the church, who also contribute far 
 the greater part of the funds. To their zeal are 
 we indebted for an annual sum which has not only 
 enabled a considerable number of indigent and 
 pious young men to pursue their theological stud- 
 ies at our seminary, by defraying their needful 
 expenses, but has enabled us to support a profes- 
 sor before the interest of our permanent fund is 
 sufficient for the purpose. We commend their 
 example to the imitation of all our congregations, 
 and more particularly to the attention of our min- 
 isters, in whose power it is, by a zealous and per- 
 severing prosecution of this plan, to support our 
 seminary, and make it yield all the benefits to the 
 church for which it was designed. But the board 
 cannot conclude on this subject without the most 
 particular and emphatic mention of one duty, on 
 the right performance of which it is well assured 
 the genuine piety and usefulness of the institution 
 depend. That duty we can express in no words 
 so suitable and impressive as those of our blessed 
 Master : " The harvest truly is great, but the la- 
 bourers are few ; pray ye therefore the Lord of the 
 harvest, that he would send forth more labourers 
 into the harvest." We entreat our Christian 
 friends, and the ministers especially, in their pri- 
 vate and social prayers, to remember this subject, 
 and lay it before the Lord, entreating liim to put 
 it into the hearts of pious youths of our church to 
 devote themselves to the work of the ministry, and 
 to dispose the hearts of parents also to supplicate 
 
 this honour and blessedness for their children. If 
 such, a spirit as this pervade the Christian mem- 
 bers of our communion, we shall have God for our 
 friend, and therefore must prevail. 
 
 From the present prospects of the school, the 
 board entertain the hupe that it will be prepared 
 to take a respectable rank among the similar in- 
 stitutions established by the church. The Gen- 
 eral Seminary in New- York has been for some 
 time in successful progress. A diocesan school 
 in Ohio is about to commence its operations, also, 
 with encouraging prospects. Experience has 
 proved that there is ample room ami demand for 
 the Theological School of Virginia. By its local 
 convenience, and by its accommodation to the 
 habits and manners of our southern country, it 
 attracts, without conflicting with the interests of 
 the General Seminary, a patronage and support 
 which otherwise would be lost to the cause of the 
 church. Many of the students now attached to it 
 would have attende<i no seminary, and probably 
 would have been alienated from the church. 
 
 With the Bible-chart before us, as delineated by 
 our venerable church, we hope that the course 
 pursued by the seminary will be honourable ani 
 prosperous to itself and the church ; and that the 
 students who may come forth from the institution 
 will be sound ministers of the church, combining 
 the love of order and unity with that experimental 
 acquaintance with the religion of the heart, and 
 that zealous and faithful discharge of the ministe- 
 rial functions, which alone can render them re- 
 spectable and useful in the Lord''; vineyard. 
 
 The trustees herewith present a copy of the 
 rules and regulations which they have adopted for 
 the government of the school. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Of the Course of Theological Learning. 
 The course of theological learning to be pursued 
 m this seminary shall embrace the following de- 
 partments : — 
 
 1. Oriental and Greek literature— comprising 
 the knowledge which is necessary to the critical 
 study of the Holy Scriptures in the original lan- 
 guages. 
 
 2. Bibhcal learning — comprehending whatever 
 relates to the criticism of the sacred text. 
 
 3. The interpretation of the Scriptures — exhib- 
 iting the principles of Scriptural interpretation, 
 and the meaning and practical application of the 
 sacred writings. 
 
 4. The evidences of revealed religion — estab« 
 lishing the genuineness, authenticity, and credibil- 
 ity of the Scriptures, and a view of the character 
 and effects of Christianity, of the various objections 
 of infidel writers, with a refutation of them, and 
 of moral science in its relations to theology. 
 
 5. Systematic divinity — presenting a methodical 
 arrangement and explanation of the truths con- 
 tained in the Scriptures, with the authorities sus- 
 taining these truths; a statement and refutation 
 of the erroneous doctrines attempted to be deduced 
 from the sacred writings ; and a particular view 
 and defence of the system of faith professed by the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 6. Ecclesiastical history— displaying the history 
 of the church in all ages, and particularly of the 
 Church of England and ihe Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in this country. 
 
 7. The nature, ministry, and polity of the church 
 — comprising a view of the nature of the Christian 
 church, and of the duty of preserving its unity ; of 
 the authority and orders of the ministry, with a 
 statement and elucidation of the principles of ec- 
 clesiastical polity, and an explanation and defence 
 of that of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and 
 
CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 161 
 
 also an exhibition of the authority and advantages 
 of liturgical service, with a history, explanation, 
 and defence of the liturgy of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church, and of its rites and ceremonies. 
 
 8. Pastoral theology and pulpit eloquence— ex- 
 plaining and enforcing the qualifications and duties 
 of the clerical office ; and including the perform- 
 ance of the service of the church, and the compo- 
 sition and delivery of sermons. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Of the Faculty. 
 The bishop and professors shall constitute a 
 faculty, and meet according to their own rules ; 
 the presence of a majority of the professors being 
 necessary to form a board. The bishop, when 
 present, shall preside at all meetings of the board. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Of the Students. 
 
 1. Every person producing to the faculty satis- 
 factory evidence of his having been admitted a 
 candidate for holy orders, with full qualifications 
 according to the canons of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in the United States, shall be received 
 as a student in the seminary. All others may be 
 admitted who shall produce satisfactory evidence 
 of religious and moral character, and of classical 
 and scientific attainments, and in general of such 
 dispositions and habits as may render them apt 
 and meet to exercise the ministry. 
 
 2. Every student shall, on his admission into 
 the seminary, subscribe his name to the following 
 declaration, in a book to be kept for the purpose : 
 — We, the subscribers, students of the Theologi- 
 cal School of Virginia, do solemnly promise, with 
 reliance on divine grace, that we will, during our 
 connexion with the seminary, faithfully obey the 
 laws thereof, and diligently prosecute all the 
 studies, and perform all the duties, which, accord- 
 ing to the rules of the institution, maybe required 
 of us ; and, furthermore, that we will uniformly 
 cultivate religious and moral dispositions and 
 habits; and, by every means withm our proper 
 sphere, endeavour to promote the reputation and 
 interests of the seminary. 
 
 3. On the admission of a student, his name 
 shall be entered in a book to be kept by the facul- 
 ty for that purpose ; and, in appropriate columns, 
 opposite each name, shall be recorded the time of 
 admission of the students respectively, the time 
 of their discontinuing attendance, arid the cause 
 of the same. And this list shall be laid before the 
 trustees at their stated meetings. 
 
 4. The faculty, consisting of the bishop and 
 professors, shall have the power of suspending or 
 expelling any student, for reasons which they may 
 deem sufficient. In the case of the expulsion of 
 a student who is a regularly admitted candidate 
 for orders in this church, or of his leaving the 
 seminary without approved reasons, information 
 of the fact shall be sent to, the bishop, or, where 
 there is no bishop, to the standing committee of 
 the diocess to which such candidate belongs. 
 But, as occasions may occur when the prompt 
 exercise of discipline may be required, the profes- 
 sors alone shall have the power to suspend a 
 student from the school until due notice shall be 
 given to the bishop of the nature of his offence, 
 and of the time appointed for the trial, if a trial be 
 deemed necessary. 
 
 5. As mere theological learning, unaccompanied 
 with real piety, is not a sufficient qualification for 
 the ministry, it is declared to be the duty of every 
 student, with an humble reliance on divine 
 grace, to be assiduous in the cultivation of evan- 
 
 gelical faith, and a sound practical piety ; neither 
 contenting himself with mere formality, nor run- 
 ning into fanaticism. He must be careful to 
 maintain, every day, stated periods of pious read- 
 ing, meditation, and devotion; and occasional 
 special seasons for the more solemn and enlarged 
 observance of these duties, together with that of 
 such abstinence as is suited to extraordinary acts 
 of devotion, having due regard to the days and 
 seasons recommended for this purpose by the 
 church. In order to excite just views of the 
 nature, responsibilities, and obligations of the 
 clerical office, he should frequently and carefully 
 read over the services for the ordination of dea- 
 cons and priests, with the view of making their 
 contents the subjects of serious reflection, and an 
 incitement to fervent prayer, that, if admitted to 
 either of those offices, he may have grace to be 
 faithful in the discharge of its duties. He must 
 be regular in his attendance on the public service 
 of the church, not only on Sundays, but also, as 
 his studies and other duties will admit, on holy- 
 days and prayer-days. Sundays, in particular, he 
 should consider as devoted, except the portions 
 of them occupied in the stated services of the 
 church, to the private use of means for his ad- 
 vancement in Christian knowledge and piety. 
 And, with a view to the promotion of the same 
 great object, it shall be the duty of the professors 
 to commence their respective lectures or recita- 
 tions with an office of devotion suited to the pur- 
 pose, and to incorporate with their instructions, 
 as opportunity is afforded, such advice and direc- 
 tions as may tend to the religious improvement of 
 the students, and to their proper view of the true 
 character and weighty obligations of the gospel 
 ministry. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Of the Course of Study. 
 
 1. The full course of study in this semmary 
 shall occupy three years, each year comprising 
 one session, commencing on the second Wednes- 
 day in October, and terminating on the second 
 Wednesday in July. There shall also be a sus- 
 pension of the exercises of the seminary on 
 "Christmas-day, on Ash- Wednesday, on the week 
 immediately preceding Easter, and on all days of 
 thanksgiving or fasting appointed by the eccle- 
 siastical or civil authority. 
 
 2. There shall be three classes in the seminary ; 
 the term of study in each of which shall be one 
 year. The students who enter the first year 
 shall compose the third class ; those advanced 
 into the second year the second class ; and those 
 into the third year the first class. 
 
 Third class. — This class shall pursue the study 
 of Oriental and Greek literature ; of Biblical 
 learning and the interpretation of Scripture ; of 
 the evidences of revealed religion, and of Jewish 
 antiquities. 
 
 Second class. — This class shall continue the 
 critical study of the Scriptures, and shall com- 
 mence the study of moral science in its relation 
 to theology, of systematic divinity, and ecclesias- 
 tical history. 
 
 First class. — This class shall finish the study of 
 systematic divinity, of ecclesiastical history, and 
 shall also complete the course of instruction in 
 the nature, ministry, and polity of the Christian 
 church, and in the Book of Common Prayer, and 
 canons of the church. 
 
 3. Every student shall, besides attending to the 
 appointed recitations of his class, produce such 
 expositions of Scripture, critical dissertations, 
 sermons, or other compositions, as the profe3sors 
 
IS^ 
 
 CONVENTION OP 1825. 
 
 Shall direct. And one day in each week the 
 Classes shall meet with the professors, for the 
 performance of the services of the church, the 
 delivery of original sermons, and such other exer- 
 cises as they may think proper. 
 
 4. Such arrangements shall be made by the 
 faculty, as that each class shall attend some one 
 of theprofessors at least once every day. 
 
 5. Tiie professors, in their respective depart- 
 hients, shall use as text-books such works only 
 as are included in the course of study which has 
 been or may be recommended by the House of 
 Bishops, or as may be approved by the faculty. 
 And, immediately after the close of each session, 
 the professors shall give notice, in such mode as 
 they may think proper, of the day of the com- 
 tnencement of the next session, and of the books 
 Which will imtnediately be used by the class 
 Which next enters the seminary. 
 
 6. In order more effectually to secure the bene- 
 fits of the above course of study, every applicant 
 for admission shall enter the seminary in the 
 third class, at the commencement of the first ses- 
 sion ; unless, upon examination by the faculty, he 
 be found qualified to take his station in either of 
 the other classes, or in the said third class, at any 
 period after the commencement of its first ses- 
 sion : in either of which cases he may be admitted 
 accordingly, and be entitled to the same rank and 
 privileges as the original members of the class 
 into which he enters,. 
 
 7. Every student in the seminary must be a 
 member of one of the classes, and engage in all 
 the studies which appertain to his class. 
 
 8. At the close of the second session in every 
 year, the students shall underg:o an examination 
 on their studies by the faculty, in the presence of 
 such members of the board of trustees as can be 
 convened. 
 
 9. At the conclusion of the full course of study, 
 each student who shall have sustained his exami- 
 nations in a satisfactory manner shall receive a 
 testimonial of the same, signed by the professors, 
 and countersigned by as inany of the trustees as 
 piay be convenient. 
 
 On motion rtiade and seconded, 
 
 Hesolved, That the said report be received. 
 
 The Rey. Mr. Keith, from the committee 
 appointed to examhie tJhe treasurer's accounts, 
 presetiled a report, which was read. 
 
 The committee on the treasurer's accounts 
 beg leave to report, that they have had the same 
 under due consideration, and find them to be 
 jcojrect. 
 
 On inotioii, Rjesolved, That the said report 
 be received and approved. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. M'Guire, from the committee 
 to whom the parochial reports were referred, 
 presented the following report : — 
 
 T^e commiltee on the parochial reports have 
 had them under consideration, and be^ leave to 
 present them to the Convention in the following 
 condensed form r*-^ 
 
 St. James's church, Leesburg, Shelbume parish, 
 is reported by the rector as in an impr »ving state. 
 A Female MiesioTiary Society has been lately 
 jforrned— a liberal donation has been made to the 
 General Missionary Society. Baptisms twenty- 
 height — ^^conimunicants forty — marriages nine. 
 
 The state of Augusta parish, Staunton, is re- 
 poVted as nearly the same as at the last Conven- 
 tion. Baptisms thirteen — communicants twenty 
 ^T-luAerals four — marriages five. 
 
 iSt Martin's parish, Hanover. This parish is 
 
 in a flourishing condition. The members of the 
 church manifest a laudable zeal for its support, aS 
 for the support of other religious institutions. 
 There is a Sunday School and an auxiliary Edu- 
 cation Society in this pariah, which promise much 
 usefulness. Baptisms six— communicants forty- 
 seven— funerals three— marriages five. 
 
 The parish of Hampshire has undergone very 
 little change since the last report. Its prospects, 
 however, are growing brighter. Much zeaf and 
 devotion to the interests of the church are dis- 
 played by the few who have there rallied around 
 her standard. They have evinced the sincerity 
 of their attachment, in the zealous efforts made 
 by thenn for the erection of a house of worship. 
 An edifice of respectable dimensions has l)eert 
 commenced. Baptisms five— conununicants thir- 
 ty-four—one funeral. 
 
 Kanawha parish. There are signs of consider- 
 able improvement in this parish. The gospel has 
 exerted a favourable influence on the morals of 
 the people. 
 
 St. Paul's parish. King George, and Washing'* 
 ton parish, Westmoreland. The church in these 
 parishes has undergone no material change since 
 the last report. Baptisms, for two years, thirty^ 
 five— communicants thirty-six— marriages five- 
 funerals sixteen. 
 
 Church on Richmond Hill. This congregation 
 has much improved within the last year, and its 
 present prospects are highly flattering. Baptisms 
 thirty-five — communicants twenty -eight — raar» 
 riages twenty. 
 
 Lynnhaven parish. In this parish every dispo» 
 sition is shown to advance the interests of reli- 
 gion. It is said that a fine field exists for the 
 labours of a pious, active clergyman, who would 
 be well received, and a reasonable support given 
 him. 
 
 St. Andrew's parish. The state of the church 
 in this parish is, upon the whole, encouraging. 
 There is a Bible class which is well attended ; an 
 auxiliary Education Society, which promises con-, 
 siderable aid to the important object of its forma^^ 
 tion. The number of communicants has con-, 
 siderably increased during the past year; the 
 whole number about seventy-five — baptisms twen^ 
 ty-five. 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier county. The con-" 
 gregations are generally large in this parish, and 
 give good evidence of a profitable reception of the 
 word of God. There is among them a flourishing 
 auxiliary Education Society. Baptisms fifteen- 
 communicants upwards of fifty — burials four — 
 marriages three. 
 
 The rector of St. Paul's church, Alexandria, 
 feels bound to acknowledge the goodness of the 
 Lord towards the affairs of his congregation. 
 The number of pew-holders and of communicants 
 has increased during the last year; and, although 
 he has to lament that lukewarmness and worldli- 
 ness too irvuch prevail among them, he has, never-, 
 theless, cause of rejoicing in many instances of 
 piety and zeal, and in several interesting additions 
 to the communion from among the younger part 
 of the congregation. 
 
 The Sunday Scho(^ attached to the church con- 
 sists of one hundred and thirty, and is in a pros- 
 perous state. There is also a class formed from 
 among the children of the congregation, for in- 
 struction ill the Bible and Book of Common 
 Prayer. 
 
 i'he Female Charitable Society belonging to 
 the congregation is also pursuing its labours with 
 success, and increasing prospects of usefulness. 
 It now numbers upwards of one hundred female 
 children, who are instructed weekly ia tto va^ir 
 
CONVENTION OP 1825. 
 
 183 
 
 ou« branches of industry suited to their sex and 
 cireumstances. Most of them have been taken 
 from the lowest condition of life, and are in the 
 way to become qualified for usefulness and re- 
 spectability. 
 
 An association of the ladies of the congregation 
 also form, jointly with the ladies of Christ Church, 
 an auxiliary Education Society. 
 
 EiTorts are still making to pay off the debt due 
 from the church, which, it is hoped, will ere 
 long be successful. Baptisms thirty-seven — fu- 
 nerals thirty-three — marriages twelve. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. Very little of im- 
 portance has occurred in this parish since the last 
 Convention. Tlie ordinary duties of public wor- 
 ship are regularly performed. Baptisms twenty- 
 six — ^funerals twenty-seven — marriages eight. 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria. The improving 
 state of this congregation is gratefully acknowl- 
 edged by the rector in his report. The number 
 of communicants has gradually increased since 
 the last Convention. The members are devoutly 
 observant of the duties of divine worship, and 
 give convincing evidence of a growth in grace, 
 and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 The Sunday School is in a prosperous state. A 
 neat building has just been completed for the 
 accommodation of the school. 
 
 Fredericksville parish. The rector of this par- 
 ish, with lively gratitude to the great Head of the 
 church, reports a reviving spirit of piety in the 
 congregation of Walker's Church, and the addi- 
 tion of several hopeful communicants. His con- 
 gregation in Orange county has sustained no 
 inaterial change since the last Convention. The 
 church in Charlottesville is expected to be finish- 
 ed in a short time. An auxiliary Education Socie- 
 ty has been established in this parish — one also 
 in Orange, from both of which much good may be 
 expected. Baptisms eight — communicants thirty. 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg. The con- 
 gregation in this place is still favoured with live 
 smiles of the great Head of the church. Many 
 signal proofs have been voiichsafed of God's mer- 
 ciful care and gracious presence. Every evidence 
 prevails of a true love for the church, and of a 
 growing devotion to the precious truths of the 
 everlasting gospel. The people are careful to 
 maintain good works. They cherish with much 
 zeal and affection a large and flourishing Sunday 
 School, from which much precious fruit has been 
 realized. An auxiliary Education Society exists, 
 and a Female Missionary Society, which promises 
 essential benefit to a destitute section of the 
 diocess. Baptisms fourteen — communicants one 
 hundred and three— funerals nineteen. 
 
 Frederick parish. The two congregations form- 
 mg this parish continue in much the same state 
 .as when last reported. The attendance on public 
 worship is constant, and the services of the 
 church duly observed. The power of divine 
 grace has been manifested among the people 
 through the past year. Six members have been 
 .added to the church, of such as it is trusted shall 
 be saved. There are two Sunday Schools, which 
 give exercise to the zeal and diligence of a num- 
 ber of pious young members, and promise lasting 
 benefits to the objects of their pious charity. The 
 two Female Associations mentioned in the last 
 report have continued their labours of love, and 
 contributed largely to the objects of their care 
 during the past year. Following the advice and 
 Bxample of the bishop, as recorded in his last 
 parochial report, two Bible classes have been 
 formed in this parish. Communicants one hun- 
 dred. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec- 
 
 tor laments that he has nothing very favourable 
 to report concerning his charge. But he is not 
 discouraged, having some reason to hope that a 
 better state of things will succeed. Baptisms six- 
 teen—communicants sixteen— funerals eleven — 
 marriages fifteen. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. In this parish 
 the church has been organized only during the 
 past year. Such has been the prostration of our 
 Zion in these parts, that in all the county there is 
 not one Episcopal church ; and generally there 
 was either an ignorance of our services or a preju- 
 dice against them. The present minister has 
 been as favourably received as could have been 
 expected from existing circumstances. Though 
 he cannot say the cause of vital religion is flour- 
 ishing among his people, yet he finds the liturgy 
 gaining in esteem, and the number of responses 
 slowly increasing, and he has reason to believe 
 that these things will be the precursors of some 
 spiritual good. He now regularly officiates in 
 three attentive and highly respectable congrega- 
 tions. For the want of churches, his labours have 
 heretofore been more scattered than he wished — 
 but he has the comfortable prospect of seeing two 
 neat brick churches erected during this year. 
 The number of communicants not exactly known, 
 but very small. Baptisms twenty-three — funerals 
 four — one marriage. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk. The Rev. George A. 
 Smith has been minister of this parish since the 
 first of March. During this period there have been 
 eleven baptisms — eight burials — four marriages. 
 The number of communicants is one hundred and 
 seventy-three. 
 
 The state of the -church is represented as pros- 
 perous. An auxiliary Female Education Society 
 that formerly existed has been revived, and its 
 members are zealously engaged in advancing the 
 purposes of its formation. The monthly meetings 
 of the society are attended by the minister, and 
 interestingreligious intelligence is communicated. 
 He reports this circumstance, that another proof 
 may be added to those already existing, of the 
 beneficial results of such meetings ; and considers 
 it as the easiest and best mode of making known 
 the spiritual wants of this and of other parts of 
 our country. The contributions to the Theologi- 
 cal Seminary have also been paid, almost without 
 exception, and a general and deep interest is ex- 
 cited in favour of the Seminary and the Education 
 Society. 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg. The rector 
 reports, that he has lately extended his labours to 
 the parish of Antrim, in the county of Halifax, 
 wliere he regularly preaches one Sabbath in the 
 month, and where he has reason to hope that his 
 labours will not be in vain in the Lord. With 
 the consent of the vestry ol St. James's parish, he 
 has also devoted one Sabbath in each month to 
 that part of the parish lying on the south side of 
 the Roanoke, where he preaches to large congre- 
 gations hungering for the bread of life, and pleased 
 with the services of the church. In addition to the 
 above, he preaches twice in the month at the es- 
 tabhshed church, and regularly, on week days, at 
 two other places in the parish ; and, from the almost 
 numberless invitations to preach elsewhere, he has 
 reason to believe that prejudice is subsiding, and a 
 growing attachment to the church of our fathers 
 evinced. Communicants forty-two — deaths two-^ 
 removals four — baptisms seventy-two — marriages 
 six. 
 
 Lynchburg parish. The minister here began his 
 labours in September, 1824. He has preached one 
 Sunday of each month at New-London Academy, 
 where th^ congregation, though small, cpntaiiii? » 
 
184 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 f€w warmly attached and exemplary members of 
 the church. The congregation in Lynchburg at- 
 tend divine service in tlie Masons' Hall, the use 
 of which has been obligingly continued to them. 
 Lynchburg has had the services of Episcopal min- 
 istry for only about two years ; yet the congrega- 
 tion is usually as large as can be accommodated, 
 and several of the old members have had the pre- 
 possessions of their youth revived, and have found 
 pleasure in joining in the use of the liturgy. It 
 IS beheved that a knowledge of the Common 
 Prayer is increasing, and that some are learning 
 to offer up their devotion with the spirit as well 
 as the understanding. The great inconveniences 
 that have been suffered from a confined place of 
 worship, are likely, through the goodness of God, 
 to be soon removed. A neat and convenient brick 
 church, of such size as to afford accommodation 
 to the congregation, has just been commenced, 
 and is expected to be finished by the first of May. 
 The subscriptions made by their brethren and fel- 
 low-citizens generally, and, in particular, the 
 Christian zeal and hberaUty of one family , have 
 laid the Episcopal congregation there under great 
 obligations. On Christmas last the Holy Com- 
 munion was administered for the first time ac- 
 cording to the usages of our church, when seven 
 communicants attended, some of them for the 
 first time. Baptisms six — burials two— one mar- 
 riage. 
 
 Monumental Church. The rector reports the 
 congregation as in the same state as at the last 
 Convention, 
 
 Wheeling Church. The minister of this church 
 reports twenty-eight communicants — baptisms, 
 thirteen children and two adults — marriages twen- 
 ty. Edward C. M'Guire, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report be 
 accepted. 
 
 Mr. Garnett, from the committee to whom 
 was referred the proposition from one of the 
 heirs of Evan Ragland, deceased, presented the 
 following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 proposition from one of the heirs of Evan Rag- 
 land, deceased, have considered the same, and 
 find that it involves several legal questions of 
 too complicated a nature to be duly deliberated 
 upon at this time, in full Convention. They 
 would therefore respectfully recommend to the 
 Convention the adoption of the following reso- 
 lution : — 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. John Nelson, jr., of 
 Mecklenburg, and Mr. William Leigh, of Hali- 
 fax, be appointed a committee in behalf of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, with 
 full and unlimited powers to act in any manner 
 which to them may appear best for the interest 
 of the church in relation to the devise made to 
 the church by Evan Ragland, deceased, con- 
 cerning which a suit is now pending before the 
 Court of Appeals ; and the Convention hereby 
 pledges itself to confirm any compromise or 
 other act which this committee may make on 
 this subject. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be accepted, and the resolution adopted. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be tendered to the ministers of the 
 Presbyterian and Methodist churches in this 
 place, for the liberal and kind offer of their 
 churches for the use oi the Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of thia 
 Convention be tendered to the citizens of this 
 place, for their kind and hospitable attentions to 
 the members of this Convention during its ses- 
 sion. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That 750 copies of the 
 Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis- 
 tributed by the secretary among the parishes, 
 under the superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be presented to the secretary and 
 treasurer for their faithful services. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the next meeting 
 of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church for the Diocess of Virginia be held in 
 Lynchburg. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That it shall hereafter 
 be the duty of the trustees of the Theological 
 Seminary, to make their report on the first day 
 of each meeting of the Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer be 
 directed to pay the sum of seven dollars to the 
 doorkeeper of this Convention, for his services 
 rendered during the present session. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. William 
 Meade, the Rev. William H. Wilmer, Dr. Car- 
 ter Berkeley, Mr. William Mayo, and Mr. 
 Philip Nelson, be, and they are hereby nomina- 
 ted to the General Convention, as trustees of 
 the General Theological Seminary. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again in the town of Lynchburg, on the third 
 Thursday in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia. 
 
 Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary. 
 
 VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. 
 
 On the Sunday evening after the adjournment 
 of the Convention, the clergy stood around the al- 
 tar, when the bishop thus affectionately ad iressed 
 them : — 
 
 At the close of every session of the Convention 
 it has been our custom, my beloved brethren, to 
 hover around the altar of the Lord Jesus; and, 
 while thus standing near the throne of our AU 
 mighty Parent, to take our leave of each other, and 
 to supplicate God for a continuance of his blessing 
 upon us, and upon the church committed to our 
 care. For this practice we have a precedent in 
 the conduct of St. Paul, who, prior to his depar- 
 ture from Ephesus, called thee Iders of the church 
 together, and imparted to them his pastoral admo>^ 
 nition. 
 
 He first enjoined them to take heed to them- 
 selves. As stewards of the mysteries of Christ, 
 intrusted with the dispensation of the gospel, he 
 entreated them to take heed to themselves — to 
 take care of their own vineyards — to cultivate 
 their own minds, and to watch over their own 
 conduct. This advice the apostle knew to, be ne- 
 cessary, as it would have been unreasonable to 
 suppose that they would be watchful over others, 
 whrse zeal did not influence them to take a pru- 
 dent care of themselves. 
 
 After having thus cautioned them against the 
 neglect of their own hearts, he told them to take 
 heed to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost 
 had made them overseers. As shepherds watch 
 ovi^ theijr sheep, not only to prevent them from 
 
CONVENTION OF 1825. 
 
 185 
 
 straying away, but also to lead them into good 
 pastures, so the ministers of Ephesus were charged 
 with the superintendence of the people. Take a 
 constant care— exercise an unceasing vigilance 
 over the spiritual concerns of the congregations 
 committed to your charge, lest beasts of prey 
 should seize and devour them — lest Satan and 
 their own corruptions should alienate their affec- 
 tions from the Almighty, and sink them in eternal 
 ruin, " Watch ye in all things — endure afflictions 
 — do the work of evangelists — make full proof of 
 your ministry." 
 
 The concern with which you are intrusted, re- 
 member, brethren, is the church of the living God 
 — a church purchased with the blood of Christ — 
 a purchase which exhausted the treasury of 
 heaven — a purchase which cost the Son of God 
 his life — a purchase which crimsoned Mount Cal- 
 vary with blood— a purchase which angels wit- 
 nessed with drooping wings and throbbing hearts. 
 
 The neglect of your duty would involve in it 
 the greatest guilt. Your neglect would amount 
 to a contempt of that blood with which the pur- 
 chase of our salvation was made ; and would 
 stamp your characters with present disgrace, and 
 consign you to eternal ruin. 
 
 We are most assuredly to give an account of 
 our stewardship. How dreadful will be the state 
 of that clergyman who, after having undertaken 
 the superintendence of a congregation, withholds 
 his pastoral attention, and permits the people in- 
 trusted to his care not; only to wander from the 
 path of duty, but to plunge into destruction ! 
 
 What will be his situation at that moment in 
 which the angel shall swear that time shall be no 
 more — at that moment when the earth and sea 
 shall give up their dead — at that moment when 
 every mortal, from Adam to his last born son, 
 shall stand naked and defenceless before God? 
 What, I ask you, will be the condition of a sloth- 
 ful, wicked clergyman, at that tremendous hour ? 
 
 See, advancing before the tribunal of Heaven, 
 some unhappy sinner, who, when the sentence of 
 condemnation shall be pronounced, will charge 
 the ruin of his soul to the man to whose pastoral 
 care he had been confided. Blessed Jesus — may 
 the condemned sinner say — I acknowledge that I 
 have transgressed thy righteous laws ; but O, 
 merciful God ! my earthly pastor led me astray. 
 At the time in which I violated thy precepts, he 
 proclaimed peace in my ears, and I believed his 
 report. He sanctioned my aberrations by his own 
 practices ; and to him, in the face of an assembled 
 universe, I charge the destruction of my precious 
 soul. If misery will be the portion of every offend- 
 er, my brethren, how aggravated will be the 
 misery of a wicked clergyman ! When sinners of 
 a common description will call to the rocks to fall 
 on them, a wicked clergyman will cry out in agony 
 — Mountams, cover me from the presence of 
 God! 
 
 On the other hand, how transporting will be 
 the situation of a watchful shepherd— a faithful 
 minister of religion. At that hour in which the 
 heavens will be roiled up like a scroll, and the 
 elements melt with fervent heat, a pious clergy- 
 man will arise from his tomb in peace and tran- 
 <iuillity. The happy spirit of some immortal being 
 will proclaim him, in the courts of heaven, as a 
 man who had been faithful in the discharge of his 
 duty. To him, blessed Jesus, I acknowledge myself 
 ^ebted for an acquaintance with divine things. 
 
 He instructed me m my duty— he taught me how 
 to pray — his holy life and conversation reflected 
 light upon my path, and it is through his instru- 
 mentality that I found the ways of religion pleas- 
 antness, and all her paths the paths of peace. To 
 such a steward the Redeemer will graciously say 
 — " Come, thou blessed of my father — enter thou 
 into the joy of thy Lord." 
 
 Several of you have just commenced your min- 
 isterial career. To you the path of pastoral duty 
 — the labours and difficulties with which you will 
 have to encounter, are unknown. Put on, my 
 beloved sons, I beseech you, put on the whole ar- 
 mour of God ; for you will need that armour to 
 defend you from the attacks of the powers of 
 darkness. Depend not on your own strength ; for 
 if you do, you will find, to your loss, that you are 
 trusting to a broken reed. Rely not on your bwn 
 wisdom and knowledge ; for your duties are such 
 as require the wisdom and knowledge of angels 
 to enable you to perform them to advantage. 
 Ask wisdom of God to teach you. Seek spiritual 
 strength from God to sustain you. " Be strong in 
 the Lord, and in the power of his might." 
 
 To be successful in the ministry of the gospel, 
 you must be in earnest. A soldier, to be Useful to 
 his country— to arrive at eminence in his profes- 
 sion, must be devoted to his duty. A lawyer, pro- 
 vided he wishes to occupy high ground, must f^x 
 his eye upon the utmost point of legal eminejice, 
 and surmount the most complicated difficulties, to 
 obtain distinction. A merchant who wishes to be 
 at the head of the department in which he moves, 
 must be a man of business and not of pleasure — a 
 man of industry and not of indolence. A clergy^ 
 man, to be usefiil to his fellow-creatures, and acr 
 ceptable to his divine Master, roust read, and 
 mark, and learn the word of God. He must be 
 always ready to perform his duty — it must be his 
 meat and his drink to do the will of the Almighty, 
 When called upon for the discharge of pastoral 
 duties, he must let his people see that it is his 
 pleasure to comply with all their reasonable de- 
 mands, and that he derives enjoyment from the 
 exercise of his office. 
 
 Acting upon such principles, a clergyman will 
 rise in the esteem of God and man. A good un- 
 derstanding, combined with prudence, will lead 
 him from smaU things to great : and, like water, 
 his merit will find its own level. Press forward, 
 then, towards the mark, for the prize of your high 
 calling of God in Christ Jesus. Take a bold stand 
 upon the mount of virtue, and keep it. Be con- 
 tented with nothing less than ministerial fidelity. 
 A drone, remember, is a useless animal — an indo- 
 lent clergyman is worse than useless — he is the 
 destroyer of souls. 
 
 Finally, my sons, strive to advance the eternal 
 interests of those committed to your care — 'Spread 
 their wants before the throne of Almighty God — 
 and plead with heaven in their behalf. Visit, as 
 much as is compatible with your duty, the waste 
 places of Zion ; and endeavour to raise from their 
 ruins our dilapidated churches. The time is very 
 short — death is at the door— we have not one mo- 
 ment to lose. Live, I beseech you, live near to 
 God. Live as you would wish you had lived 
 when you come to die. Be faithful unto death — 
 and, should we never meet again in this world, I 
 trust we shall meet in heaven. May the Almighty 
 take you into his holy keeping— guide you by his 
 counsel, and at last receive you into glory. 
 
186 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocessof 
 Virginia^ which assembled in the town of Lynchburg, on Thursday, the \%th day of May, 183G 
 
 The Convention met, and the church in this 
 place was consecrated by the Right Rev. Bishop 
 Moore, D. D. Divine service was performed 
 by the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, and a sermon delivered 
 by the bishop. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took 
 the chair as president of the Convention. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared and took their seats, 
 viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, Frederick parish, 
 Frederick county ; the Rev. Daniel Stephens, 
 D. D;, Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev. Wm. 
 H. Wilmer, D. D., Sairit Paul's Church, Alex- 
 andria ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, Christ Church, 
 Alexandria, parish of Fairfax ; the Rev. Edward 
 C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fredericks- 
 bujg ; the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fred- 
 ericks ville parish, Albemarle county ; the Rev. 
 Charles H. Page, Kanawha parish, Kanawha 
 county ; the Rev. Robert B. Croes, assistant 
 minister of the Monumental Church, Richmond ; 
 the Rev. Mark L. Chevers, Suffolk parish, Nanse- 
 mond county ; the Rev. John Cooke, St. Mar- 
 tin's parish. Hanover and Louisa counties ; the 
 Rev. Franklin G. Smith, St. Paul's Church, 
 Lynchburg parish, Lynchburg ; the Rov. Nich- 
 olas H. Cobbs, Russell parish. Bedford county ; 
 the Rev. Stephen S. Gunter, Hangar's parish, 
 Northampton ; the Rev. William F. Lee, St. 
 James's parish, Northam, Goochland county, and 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia county ; the Rev. John 
 P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South Farnham par- 
 ishes, Essex ; the -Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, 
 M. D., Christ Church, Norfolk ; the Rev .Will- 
 iam Steele, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; 
 the Rev. Johannes E. Jackson, Frederick parish, 
 Frederick ; the Rev. John T. Brooke, Norborne 
 parish, Berkeley ; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, 
 Professor in the Theological School, Alexandria ; 
 the Rev. George A. Smith, Fredericksburg. 
 
 Ordered, That Dr. Carter Berkeley and John 
 G. Williams, Esq. be a committee to examine 
 the certificates of appointments of the lay depu- 
 ties ; who then withdrew, and after a short time 
 returned, and presented the following report ; — 
 
 The committee to whom , were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report that the 
 following persons have been duly elected lay 
 delegates to this Convention : — 
 
 Edward Valentine, jr., Augusta parish, Au- 
 gusta county ; Fordyce F. Bowen, Henrico par- 
 ish, Henrico county ; Yeamans Smith, Saint 
 George's parish, Fredericksburg ; John G. Will- 
 iams, Monumental Church, Richmond; Thomas 
 L. Latane, South Farnham parish, Essex ; Hugh 
 Montgomery, Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Balda 
 M*Daniel, Russell parish, Bedford county ; Seth 
 Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg; Philip 
 Nelson and Obed Waite, Frederick parish, Fred- 
 erick ; Carter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, 
 Hanover and Louisa counties ; Edmund Penn 
 *ttd Richard S. Ellis, Lexington parish, Am- 
 
 herst ; Edmund Berkeley, Kanawha parish, Kan- 
 awha county ; Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville par- 
 ish, Albemarle county ; Thomas L. Robertson, 
 Christ Church, Norfolk. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, 
 
 Resolved, That the rules of order adopted 
 by the last Convention for the government of 
 their proceedings, be the rules of proceeding 
 during the present Convention ; which rules are 
 as follow : — 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with the morning service of the church. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house, unless he have leave or 
 be unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in de- 
 bate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 m debate. 
 
 6. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in ihe house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, be 
 counted, unless he be personally interested iij 
 the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before the 
 house unless it be seconded, and, when required, 
 reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined upon before any new thing is 
 introduced, except the question of adjournment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Convention 
 will, during its present session, adjourn each day 
 at half past 2 o'clock. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the appointment 
 of a trustee of the Theological School, in the 
 place of the Rev. Mr. Norris, deceased, where- 
 upon the Rev. Mr. Keith was elected. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 D. D., the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. Dan- 
 iel Stephens, D. D., the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, 
 the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Mr. Philip Nel- 
 son, Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr. Seth Ward, and Dr. 
 Carter Berkeley, be a committee to take into 
 consideration the state of the church in this dior 
 cess, and report thereupon to this Conventioij, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 187 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev. 
 Frederick W. Hatch, the Rev. Henry W. Du- 
 cachet, the Rev. Robert B. Croes, Mr. Robin- 
 son, Mr. Valentine, and Mr. Penn, be a commit- 
 tee to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Jackson, the 
 Rev. Mr. Lippit, the Rev. Mr. Page, the Rev. 
 E. C. M'Guire, the Rev. John P. M'Guire, the 
 Rev. Mr. Cook, Mr. Waite, and Mr. Latane, be 
 la committee to examine the accounts of the 
 treasurer of the fund for the permanent support 
 of the episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Dr. 
 Berkeley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a commit- 
 tee to examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, the 
 Rev. Mr. Keith, the Rev. Mr. Lee, the Rev. 
 Mr. Gunter, the Rev. Mr. Chevers, Mr. Bowen, 
 and Mr. Yeamans Smith, be a committee to ex- 
 amine the state of the fund for the support of 
 the widows and orphans of deceased clergy- 
 men. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, by 
 ballot, of a standing committee of the church in 
 Jhis diocess for the ensuing year : — whereupon 
 the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz. : 
 the Rev. William H. W^ilmer, the Rev. Daniel 
 Stephens, the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Dr. Carter 
 Berkeley, Mr. Hugh Nelson, and Mr. Philip 
 jNelson. 
 
 The bishop having retired, Mr. Hugh Nelson 
 yvas called to the chair. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Silas C. Free- 
 jman be invited to attend the sittings of this 
 .Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention will meet-each 
 day during its session at the hour of 9 o'clock 
 A. M. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention adjourn- 
 .ed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 19, 1826. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore. 
 
 The Rev. John H. Wingfield^ of Portsmouth 
 parish, Norfolk county, appesared and took his 
 seat. 
 
 The parochial reports were handed in and 
 read, and referred to the conmiittee upon paro- 
 chial reports. 
 
 The standing committee of the diocess for the 
 last year made a report of their proceedings 
 during the year, which was read. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 }/[r. liippit, and a sermon by the Rev. Dr. 
 Stephens. 
 
 A letter was received and read, from Will- 
 iam Leigh, Esq., upon the subject of the de- 
 vise to the church by Evan Ragland, deceased ; 
 and, on motion, the same was referred to the 
 committee upon the state of the church. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee 
 )pn the state of the church, presented a report, 
 which, on vabtion, was laid upon the table. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. E. C. M'Guire, from ihe com^ 
 pnittee appointed to examine the treasurer's ac- 
 
 counts, presented a report, which was read and 
 accepted. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer be 
 directed to send to the General Convention, by 
 the bishop, the sum of twenty-six dollars, as the 
 quota required by a resolution of the last Gen- 
 eral Convention, for the purpose of defraying 
 the contingent expenses of the same. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee 
 to whom was referred the examination of the 
 accounts of the treasurer of the funds of the 
 widows and orphans of deceased clergymen 
 of the Episcopal Church of Virginia, made the 
 following report : — 
 
 The committee on " the fund for the relief 
 of distressed widows and orphans of clergy- 
 men," have, according to order, had tlie subject 
 committed to them under consideration^ and beg 
 leave to report, that the account of the treasurer, 
 rendered to the Convention, has been examined 
 by them, and found to be correct. 
 
 The committee would beg leave to call the 
 attention of the Convention to the importance 
 of this fund, and the duty of cherishing it. 
 Some years ago, it was resolved by the Con- 
 vention that the subscribers should be released 
 from their past arrearages, by paying up the en- 
 suing current annuities. Very few subscrip- 
 tions, however, have since. :>een received, and a 
 general indifference, it would seem, prevails 
 upon the subject. The committee would there- 
 fore recommend, that some one person should 
 be appointed, whose business it shall be, at each 
 Convention, to make a personal call on the sub- 
 scribers for their dues, and to obtain furthejr 
 subscriptions to the fund. 
 
 It appears also to your committee, that the 
 constitution of the society requires some modi- 
 fication, adapted to the present state of its con- 
 cerns. They would therefore recommend to 
 the Convention the adoption of the following 
 resolutions ; — 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire 
 be appointed to aid the standing committee, as 
 agent for obtaining and collecting subscriptions 
 to " the fund for the relief of distressed widows 
 and orphans of clergymen." 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee to 
 whom the management of this fund is commit- 
 ted, be requested to revise the constitution of 
 the society, and to report to the next Convention 
 whether any, and if any, what amendments, are 
 necessary for the better effectuation of the ob- 
 jects of the sofciety. 
 
 On motion, The above report was accepted, 
 and the resolutions were adopted. 
 
 The secretary received the following con- 
 tributions from sundry parishes of this diocess 
 for the " Contingent Fund :"-^ 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, - $15 00 
 
 Town and parish of Suffolk, - - 20 00 
 Henrico parish, - - - - 15 00 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, - 30 00 
 
 Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne, - 10 00 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - • ^ 30 00 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford, .- . 30 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, $150 00 
 
188 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 $150 00 
 
 13 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 S4 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 23 50 
 
 30 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 12 76 
 
 25 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 a, 20 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, 
 Kanawha and Cabell parishes, 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton, 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county. 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, 
 South Farnham, Essex, 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley, 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover' and Louisa, 20 00 
 Augusta parish, Augusta county, 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, - 
 Donation by a gentleman, 
 
 $493 25 
 
 Resolved, That the old subscribers to the 
 
 Widows' Fund be discharged from all past 
 
 claims, and be entitled to the benefits of the 
 
 fund, by paying their ensuing annual dues. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned until to- 
 morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 20, 1826. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayers by the 
 Right Rev. Bishop Moore. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Keith, from the committee to 
 whom were referred the parochial reports, pre- 
 sented the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the parochial reports have 
 had the same under consideration, have ex- 
 amined and condensed them, and are now pre- 
 pared to hand them over to the secretary for 
 publication, or to dispose of them otherwise, as 
 the Convention may be pleased to direct. 
 
 R. Keith, Chairman. 
 
 Whereupon, it was Resolved, That these re- 
 ports be published as condensed by the com- 
 mittee. 
 
 PAROCHIAL REPORTS. 
 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Ooochland coun- 
 ty, and Raleigh parish, Amelia county. Efforts 
 are now making to revive the church in these 
 parishes. For twenty er thirty years they have 
 been destitute pf the services of the Episcopal 
 Church. The success which has attended the ex- 
 ertions but very recently made, authorizes hopes 
 that our interests will rapidly gain strength, and 
 our liturgy again clothe the devotions of many dis- 
 ciples. In the parish of St. James there are two 
 buildings which had been suffered to decay ; one 
 has been put in tolerable repair, and the other 
 will shortly be rebuilt. In these churches divine 
 service is regularly celebrated. 
 
 One of the buildings in Raleigh parish is also 
 about to be repaired, and the services of the 
 churcli will be performed twice a month. The 
 people express great dehght at the prospect, and 
 manifest zeal for the prosperity of the church ; 
 the spiritual condition of these parishes may be 
 inferred from the foregomg statement. 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond. Communi- 
 cants about 140. The Sunday School connected 
 with this parish is in a flourishing condition, con- 
 sisting of more than one hundred children, and, 
 through the laudable exertions of several young 
 
 ladies and gentlemen, the fonner of whom have 
 devoted much time to the prosecution of their un- 
 dertaking, bids fair to become a fruitful nursery 
 of pure nnd undefiled religion. The Education 
 Society has contributed liberally during the past 
 year to the funds of the parent institution, and has 
 now at its disposal one hundred and fifty dollars. 
 A Bible class of young men has been formed, the 
 members of which, though few in number, pursue 
 their studies with zeal and diligence, and in the 
 course of the ensuing season it is contemplated 
 to revive the female class, the exercises of which, 
 from various causes, have of late been suspended. 
 Church on Richmond Hill. This congregation 
 is gradually improving, and its present prospects 
 are favourable. The minister has contested the 
 claims of the overseers of the poor to the glebe- 
 lands in this parish, and succeeded in obtaining a 
 decree of the chancellor in favour of the church. 
 The Sunday School attached to this church is in 
 a highly flourishing condition. Communicants 
 about thirty — baptisms twenty-seven — marriages 
 seventeen. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth. There has been 
 very little change in the state of this parish since 
 the last Convention. The congiegation has some- 
 what increased, and seems to be generally a little 
 more serious and attentive. Meetings have been 
 established in the week at private houses for 
 prayer and exhortation, which appear to be viewed 
 with interest. There is a catechetical class of 
 about twenty-five children, who manifest con- 
 siderable interest in the instructions the rector 
 imparts to them on the catechism, collects, and 
 articles of the church. Marriages six — baptisms 
 nine — communicants fifteen — funerals seven. 
 
 Since last October, the rector has had under 
 his charge the destitute parish of Lynnhaven, in 
 the county of Princess Anne, in which he has 
 preached regularly once a month. The congre- 
 gations of late have been for the most part very 
 small and irregular. Baptisms four — one funeral 
 — communicants not known. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover, has experienced 
 but little change since the last Convention. It 
 has lost some communicants by removals and 
 deaths, but the number added keeps up about the 
 same amount. In addition to the societies before 
 existing, there is one auxiliary to the Bible So- 
 ciety of Virginia. Communicants forty-seven — 
 baptisms six — marriages five — funerals seven. 
 
 Staunton, Augusta parish. The state of this 
 parish is not materially different from what it was 
 at the last report. Communicants about sixteen — 
 marriages nine — baptisms four — funerals two. 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, continues 
 much in the same state as when last reported. 
 The past year has been one of deep affliction : sev- 
 eral have been removed by death, and a few have 
 been added to our communion. Baptisms thirty- 
 six— marriages three— communicants forty-three 
 — deaths three. 
 
 In Halifax the prospects appear to brighten. 
 The number of communicants, though small, are 
 sincerely attached to the doctrines and worship 
 of our church. By the liberality of the ladies of 
 his parish, the rector has been constituted a fife 
 member of the Education Society. Communi- 
 cants eight— one death. 
 
 The rector of Hungar's parish reports, that 
 since his induction, the congregations have been 
 very attentive ; that there appears to be a grow- 
 ing attachment to the services of the church, and 
 that there is reason to believe that the church, by 
 the blessing of God, will revive. Baptisms six- 
 teen — funerals twenty-five — communicants about 
 twenty — died and removed since last report, seven. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 189 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish. During the past 
 year, this church has been deeply Mfflicte .1 by the 
 death of its excellent and highly -respected pastor. 
 The present rector entered upon his duties in 
 November last, since which time there have been 
 three additions to the sacrament — five baptisms 
 — two marriages — ^four funerals. The Sunday 
 School and Bible class of children belonging to 
 the congregation, and the Female Education So- 
 ciety of the two churches in town, continue to 
 flourish, and the Bible class of ladies lately estab- 
 lished promises to do well. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. The rector of 
 this parish reports, that the intejests of the church 
 are slowly, but, he trusts, steadily advancing. Du- 
 ring the past year two houses of public wor- 
 ship have been erected. The congregations are 
 higtily respectable and very attentive. Though 
 his labours have not been signally blessed, yet, 
 in the confidence of the gospel promises, he 
 feels encouraged to perseverance. Baptisms thir- 
 ty-six. 
 
 Norbome parish, Berkeley county. Number 
 of communicants eighty — baptisms, since 12th of 
 Marc h last, seven. This parish has been without 
 a minister for the Inst three years, during which 
 time it was visited by a neighbouring clergyman, 
 who administered the communion, when several 
 new communicants were added, and a Female 
 Auxiliary Education Society was originated. The 
 present incumbent feels encouraged by the atten- 
 tion of his people to the minibiration of the word, 
 and sees nothing to check the hope that his labour 
 may be blessed to the production of spiritual 
 fruits. 
 
 Report of Kanawha and Cabell parishes. The 
 minister reports that he has been regularly preach- 
 ing at the mouth of Cole and at Charlestown, in 
 the county of Kanawha, and at Barboursville and 
 Guyandotte, in the county of Cabell, at which 
 places the congregation have varied from 100 to 
 150. Serious and anxious attention has been paid 
 to the services of the sanctuary, and some few 
 have opened their hearts to receive the truth as 
 it is in Jesus. The number of baptisms twenty- 
 four — deaths thirteen — marriages two. At the 
 mouth of Cole an edifice has been erected for 
 divine worship, chiefly through the liberality of 
 one family ; it is called Bangor Church, 
 
 The minister of Lexington parish, Amherst 
 county, reports, that the congregation of St. 
 Luke's Chapel, though small, is an interesting 
 one. The Lord hath been pleased to Iticss the 
 preaching of his word to such a degree, that at the 
 last communion season a number came forward, 
 and, as is trusted, becaifte worthy partakers of that 
 holy ordinance. At the beginning of the year 
 there was not one communicant in this congrega- 
 tion : seven have united with the church since, and 
 there are four or five more who have expressed 
 their wish, and will probably become members on 
 the first opportunity. There is a great anxiety in 
 this people to have the preaching of the gospel 
 continued unto them, and their prayers and exer- 
 tions will be made to obtain a successor to their 
 present minister, who is about to resign his charge 
 over them. The state of religion in the congrega- 
 tion of St. Matthew's Church is low, nor are the 
 prospects very flattering. There are, however, a 
 few individuals who seem anxious to continue a 
 minister among them, and to make exertions to 
 effect that object. In this congregation there are 
 as yet no communicants. 
 
 The congregation at New-Glasgow does not 
 much differ from that last mentioned, except that 
 here there are three or four communicants. Fu- 
 nerals in the parish nine, of which two were in- 
 
 fants—baptisms, seven white children, besides 
 four or five coloured ones. 
 
 The rector of Christ Church, Norfolk, reports, 
 that he entered upon the duties of his office im- 
 mediately on his removal to the diocess in Decem- 
 ber last. Since that time, a period of five months, 
 there have been twenty-nine baptisms (iii three 
 cases of adults) — throe marriages — eight funer- 
 als — eight admissions to the cc mmuniou, making 
 the present number of communicants about 180. 
 
 The Sunday School is still large and flourish- 
 ing. Besides this, 150 children, male and female, 
 attend the catechetical examinations and lectures 
 of the minister after divine service on Sunday 
 afternoons. 
 
 The state of this church, as to temporal matters, 
 is very encouraging. The congregation is thought 
 to be larger than it has ever heretofore been, and 
 the attendance unusually regular. A hberal leg- 
 acy, recently bequeathed, has nearly disencum- 
 bered the church of debt ; and there is good reason 
 to hope that all claims against it will, before 
 another year, be entirely settled. As to spiritual 
 concerns, there is cause for thankfulness. The 
 blessing of God has in some measure attended the 
 ministration of the word — a few souls have been 
 born to God of the Holy Ghost — and many, it is 
 hoped, are seriously concerned for their souls, and 
 anxiously desiring the influences of the Spirit of 
 all grace. 
 
 Contribution to the Education Society, - $158 
 Subscriptions to the Theological Seminary, 65 
 Subscriptions to the Contingent Fimd, - 30 
 
 $253 
 
 Frederick sville parish. In the course of his 
 ministry during the year past, the rector acknowl- 
 edges, with lively gratitude to the great Head of 
 the church, an increased state of prosperity in the 
 condition of his charge ; and, in dependance upon 
 the same source from which past blessings hare 
 flowed, cherishes a lively hope of future n^ercies 
 to the church. 
 
 There have been added to the number of com- 
 municants since the last Convention about twenty 
 n^vv members, of whom the best hopes are enter- 
 tained. The church edifice has been neatly fin- 
 ished, and every arrangement whereby the public 
 services of the sanctuary may be conducted with 
 proper "decency and order," has been made by 
 the liberality of those who attend upon this minis- 
 try. A hberal donation, specially appropriated by 
 F. W. Gilmer, Esq., the late lamented Law Pro- 
 fessor of the university, for the purchase of com- 
 munion plate " for the church of his fathers," has 
 been received, and applied agreeably to his wishes. 
 Catechetical instructions are regularly imparted. 
 A reviving spirit of piety and zeal has clearly man- 
 ifested itself among the congregation at Walker's 
 Church, and several persons have recently been 
 added to that communion. 
 
 The Female Auxiliary Education Society is 
 flourishing beyond our most sanguine expecta- 
 tions, and much is the church indebted to the ex- 
 cellent ones who have in charge that most inter- 
 esting institution. 
 
 The attendance of many of the students of the 
 university upon public worship is uniformly reg- 
 ular, orderly, and respectful, and among them are 
 to be discerned those of whom, under God, it may 
 be expected, that they will hereafter "shine as 
 lights in the Christian world." The rector ac- 
 knowledges, with gratitude to Him from whom all 
 good thoughts " do proceed," the active benevo- 
 lence on the part of those ladies of his parish by 
 whom he has been constituted a life member of 
 the Education Society, and most earnestly does 
 
190 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 he pray that God may reward this expression of 
 their regard in the augmented glory of their future 
 state. Baptisms about ten, three adults — mar- 
 riages eight — funerals six — communicants about 
 fifty. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The minister, 
 on reviewing the course and results of his labours 
 during the past j;ear, finds but little that can give 
 satisfaction. There may besome among his little 
 flock who have become more sensible of the need 
 and the preciousness of a Saviour ; some few, he 
 humbly trusts, who are more confirmed and 
 strengthened in the Christian faith. The neat 
 and appropriate edifice which was opened for the 
 first time to receive this Convention, and which 
 was consecrated on the first day of its session, is 
 an evidence that the people of this parish are not 
 deficient either in public spirit or in zeal for Our 
 beloved Zion. In thhigs outward and visible, we 
 are, though in our infancy, a flourishing congrega- 
 tion : in other respects, if we may cherish any 
 hope, it must be with trembling. 
 
 During the past year this church has been 
 called to mourn the death (a death, however, too 
 full of the Christian hopes and consolations to be 
 mourned) of one whose amiableness and purity of 
 manners, whose elevated rank in society, whose 
 ardent attachment to the church and splendid 
 liberality in its advancement, made her the orna- 
 naent and support of our suffering cause — the late 
 Mrs. Sarah Cabell, Marriages three — burials 
 seven. 
 
 Suffolk parish, Nansemond county. The min- 
 ister reports, that the prospects of the church are 
 encouraging. One of the churches in the lower 
 parish has been repaired at a considerable expense. 
 The church in the town of Suffolk has, within the 
 last twelve months, been put in very neat repair. 
 A considerable sum has been subscribed, with the 
 view of rebuilding the church on the south side 
 of the Nansemond river; which, together with 
 some additional funds, which of right belong to the 
 church, and it is expected will be paid, will en- 
 able the vestry to accomplish the laudable design 
 of putting the said church in good order. The con- 
 gregation generally are supplied with prayer-books, 
 and take part in the service. The minister takes 
 great pleasure m stating, that he has received 
 very important aid in the discharge of his duties 
 by the assistance of the Rev. Mr. Keeling ; in 
 consequence of which, he is enabled to have^ the 
 serviced of the church regularly performed, both 
 in town and country, every Sunday. 
 
 There has been recently established in the town 
 of Suffolk a Sunday School, which is well at- 
 tended, and bids fair to do well. It is impossible 
 at this time to report the number of communi- 
 cants, as the Lord's Supper has been administered 
 in our churches but twice within the last twenty 
 years. Marriages five — baptisms twenty-two, in- 
 cluding one adult — funerals twenty-four. 
 
 The rectbr of St. Anne's and South Famham 
 parishes reports, that his labours commenced in 
 August last. When he first located himself here, 
 there was much to discourage the friends of reli- 
 gion and the church ; but he has reason to bless 
 God that the prospect is brightening. The church 
 in St. Anne's is now repairing to a considerable 
 extent, and its congregation is very interesting. 
 A work of grace seems to be going on among the 
 people, and some blessed fruit has already been 
 produced. A few souls have been born from on 
 high, and not only rejoice greatly in God their 
 Saviour, but adorn his doctrine in their life and 
 conversation, while others manifest a deep sensi- 
 bility on the subject of thvine and eternal things. 
 Ir South Farnham, the church (which is npt ex- 
 
 clusively Episcopal) has been standing for a few 
 years in an unfinished state, but is now about to 
 be completed. Though the prospect of spiritual 
 improvement is not so flattering in this parish as 
 in St. Anne's, yet it is not without promise. Some 
 cases of religious concern, and other circumstan- 
 ces, induce the rector to anticipate better days. 
 As the sacrament of the Lord's Supper has not 
 been administered in either of his parishes, the 
 number of communicants is not known. Mar- 
 riages, in both, two — baptisms five — burials eight. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The rector re- 
 ports that no material allerarion has taken place 
 in the affairs of the congregation since the last 
 Convention. 
 
 The Sunday School attached to the church 
 numbers 172 children, and continues to flourish 
 under the zealous and praisewortliy exertions of 
 its teachers. The class which has been formed of 
 the children of the congregation, for the study of 
 the Bible, is still continued, and prospers. A 
 school has been opened, also, one evening in the 
 
 week, for teaching adults, upwards of of 
 
 whom regularly attend. The Femae Society for 
 the improvement of the female peor of the town, 
 before reported, has upwards of a hundred on its 
 list of beneficiaries, and continues to exert a sue- 
 cessful and salutary influence upon these interest- 
 ing ot>jects of its bounty The teachers, as well 
 as the children in this society, consist of the va» 
 rious denominations of Christians. By means of 
 their benevolent exertions, many of these children 
 have apparently already been rescued from idle- 
 ness, poverty, and misery, and placed in a way to 
 become respectable and useful members of socie- 
 ty. The rector has also instituted a weekly lec- 
 ture to the female part of the congregation, the 
 design of which is to give a consecutive histori- 
 cal and practical exposition of the Bible. It is 
 well attended, and the hope is indulged that it will 
 be useful. 
 
 The Episcopal Church of Fredericksburg. 
 This church is in a prosperous and flourishing 
 state. The numerical increase of the congrega- 
 tion has been considerable during the past year. 
 The services of the sanctuary have been more 
 fully attended, especially in the afternoon, than at 
 any previous period of the rector's ministry among 
 this people. Of the increase of real religion, the 
 rector cannot speak so confidently — some, indeed, 
 have been added to the church during the past 
 year, whom he has good reason to believe will be 
 eternally saved — but there is much reztson to re- 
 gret that so few out of so large a congregation 
 have given themselves up to the Lord. 
 
 Much zeal is shown by the people of God in 
 promoting the interests of virtue and piety. The 
 several charitable institutions connected with the 
 church enjoy a large measure of their care and 
 attention. 'i"he Sunday Schools are especially 
 cherished by them with warm and affectionate con- 
 cern. Baptisms twenty-five— marriages twelve — ■ 
 funerals thirteen — communicants upwards of 100. 
 
 Frederick parish. The rector of this parish re- 
 ports, that during the past year the congregation 
 at Winchester has succeeded in obtaining the ser- 
 vices of the Rev. Mr. Jackson, late of Baltimore, 
 who is now assistant minister of the parish. The 
 prospects of usefulness in the congregation at 
 Winchester are flattering. The attendance on di- 
 vine worship is very good, and attachment to their 
 minister strong. One Sunday in each month, thB 
 Rev. Mr. Jackson officiates to a very attentive 
 country congregation at Mill Creek, on the borr 
 ders of Berkeley county. 
 
 The labours of the Rev. Mr. Meade are now mor«i 
 confined to the Chapel congregation, and the plai^ 
 
CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 191 
 
 tations in the neighbourhood thereof. The attend- 
 ance at the chapel, with but lew exceptions, is 
 very punctual, and the worship devoutly con- 
 ducted. 
 
 The number of communicants in the whole 
 parish is about one hundred and ten ; the bap- 
 tisms during the last year have been eight, the fu- 
 nerals nine, and the marriages five. The Sunday 
 School in Winchester is still in operation. That 
 belonging to the Chapel congregation has ceased, 
 notwithstanding the most persevering efforts of 
 the teachers, from not being able to procure the 
 attendance of the children, 'I'wo Female Auxil- 
 iary Education Societies exist in the parish, and 
 contribute very largely to the support of that hi- 
 stitution. During the past year, the ladies in Win- 
 chester have made the rector of the parish a life 
 member of the Education Society, by the payment 
 of thirty dollars, and those of the Chapel congre- 
 gation have niade him a life member of the Amer- 
 ican Bible Society, by the payment of the same 
 sum, for which evidences of their regard he feels 
 most truly grateful to them, and to that Being 
 who, he trusts, inspired such affection in their bo- 
 Boms. 
 
 The missionary meetings mentioned in a for 
 mer report are still continued, and excite the same 
 interest as at first. 
 
 In the congregation of Winchester, a weekly 
 lecture is held on one evening of each week, at 
 some private house, and a Bible class of young la- 
 dies is in operation, both of wl4ch proniise to be 
 useful. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Jackson, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the state of the fund for 
 the permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess, presented a report, which was read and 
 approved. 
 
 The conunittee to whom was referred the ac- 
 count of the treasurer of the fund for the support 
 of the episcopate in this diocess, beg leave to re- 
 port, That during the last year there has been re- 
 ceived into the treasury the sum of one hundred 
 and ninety dollars and sixteen cents, including a 
 balance of the former year of nine dollars and 
 sixty-six cents— and that there has been invested 
 in profitable bank-stock the sum of one hundred 
 and sixty-five dollars, leaving a balance in the 
 hands of the treasurer of twenty^five dollars and 
 sixteen cents. 
 
 The whole amount invested for this fund ap- 
 pears to be the sum of $3,900, consisting of 
 
 54 shares of stock in Farmers' Bank of 
 
 Alexandria, at par, - - - ^2,700 00 
 6 do. do. Bank of Alexandria, at par, 1,200 00 
 
 $3,900 00 
 AH which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 J. E. Jackson, Chairman. 
 Lynchburg, May 19, 1826. 
 
 The following report of the committee on the 
 ctate of the church, which had been laid upon 
 the table, was called up and approved :— 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave to report. That the first subject which has 
 come under their consideration is the fund which 
 was recommended by the last Convention to be 
 raised for the support of the bishop's assistant, 
 The comimittee regret to be obliged to report, that 
 from various causes, a very small sum has been 
 raised for this object ; but when they recollect the 
 different measures and resolutions which have 
 been adopted, and the pledges which have been 
 given on this subject for the last three or four 
 
 years, they consider this Convention bound in 
 good faith to make another effort to raise the sum 
 of five hundred dollars, which is due to the rea- 
 sonable expectations of the bishop and the as- 
 sistant for the past year. It is therefore recom^ 
 niended, that the following estimate of the sev- 
 eral sums which the committee have considered 
 to be a reasonable assessment on the different par- 
 ishes be spread upon the journals, and that the 
 ministers and vestries, or, if there be no minister, 
 the vestry alone, be recjuested forthwith to endeav- 
 our to collect the same, and transmit the different 
 sums to the bishop. 
 
 Leeds parish. 
 
 Town and parish of Suffolk, 
 Russell parish, Bedford, 
 St. Martin's parish, Hauover, 
 Shelburne parish, 
 
 - il5 
 
 - 20 
 
 - 15 
 
 - 20 
 15 
 
 Hungar's parish, -..,,- lo 
 
 Henrico parish, - - - , , - 20 
 
 Fredericksville parish, - - . - - 20 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, 15 
 
 Frederick parish, 30 
 
 St. George's parish, 20 
 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, - . - 15 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, - - - 30 
 
 Lynchburg parish, - - - - - 20 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - - - 130 
 
 Augusta parish, Staunton, - - - - IQ 
 
 Bristol parish, 30 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - - - 20 
 
 Portsmouth parish, lo 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier, - - - - 10 
 
 Gloucester coUnty, --'•'- 15 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley, - - - - 15 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - - 3Q 
 
 Accomack county, - 15 
 
 Amherst county, - - - - - - 15 
 
 Kanawha county, lo 
 
 Culpepper, - - -,- - - -iQ 
 
 Orange, - . - - - - . iQ 
 
 Romney, --►-.-. 5 
 
 Goochland, -. 10 
 
 Amelia, - - -., - , . -10 
 
 Louisa county, -,.,,. 10 
 
 Wheehng, - r , , - .. - iQ 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, - , , ,15 
 
 The committee further report. That, from all 
 the information they have been able to acquire in 
 relation to the sentiments of the members gener- 
 ally on this subject, they are constrained to de- 
 clare, that it would be improper to encourage the 
 hope that such a sum can be raised in future for 
 the purpose above mentioned ; at the same time, 
 the committee are well aware of the duty, and in- 
 deed necessity, of raising something which shall 
 aid the bishop in the employment of an assistant. 
 The congregation of which the bishop is rector 
 cannot consent to relinquish his services to the di- 
 ocess without a suitable supply, nor is it reason- 
 able that the bishop should be at the entire ex- 
 pense of that supply, while he is performing la- 
 borious duties throughout the diocess ; it is there- 
 fore recommended that the sum of three hundred 
 dollars be appropriated to the bishop for his epis- 
 copal services, and that the several vestries be re- 
 quested to raise the following sums from their sev- 
 eral parishes, in addition to their quota to the con- 
 tingent fund, which is raised for the general ex 
 penses of the church. 
 
 Leeds parish, $10 
 
 Town and parish of Suffblk, - - - 15 
 
 Russel parish, Bedford, - - - - -10 
 St. Mai tin's parish, Hanover, -» • = XO 
 
192 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 Shelburne parish, 
 
 Hungar's parish, - 
 
 Henrico parish, 
 
 Fredericksville parish, - 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, 
 
 Frederick parish, 
 
 St. George'*^ parish, 
 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, 
 
 Christ Church, l* airfai parish, 
 
 Lynchburg parish, 
 
 St. James's parish, MecklenBurg, 
 
 Augusta parish, Staunton, - 
 
 Bristol parish, 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 
 
 Portsmouth parish, 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier, - 
 
 Gloucester county, 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley, - 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, 
 
 Accomack county, 
 
 Amherst county, - 
 
 Kanawha county, - 
 
 Culpepper .... 
 
 Orange, .... 
 
 Romney, 
 
 .$10 
 
 - 10 
 . 15 
 >■ 10 
 . 10 
 
 - 15 
 
 - 15 
 
 - 10 
 
 - 20 
 
 - 10 
 
 - 10 
 
 - 10 
 
 - - 10 
 
 . 10 
 
 - 10 
 . 10 
 
 - 10 
 
 - 20 
 . 10 
 
 - 10 
 
 - 10 
 . . 10 
 
 . 10 
 
 . 5 
 
 Goochland, 10 
 
 Amelia, 10 
 
 Louisa, • - 10 
 
 Wheeling, ... - - - - 10 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, - - - - 10 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 W. H. WiLMER, Chairman. 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary of the Conven- 
 tion, as soon as practicable, extract from the re- 
 port of the committee that part which relates 
 to the fund for the bishop's assistant, and pub- 
 lish the aan^e in a circular, to be addressed to 
 those ministers and vestries whose parishes have 
 not contributed to the above-mentioned fund, 
 calling upon them to pay a speedy attention to 
 the same. 
 
 The following sums were paid towards the 
 support of the bishop's assistant : — 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, - $30 
 
 Town and parish of Suffolk, - - 20 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, - 10 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties, - - - - -.20 
 
 Augusta parish, Augusta county, - - -10 
 
 Donation by Miss Peachy Gilmer, - - 6 
 
 Donation by a gentleman of Albemarle, - 30 
 
 Fredericksville parish, - - - - 20 
 
 $145 
 
 The Rev. William H. Wilmer, from the com- 
 mittee on the state of the church, to whom was 
 referred the letter of Mr. William Leigh, re- 
 ported the following resolution, which was adopt- 
 ed by the Convention : — 
 
 Resolved, That John Nelson and William 
 Leigh, Esqrs., who were appointed by the last 
 Convention trustees in behalf of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Convention, to settle and adjust the 
 claim accruing to the church under the will of 
 Evan Ragland deceased, be, and they are here- 
 by authorized, to receive and to recover all such 
 property as may be assigned to them as trustees 
 aforesaid. And they are further authorized to 
 aell at public sale or otherwise, as in their dis- 
 cretion may seem best, whatever property, real 
 
 or personal, may be recovered and received by 
 them ; and they are authorized to retain in their 
 hands all bonds or money which may arise 
 from any sale made as aforesaid, as trustees, 
 subject to the directions of the Convention of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church, which shall 
 be made in conformity to the will of the said 
 testator, and for the purpose of fulfilling the 
 same. And the aforesaid trustees are autho* 
 rized to make and execute all deeds and convey- 
 ances which may be necessary to carry into ef- 
 fect any sale of real property made in pursuance 
 of the authority vested in them. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. William Meade, from the board 
 of trustees of the Theological School, presented 
 the following report, which was approved : — 
 
 Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological 
 School of Virginia, to the Convention of the Dio- 
 cess assembled m Lynchburg, May ]iith, 1826. 
 
 In performing this annual duty, the trustees have 
 first to record a dispensation of Providence which 
 has created a vacancy in the board by the death of 
 a beloved brother, who departed this hfe in Au- 
 gust last. In the decease of the Rev. Mr. N or- 
 ris, the diocess of Virginia has lost one of the 
 earliest and best of those ministers whom Provi- 
 dence raised up to bear the heat and burden of 
 reviving our fast expiring church, and our sem- 
 inary is called to part with an old and constant 
 friend. 
 
 Just as he was preparing to perform some fur- 
 ther duty assigned him by the board at it§ last 
 meeting, it pleased the great Head of the church 
 to call him to a higher service and greater honour 
 in the church above. Instead, however, of com- 
 plaining against the ways of Him who does all 
 things well, we have great cause for thankfulness 
 that his place has been suppUed in such a manner 
 as to give perfect satisfaction to the bereaved con- 
 gregation, and to gratify all the frieii'.ls of our 
 school, — who rejoice in the circumstance, that the 
 Rev. Mr. Keith has succeeded to the pastoral 
 charge of our beloved brother, without rehnquish- 
 ing Uiose special attentions to our young candi- 
 dates for the ministry which we have cause to 
 prize so highly. The hoard has also to report the 
 successful execution of a duty assigned it at the 
 last Convention, viz. : — the appointment of another 
 professor, to aid in those various and important la- 
 bours required of such as undertake the prepara- 
 tion of pious youths for the gospel ministry. They 
 are rejoiced to assur-e the Convention, that in se- 
 lecting the Rev. Mr. Lippil, who was known to 
 them by a former residence of some years in this 
 diocess, and recommended by others well quahfied 
 to judge of his fitness, they have secured to the 
 school the entire services of one who is aUke ac- 
 ceptable to the students under his care, and to the 
 professors with whom he is associated in this im- 
 portant work. The board cannot refrain from an 
 expression of their high delight in the assurance 
 that a gracious Providence has guided and directed 
 them in every arrangement which has been made, 
 so as to deepen the conviction that the underta- 
 king is acceptable to the great Head of the church, 
 and that as good a prospect of usefulness is held 
 out to the diocess from this its favourite institution, 
 as its most sanguine friends could reasonably hope. 
 But they forbear all further congratulations of this 
 kind, until they have presented a brief history of 
 its internal operations since their last report. Re- 
 ferring to that report for all past proceedings, and 
 taking up the subject from the beginning of the 
 present session, they now report, that the class 
 
CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 198 
 
 attending the Professor of Ecclesiastical History 
 has during this session gone through Mosheim's 
 Ecclesiastical History, with reference to the col- 
 lateral authors, has commenced Potter on Church 
 Government, and expects to complete that work, 
 together with Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, du- 
 Ting the present session. This class, in addition to 
 recitations in the above-mentioned text-books, has 
 also been exercised in writing original disserta- 
 tions on the prominent points of their course of 
 study ; and the members in rotation, one day in 
 each week, have read the service and an original 
 sermon, when their performance has been subject- 
 ed to the criticism of all the students, and on the 
 following week the professors by turns have ana- 
 lyzed and criticised the discourses. The second 
 class has, during this period, been engaged under 
 the Professor of Sacred Literature in the critical 
 study of the Epistles, and to the Professor of SyS^ 
 tematic Divinity has recited twice in each week, 
 on such subjects as have been previously appoint- 
 ed, references being made to the authors who have 
 written with most ability on the several subjects, 
 the preference being given to those recommended 
 by the House of Bishops. This class, also, has 
 been engaged in writing dissertations on theologi- 
 cal subjects. The third class has been engaged 
 in the critical study of the Old and New Testa- 
 ments in the original languages, and of the Jewish 
 Antiquities. The members of this class have read 
 sixteen chapters of Genesis and ten Psalms in He- 
 brew, and the four gospels in Greek. They have 
 also gone through the first volume of Home's In- 
 troduction to the Sacred Scriptures, have read the 
 princi;)al part of Pndeaux's Connexions, and will 
 complete Butler's Analogy and Paley's Evidences 
 by the close of the session. They have also been 
 engaged in writing essays on the most important 
 arguments for revealed rehgion. Let it not how- 
 ever be imagined, that the students of this semina- 
 ry are only exercised in furnishing their minds 
 with the knowledge which shall quahfy them to 
 explain and defend the sacred writings. Besides 
 those devotional exercises which, on the part of the 
 professors, daily precede the theological recita- 
 tions, the students are required each morning, at 
 the rising of the sun, to assemble together, and by 
 turns, in the presence of one of the professors, in- 
 voke the blessing of Almighty God. They have 
 also divided the town and suburbs into districts, 
 and in humble imitation of those first disciples 
 who preached the gospel to the poor, and of Him 
 "who went about doing _good," have resolved to 
 visit the needy and afflicted at their own homes, 
 to inquire into their spiritual condition, to estabhsh 
 prayer-meetings at the most suitable places, to ex- 
 hort all to attendance on public worship, and espe- 
 cially to beseech parents to send their children to 
 the Sunday Schools which are established in the 
 town. The students themselves are diligent and 
 faithful in applying a part of each Sabbath to the 
 useful and sacred labours of the Sunday School 
 By such exercises have they, during the past year, 
 been preparing themselves for those more perfect 
 and extensive duties in which they hope soon to 
 be engaged. A goodly number have already en- 
 tered upon their labours, and we feel a pleasing 
 assurance that those who have witnessed their 
 first public essays in the ministry, and especially 
 those congregations who have eagerly embraced 
 the offered opportunity of securing their perma- 
 nent services, will require no further evidences of 
 the value of an institution which has now for 
 three years only had its existence in our diocess. 
 Within this period twelve youn^ men, who received 
 either in whole or in part their education at this 
 school, have entered upon the ministry of the word, 
 
 N 
 
 eight of whom are now within the bounds of our 
 diocess, the remaining four having chosen other 
 portions of our land as the scene of their first la- 
 bours of love. Of the twenty students who, during 
 the present session, have been engaged in these 
 preparatory exercises, seven will probably offer 
 themselves for ordination in the course of the pres- 
 ent year. Others, however, are ready to supply 
 their places, giving exercise to the charity and 
 encouragement to the hopes of the church. An 
 increasing demand on the part of the church will 
 produce an increasing supply of ministers from 
 the great Head thereof. He who has put it into 
 the hearts of those already mentioned to enter 
 upon this work, will put it into the hearts of more, 
 and thrust them forth into the service, so that 
 there be no famine of the word. The Holy Ghost, 
 whose office it is, will never be weary with moving 
 and calling to the ministry of the word, and ma- 
 king that word effectual to the conversion of sin- 
 ners ; nor need we ever fear that the Lord of the 
 harvest will fail to send forth more labourers into 
 it, if we fail not to supplicate his grace by impor- 
 tunate prayers. Our beginning, it is true, is small, 
 when compared with the great need of our church 
 and country ; but let us not forget Him who makes 
 the latter end of good designs greatly to increase, 
 and has promised to those who weary not in their 
 well-doing that in due season they shall reap. We 
 expect not a rapid extension of our church, nor an 
 immediate victory over those many obstacles which 
 rise up against us. We shall be satisfied to make 
 a gradual and sure advance in the esteem of the 
 wise and pious, by means of the good sense, good 
 conduct, and undoubted zeal and piety of those 
 who serve at the altar. We must labour by in- 
 creasing the literary qualifications of our young 
 ministers, to keep pace with the hterary progress 
 of our country, and thus recommend rehgion and 
 the church of our fathers to the understandings as 
 well as to the hearts of men. Such a slow but 
 sure advance in the affection and confidence of the 
 pious, in the esteem of the wise and sober-minded, 
 and in the respect of the educated portion of the 
 community, we feel happily assured our church is 
 already making, and partly by means of the insti- 
 tution over which this board is appointed to pre- 
 side. It is therefore that we rejoice over it, and 
 call upon the friends of religion and our church to 
 render thanks to God for that degree of prosperity 
 which it has pleased hhn to grant to it. We should 
 never contemplate this school without the liveliest 
 emotions of gratitude to the great Head of the 
 church, who hath raised it up in our timfe of need. 
 To what quarter can we look for a supply of 
 preachers to repair our desolations but to this? 
 Whither can our vacant parishes turn their eyes 
 with the assured hope of a certain and suitable 
 supply but to this ? Here it is that our pious youths 
 may equip themselves with the whole armour of 
 God, and, being thoroughly furnished unto every 
 good work, become workmen who need not be asha- 
 med. Here it is that by mutual prayer, and holy in- 
 tercourse, and sacred studies, they may grow up in 
 Christian love, and form a bond of union never to be 
 broken. To this institution will the hearts of our 
 people be drawn ; over it will the prayers of the pi- 
 ous be offered ; to it will the alms of the generous 
 be given, as to that which, under God, seems hkely 
 to prove such a blessing to his church. 
 
 But while we thus rejoice in the pleasing prospect 
 which appears before us, it becomes our duty to 
 mention one circumstance which must be a source 
 of serious apprehension, and should excite to the 
 most diligent exertion on the part of its friends, lest 
 that apprehension be realized. The amount of 
 our fonds is still small when compared witJi tkp 
 
194 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 demands of such an institution. By the report of 
 our treasurer which is annexed, it will be per- 
 ceived that our funded capital is yet something 
 less than ten thousand dollars, the annual interest 
 of which is insufficient for the support of one pro- 
 fessor, while we need and actually possess the ser- 
 vices of three. The generosity of individuals, and 
 the untiring zeal of our Female Auxiliary Educa- 
 tion Societies, have thus far enabled us to supply 
 this deficiency in some small degree ; but it must 
 be evident that the institution can never be consid- 
 ered as standing on a sure and permanent founda- 
 tion, until we have a much larger capital on which 
 to rely. Although it has pleased Providence to 
 direct so many pious youths to our school, and en- 
 able us thus far not to disappoint their hopes of 
 suitable instruction, yet are we far- behind other 
 institutions of the kind in our own and other de- 
 nominations, as to those pecuniary resources which 
 are necessary to command the permanent services 
 of duly qualified professors. The General Sem- 
 inary located in New-York, which has thus far 
 scarcely exceeded our own in the number of its 
 pupils, has received more than one hundred thou- 
 sand dollars. The diocess of Ohio is enabled to 
 commence the operations of its seminary with the 
 sum of thirty thousand dollars, almost entirely 
 bestowed by pious individuals in England. And 
 can it be expected, without further donations from 
 those to whom our seminary naturally looks for 
 aid, that we shall always be able to ensure those 
 services and those advjuitages which it now pos- 
 sesses ? Would it not be a most sinful tempting 
 of God, and a most ungrateful return for those 
 signal favours granted to our first efforts, not to 
 put forth all our strength for the completion of a 
 work thus happily begun, and not to call upon the 
 pious and wealthy of our communion to help on 
 so interesting a cause by those means which Provi- 
 dence has so richly supplied to them? Surely we 
 may now confidently call upon all to witness the 
 truth of those arguments with which we first ad- 
 dressed them, and to behold the fruits and profits 
 of their first contributions. We feel a pleasing 
 assurance that there is an increasing interest in 
 this cause arising from the good already done, and 
 we record with much satisfaction the generosity 
 of two individuals during the last year, who, on 
 coming to pay their promised contributions, begged 
 to be permitted to double the sum, in consideration 
 of the importance of the object and the benefit 
 already arising from it. And are there none among 
 our original subscribers who are able and willing 
 to renew their first works, seeing such fruit from 
 them already ? Are there none others among the 
 many friends of our church scattered through the 
 state, who have never y^ ventured any thing in 
 this enterprise of piety, but who are wiUing and 
 able to assist so good a work ? We feel well as- 
 sured that there are many such, who only require 
 to be properly informed of our need, to afford a 
 generous contribution to objects we recommend. 
 We call therefore upon all the ministers of our 
 church to do their duty, and present this subject 
 in all the magnitude of its importance to every 
 member of their charge. 
 
 While our sisters and mothers are so zealously 
 and effectually subserving the cause, by raising 
 funds for the education of poor and pious youths 
 in our seminary ; while they have never yet suffer- 
 ed a worthy object to go unaided ; while they have 
 thus far actually contributed to the support of the 
 teachers also ; surely it is within the power of the 
 wealthy gentlemen of our church to raise a pei- 
 manent fund which shall place our school on a 
 sure foundation, and enable us always to com- 
 mand the services of the ablest ministers in tibe 
 
 church, and remunerate them with a suitable sup- 
 port. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted by the 
 board. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Henry W. Ducachet, and a sermon by the Rev. 
 William Meade. 
 
 The standing committee appointed on Thurs- 
 day last tendered their resignation to the Con- 
 vention, which was received. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to a new elec- 
 tion, by ballot, of a standing committee of the 
 church in this diocess for the ensuing year : — 
 whereupon the following gentlemen were duly 
 elected, viz. : the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, D. D., 
 the Rev. John Dunn, the Rev. Reuel Keith, the 
 Hon. Bushrod Washington, Edmund J. Lee, 
 Esq., and Mr. John Hooff. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, by 
 ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this dio- 
 cess in the next General Convention of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church of the United States ; 
 whereupon the following gentlemen were duly 
 elected, viz. :-— Rev. WiUiam H. Wilmer, D. D., 
 Rev. William Meade, Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Dr. Carter Berkeley, 
 Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. James M. Garnett, and 
 Mr. WilHam Mayo. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia be held in the town of Fredericksburg, 
 on the third Thursday in May next. 
 
 Resolved, That if it be ratified by the next 
 Convention, the second article of the consti- 
 tution be amended by striking out after the word 
 " the," in the first line, all that follows to the 
 word " within," in the third line ; and substi- 
 tuting the words, "the regularly officiating min- 
 isters and the clerical professors of the Theo- 
 logical School of Virginia, residents." 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until 5 o'clock this evening. 
 
 Saturday Aftkrnoon, May 20. — The Con- 
 vention met according to adjournment. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay 
 to such of the delegates appointed by this Con- 
 vention as shall attend the General Convention 
 the sum of fifty dollars each, to defray their ex- 
 penses in attending the same. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay 
 to the secretary his expenses incurred in attend- 
 ing this Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay 
 to the doorkeeper of this Convention the sum 
 of three dollars, for his services rendered du- 
 ring the present session. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 citizens of this place, for their kind and hospita- 
 ble attention to the members of the Convention 
 during its session. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 ministers of the Presbyterian, Methodist, and 
 Baptist churches in this place, for the liberal and 
 kind offer of their churches for the use of the 
 Convention. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 195 
 
 ')n motion, Resolved, That the thanks of the 
 Convention be presented to the secretary and 
 treasurer for their faithful services. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, Tliat 750 copies of the 
 Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis- 
 tributed by the secretary among the parishes, 
 under the superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Wm. 
 H. Wilmer, D. D., the Rev. William Meade, 
 the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Dr. Carter Berke- 
 ley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be, and they are here- 
 by nominated to the General Convention, as 
 trustees of the General Theological Seminary. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the secretary of the 
 
 board of trustees of the Theological School of 
 Virginia be requested to furnish to the secre- 
 tary of this Convention, so far as he can, the 
 names of > the subscribers to the school, with 
 their several amounts of subscriptions, in order 
 to their being inserted on the journals. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 again in the town of Fredericksburg, on the 
 third Thursday in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of 
 Virginia. 
 Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia, which assembled in the tovm of Fredericksburg, on Thursday, the I7th of May, 1827. 
 
 This being the day and place appointed for 
 the annual meeting of the Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of 
 Virginia, the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., 
 with s.everal clergymen and lay deputies, attend- 
 ed divine service in St. George's Church. 
 
 Morning prayer was read by the Rev. Will- 
 iam Jackson, and a sermon preached by the 
 Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D. 
 
 After divine service, the Right Rev. Bishop 
 Moore took the chair as president of the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The following* clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. William H. Wilmer, D. D., and 
 President of William and Mary College, Bruton 
 parish, Williamsburg ; the Rev. Edward C. 
 M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fredericksburg; 
 the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville 
 parish, Albemarle county; the Rev. Reuel Keith, 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of Fairfax ; 
 the Rev. Charles H. Page, Lexington parish, 
 Amherst county; the Rev. Robert B. Croes, 
 assistant minister of the Monumental Church, 
 Richmond ; the Rev. Henrv W. Ducachet, M. 
 D., Christ Church, Norfolk ;"" the Rev. Franklin 
 G. Smith, St. PaulV Church, Lynchburg parish, 
 Lynchburg ; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rus- 
 sell parish, Bedford county ; the Rev. William 
 F. Lee, St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland 
 county, and Raleigh parish, Amelia county ; the 
 Rev. John P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South 
 Farnham parishes, Essex ; the Rev. Johannes E. 
 Jackson, Frederick parish, Frederick county ; 
 the Rev. John T. Brooke, Norborne parish, 
 Berkeley ; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Profes- 
 sor in the Theological School, Alexandria ; the 
 Rev. George A. Smith, St. Stephen's Church, 
 Culpepper county ; the Rev. John Grammer, 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie ; the Rev. William D. 
 Cairns, Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glouces- 
 ter county ; the Rev. WilUam H. Hart, Henrico 
 parish, Henrico county ; the Rev. Alexander 
 Jones, St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county; 
 the Rev. William G. H. Jones, parish of New- 
 port, Isle of Wight ; the Rev. John H. Wing- 
 field, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county; the 
 N2 
 
 Rev. Leonard H. Johns, St. Margaret's parish, 
 Caroline county ; the Rev. John Armstrong, 
 Wheeling, Ohio county, and St. John's Church, 
 Brooke county; the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs ; the 
 Rev. William Jackson, St. Paul's Church, Alex- 
 andria ; the Rev. Josias Clapham, Washington 
 parish, Westmoreland ; the Rev. John Cooke, 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun- 
 ties. 
 
 Ordered, That the Hon. Hugh Nelson and 
 John G. WilUams, Esq. be a committee to ex- 
 amine the certificates of appointments of the lay 
 delegates ; who then withdrew, and after a short 
 time returned and presented the following re- 
 port : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report that 
 the following persons have been duly elected lay 
 delegates to this Convention : — ^ 
 
 Dr. Carter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, 
 Hanover and Louisa counties ; Edward Valen- 
 tine, jr., Augusta parish, Augusta county ; Need- 
 ham L. Washington and Richard Stuart, St. 
 Paul's parish, King George county ; Samuel 
 Slaughter, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper 
 county ; the Hon. Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville 
 parish, Albemarle county ; Lewis Berkeley and 
 Thomas B. Beatty, Shelburne parish, Loudoun 
 county ; Augustine L. Dabney,Ware and Abing- 
 don parishes, Gloucester county ; John G. Will- 
 iams, Monumental Church, Richmond ; Mallo- 
 ry M. Todd, parish of Newport, Isle of Wight ; 
 Robert E. Steed, Christ Church, Norfolk; Mus- 
 coe Garnett, St. Anne's parish, Essex county; 
 John Hooif, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria; 
 Hugh C. M'Nemara, Henrico parish, Henrico 
 county ; Strother Jones, Obed Waite, and Philip 
 Nelson, Frederick parish, Frederick county ; 
 Robert B. Butt, Trinity Church, Portsmouth 
 parish ; Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, 
 Princess Anne county; John Nelson, St. James's 
 parish, Mecklenburg county ; Francis Nelson, 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia county ; Thomas With- 
 ers, jr., Bath parish, Dinwiddie county ; Thomas 
 B. Lippit, parish of Bristol, Petersburg; Nahum 
 Osgood, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg; Ger- 
 
196 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 rard Alexander, Russell parish, Bedford county ; 
 William Boiling, St. James's parish, Northam, 
 Goochland county, William M. Blackford, Nor- 
 borne parish, Berkeley; Edmund Penn, Lex- 
 ington parish, Amherst county ; the Hon. Will- 
 iam Browne, Bruton parish, James City county ; 
 Richard Croxton, parish of South Farnham, Es- 
 sex county; John Gray, St. George's parish, 
 Fredericksburg. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, 
 
 Resolved, That the rules of order adopted by 
 
 the last Convention for the government of their 
 
 proceedings, be the rules of proceeding during 
 
 the present Convention, which are as follows : — 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with the morning service of the church. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No mernijer shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or be 
 \mable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, 
 it shall be determined upon before any new thing 
 is introduced, except the question of adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Robert B. Croes, 
 the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, the Rev. John h! 
 Wingfield, Mr. Obed Waite, Mr. Gerrard Alex- 
 ander, the Hon. William Browne, and Mr. Thur- 
 mer Hoggard, be a committee to examine the 
 parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer, 
 D. D., the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. Will- 
 iam H. Hart, the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, 
 Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. John G. Williams, Mr. 
 Muscoe Gamett, and Mr. John Hooff, be a com- 
 mittee to take into consideration the state of the 
 church in this diocess, and report thereupon to 
 this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Lippit, the Rev, 
 Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. Nahum Osgood, Mr. 
 Hugh C. M'Nemara, Mr. Robert E. Steed, and 
 Mr. Francis Nelson, be a committee to exam- 
 ine the accounts of the treasurer of the fund for 
 the permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Hon. Hugh Nelson, Dr. 
 Carter Berkeley, Mr. John Gray, and Mr. Thom- 
 as Withers, be a committee to examine the treas- 
 urer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, the 
 Rev. William Jackson, Mr. Samuel Slaughter, 
 and Mr. Augustine L. Dabney, be a committee 
 to examine the state of the fund for the support 
 of the widows and orphans of deceased clergy- 
 men. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the considera- 
 tion of the following resolution, adopted at the 
 last Convention, amendatory of the constitution. 
 
 Resolved, That if it be ratified by the next 
 Convention, the second article of the constitu- 
 tion be amended by striking out after the word 
 " the," in the first line, all that follows to the 
 word " within," in the third hne, and substituting 
 the words, " the regularly officiating ministers 
 and the clerical professors of the Theological 
 School of Virginia, residents." 
 
 On motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the said resolution be appro- 
 ved and adopted. 
 
 Resolved, That the ministers of the church 
 belonging to other diocesses, the students of the 
 Theological School, the candidates for orders, 
 and the members of former Conventions now 
 present, be admitted to the sittings of this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The bishop then delivered the following 
 
 PASTORAL ADDRESS, 
 
 Brethren, — The indisposition under which 1 
 laboured the last year, prevented me from enga- 
 ging as extensively as I should have done in the 
 discharge of those duties peculiar to my office, 
 and confined my episcopal labours within a smaller 
 space than they would Otherwise have occupied. 
 Indisposed, however, as I was, I did not remain 
 altogether unemployed, but devoted my attention 
 to those parts of the diocess which, from their sit- 
 uation, required the least fatigue. 
 
 At the meeting of the last Convention, I conse- 
 crated to the service of Almighty God the church 
 erected in the town of Lynchburg, under the min- 
 istry of the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, and preached 
 on that occasion; embracing in my discourse some 
 of the peculiarities of our polity ; representing the 
 excellences of our liturgy, and its fitness for the 
 public worship of God : and admitted to the priest- 
 hood the Rev. Mr. Croes, the Rev. Mr. Gunter, 
 the Rev. Mr. Chevers, the Rev. Mr. Brooke, and 
 the Rev. Mr. John M'Guire. 
 
 After the adjournment of the Convention I 
 passed into the county of Bedford, and consecrated 
 two new churches — churches owing their exist- 
 ence to the pious and disinterested labours of the 
 Rev. Mr. Cobbs. Since the ordination of Mr. Cobbs 
 several offers have been made to him, by the ac- 
 ceptance of either of which his situation would 
 certainly have been much improved; but, with a 
 magnanimity of mind which rendered him superior 
 to pecuniary considerations, and with that regard 
 to the infant state of the church which reflects the 
 
CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 197 
 
 greatest credit on his piety, he declined them all, 
 and determined to remain in his present situation. 
 I mention this circumstance not only because it 
 is honourable to the character of Mr. Cobbs, but 
 from a hope that his parishioners will consider it 
 their duty to use every means in their power to 
 contribute to the comfort of himself and his fam- 
 ily. 
 
 From Bedford I passed into Amherst county, 
 and preached m one of the old churches ; and the 
 next day 1 rode to another place of worship, lately 
 erected at New-Glasgow, at which place the Rev. 
 Mr. Page preached, after which I concluded with 
 an application to his discourse. 
 
 From Amherst I proceeded, in company with the 
 Rev. Mr. Croes and the Rev Mr. Lee, to Char- 
 lottesville ; and in that place I consecrated a new 
 church, preached, administered confirmation and 
 the Lord's Supper. In the afternoon of the same 
 day the Rev. Mr. Croes preached, and in the even- 
 ing the Rev. Mr. Lee officiated. The congrega- 
 tions upon those occasions were large and atten- 
 tive. 
 
 From Charlottesville I rode to Mr. Hugh Nel- 
 son's, officiated in Walker's Church, and returned 
 home. 
 
 In the beginning of July I visited the church 
 in the town of Norfolk, where I officiated on the 
 morning of the Sabbath to a large and respectable 
 auditory; and in the afternoon passed over to 
 Portsmouth, and preached in that chiirch to an 
 attentive audience. The next day I rode to the 
 town of Suffolk, in company with the Rev. Mr. 
 Ducachet and the Rev. Mr. Chevers, at which 
 
 {(lace both Mr. Ducachet and myself officiated to 
 arge and attentive congregations. 
 
 Upon my return to Norfolk I took passage in a 
 packet, and crossed the Chesapeake Bay into the 
 counties of Northampton and Accomack. Upon 
 my arrival in Northampton I preached in the 
 courthouse, and the next day proceeded, in com- 
 pany with the Rev. Mr. Gunter, to the county of 
 Accomack, and preached in the village of Onan- 
 cock, in the Methodist church. On the Sabbath 
 subsequent I officiated in one of the churches, 
 and administered the Lord's Supper to a number 
 of pious communicants. The congregations in 
 Accomack are at this time destitute of a minister, 
 and are very anxious to obtain the services of a 
 clergyman. The parish is large, and the people 
 highly respectable. I should conceive few places 
 m the diocess more entitled to attention, and few 
 congregations better able or more disposed to ren- 
 der a faithful minister happy. 
 
 From Accomack I returned to Northampton, 
 and preached in Hungar's church to a large and 
 respectable assembly, and then rode to the court- 
 house, where I again officiated to an attentive con- 
 gregation. 
 
 In the middle of July I visited Petersburg, in 
 company with the Rev. Mr. Ducachet and the 
 Rev. Mr. Lee ; at which time I admitted to dea- 
 cons' orders Mr. John Grammer, Mr. Benjamin 
 O. Peers, Mr. Henry Aisquith, and Mr. Leonard 
 H. Johns ; and administered the Lord's Supper. 
 The Rev. Mr. Ducachet preached in the mornmg, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Lee in the evening; upon both 
 occasions the congregations were numerous and 
 attentive. 
 
 In the month of September I went to the county 
 of Hanover. In that section of the district I passed 
 several days in company with the Rev. Edward 
 M'Guire and the Rev. Mr. Croes. The Rev. Mr. 
 Croes preached the first day ; on the second the 
 Rev. Mr. M'Guire preached an ordination sermon, 
 after which I admitted to the priesthood the Rev. 
 Mr. Cooke, and administered the Lord's Supper. 
 
 On the third day Mr. Croes preached at the house 
 of the venerable Mrs. Nelson, at which time 1 
 administered the Lord's Supper to herself and up- 
 wards of thirty members of her numerous connex- 
 ion. 
 
 On the last of September I went to the north, 
 with an intention to attend the General Conven- 
 tion ; but, in consequence of the most severe illness 
 with which I was ever visited, I was not only pre- 
 vented from carrying into effect that design, but 
 also from returning to this diocess until the month 
 of March. I should deem myself deficient in grat- 
 itude to the inhabitants of Hartford, in Connecti- 
 cut, and wanting in respect to Virginia, whose 
 adopted son those people considered me, were I 
 not thus publicly to acknowledge the wieight of 
 obligation under which their kindness has placed 
 me. The attentions of Mr. Samuel Tudor and 
 lady, of that city, were the attentions of children 
 to a parent. Language is too feeble to express 
 the affectionate treatment I received at their hands; 
 and while memory retams its seat in my mind, 1 
 can never forget them. May the Almighty God 
 remember them for good, and prove their friend in 
 every time of need. 
 
 In the month of March I held an ordination in 
 the Monumental Church in the city of Richmond ; 
 on which occasion the Rev. Mr. Croes delivered 
 a discourse, proving satisfactorily and conclusively 
 the ministerial office of deacons, and enforcing 
 their duties ; after which I admitted to the holy 
 order of deacons Mr. George Kirke. 
 
 The secretary, brethren, will produce to the 
 Convention a letter from the secretary of the Gen- 
 eral Convention, on the subject of certain proposed 
 alterations in the liturgy of'^ the church. It is my 
 duty to mention, not only to the members of this 
 Convention, but also to the members of the church 
 throughout the diocess of Virginia, the fears with 
 which my mind is impressed on this important 
 subject. The church has hitherto prospered in the 
 use of the liturgy as it has been handed down to 
 us by our fathers. That uniformity of worship 
 which has distinguished us as a society, should 
 the proposed alterations be carried into effect, will 
 be destroyed. Instead of uniting in the same de- 
 votional exercises as we hitherto have done, every 
 clergyman will have it in his power to select his 
 own lessons, and to read such portions of the 
 Psalms of David as he pleases, by which means 
 the pubhc worship of God in these particulars will 
 be as various as the constitutions of our minds. 
 The old members of the church, who have been 
 taught to view the liturgy through a medium the 
 most sacred, will be grieved. The guards to uni- 
 formity being once removed, one innovation will 
 succeed another, until the people will lose that 
 reverence for our incomparable services by which 
 they have been actuated, and the church receive 
 the most vital injury. 
 
 When we reflect upon the general esteem in 
 which the liturgy is viewed by the reflecting and 
 considerate of other denominations, our opinion 
 of its excellence should be strengthened and in- 
 creased. The celebrated Dr. Clarke, of the Meth- 
 odist society, has declared, that the liturgy of the 
 church is second to no volume except the sacred 
 writings; and the Rev. Robert Hall, of the Baptist 
 society, has expressed himself in similar language. 
 To touch a matter of so much consequence with- 
 out the deepest reflection — to alter a service of 
 such acknowledged worth without years of pray- 
 erful consideration, should not be ventured on. 
 When we enter the threshold of this inquiry we 
 should take the shoes from off our feet, as the 
 ground whereon we tread is holy ground. The 
 church in Virginia will never be induced, I trust 
 
19b 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 and pray, to depart from her prescribed forms ; but 
 will defend the liturgy in all its integrity, and prove 
 to the Christian world that we reverence the opin- 
 ions of our fathers, and are satisfied with that sys- 
 tem of doctrine which they venerated, and which 
 they so highly valued. 
 
 Such, brethren, are the outlines of the views I 
 entertain of the contemplated measure : I should 
 have considered myself deficient in duty to the 
 church committed to my care by you and by 
 heaven, did I not raise my warning voice in behalf 
 of the liturgy, and thus express the fears which 
 have disturbed my quiet. 
 
 Since our last meeting we have been deprived 
 of the labours of our affectionate brother, the Rev. 
 Mr. Dunn. The humiUty for which he was dis- 
 tinguished, the fidelity with which he laboured, 
 and the evangelical views he entertained on the 
 subject of religion, endeared him to us all. His 
 death was marked with the strongest features of 
 resignation to the will of the Almighty, and his 
 views of that rest which remaineth for the people 
 of God comforted him in his last moments, and 
 rendered the termination of his life truly triumph- 
 ant. He has entered, I trust, into the joy of his 
 Lord, and now rests in peace on the bosom of his 
 God. 
 
 In the beginning of the present month I visited 
 the county of Goochland, in company with the 
 Rev. Messrs. Meade, Cooke, Croes, and Johns. 
 
 Although the present incumbent has been set- 
 tled in that parish but one year, still the church, 
 the concerns of which had been dormant for thirty 
 years, now discovers a state of energy of no in- 
 considerable character. The people, animated 
 by the laborious efforts of the Rev. Mr. Lee, have 
 repaired one of the old churches, and put it in com- 
 plete order. Agreeably to their request, I conse- 
 crated it to the service of God, and confirmed 
 twelve persons. We all preached in succession 
 to large and attentive auditories. The Holy Com- 
 munion was administered the day after I left the 
 parish by the Rev. Mr. Meade, and the church 
 was joined by several new members. 
 
 On the last Sunday I visited the church on 
 Richmond Hill, which is under the superintend- 
 ence of the Rev. Mr. Hart, upon which occasion 
 I preached to a very large congregation, and ad- 
 ministered the rite of confirmation to nineteen 
 persons. It is with great pleasure I mention the 
 present prosperous state of that church. The 
 church has been put in complete repair, through 
 the efforts of a few spirited gentlemen, and is 
 second in its internal appearance to very few of 
 the churches in this diocess. 
 
 With my prayers to Heaven that our Conven- 
 tional proceedmgs at this time may be as distin- 
 guished by that peace and harmony which have 
 characterized our former deliberations, I now con- 
 clude this address. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore. 
 
 The secretary then presented to the Conven- 
 tion the following letter, received by him from the 
 secretaries of the House of Bishops and House 
 of Clerical and Lay Deputies. 
 To the Secretary of the Convention of the Diocess of 
 Virginia. 
 New-York, December 20, \82G. 
 
 Sir,— We have the honour of transmitting to 
 you, to be communicated to your Convention, the 
 following extracts from the Journal of the pro- 
 ceedings of the late General Convention of our 
 church. 
 
 Extract from the Journal of the House of Bishops. 
 *'0n motion of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, 
 
 " Resolved, That the House of Bishops propose 
 the following preambles and resolutions to the 
 House of Clerical and Lay Deputies : — 
 
 " The House of Bishops, deeply solicitous to 
 preserve unimpaired the liturgy of the church, 
 and yet desirous to remove the reasons alleged, 
 from the supposed length of the service, for the 
 omission of some of its parts, and particularly for 
 the omission of that part of the communion office 
 which is commonly called the ante-communion, 
 do unanimously propose to the House of Clerical 
 and Lay Deputies the following resolutions, to be 
 submitted to the several State Conventions, in 
 order to be acted upon at the next General Con- 
 vention, agreeably to the eighth article of the con- 
 stitution. 
 
 " L Resolved, That in ' The order how the 
 Psalter is appointed to be read,' the following be 
 added to the fourth paragraph — ' or any other 
 Psalm or Psalms, except on those days on which 
 proper Psahns are appointed :' so that the whole 
 paragraph will read as follows : — ' The minister, 
 instead of reading from the Psalter as divided for 
 daily morning and evening prayer, may read one 
 of the selections set out by this church, or any 
 other Psalm or Psalms, except on those days on 
 which ' proper Psalms' are appointed. 
 
 " 2. Resolved, That in ' The order how the rest 
 of the Holy Scripture is appointed to be read,' 
 the following be inserted after thelSfth paragraph : 
 — ' The minister may, at his discretion, instead of 
 the entire lessons, read suitable portions thereof, 
 not less than fifteen verses. And on other days 
 than Sundays and holydays, in those places where 
 morning and evenmg prayer is not daily used, he 
 may read other portions of the Old and New 
 Testaments instead of the prescribed lessons ; it 
 being recommended, that unless circumstances 
 render it inexpedient, on the stated prayer days 
 of Wednesdays and Fridays, the lessons for those 
 days, or for one of the mtervening days, be read.' 
 
 "The bishops, in the use of the oflSce of con- 
 firmation, finding that the preface is frequently 
 not well suited to the age and character of those 
 who are presented for this holy ordinance, unani- 
 mously propose the following resolution: — 
 
 " 3. Resolved, That after the present preface in 
 the office of confirmation, the following be in- 
 serted, to be used instead of the former, at the 
 discretion of the bishop : — ' It appears from Holy 
 Scripture, that the apostles laid their hands on 
 those who were baptized ; and this ordinance, 
 styled by the Apostle Paul the " laying on of 
 hands," and ranked by him among the principles 
 of the doctrine of Christ, has been retained in the 
 church, under the name of confirmation ; and is 
 very convenient and proper to be observed, to the 
 end that' persons being sufficiently instructed in 
 what they promised, or what was promised for 
 them in their baptism, and being in other respects 
 duly qualified, may themselves, with their own 
 mouth and consent, openly, before the church, 
 ratify and confirm the same; and also promise, 
 that by the grace of God they will evermore en 
 deavour themselves faithfully to observe such 
 things as they, by their own confession, have as- 
 sented unto.' 
 
 " And to correct the injurious misapprehension 
 as to the meaning of certain terms in the firs^ 
 collect in the office of confirmation, the bishops 
 unanimously propose the following resolution : — 
 
 " 4. Resolved, That after the first collect in the 
 office of confirmation, the following be inserted, 
 to be used at the discretion of the bishop, instead 
 of the first collect : — ' Almighty and everliving 
 God, who hast vouchsafed in baptism to regener 
 ate these thy servants by water and the Holy 
 
CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 199 
 
 Ghost, thus giving them a title to all the blessings 
 of thy covenant of grace and mercy in thy Son 
 Jesus Christ, and now dost graciously confirm 
 unto them, ratifying the promises then made, ail 
 their holy privileges ; grant unto them, we be- 
 seech thee, O Lord, the renewing of the Holy 
 Ghost ; strengthen them with the power of this 
 divine Comforter ; and daily increase in them thy 
 manifold gifts of grace, the spirit of wisdom and 
 understanding, the spirit of counsel and ghostly 
 strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godli- 
 ness ; and till them, O Lord, with the spirit of thy 
 holy fear, now and for ever. Amen.' 
 
 " And whereas, in the opinion of the bishops, 
 there is no doubt as to the obligation of ministers 
 to say, on all Sundays and other holydays, that 
 part of the communion office which is commonly 
 called the ante-communion, yet, as the practice 
 of some of the clergy is not conformable to this 
 construction of the rubric on this point, the House 
 of Bishops propose the following resolution : — 
 
 "5. Resolved, That the following be adopted 
 as a substitute for the first sentence in the rubric, 
 immediately after the communion office :— 
 
 " ' On all Sundays and other holydays shall be 
 said all that is appointed at the communion unto 
 the end of the gospel, concluding divine service, 
 in all cases when there is a sermon or commu- 
 nion, and when there is not, with the blessing.' " 
 
 Extract from the Journal of the House of Clerical and 
 Lay Deputies. 
 
 ■' The resolutions received from the House of 
 Bishops on the subject of the Psalter, &c., being 
 under consideration, it was Resolved, That this 
 house concur in the resolutions of the House of 
 Bishops." 
 
 Extract from the Journal of the House of Clerical and 
 Lay Deputies. 
 
 " Resolved, by the House of Clerical and Lay 
 Deputies, the House of Bishops concurring. That 
 it be made known to the several State Conven- 
 tions of this church, that it is proposed to con- 
 sider of and determine on, at the next General 
 Convention, the propriety of altering the second 
 clause of the eighth article of the constitution of 
 this church, by adding the words, ' or the articles 
 of religion,' after the words, ' other offices of the 
 church.' " 
 
 Extract from the Journal of the House of Bishops. 
 
 " A resolution was received from the House of 
 Clerical and Lay Deputies, proposisg to make 
 known to the several State Conventions a prop- 
 osition to consider of and determine on the ex- 
 pediency of altering the second clause of the 
 eighth article of the constitution of this church; 
 which was concurred in by this house." 
 
 We certify the above to be true extracts from 
 the Journal of the House of Bishops, and the Jour- 
 nal of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, 
 respectively, in the General Convention of 1826. 
 William H. De Lancey, Secretary of the 
 
 House of Bishops. 
 
 Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Secretary of the 
 
 House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the said letter be 
 referred to a select committee. 
 
 The president then appointed the Rev. Henry 
 W. Ducachet, M. D., the Rev. Wm H. Hart, 
 the Rev. Reuel Keith, Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr. 
 John Gray, Mr. Robert E. Steed, and Mr. Ger- 
 rard Alexander, on said committee. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Lewis Berke- 
 
 ley have leave of absence for the remainder of 
 the session of the Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 meet each day at 9 o'clock, A. M. during its 
 session. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 18, 1827. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Dr. Wilmer. 
 
 The bishop being absent, the Rev. Dr. Wil- 
 mer, on motion, was called to the chair. 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, of Frederick par- 
 ish, Frederick county, and the Rev. William 
 Marshall, of Leed's parish, Fauquier county, 
 appeared and took their seats. 
 
 Mr. George Fayette Washington, a lay dele- 
 gate of the parish of Norborne, Berkeley county, 
 and Mr. Robert Slaughter, a lay delegate of 
 the parish of St. Mark's, Culpepper county, ap- 
 peared and took their seats. 
 
 The parochial reports were handed in and 
 read, and referred to the committee upoii paro- 
 chial reports. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the 
 purpose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Mr. Hart, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Keith, 
 after which the Convention again met. 
 
 The bishop appeared and took his seat as 
 president of the Convention. 
 
 Mr. Obed Waite presented a petition, signed 
 by the members of the congregation of the 
 Episcopal church at Winchester, praying that 
 the church at Winchester may be hereafter 
 known by the name of Christ Church, Win- 
 chester, and formed into a separate parish, to 
 be called the parish of Frederick, Winchester, 
 and received as such into the Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the prayer of the 
 petitioners is reasonable, and that the same be 
 granted. 
 
 A motion was made and seconded, that the 
 Convention come to the following resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That the committee on parochial 
 reports be discharged, and that the reports be 
 spread on the Journal, as read to the Conven- 
 tion ; and, on the question being put thereupon, 
 it was rejected. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That Mr. John Gray 
 have leave of absence from the Convention for 
 the remainder of this day. 
 
 The secretary received the following contri- 
 butions from sundry parishes of this diocess for 
 the Contingent Fund : — 
 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle county, $15 00 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of 
 
 Fairfax, 30 00 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, - 20 00 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 30 00 
 Russell parish, Bedford county, - 30 00 
 St. James's parish, Noriham, Gooch- 
 land, - 10 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, - - 30 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $165 00 
 
200 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $165 00 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, - 10 00 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, 30 00 
 Christ Church, Norbome parish, Berke- 
 ley county, - - - - 5 25 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, 20 00 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, 15 00 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie, - - - 30 00 
 "Ware and Abingdon parishes, - - 15 00 
 Henrico parish, Henrico county, - 15 00 
 St. Andrew's parish, Jeiferson county, 15 00 
 Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county, - 20 00 
 St.-Margaret's parish, Caroline county, 27 27 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 22 00 
 Washington parish, Westmoreland, - 8 00 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county, 15 06 
 Donation by Mr. Richard Stuart of King 
 
 George, 5 00 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa, 20 00 
 
 Augusta parish, Augusta county, - 10 00 
 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun county, - 20 00 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, - 30 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county, 24 00 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - -. 30 00 
 
 Bruton parish, James city, - - 30 00 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 20 00 
 
 $601 58 
 
 The following sums have been received since 
 the last Convention towards the support of the 
 bishop's assistant for the year ending in May, 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - $30 00 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 20 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 20 00 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford, - - - 15 00 
 
 Louisa county, by Rev. Mri Crawford, 10 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - - 20 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, - - 15 00 
 
 $130 00 
 The following sums were paid towards the 
 support of the bishop's assistant for the year 
 ending May, 1827 : — 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, - $20 00 
 Louisa county, by the Rev. Mr. Craw- 
 ford, - - - - . - 10 00 
 Russell parish, Bedford county, - 10 00 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - 20 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 10 00 
 St. James's, Mecklenburg, - - 10 00 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle,. - 10 00 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, - 10 00 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 20 00 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Gooch- 
 land, 10 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, - - 10 00 
 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, - 10 00 
 
 Norbome parish, Berkeley, - . 12 00 
 Norbome parish, Christ Church, Berke- 
 
 „>y, - 6 00 
 
 Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glou- 
 
 cester, - . . . - 10 00 
 
 Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county, - 10 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $187 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, $187 00 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties, - - - - - 10 00 
 
 Lynnhavenparish, Princess Anne county, 10 00 
 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun county, - 10 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - 10 00 
 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, 9 00 
 
 $236 00 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9 
 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 19, 1827. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Mr. Meade. 
 
 The bishop being absent, the Rev. Dr. Wil- 
 mer was called to the chair. 
 
 Mr. P. Hansbrough produced a certificate 
 of his appointment as a lay delegate for the 
 parish of St. Mark's, Culpepper county (Mr 
 Robert Slaughter having retired), and Mr. 
 Festus Dickinson produced a certificate of his 
 appointment as a lay delegate for the parish of 
 St. Margaret's, Caroline county ; which certifi- 
 cates being read, were approved in conformity 
 with the canons, whereupon they took their 
 seats as members of this Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Croes, from the committee to 
 whom were referred the parochial reports, pre- 
 sented the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the parochial reports have 
 had the same under consideration, and have con- 
 densed them as far as in their opinion they 
 could do it with propriety. They much regret 
 that, after the numerous expressions of disappro- 
 bation on the part of this house, of statements 
 long, minute, and tedious, and not tending, ac- 
 cording to the language of the canon, " to throw 
 light on the state of the parishes," they should 
 have been compelled, in any instance, to curtail 
 or amend. 
 
 They humbly trust that the members of the 
 Convention will bear in mind the delicacy and 
 difficulty of the charge with which the commit- 
 tee have been intrusted, and duly appreciate the 
 motives which have actuated them in the alter- 
 ations they have made. They therefore re- 
 spectfully submit the reports, as amended, to 
 be disposed of, as the Convention may think 
 proper. Robt. B. Croes, Chairman. 
 
 Whereupon it was Resolved, That these re- 
 ports, as condensed by the committee, be insert- 
 ed on the Journal. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover. During the last 
 year it has pleased A mighty God to add to his 
 httle flock in St. Martin's parish eighteen com- 
 municants, which makes the present number 
 sixty-four. We have had six baptisms, eight 
 funerals, and one marriage. Our Bible Society, 
 which consists of seventy-five members, raises an- 
 nually about $100. The Education Society, which 
 has sixty members, about $70. Our Sunday 
 School, though not large, promises much useful- 
 ness. John Cooke. 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria. 
 Baptisms twenty — funerals four — marriages eight 
 — additions to the communion three. 
 
 Reubl Keith, Rector. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 201 
 
 The lay members from St. Paul's parish, in the 
 county of King George, state, that their parish is 
 without a minister, and ihat with the exception 
 of the ladies, among whom there are many bright 
 Christians, and all of them much concerned for 
 their souls, reUgion has greatly dechned. 
 
 Richard Stuart, 
 N. L. Washington. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The present 
 rector has had charge of his congregation only 
 three months— no material change has taken place 
 within that time. He found the congregation and 
 the various schools and societies connected with 
 it, as reported to preceding Conventions, in a very 
 prosperous state. The Sunday Schools contain 
 about two hundred and thirty scholars. A large 
 number of children are formed into Bible classes, 
 which promise much usefulness, besides which a 
 Bible class for adult females, under the care of the 
 rector, has been recently established. The female 
 Charitable School for the instruction of the poor 
 children in domestic employment, continues to ex- 
 ert a very beneficial influence ; it contains about 
 one hundred pupils, and meets every Saturday. 
 Upon the whole, we have reason to bless God for 
 the promising appearance in this part of his vine- 
 yard ; and humbly trust, from the very serious at- 
 tention that IS manifested by many, that there 
 will ere long be a great ingathering of souls to 
 God. 
 
 During the past year this congregation has li- 
 quidated a debt of upwards of ^3,000, leaving it 
 now almost entirely free from encumbrances. 
 
 Since the late rector resigned his charge, there 
 have been six added to the communion, four bap- 
 tized, one of whom was an adult, and three fu- 
 nerals. Wm. Jackson, Rector. 
 
 Leed's parish, Fauquier county. This parish 
 formerly stood connected with that of Hamilton 
 in the same county. It has within the last year 
 effected the maintenance of a distinct rector. 
 There are three places of worship, but as yet no 
 church is exclusively appropriated to the Episcopal 
 services. The congregations are small, the people 
 being very much divided in their predilection for 
 the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Bap- 
 tist denominations. The rector has, however, 
 flattered himself with the discovery of some en- 
 largement in the number attending his preaching. 
 Owing to the rector's not having it in his power 
 to administer the communion, the number of com- 
 municants is not precisely known. Baptisms 
 eight. Wm. L. Marshall. 
 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight. The minister 
 reports, that the church under his care, which for 
 more than twenty years has been in a state of di- 
 lapidation and destitute of gospel ordmances, be- 
 gins to rear her head, her courts again receive the 
 worshipping multitude, and her prospects are dai- 
 ly brightening with increasing numbers— devout 
 attention to ordinances, and a more earnest solici- 
 tude upon the subject of religion. He also reports, 
 with deep regret, that one of his churches has been 
 consumed, no doubt by the hands of an incendi- 
 ary. Baptisms three — marriages three— funerals 
 four. 
 
 Since last February he has had under his care 
 the church in Suffolk, Nansemond county, where 
 he has also been encouraged by an enlarged and 
 attentive congregation. Wm. G. H. Jones. 
 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county. The rector of 
 this parish was ordained a deacon in July last, and 
 immediately commenced his labours ; preaching 
 on two Sundays in each month in Sapony Church, 
 in the county of Diuwiddie, one Sunday in Red 
 Oak Church, in the county of Brunswick, and 
 the remaining Sunday in the courthouse at Hicks' 
 
 ford, in Greensville county. Sapony Church was 
 in a good state of repair, and, by the exertions of a 
 minister of the Presbyterian communion (who 
 preaches monthly in Red Oak Church), funds had 
 been provided for repairing that hou^e, which have 
 been so applied as to render its condition now 
 comfortable. The situation, however, of the people 
 among whom he officiated, was most discouraging. 
 The rector of Bath parish has been enabled, how- 
 ever, by God's grace, to persevere in his efforts to 
 make known the unsearchable riches of the love 
 of God m Christ Jesus to his perishing fellow- 
 mortals, and to build the church of the Redeemer 
 in this spiritual wilderness, notwithstanding the 
 difficulties which obstruct his progress. He suc- 
 ceeded, by the divine blessing, in inducing a few 
 who profess a partiality to the Episcopal Church, 
 to organize a congregation at Sapony Church in 
 March last, by electing a vestry, and he was at 
 the same tune chosen their rector. Since that 
 event he has been enabled to use the services of 
 the church with regularity : the members of the 
 congregations have been supplied with prayer- 
 books, and they unite generally and audibly with 
 the minister in the use of the Uturgy. 
 
 No opportunity having yet occurred for the ad- 
 ministration of the sacrament of the Lord's Sup- 
 per in his congregation, the rector is unable to 
 state with certainty the number of those who 
 would partake of that holy ordinance. From the 
 best information he has procured, he supposes the 
 number would be seven. Baptisms, four children, 
 one white and three coloured— funerals four — 
 marriages four— catechumens seven. 
 
 John Grammer. 
 
 The rector of Trinity Church, Protestant par- 
 ish, presents his report to the Convention this 
 year with the liveliest feeling of gratitude to the 
 great Head of the church for the fruit that has 
 been granted to his humble labours within the 
 course of the last twelve months. He ha;? been 
 blessed with the pleasing satisfaction of beholding 
 an increasing interest on the subject of religion 
 among his charge, manifested by an accession of 
 several families to his congregation, by a more reg- 
 ular attendance on the public ministrations of tlie 
 word, by a greater number of persons taking an 
 active part in the services of the sanctuary, and 
 by more devotion in the manner in which those 
 services are conducted. But that which proves 
 to him most satisfactorily the increase of religious 
 feeling among his people, is the conversion, the 
 true conversion, he trusts, of three individuals of 
 his small charge within the last six weeks, and 
 the inquiring state in which about half a dozen or 
 more are at this time. These have all given pos- 
 itive evidence of the strivings of the spirit of grace 
 upon their hearts, and the prevailing effect which 
 it has had upon them, by their inquiring the way 
 to Zion, and resolving not'to give over tlwiir search 
 after God until they have found him to the peace 
 and salvation of their souls. 
 
 Within a few months a Bible class has been 
 formed, composed at present of twenty-seven 
 members, and increasing daily. The exercises 
 are well attended, and, it is hoped, not without a 
 considerable beneficial influence. Very recently 
 a Sabbath School has been organized also in this 
 parish, which promises to be productive of much 
 good. There are twelve teachers and eighty 
 scholars. The rector of this church further re- 
 ports, that at the -close of the last year he ceased 
 his regular monthly ministrations in the parish of 
 Lynnhaven ; so that that people are now without 
 a minister to break to them the bread of hfe. Mar- 
 riages six — baptisms sixteen— communicants fif- 
 teen — funerals eight. 
 
202 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 In closing his report, the rector of Trinity 
 Church begs the members of this Convention, m 
 their prayers ibr the spread of the gospel and in- 
 crease of true religion generally, to remember 
 that portion of God's vineyard, in particular, of 
 which he is placed in charge. All which is re- 
 spectfully submitted. 
 
 John H. Winofield. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. The 
 minister of this church has pleasure in reporting 
 it as being in a prosperous condition. The con- 
 gregation during the past year has always been 
 large, regvilar, and attentive ; and is still increasing 
 in numbers. The influence of the gospel has been 
 realized to a very encouraging extent during that 
 period. For the greater part of the year, but few 
 mdications of a beneficial minisfration of the word 
 and doctrine gladdened our hearts ; but He who 
 has said, " In the morning sow thy seed, and in the 
 evening withhold not thine hand," at length in his 
 faithfulness remembered us, and granted us some 
 reviving proofs of his grace and love. Several of 
 our number being thus graciously visited, have 
 been called out of darkness into marvellous light, 
 while others are anxiously inquiring what they 
 must do to be saved. 
 
 There are two flourishing Bible classes under 
 our care. From this method of religious instruc- 
 tion we have found much important advantage to 
 arise, and think that no small share of the recent 
 spiritual improvement of the congregation may be 
 ascribed to it. 
 
 The Sunday Schools belonging to the church 
 are still in a most flourishing state. The number 
 of scholars, male and female, amounts to two hun- 
 dred and fifty. 
 
 The Fredericksburg Common Prayer-Book and 
 Tract Society is still in active and successful 
 operation. 
 
 The Female Education Society, auxiliary to 
 the Education Society of Virginia and Maryland, 
 is still lealous for the object of its formation, and 
 contributes its proportion to the funds of the pa- 
 rent institution. 
 
 A Female Domestic Missionary Society has ex- 
 isted among us for several years. Several mis- 
 sionaries have in that lime been employed, and 
 the gratifying assurance enjoyed of much irnpor- 
 tant good done by them m some of our adjoining 
 parishes. The society is now anxious to employ 
 a missionary. 
 
 The Charity Schools connected with the church 
 are of a highly interesting character ; they ar^ two 
 in number, one of males, the other of females. 
 About forty-five children are educated in them, 
 some of whom are clothed and boarded. These ex- 
 cellent institutions share largely of the spiritual 
 care and pecuniary assistance of the congregation, 
 while, as objects of general favour and of general 
 good, they derive from other sources a part of their 
 support. Baptisms during the past year sixteen 
 (one adult)— communicants one hundred— mar- 
 riages twelve — funerals nine. 
 
 Edward C. M'Guire. 
 
 Washington parish, Westmoreland. The parish 
 is not in as good a state as when last reported. 
 There is an apparent indifference towards the in- 
 terests of the church, except by a few who are 
 still attached to her doctrines and worship, and 
 who, it is trusted, are growing in grace and in the 
 knowledge of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 Baptisms twenty-two — funerals twelve — commu- 
 nicants eight — marriages eleven. 
 
 JosiAS Clapham. 
 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county. Commu- 
 nicants About forty-five, two having removed and 
 two being added since the last Convention :— mar- 
 
 riages three — baptisms ten, one of which was an 
 adult — funerals three. 
 
 George A. Smith. 
 
 Chapel congregation in the parish of Frederick, 
 The attendance upon divine worship is punctual, 
 and the conduct of the members correct. It is a 
 matter of lamentation, that during the past year 
 only one communicant has been added. The 
 number of baptisms has been sixty, forty-eight of 
 which were coloured children, twelve whites. 
 'I'he missionary meetings are still well attended, 
 and a considerable fund arises therefrom. , 
 
 William Mkade. 
 
 Christ Church, Fredericksville parish. Though 
 nothing pecuUarly striking, in a religious point of 
 view, has occurred in this charge since the last 
 Convention, it is manifest that the interests of re- 
 ligion and of the church are gradually improving 
 under the blessing of the Most High. 
 
 Several members have been added to our com- 
 munion during the last year ; indeed, scarcely one 
 sacramental occasion is remembered when some 
 new converts from sin and the world have not 
 been gathered into the fold of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Upon the whole, it is with fervent and devout 
 gratitude to our Divine Head, that the rector per- 
 ceives a gradual state of improvement in his par- 
 ish, the continuance of which he has no reason to 
 doubt. His congregations are orderly, devout, 
 and attentive to the word preached ; in that of 
 Charlottesville there are constantly to be seen 
 from fifty to sixty interesting youths, members of 
 the University of Virginia, whose attention and 
 good conduct on all religious occasions, and the 
 private expressions of whose personal kind re- 
 gard for the rector, ought to be acknowledged, as 
 IS here done, with gratitude. Many difficulties 
 and discouragements have attended our progress 
 hitherto, but they are gradually vanishing, or be- 
 coming less formidable. The cause is God's, and 
 the work is his. It must prosper ; be the glory 
 his. Communicants about fifty— baptisms twelve 
 — funerals ten. F. W. Hatch. 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county. The min- 
 ister was received into this parish immediately 
 after the last Con-yention. Since then he has 
 regularly officiated in three different churches in 
 the county, and often in private houses during 
 the week. The attendance upon the Sabbath 
 day has been generally very good ; upon some 
 occasions the churches have been filled to over- 
 flowing. St. Matthew's, which was in a ruinous 
 state, has been repaired, and is now very comfort- 
 able for public worship. It is believed that St. 
 Luke's will in the course of the present year be 
 repaired, or else a new one built. The church at 
 New-Glasgow remains in the same condition in 
 which it was found. The Episcopal communi- 
 cants are twenty-seven, eleven of whom have been 
 added during the past year : including those of 
 other denominations who commune, and are ap- 
 parently friendly, the whole number would not be 
 less than sixty. 
 
 In two of the congregations there is a Bible 
 class, consisting of from ten to fifteen members. 
 The children have been occasionally catechised. 
 Baptisms thirteen — marriages two. 
 
 By the repeated deaths of parishioners, the 
 minister has been admonished to work the work 
 of the Lord while it is day, and to exhort all to 
 flee from the wrath to come. 
 
 The ladies of the parish have contributed $30 
 to make the minister a life member of the Educa- 
 tion Society. 
 
 May it please God, by the influences of the Holy 
 Ghost, to put into the hearts of many to devote 
 themselves unreservedly to him, which is their 
 
CONVENTION OF 1827/ 
 
 203 
 
 reasonable service. If the ministrations can be 
 regularly continued, it is believed that religion 
 will flourish, and the interests of the church V^e 
 revived in Lexington parish. 
 
 Charles H. Page. 
 
 The churches under the care of the rector of St. 
 Andrew's parish, Jefferson county, are much in the 
 same condition as when last reported. If there is 
 any circumstance which indicates an improve- 
 ment and affords any encouragement, it is the in- 
 crease of the congregations ; they now are large, 
 and generally as full as can be conveniently accom- 
 modated ; they are also attentive to the preach- 
 ing of the word of God ; and occasionally one or 
 two persons have been added to the church of such 
 as we may hope will be saved. Three of those 
 who have taken up the cross of Christ, and pro- 
 fessed to the world that they are his disciples by 
 obeying his word and uniting themselves to his 
 church, are young men of sincere piety and much 
 promise, who are anxious to preach the gospel, 
 and who are now preparing with zeal and diligence 
 to enter the seminary of Alexandria : one will 
 probably be entered at the commencement of the 
 next session, and the other two a year from that 
 period. It is, however, a subject of lamentation 
 and sorrow with the pastor and the pious nnder 
 his charge, that there is a great and general indif- 
 ference prevalent in this parish to the truths of 
 the gospel, and that but few are turned from the 
 error of their ways. An Auxiliary Education So- 
 ciety is still existing. Baptisms twenty— mar- 
 riages seven — additions to the communion eight — 
 whole number of communicants in all the congre- 
 gations, about one hundred and ten. 
 
 Alex. Jones. 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline. This parish 
 has been in a destitute state for the last thirty 
 years, till within six months past. Like many of 
 the old churches in the diocess, this was fast sink- 
 ing to ruin, when, about a year ago, subscriptions 
 were obtained sufficient to repair the fallen wall, 
 and secure the exterior of the building. Much is 
 yet necessary to be done to make it comfortable, 
 and we hope ere long it will be made so. We 
 are encouraged to hope the work of grace has been 
 commenced and carried on in the hearts of some 
 of our congregation. The number of those who 
 are decided in their attachment to the doctrines 
 and worship of our church is yet small, but, we 
 hope, will increase. Service has been held at the 
 church and at the Bowling Green regularly since 
 last November, and, with the assistance of some 
 of the brethren from other counties, the commu- 
 nion has been administered twice ; at the first 
 celebration twelve persons united themselves to 
 the communion, and we trust also to the Saviour ; 
 at the second season, on the 6th of the present 
 month, ten joined us, and we now number twenty- 
 two. Baptisms four— marriages three. 
 
 L. H. Johns. 
 
 The rector of Bruton parish, Williamsburg, re- 
 ports, that the condition of the church under his 
 charge is somewhat improving. The building has 
 been repaired — the congregation attend regularly 
 upon public worship. An increasing attention to 
 the order and services of the church is manifest- 
 ed, and the hope is entertained that the pure 
 religion of Jesus Christ is gaining ground. A 
 kind feeling towards the church prevails among 
 the various denominations of Christians, and the 
 rector deems it matter of advantage to the church, 
 as well as of duty and inclination, to cherish and 
 reciprocate this catholic spirit. There is a flour- 
 ishing Sunday School attached to the congrega- 
 tion, consisting of one hundred and fifteen schol- 
 
 ars, which does honour to the Zealand piety of its 
 teachers. 
 
 The number of communicants belonging to the 
 church is about thirty, ten of whom have been 
 added lately. Baptisms twelve — marriages ten — 
 funerals three, William H. Wilmer. 
 
 'I'he rector of Christ Church, Norfolk, reports 
 to the Convention, that, since their last session, 
 there have been baptized by him and in his parish 
 fifty-seven persons, of whom three were adults. 
 There have been eight marriages, and thirty fu- 
 nerals. The number of communicants is at pres- 
 ent one hundred and eighty-seven, of whom 
 twelve have been received during the past year. 
 At the bishop's visit in July last, twenty-two per- 
 sons were confirmed by him. The Sunday School, 
 just separated from a union with the Methodist 
 school, numbers twenty-two teachers and one 
 hundred and fifteen scholars, and is at this time 
 in a peculiarly promising condition. The cate- 
 chetical examinations and lectures of the rector, 
 after divine service on Sunday afternoons, are at- 
 tended by a very large number of children, male 
 and female. And the weekly evening lectures, 
 from house to house, also continue to command 
 interest. 
 
 A Bible class was instituted in January last, 
 which numbers about one hundred members. 
 About thirty of these, principally ladies of the 
 congregation, of all ages, from fifteen upwards, 
 take an active part in the exercises, and appear 
 to be deeply interested in the study of the sacred 
 Scriptures. 
 
 The rector regrets to state, that, in the exten- 
 sive fire which broke out in Norfolk on the 
 morning of the 9th of March last, the stately and 
 commodious church belonging to the congrega- 
 tion was destroyed. Providentially, there had 
 been effected upon the building an insurance for 
 $12,000, and another upon the organ for $2,000. 
 There will be no difficulty in rebuilding the 
 church, as the sum recovered upon the policies, 
 added to the liberal contributions of the members 
 of the parish, will, it is believed, be amply suffi- 
 cient to erect a spacious and even handsome edi- 
 fice. Arrangements have been made for the 
 building of a new church ; and its erection will, 
 by divine permission, be immediately commenced. 
 
 Amid all the distresses and inconveniences, 
 however, under which we labour, we have reason 
 to thank God and take courage. There never has 
 been, during the ministry of the incumbent, so 
 much interest in religion in this parish as exists 
 at this time. A deep solemnity pervades the 
 minds of many ; and we have had the delightful 
 satisfaction of seeing some few converted from 
 their impenitence, and turned to the love and ser- 
 vice of God. 
 During the past year there have been 
 
 contributed by the parish to the Edu- 
 cation Society, - - - - - $192 27 
 Thirty dollars of which were paid to 
 
 constitute the rector a life member of 
 
 the society. 
 The bishop's assistant's salary, - - 20 00 
 The contingent fund of the diocess, - 30 00 
 The Theological Seminary (balance, of 
 
 a subscription), 10 00 
 
 $252 27 
 Henry W. Ducachkt. 
 I have been settled over the united parishes of 
 Abingdon and Ware for a period little exceeding 
 a year. Every thing evinces that the effort to 
 revive the church in this section of Virginia will 
 assuredly succeed. Our temporal prospects are 
 as favourable as could possibly be expected or de- 
 
204 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 sired. In spiritual things, however, we have not 
 yet found that which should at all authorize us to 
 rejoice. For the want of proper assistance, we 
 have been enabled to celebrate the sacrament of 
 the Lord's Supper but once. We then numbered 
 forty communicants, only fifteen of whom may be 
 certainly considered as members of the Episcopal 
 church. This fact, however, evinces the favoura- 
 ble disposition of other denominations, which we 
 are glad to witness, and which we will affection- 
 ately encourage. Our Sunday Schools, of which 
 we have several, are flourishing. Our auxiliary 
 Education Society (recently formed) made a very 
 liberal remittance to the parent institution ; and 
 our general prospects, we leei constrained to hope, 
 are favourable. 
 
 Smce my settlement in this county I have per- 
 formed divine service in Yorktown every fort- 
 night, as the weather permitted my crossing the 
 river. The population in that place is thin, in 
 consequence of which my congregations thfere 
 have been small. The generality of the people, 
 however, appear to be pleased with the services 
 of the church, and I would fain believe my labours 
 among them have not been in vain. 
 
 Since the time of my settlement in Gloucester 
 the number of marriages has been eight — bap- 
 tisms eight — burials five. 
 
 Wm. D. Cairns. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Es- 
 sex county. In reviewing the labours of the past 
 year, and reflecting upon his present prospects, 
 the rector, though he sees cause to mourn as well 
 as rejoice, has much to encourage him, and kindle 
 the purest gratitude to that blessed Lord and 
 Master who hath called him to the work of the 
 ministry. Much is there around him which re- 
 tards the progress of the church, and the spread 
 of pure godliness among the people. But still he 
 is warranted m stating, and to the glory of God's 
 grace be it recorded, that the pleasure of the 
 Lord has, in some degree, prospered in his hands. 
 The church of the livihg God is arising in her 
 glory, she is laying her foundations broad and 
 deep. The increase in the number of those who 
 frequent the sanctuary, and other things to which 
 we cannot give any tangible form, show that 
 there is a gradual and permanent advancement in 
 this heavenly cause. The word preached has, in 
 some few cases, been made the power of God 
 unto salvation. About ten souls, it is believed, 
 have been renewed by the Holy Ghost : the image 
 of their Saviour is upon them, and he who has 
 been made the minister of God's grace unto them 
 looks forward to the day of our Lord with a 
 triumphant hope that they will then appear as his 
 crown of rejoicing. At this time there are others 
 who appear to be under the influ^ce of saving 
 grace, and, it is hoped, will soon join themselves 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 The repairs mentioned in the last report have 
 progressed nearly as far as was anticipated, and 
 we are not without hope that they will soon be 
 entirely finished. Should this be the case, the 
 church in St. Anne's will have undergone a 
 thorough repair, and be in every respect a neat 
 a.nd commodious building. 
 
 Present number of communicants in both par- 
 ishes thirty-three (one servant) — marriages three 
 — baptisms seventeen (one adult) — burials ten. 
 John P. M'Guire. 
 
 Henrico parish. It is with gratitude to the 
 great Author of every blessing that the rector is 
 ^^nabled to represent the state of this church as 
 flourishing, and its prospects highly flattering. 
 An increasing zeal for vital religion has beert 
 manifest during the past year, and numbers have 
 
 been added to the church of such as, we hum- 
 bly trust, shall be saved. The Sunday School 
 of this church is in constant and successful opera- 
 tion. It numbers one hundred and ninety scholars, 
 and twenty-two teachers. The happy influence 
 of this school is apparent in every department 
 of the church. Many of the teachers have been 
 hopefully converted unto God, and, together with 
 many of their scholars, seem to be deeply impres- 
 sed with concern for the welfare of their immortal 
 souls. Nothing but the experience of the past 
 year could have convinced the rector of the vast 
 extent of benefit to be derived from a well-con- 
 ducted Sunday School. Through the exertions 
 of the teachers, aided by the congregation, the 
 interior of the church has lately been painted, 
 and otherwise much improved. The rector has 
 held regular lectures during the week, and attend- 
 ed a large Bible class, both of which, he has rea- 
 son to believe, have been productive of much 
 good. Communicants thirty-three, ten of whom 
 have joined within the year past. 
 
 There are many communicants residing within 
 the neighbourhood of Richmond, who have been 
 heretofore reported, but are not included in the 
 above list. And it is worthy of remark, that of 
 the ten who have lately joined, five are teachers 
 of the Sunday School ; and that of the nineteen 
 who have lately received confirmation, eleven are 
 attached to the same school. Marriages fifteen — 
 baptisms, six adults, seventeen infants. 
 
 Wm. H. Hart. 
 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia county. Since the last 
 Convention the affairs of this parish have assu- 
 med a more encouraging aspect. Although the 
 minister cannot say that many have operJy taken 
 the side of the Lord, yet the increased serious- 
 ness exhibits a pleasing contrast with the care- 
 lessness which prevailed. 
 
 The church has been comfortably repaired, and 
 the congregations are respectable and attentive — 
 and, upon the whole, there is good ground for 
 hope that the church will again become strong in 
 this parish. The communion has not been ad- 
 ministered here for a number of years. The bap- 
 tisms are two — one funeral. 
 
 St. James's, Northam, Goochland county. Prov- 
 idence has in some degree blessed the minis- 
 terial labours in this parish. Since the last year 
 ten have been added to the church ; and there 
 are others whose hard hearts the Lord hath bro- 
 ken, and who are anxious to confess him before 
 men. One of the churches has been repaired, 
 and in this the congregation is respectable in 
 numbers. Animating hopes are entertained of 
 success in the efforts which are now making to 
 beat down the prejudices, which in this parish 
 are very strong, against our liturgy, and generally 
 against our polity. Baptisms sixteen— marriage's 
 three — deaths two — communicants nineteen. 
 
 William F. Lee. 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester. During the past 
 year the town of Winchester has been seriously 
 afflicted by sickness, and removal by death of 
 several valued members of our church. It is 
 hoped that these afflictions have been in some 
 degree sanctified by that kind Hand which sent 
 them, and have produced a deeper seriousness, 
 and an increasing attention to the means of grace, 
 among those who are attached to the church. 
 
 A Bible class is continued in successful opera- 
 tion, and promises much usefulness. 
 
 The Sunday School contains about fifty schol- 
 ars, but may be considered as in a languishing 
 state, owing, perhaps, in a great degree, to the 
 congregation not being duly impressed with the 
 importance of the school. The weekly lecture. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 205 
 
 which is held from house to house, is well attend- 
 ed, and the benevolent institutions which have 
 been formed continue to receive unremitting at- 
 tention. 
 
 The ladies of the congregation have, by their 
 benevolent exertions during the past year, con- 
 stituted their pastor a life member of the Educa- 
 tion Society, and also a life member of the Amer- 
 ican Tract Society. Communicants forty-three 
 — baptisms nine — marriages five — deaths sixteen. 
 
 The rector also reports, that Christ Church, in 
 the parish of Norborne, at which he preaches 
 once a month, is well attended, although his 
 hands have not been strengthened, nor his heart 
 made glad by an increase of communicants, the 
 precise number of which he has not been able to 
 ascertain. J. E. Jackson. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. No occurrences of 
 any great importance, with respect to the state of 
 the church in this parish, have taken place since 
 the last communication that was made to the Con- 
 vention. I have the satisfaction to remark, that 
 there is no faUing off in the attendance of the in- 
 habitants on their religious duties, but rather 
 some improvement in that respect : public wor- 
 ship is generally well attended . the number of 
 communicants is, indeed, not numerous, only 
 about forty or forty -five. There was a society of 
 females formed two or three years ago, styled the 
 " Female Episcopal Society of Petersburg," aux- 
 iliary to the society in Alexandria. Since its 
 formation, it has carried on the object intended 
 successfully ; considerable sums of money have 
 been remitted to the parent society. Marriages 
 in twelve months, nine — baptisms twenty-four — 
 funerals thirteen. Anorew Syme. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. This congre- 
 gation has enjoyed the privilege of an appropriate 
 place of worship only since the last meeting of 
 the Convention, at which time St. Paul's Church 
 was consecrated. The stated religious services 
 during the past year, besides those on Sunday 
 morning and evening, have consisted of lectures 
 on Wednesday evening in the church, and on 
 Friday evening in private houses ; all of which 
 have been generally well and devoutly attended, 
 and in all the church hturgy is undeviatingly 
 used. 
 
 A Sunday School Society was formed in Sep- 
 tember, for the support of a Sunday School in the 
 church, which has already been highly useful, 
 and gives promise of lasting good as a nursery of 
 piety and scriptural knowledge. The society has 
 lately become an auxiliary to the General Epis- 
 copal Sunday School Union. In November an 
 excellent organ was opened in the church, at an 
 expense of twelve hundred dollars, which has 
 been defrayed almost exclusively by the young 
 gentlemen of Lynchburg. On Christmas-day a 
 society of young ladies was constituted, in aid of 
 the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of 
 the Episcopal Church, which has become respon- 
 sible for the support of a heathen child in the 
 Mission School at Green Bay. Its contributions, 
 though small, will, it is trusted, be regular and 
 permanent. The rector is deeply pained to report, 
 that out of so large and interesting a congregation 
 as that to which he ministers, only fourteen per- 
 sons have yet publicly professed their faith in 
 Christ by partaking of the holy communion. Sun- 
 day scholars sixty — baptisms five — marriages two 
 — burials nine. F. G. Smith. 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley county. The rec- 
 tor reports about ten baptisms, ^nd eight persons 
 added to the communion during the last year. 
 The Female Education Society has not diminish- 
 ed in numbers or zeal, and the Union Sunday 
 
 School, with vyhich the parish is connected, has 
 recommenced its operations. 
 
 The spiritual improvement of the congregation 
 during the last year is encouraging, and the zeal 
 of some members of the communion is worthy of 
 remark, and calls for gratitude to God. 
 
 John T. Brooke. 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond. Communi- 
 cants (thirteen added) about one hundred and 
 fifty — baptisms (of adults one, of children twenty- 
 four) twenty-five — Sunday scholars about one 
 hundred and thirty-five. 
 
 The spiritual concerns of this parish, it is be- 
 lieved, are improving. An increased attention to 
 religion has within a few months manifested 
 itself, especially among the younger members of 
 the congregation ; and on the approaching cele- 
 bration of the communion it is expected that 
 several persons will come forward, and for the 
 first time testify their love to their Saviour, by 
 partaking of those symbols v/hich were designed 
 to be means of grace, and pledges to assure us of 
 God's acceptance. 
 
 The Sunday School is flourishing. This school 
 (in conjunction with that of Henrico parish, con- 
 stituting the Richmond Episcopal Sunday School 
 Society) has lately become auxiliary to the very 
 important institution lately established by the 
 members of the General Convention, entitled, 
 " The General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School 
 Union."*' To the credit ol the male teachers of 
 the Richmond Union it ought to be mentioned 
 that, in the course of the past year, they have 
 published an edition of the Rev. Titus Strong's 
 very popular Letters, entitled, " A Candid Exam- 
 ination of the Episcopal Church," which have 
 been extensively distributed through the diocess, 
 and produced the good etfect of exciting a spirit 
 of inquiry to the claims of our communion, and of 
 strengthening the attachment of many to the 
 faith and order of the gospel, as maintained by 
 apostolic and primitive men. 
 
 Richard Channixg Moore. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. In this parish 
 the interests of the church are gradually but per- 
 manently improving. The prejudices against our 
 forms are rapidly subsiding ; the confidence of the 
 public is regained, and the affections of thp young, 
 particularly, are secured. The congregations are 
 always seriously attentive, and it is believed that 
 the spirit of God is silently but effectually per- 
 forming the work of grace on the hearts of many. 
 Though the gain to the church has been rather 
 in the way of moral weight than of numerical 
 accession, yet since the last Convention six com- 
 municants have been added, and three or four 
 more will be received the next communion. By 
 the erection of two churches in a small and infant 
 parish, the congregations have not hitherto been 
 enabled to contribute to those objects which have 
 so many claims upon our charities. But for the 
 future better things may be expected. The ladies 
 of one of the churches (St. Stephen's) have, by a 
 contribution of $135, constituted their minister a 
 life member of the Education Society : in the 
 same church an available auxiliary will immedi- 
 ately be organized. In each of the churches a 
 Bible class has been formed, with the prospect of 
 good. Baptisms thirty-one — marriages eight — fu- 
 nerals eight— communicants sixteen. 
 
 Nicholas H. Cobes. 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county. The 
 present minister of this church has officiated in it 
 twice in every month since December last. The 
 
 * See on another page of this Journal the re- 
 port of the committee on the state of the church. 
 
206 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Woodville officiates regularly once a 
 month, and has administered the sacrament of 
 the Lord's Supper twice since December. The 
 congregations are generally considerable in num- 
 ber and attentive. A Sunday School is in suc- 
 cessful operation, and a Female Education So- 
 ciety has for some lime contributed regularly to 
 the' funds of the parent institution. The minister 
 of St. Stephen's has also preached twice in each 
 month at Orange courthouse, where the congre- 
 gations have been large and attentive, and pros- 
 pects encouraging. Number of communicants 
 not known. G. A. Smith. 
 
 The congregation in the town of Wheeling is 
 gradually improving, and its present prospects are 
 favourable. Last winter the evening lectures of 
 the rector were better attended than they had 
 been for two years back. Communicants thirty- 
 seven — baptisms thirteen— marriages fifteen. 
 
 In March, 1825, the rector took charge of St. 
 John's Church, in Brooke county, twenty-five 
 miles from Wheeling. St. John's Church had 
 stood in an unfinished state for twenty-five years ; 
 the congregation had been very much neglected. 
 In the fall of the year 1825 the church was fin- 
 ished, and it is a source of gratification to know 
 that the congregation is very large, and a work 
 of grace seems to be going on among the people. 
 Communicants thirty-four. 
 
 I preach part of my time in the town of Wells- 
 burg, sixteen miles from Wheeling, in Brooke 
 county. The congregation is large and very at- 
 tentive. We have no church in Wellsburg, but 
 I hope It will not be long before we shall have one. 
 John Armstrong. 
 
 Mr. Hugh Nelson, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 made a report, which was read, and is as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 The committee on the treasurer's accounts 
 
 beg leave to report, that they have had the same 
 
 under consideration, and find them to be correct. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the said report 
 
 be received and approved. 
 
 Mr. Dabney, from the committee to whom 
 was referred the examination of the accounts 
 of the treasurer of the funds of the widows and 
 orphans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia, made the following report : — 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 examination of the " fund for the relief of dis- 
 tressed widows and orphans of clergymen," 
 have, according to order, had the same under 
 consideration, and beg leave to report ihe fol- 
 lowing as a correct statement rendered by the 
 treasurer. 
 
 The fund for the relief of the widows and or- 
 phans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal 
 Church of the Diucess of Virginia, in account 
 vxith John Hooff, treasurer. Dr. 
 
 1826, Aug. 14. 
 To cash paid Dr. Wilmer for Mrs. 
 
 Whitaker, - - - $20 00 
 
 Nov. 15. 
 
 To cash paid for two shares of stock 
 of the Farmers' Bank of Alexan- 
 dria, at $41 50 per share, - 83 00 
 Balance in the hands of the treasu- 
 rer, - 129 73 
 
 $232 73 
 
 1826, May 4. Cr. 
 By old amount per balance, - - $6 61 
 
 Aug. 16. 
 
 One quarter's dividend on three per 
 
 cent, stock, - - - - 15 28 
 
 Oct. 3. 
 
 Dividend on "sixty-five shares of Far- 
 mers' Bank of Alexandria, at $1 25 
 per share, - - - - 81 25 
 
 1827, April 3. 
 
 Do. on sixty-seven shares of ditto, 83 75 
 
 April 5. 
 
 Three quarter's dividend three per 
 
 cent. U. S. stock, - - - 45 84 
 
 $232 73 
 
 The funds are as follows : — 
 United States three per cent, stock, $2,037 78 
 One share of stock, Bank of Vir- 
 ginia (par), - - - - 100 00 
 Sixty-seven shares of stock, Far- 
 mers' Bank of Alexandria, par 
 value, . . - _ . 3,350 00 
 Robert Andrews's executor's note, 
 balance bearing interest from the 
 day of , - - - 
 
 Cash on hand, - 
 
 405 00 
 
 $5,892 78 
 129 73 
 
 $6,022 51 
 
 The committee are pleased to observe that 
 this fund is in a state of gradual increase. The 
 objects of its bounty are at present but few, 
 and it is hoped that, should the dispensation of 
 Providence afflict the church by the removal of 
 any of God's labourers in the holy ministry, 
 their widows and children will not be exposed 
 to comfortless want, nor be forced to rely for 
 support on the reluctant charity of the world. 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Reuel Keith, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, the above report was accepted. 
 
 The special committee to whom were refer- 
 red the communication from the secretaries of 
 the House of Bishops and of the House of Cler- 
 ical and Lay Delegates to the secretary of this 
 Convention, presented a report. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the said report 
 be laid upon the table. 
 
 The proceedings of the standing committee 
 since the last Convention were read. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Mr. Croes, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. 
 Tyng of Maryland. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the treasurer of 
 this Convention pay to the secretary of the 
 House of Clerical and Lay Delegates the assess- 
 ment upon this diocess, for the purpose of de- 
 fraying the contingent expenses of the last Gen- 
 eral Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the dioCess of 
 Virginia be held in the town of Petersburg, on 
 the third Thursday in May next. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 207 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lippit, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the state of the fund for 
 the permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess, presented the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 account of the treasurer of the fund for the 
 support of the episcopate in this diocess, 
 
 Report, That in consequence of the treasurer 
 not having forwarded his accounts, they have 
 nothing special to present to the Convention. 
 E. R. LiPPiT, Chairman. 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the elec- 
 tion, by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent 
 this diocess in the next General Convention of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Uni- 
 ted States : whereupon the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. William H. 
 Wilmer, D. D., Rev. William Meade, Rev. 
 Edward C. M'Guire, Rev. Reuel Keith, Dr. 
 Carter Berkeley, Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. James 
 M. Garnett, and Mr. Hugh Nelson. 
 
 The bishop appeared and took his seat as 
 president of the Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay 
 to the doorkeeper of this Convention the sum 
 of five dollars for his services. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously, That the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 citizens of this place, for their kind and hospita- 
 ble attentions to the members of the Conven- 
 tion during its session. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 ministers of the Presbyterian, Methodist, and 
 Baptist churches in this place, for the liberal 
 and kind offer of their churches for the use of 
 the Convention. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the 
 church in this diocess for the ensuing year : — 
 whereupon the following gentlemen were duly 
 elected, viz. : — the Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev. 
 Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jackson, 
 the Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. John Hooff, 
 and Edmund J. Lee, Esq. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the thanks of the 
 Convention be presented to the secretary, and 
 treasurer for their faithful services, and that the 
 treasurer pay to the secretary his expenses in- 
 curred in attending this Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That 800 copies of the 
 Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis- 
 tributed by the secretary among the parishes, 
 under the superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, that the bishop of this 
 diocess, the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, the Rev. Mr. 
 Hart, and the Rev. Mr. Grammer, be appointed 
 a committee to arrange and publish, in the form 
 of a tract, such an edition of the constitution 
 and canons of the church in this diocess, with 
 such remarks explanatory of the form of govern- 
 ment and polity of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church as they may deem necessary, and dis- 
 tribute the same when published among the dif- 
 ferent parishes in. this diocess. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the sum of sixty- 
 
 four dollars be appropriated to the bishop for the 
 support of his assistant out of the contingent 
 fund, to make up, with the sum paid in for that 
 purpose during the present Convention, the sum 
 of $300, in pursuance of the pledge made by 
 the last Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the several par- 
 ishes of this diocess be required to pay annu- 
 ally the same sums which were assessed upon 
 them for the payment of the bishop for his epis- 
 copal services during the last year, and that 
 said assessment be again spread upon the 
 Journals of this Convention. 
 
 Leed's pari.sh, - - - - $10 00 
 
 Town of Suffolk, - - - 7 50 
 
 Parish of Suffolk, - . - 7 50 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford, - - 10 00 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover, - 10 00 
 
 Shelburne parish, - - - 10 GO 
 
 Hungar's parish, - - - . 10 00 
 
 Henrico parish, - - - 15 00 
 
 Fredericksville parish, - - 10 00 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, - - - 10 00 
 
 Frederick parish, - - - 15 00 
 
 St. George's parish, - - - 15 00 
 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, - 10 00 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, - 20 00 
 
 Lynchburg parish, - - - 10 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, 10 00 
 
 Augusta parish, Staunton, - - 10 00 
 
 Bristol parish, - - - - 20 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 10 00 
 
 Portsmouth parish, - - - 10 00 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier, - 10 00 
 
 Gloucester county, - - - 10 00 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley, - 10 00 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, ' - - 20 00 
 
 Accomack county, - - - 10 00 
 
 Amherst county, - - - 10 00 
 
 Kanawha county, - - - 10 OO 
 
 Culpepper, - - - - 10 00 
 
 Orange, 10 00 
 
 Romney, ----- 6 00 
 
 Goochland, - - - - 10 00 
 
 Amelia, - - - - 10 00 
 
 Louisa, - - - - 10 00 
 
 Wheeling, - - - - 10 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, ,- - 10 00 
 The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the cornmittee 
 
 on the state of the church in this diocess, pre- 
 sented the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave to report to the Convention the result of 
 their deliberations on such subjects as have pre- 
 sented themselves to their attention on this occa- 
 sion. 
 
 The very destitute state of many of our par- 
 ishes has long been a subject of solicitude and re- 
 gret with the friends of the church, and efforts 
 have from time to time been devised for provi- 
 ding a remedy for this evil. Among other meas- 
 ures it was formerly proposed that the state should 
 be laid off in districts, and assigned to the several 
 ministers of the diocess, whose duty it should be, 
 at stated seasons, to visit and administer the offi- 
 ces of the church in their several districts. From 
 whatever cause this plan has miscarried, your 
 committee are of opinion that there are no insu- 
 perable obstacles in the way of its accomplish- 
 
208 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1827. 
 
 ment, and that it is eminently calculated to pro- 
 mote the interests of the church and of religion. 
 They therefore recommend to the Convention 
 the adoption of the following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the bishop be respectfully re- 
 quested to lay off the diocess in districts, and to 
 assign to each district two or more ministers, 
 whose duty it shall be to meet in association at 
 the places assigned them twice in the year, for the 
 purpose of preaching and administering the ordi- 
 nances of the church to the people. 
 
 Your committee beg leave also to call the at- 
 tention of the Convention to the General Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Sunday School Union, estab- 
 lished by the members of our church at the meet- 
 ing of the last General Convention. The object 
 of this society is to facilitate the purchase, at 
 cheap rates, of books suitable to our Sunday 
 Schools, and to establish and cherish soundness 
 and harmony in principle and practice among 
 those who are destined, when we are gone from 
 the world, to take our places in society and in the 
 church of God. Under the impression that such 
 an object is highly desirable and important, your 
 committee beg leave to recommend to the Con- 
 vention the adoption of the following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That the General Protestant Episco- 
 pal Sunday School Union be recommended to the 
 patronage and support of the members of our 
 church in this diocess. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Wii.MAM H. WiLMER, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received, and the resolutions recommended 
 by the committee adopted. 
 
 The standing committee, in pursuance of the 
 resolution of the last Convention, presented 
 the following laws and regulations for the gov- 
 ernment of the society for the relief of dis- 
 tressed widows and orphans of clergymen. 
 
 Laws for the management of the funds and payment 
 of the annuities of the society for the relief of the 
 undows and children of the clergy of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Virginia. 
 
 1. The contributors to this fund shall he ar- 
 ranged in classes, agreeably to their annual contri- 
 butions, and each contributor shall abide by that 
 class which he at first entered, except on the fol- 
 lowing conditions. If he desire to go from a 
 lower to a higher class, he shall pay the differ- 
 ence between his former and his new rate of sub- 
 scription for all the years during which he has 
 paid the smaller sum, together with interest 
 thereon. If he change from a higher to a lower, 
 he shall be repaid the difference between his two 
 rates of subscription during the term of his sub- 
 scribing, without any interest thereupon. 
 
 2. Every person entering the society shall pay 
 one dollar and a half for every year lie has ex- 
 ceeded the age of thirty. 
 
 3. The first contribution shall be paid in ad- 
 vance : that is, on the person's becoming a mem- 
 ber of the society. 
 
 4. Each contributor shall pay his annual con- 
 tribution to the society on or before the Thursday 
 in Whitsun-week every year, under the penalty of 
 twelve and a half per cent, per annum, on his 
 original subscription, for each year's default ; and 
 whensoever the penalties sh.iU amount to the 
 whole sum heretofore subscribed by him, this 
 sum shall be forfeited to the society, and he be no 
 longer considered as a contributor, except he shall 
 afterward comply with such terms as to the so- 
 ciety may appear equitable and expedient. 
 
 6. Should any member choose to withdraw 
 
 from the society, he shall receive no compensation 
 for the money which he has contributed ; but h^ 
 widow and children shall be entitled to ten per. 
 cent, upon the money contributed. And any con- 
 tributor removing from tlie state, although he can 
 no longer be considered as a member of the so- 
 ciety, may remain a contributor, and he, and after 
 his death his wife and children, shall be treated 
 as is directed by the laws of the society. But if 
 it should be inconvenient fur him after his removal 
 to continue his subscription, he shall then be re- 
 paid the sum which he shall have advanced, pen- 
 alties excepted, with legal interest on each contri- 
 bution during the time the society shall have used 
 the money. 
 
 6. Every contributor who shall marry more 
 than once shall pay one year's contribution extra- 
 ordinary at every such marriage. 
 
 7. There shall be four different sums ; any one 
 of which subscribers may contribute, viz. : five, 
 ten, fifteen, and twenty dollars, w^hich shall be 
 called four classes. 
 
 8. If a clergyman die before he shall have com- 
 pleted five annual payments, his family shall be 
 entitled to an annuity of three times his annual 
 contribution ; if he have paid five, and less than 
 ten, they shall receive an annuity of four times 
 his annual contribution ; if ten, and less than fif- 
 teen, they shall be paid an annuity of five times 
 his annual contribution ; and if fifteen, or up- 
 wards, they shall then receive an annuity of six 
 times his annual contribution. 
 
 9. Annuities shall be paid widows during life, 
 unless they marry again ; in which case their an- 
 nuities shall cease and fall to their children en- 
 tirely if they have any, agreeably to the laws of 
 the society ; and children, if males, shall enjoy 
 annuities until they be twenty-one years old; if 
 females, so long as they remain unmarried. 
 
 10. If there be a child and no widow, such child 
 shall be entitled to the whole annuity during the 
 time that he or she continues to be an annu- 
 itant ; but if there be more than one child and no 
 widow, the annuity shall be equally divided 
 among them till they severally marry, or exceed 
 the age of annuitants, which annuity shall be laid 
 out in their education or apprenticeship, with the 
 advice of such guardians or executors as the 
 father may have nominated ; and if none such 
 shall have been nominated by the father, then in 
 such manner for the benefit of the child or chil- 
 dren as the society shall direct. 
 
 11. If there be a widow and one child, the an- 
 nuity shall be equally divided between them du- 
 ring the time which they shall be respectively en- 
 titled to it ; and if there be a widow and two or 
 more children, the widow shall have one third 
 during her widowhood : the remainder shall be 
 equally divided among the children, or apportioned 
 in such manner among the annuitants as the 
 father shall direct by his last will. 
 
 12. The donations already made and those 
 that may hereafter be made to the society shall 
 constitute a separate fund, the benefit of which 
 shall be apphed to the relief of such families of 
 the members of the society as require peculiar 
 assistance ; and as it cannot be ascertained what 
 annuity such a fund may yield, it shall remain with 
 the society to apply this money as the necessity 
 of the case shall to them appear to require. 
 
 13. The society shall have power to alter the 
 annuities to the rate of interest that can be ob- 
 tained, but no alteration shall take place from a 
 supposition that there are too few annuitants for 
 the funds. 
 
 Rules for the transaction of the business of the society. 
 1. At every annual meeting there shall be chosen 
 
CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 209 
 
 a president, treasurer, and secretary, who shall 
 remain in office tillthe next annual election. The 
 bishop, if he be a member of the socipty, shall be 
 president. 
 
 2. On urgent occasions, fhe president shall notify 
 the secretary to call special meetings of the so- 
 ciety. 
 
 3. The treasurer shall manage the funds and 
 pay the annuities agreeably to the direction of the 
 society, and by the advice of such counsellor or 
 counsellors as he shall be directed to consult. He 
 shall give bond in sach.sum as the society shall 
 judge necessary for the security of their funds. 
 
 4. The secretary shall takedown minutes of the 
 proceedings of the society, and record them in a 
 book to be kept for the purpose. lie shall faith- 
 fully preserve all papers and accounts committed 
 to his care, and deliver them to his successor. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the said laws and 
 regulations be approved and adopted. 
 
 The Rev. William Me&de, from the board of 
 trustees of the Theological School, presented a 
 report, which was read^ as follows : — 
 
 Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological 
 
 School of Virginia to the Convention, assembled in 
 
 Fredericjtsburg, May nth, 1827. 
 
 The board do not consider it necessary to' detail 
 in this report the different studies in which the 
 young candidates for the ministry have been en- 
 gaged during the present year, as they are' the 
 same which have been mentioned in former com- 
 munications. Since our last report, five of the 
 students in this school have entered upon the dis- 
 charge of those high and holy duties for which 
 they had been preparing, and are now, we trust, 
 giving good evidence that their time has not been 
 mispent, or their studies unprofitable. Tvwo others 
 are now about to receive their commission, and 
 enter upon the same duties. 
 
 During the present session ten young men have 
 been pursuing their studies in our institution, and, 
 from applications already made, we have reason 
 to expect that not less than fifteen wiU enter it on 
 the ensuing session. We are annually experien- 
 cing the beneficial effects of our school, in the 
 supply of vacant churches, and in the collection 
 of congregations, in places where almost all vesti- 
 ges of the church were gone. The importance of 
 continuing and increasmg our efforts to render 
 this institution as efUcient as possible, is more and 
 more deeply felt by those into whose hands its 
 management iss intrusted, and indeed by all its 
 friends and supporters. 
 
 At the late meeting of the board a subject of no 
 small importance came under consideration, and 
 
 led to a decision which we deem it propei"to com- 
 niunicat'e to this Convention. From the first open- 
 ing of the school, very serious inconveniences 
 were found to attend the residence of the students 
 and professors in a town. The expense of living 
 is necessarily greater, and many interruptions to 
 their studies are almost unavoidable. The want 
 of a buililing exclusively devoted to their use,' and 
 where they may live in the most retired manner, 
 and in the simplest way, has been deeply felt, 
 and often expressed by the professors. It is be- 
 lieved that the institution has already suffered, 
 and may suffer still more, from the want of sucij 
 an establishment. 
 
 Accordingly, the board have determined to pur- 
 chase or erect, in some healthy situati6n . near 
 Alexandria, but withm the State of Virginia, a 
 house or houses sufficiejitly large to accommodate 
 two professors and twenty students. A commit- 
 tee has been appointed to execute this important 
 duty, and will repair to Alexandria in the course 
 of the following month format purpose. 
 
 It has also been deemed important that the un- 
 divided services of two professors, besides such 
 assistance as the officiating ministers in Alexan- 
 dria can render, shall be given to the students, 
 and, accordingly, arrangements can and will be 
 made for such ^pply. 
 
 The board are happy to inform the Convention, 
 that although they have, during the past year, 
 been deprived of the valuable services of the Rev. 
 Dr. Wilmer, which had been so faithfully and 
 generously rendered from the commencement of 
 the school, yet they expect to receive from^his 
 worthy successor in St. Paul's Church, the Rev, 
 Mr. w^illiam Jackson, very important assistance 
 in the department of pastoral theology, which ha» 
 been assigned to his care. 
 
 From the report of the treasurer, which is an» 
 nexed, it will be perceived that our funds are 
 still altogether unworthy the magnitude of the 
 object for which they were raised,, and of the 
 ability of those from whom we may reasonably 
 expect support. The board would again press 
 the duty of more and larger contributions, and 
 would take further steps for the obtaining of the 
 same ; but as a special contributioti will be so» 
 licited for the purchase or erection of the above, 
 mentioned buildings, and as that duty is confided 
 to the management of a select committee, it is 
 thought best for the present to forbear any new 
 effort for the increase of the funded capital, leav- 
 ing it, however, open to the contributions of the 
 living, and the bequests of the dying. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted by the 
 board. ' Richard Channing Moore, 
 
 President, 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia, which assembled in the town of Petersburg, on Thursday, the Ibthof May^ 1838, 
 
 Thursday, May 15, 1828. 
 
 This being the day and place appointed for 
 the annual meeting of the Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocess of 
 Virginia, the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., 
 with several clergymen and lay delegates, at- 
 tended divine service in the Episcopal church in 
 this tov*n. 
 
 Morning prayers were read by the Right Rev. 
 Bishop Moore, and a sermon preached by the 
 Rev, William Meade, D. If. 
 
 After divine service the Kight Rev. Bishop 
 
 Moore took the chair as president of the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seat* in 
 this Convention, appeared, viz. :• — 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, D. D., Frederick 
 parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. Edward C. 
 M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fredericksburg ; 
 the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Christ Church, 
 Alexandria, parish of Fairfax ; the Rev. Charles 
 H. Page, Lexington parish, Amherst county ; 
 the Rev. Robert B. Groes, assistant minister 
 of the MonumentaJ Church, Richmond; tK9 
 
210 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Christ 
 Church, Norfolk ; the Rev. Wilham F. Lee, St. 
 James's parish, Northarii, Goochland county, 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia, and Manchester, parish, 
 Chesterfield ; the Rev. John P. M'Guire, St. 
 Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex 
 county ; the Rev. Johannes E. Jackson, Christ 
 Church, Frederick parish, Frederick county ; 
 the Rev. John T. Brooke, Norborne parish, 
 Berkeley county ; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, 
 Professor in the Theological School of this dio- 
 cess near Alexandria ; the Rev. George A. 
 Smith, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county ; 
 the Rev. John Grammer, Bath parish, Dinwid- 
 die county ; the Rev. Wilham H. Hart, Henri- 
 co parish, Henrico county ; the Rev. WiUiam 
 G. H. Jones, parish of Newport, Isle of Wight ; 
 the Rev. John H. Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, 
 Norfolk county ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bris- 
 tol parish, Petersburg ; the Rev. Hugh C. 
 Boggs ; the Rev. William Jackson, St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. John Cooke, 
 §t. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun- 
 ties ; the Rev. George Lemon^ Hamilton and 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county ; the Rev. Mark 
 L. Chevers, Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth 
 City county ; the Rev. Thomas Jackson, Shel- 
 burne parish, Loudoun county ; the Rev. 
 Frederick W. Hatch, ' Fredericksville parish, 
 Albemarle county ; the Rev. Jacob Keeling, 
 Suffolk, Nansemond county ; the Rev. William 
 D. Cairns, Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glou- 
 cester county ; the Rev. WiUiam Steele, St. 
 James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; the Rev. 
 Ira Parker, SuflfoJk ; the Rev. Adam Empie, 
 rector of Bruton parish, and President of Will- 
 iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; the Rev. 
 Leonard H. Johns, St. Margaret's parish, Caro- 
 line county. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Philip Nelson, Dr. Carter 
 Berkeley, and Mr. John G. Williams, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the certificates of lay dele- 
 gates ; who then withdrew, and after a short 
 time returned, and presented the following re- 
 port : — 
 
 ' The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report, that 
 the, following persons have been duly elected 
 lay delegates to this Convention : — 
 
 .Dr. Robert B. Butt, Portsmouth parish ; 
 Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, Princess 
 Anne county ; Mallory M. Todd, Newport, 
 Isle of Wight ; John Grammer, parish of Bris- 
 tol, Petersburg ; Gen. William H. Brodnax, 
 Bath parish ; Thomas L. Robertson, St. Ste- 
 phen's Church, Culpepper county ; William B. 
 Page, Christ Church, Winchester ; Beverley 
 Davies, Lexington parish, Amherst county ; 
 Thomas L. Latane, South Farnham parish, Es- 
 feex county ; Willia:m Mayo and John G. Will- 
 iams, Monumental Church, Richmond ; Hugh 
 C. M'Nemara, Henrico parish, Henrico county : 
 Walker W. Webb, Bruton parish, Williams- 
 burg ; Gerrard Alexander, Russell parish, Bed- 
 ford county ; Col. William Boiling, St. James's 
 parish, Northam, Goochland county ; William 
 Coffield, St. Paul's Church, SufToIk \ the Hon. 
 
 Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albemarle 
 county ; James B. Nichols, St. Paul's Church, 
 Alexandria ; Philip Nelson, Frederick "parish, 
 Frederick county ; John Southgate, Christ 
 Church, Norfolk ; N. Osgood, St. John's Church, 
 Moore's parish, Campbell cotinty ; Westwood 
 S. Armistead, St. John's Church, EUzabeth City 
 parish ; Robert P. Waring, St. Anne's parish, 
 Essex county ; Seth Ward, St. Paul's Church, 
 Lynchburg ; Lewis Berkeley, jr., Shelburne 
 parish, Leesburg, Loudoun county ; John Nel- 
 son, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; 
 Nelson Berkeley, St. Margaret's parish, Caro- 
 line county ; Thomas Smith, St. Paul's parish, 
 King George county ; William M. Blackford, 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg ; Dr. Car- 
 ter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, Hanover and 
 Louisa counties ; John Gray, Hamilton parish, 
 Fauquier county ; Thomas Nelson, Norborne 
 parish, Martinsburg, Berkeley county ; Lewis 
 Berkeley, Norborne parish, Berkeley cpunty. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the following 
 rules of order, adopted by the last Convention 
 for the government of their proceedings, be the 
 rules of proceeding during the present Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duped with the morning service of the church. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 vsrard stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or 
 be unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the president ia putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined on before any new thing is 
 introduced, except the question of adjournment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the Resident 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John H. Wingfield, 
 the Rev. Robert B. Croes, the Rev. George 
 Smith, Mr. William B. Page, Mr. Gerrard 
 
CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 2U 
 
 Alexander, and Mr. Thurmer Hoggard, be a 
 committee to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Wm. Meade, D. D., 
 the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, the Rev. Edward 
 C. M'Guire, the Rev. Wm. H. Hart, the Rev. 
 Wm. Jackson, the Hon. Hugh Nelson, Mr. 
 William Mayo, Mr. Robert P. Waring, Mr. 
 John Souihgate, and John G. Williams, be a 
 committee to take into consideration the state 
 of the church in this diocess, and report there- 
 upon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, 
 the Rev. John M'Guire, the Rev. William F. 
 Lee, Mr. Francis Nelson, Mr. Hugh C. M'Ne- 
 mara, and Mr. Mallory M. Todd, be a commit- 
 tee to examine the accounts of the treasurer of 
 the fund for the permanent support of the epis- 
 copate in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Andrew Syme, the 
 Rev. John Grammer, the Rev. Frederick W. 
 Hatch, and John Grammer, sen., be a commit- 
 tee to examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev. 
 Johannes E. Jackson, Mr. Seth Ward, and Mr. 
 Nelson Berkeley, be a committee to examine the 
 state of the fund for the support of the widows 
 and orphans of deceased clergymen. 
 
 The bishop then delivered the following 
 
 PASTORAL ADDRESS. 
 
 Another year, brethren, has revolved over us, 
 and we are again favoured with an opportunity of 
 meeting together in the council of the church, to 
 deliberate on such measures as may, with the 
 blessing of heaven, advance the interest of reli- 
 gion in general, and of our own community in 
 particular. We have received many mercies de- 
 serving our utmost gratitude to the Almighty ; 
 and we have some bereavements to lament, which 
 should awaken in our minds the uncertainty of 
 human life, and excite us to more unwearied dili- 
 gence in the cause of God our Saviour. 
 
 In casting our eye around us, and surveying the 
 members of which this Convention is composed, 
 we look in vain for several individuals who at 
 this time the last year constituted a part of our 
 ecclesiastical body, and who we had reason to 
 hope would have been spared to meet with us on 
 this occasion, and to assist us in our religious de- 
 liberations. The venerable Mr. Armstrong, who 
 at an advanced age came from Wheeling, to wit- 
 ness the progress of the church, died a few days 
 after his return home. Though the place at 
 which we convened was distant from his abode 
 several hundred miles, still the pleasure he expe- 
 rienced at the Convention was so great, that he 
 declared, prior to his departure from Fredericks- 
 burg, that the unity of sentiment which distin- 
 guished our proceedings, and the vital piety which 
 marked the discourses he heard, had more than 
 repaid him for all his toil and fatigue. He left us 
 with renewed desires to discharge his duty, and 
 with the conviction on his mind that God was 
 with us of a truth. He now rests from his labours, 
 and, I trust, is reaping the reward of a life devoted 
 to the cause of his Redeemer. 
 
 In touching on the subject of the bereavement 
 we have experienced in the death of our beloved 
 Wilmer, it is impossible for me to find language 
 sufficiently strong to express that sense of his loss 
 which fills my mind. He was one of those who 
 first called ray attention to this diocess ; and of 
 the three clergymen who corresponded with me 
 
 02 
 
 on that subject, one only now remains. He, I 
 trust, will be spared to assist you with his counsel 
 when my head will be slumbering in the tomb. 
 
 To the usefulness of Dr. Wilmer we must all 
 subscribe. He was a man of business and of 
 piety. He loved his God, and the interest of the 
 church was near his heart. As a preacher he was 
 faithful, energetic, eloquent. He was the friend 
 of evangelical rehgion, and considered that the 
 strictest regard to the public order of the church 
 was perfectly compatible with the most animated 
 social worship, in the houses of his parishioners 
 and friends. His private meetings formed, in his 
 opinion, the nursery of the church, and were 
 blessed to the edification and comfort of his con- 
 gregation. He was always ready to discharge his 
 duty. Like the Apostle Paul, he not only taught 
 his people publicly, but went from house to house, 
 exhorting them to prepare to meet their God, 
 His fidelity in the discharge of his duty met my 
 warmest approbation ; and if it is your wish, my 
 brethren of the clergy, to give an account of your 
 stewardship with joy, oh, let me entreat you all to 
 " go and do likewise," 
 
 Upon the adjournment of the Convention last 
 May I visited the county of Culpepper, and ad- 
 mitted to the priesthood the Rev. Mr. Smith, upon 
 which occasion the Rev. Mr. Jackson, of Win- 
 chester, preached, and Mr. Woodville and Mr. 
 Jackson assisted at the ordination ; after which I 
 administered the Lord's Supper to a number of 
 pious communicants. So great was the sensation 
 produced on the minds of two young ladies on that 
 occasion, that, after I had left the church, I was 
 called back, in order to aiford them an opportu- 
 nity of commemorating the death and sufferings 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 
 After remaining at home a short time, I went 
 to Norfolk in the month of June, to assist in 
 laying the corner-stone of Christ Church in that 
 place ; which duty was performed in connexion 
 with the rector, Dr. Ducachet, and several of the 
 clergy in that neighbourhood. I preached, on the 
 morning of the Sabbath in the old church to a 
 very large auditory, and confirmed fourteen per- 
 sons. In the afternoon I crossed the river to 
 Portsmouth, and preached in the church belonging 
 to the parish of Mr. Wingfield, and confirmed ten 
 persons. 
 
 Having discharged my duty in those places, I 
 repaired to Hampton, which parish is supermtend- 
 ed by the Rev. Mr. Chevers. I preached there 
 to a large and respectable congregation, and con- 
 firmed twenty-two persons. The church in Hamp- 
 ton had been in a state of ruin for many years, but 
 the inhabitants have now rendered it fit for ser- 
 vice ; and when the repairs are completed, it will 
 form a place of worship inferior to very few in the 
 diocess. 
 
 From Hampton I went to the county of Glou- 
 cester, and admitted to the priesthood the Rev. 
 Mr. Cairns. Upon that memorable occasion the 
 Rev. Dr. Wilmer preached, and, in conjunction 
 with the Rev. Mr. Chevers, united in the ordina- 
 tion of Mr. Cairns. The sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper was administered, and thirteen persons 
 were confirmed. A day or two subsequent to the 
 above ministrations, I rode to Abingdon Church in 
 the same county, and preached to a small but at- 
 tentive congregation. 
 
 Having completed my duties in Gloucester, I 
 crossed the river to Yorktown, and preached to 
 a very respectable and serious congregation. I 
 then passed on to Williamsburg, at which place I 
 remained a week, attending during my stay the 
 examination of the students of the college, ^nd 
 witnessing yvith great satisfaction the reeuscita* 
 
212 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 tion of that seftiinary, and the acceptability of the 
 labours of onr deceased friend, not only as presi- 
 dent of the college, but as rector of the parish 
 also. I preached in the church on the Sabbath, 
 administered the Lord's Supper to a large number 
 of communicants, and confirmed eleven persons ; 
 after which I returned home, wheie I remained a 
 few days. ^ 
 
 In July I visited Petersburg, in company with 
 the Rev. Dr. Ducachet and the Rev. Mr. Cjoes, at 
 ■which place we all preached in succession to re- 
 spectable congregations. Dr. Ducachet, Mr. Syme, 
 and myself, then passed on to Sapony Church, 
 where I preached on Saturday ; and on Sunday, as- 
 sisted by the two clergymen just named, I admit- 
 ted to the priesthood the Rev. John Grammer. 
 Dr. Ducachet preached the ordination sermon, 
 after which I administered the Lord's Supper, and 
 confirmed nime persons. In the afternoon of the 
 Sabbath the. Rev. Mr. Syme preached ; we then 
 bid the people farewell. 
 
 After the performance of my duties in Dinwid- 
 dle, I visited the county of Brunswick, in compa- 
 ny with the Rev. Mr. Grammer, and preached in 
 Red Oak Church to a small assembly, I then 
 passed on to Mecklenburg, preached to an atten 
 tive congregation in St. James's Church, and ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper to a number of pious 
 communicants. From Mecklenburg I went into 
 the county of Halifax, preached on a week day 
 in a church near Clark's ferry to an attentive peo- 
 ple ; and on the following Sabbath preached in 
 the Masons' Hall, near the courthouse, to a large 
 assembly, and administered the Lord's Supper. 
 On my way from Halifax I visited Mrs. Nelson, 
 the amiable and pious relict of the late Major John 
 Nelson, and administered- the Lord's Supper to 
 that venerable lady and her daughter-in-law ; af- 
 ter which I again returned to Richmond, arid on 
 my way home lectured in Dinwiddle at a private 
 house. 
 
 In the month of October I went down James 
 river to the Isle of Wight county, where I was 
 joined by the Rev. Dr, Ducachet, the Rev. Mr. 
 Wingfield, and the Rev. Mr. Grammer. On Sun- 
 day I admitted to the priesthood the Rev. Mr. 
 Jones, administered the Lord's Supper to a large 
 number of pious communicants, and confumed 
 fourteen persons. The ordination sermon was 
 delivered by the Rev. Mr. Wingfield, and the at- 
 tending clergy united with me in the imposition 
 of hands. During our stay at that place, Dr. Du- 
 cachet and Mr. Grammer preached in a Methodist 
 church in Smithfield to pious and attentive audi- 
 tories. On my return, I read prayers and preach- 
 ed in two of our old churches in Surry county, to 
 small but attentive congregations. To that dis- 
 trict, in connexion with Prince George county, it 
 is my intention to send a missionary ; through 
 whose labours I hope for a revival of the church, 
 and the restoration of her excellent form of wor- 
 ship. 
 
 In the month of October I also went into the 
 county of Chesterfield, and consecrated one of the 
 old churches, which had been repaired through the 
 laudable exertions of Mrs. Thweat, the excellent 
 consort of Archibald Thweat, Esq. The congre- 
 
 fation was large, and the behaviour of the people 
 evout and exemplary. The Rev. Mr. Lee offi- 
 ciates in that parish a part of his time. 
 
 In November I visited the counties of Essex 
 and Carolihe. In Essex I preached twice on a 
 ■week day, in the town of Rappahannock ; and on 
 tlie second day of my stay m that place, I preached 
 and administered the Lord's Supper to a deeply 
 interesting congregation. On the following Sat- 
 urday and Sunday I preached at Vautere Church, 
 
 St. Anne's parish : administered the Lord's Sup- 
 per, and confirmed, in the two places, twenty-one 
 persons. Vauters Church is in handsome order, 
 and reflects .great credit on the Rev. Mr. John 
 M'Guire and the people of his charge, 
 ' In February I again went down the river to Nor- 
 folk, at-which place I preached on Sunday morn- 
 ing, to a very large assembly, and confirmed two 
 persons ; and in the afternoon I preached in Ports- 
 mouth, and confirmed six persons. On Tuesday 
 I visited the town of Suflblk, in Nansemond coun- 
 ty, in company with the Rev. Dr. Ducachet, the 
 Rev. Mr. Wingfield, and the Rev. Mr. Chevers, 
 upon which evening I preached to a large and at- 
 tentive congregation. The next day I admitted to 
 the priesthood the Rev. Mr. Keeling, on which 
 occasion the Rev. Dr. Ducachet preached, who, 
 with the other attending clergymen, united with 
 me in the imposition of hands. On Thursday 
 I visited, in company with the Rev. Mr, Wing- 
 field, Rev. Mr. Chevers, and Rev. Mr. Jones, the 
 old parish church of St. John's, in Chuckatuck ; 
 at which place we met with a large and respecta- 
 ble congregation. The service was read by Mr. 
 Jones and Mr, Wingfield; and a discourse was de- 
 livered by myself ; after which 1 confirmed five 
 persons. 
 
 On Saturday I crossed from Norfolk to Hamp- 
 ton, with the Rev, Mr. Chevers, and lectursd in 
 the evening at the^ house of Mrs. Armistead to a 
 numerous" and attentive "auditory. On Sunday, 
 the 24th, I preached in the church, administered 
 the holy communion, and confirmed two persons. 
 In the afternoon I. visited Fortress Monroe, and 
 preached to a large congre^tion, consisting of the 
 citizens of that place, and also of the military. 
 The order which pervaded the military during the 
 time of divine service, reflected the greatest cred- 
 it iipon the bfficers of the garrison ; for whose po- 
 lite attention during my stay at the fortress I re- 
 turn, thus publicly, my sincere thanks. 
 
 A few weeks since I held an association in Pe 
 tersburg, at which time the Rev. Mr. Grammer, 
 the Rev. Mr. Hart, and the Rev. Mr. Croes at- 
 tended. We all officiated in the church in suc- 
 cession, and on the afternoon previous to our 
 departure I lectured at the house of Mr. John 
 Grammer, sen., to as large an assembly as could 
 be accommodated ^ 
 
 Last week I visited the county of Goochland, 
 in company with the Rev. Dr. Meade and the Rev. 
 Mr. Cooke; at which time I admitted to the 
 priesthood the Rev. Wm. F.Lee. The ordina- 
 tion sermon was delivered by Dr. Meade, who, in 
 conjunction with Mr. Cooke, united in the imposi- 
 tion of hands. ladministered the Lord's Supper 
 to a large nimiber of communicants, and confirm- 
 ed thirteen persons. 
 
 Since the last Convention I have held a confirm- 
 ation in my own church, at which time I imposed 
 my hands on sixty persons. 
 
 Having thus furnished the Convention with a 
 geneiral view of my episcopal visitations, I must 
 now call their attention to a subject of the first im- 
 portance to the ecclesiastical concerns of this di- 
 ocess : a subject on which the advancement of the 
 church in Virginia and the supply of our vacant 
 parishes very much depend. 
 
 At the time in which the General Convention 
 determined on the location of the Theological Sem- 
 inary in the diocess of Connecticut, it was per- 
 fectly understood that the resolution then adopted 
 should not be considered so exclusive in its oper- 
 ation as to prevent the establishment of a Theo- 
 logical School in any diocess disposed to counte- 
 nance such a measure. By virtue of this under- 
 standing, the church in Virginia determined on the 
 
CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 213 
 
 establishment of a Diocesan School within the 
 limits of its own jurisdiction : in which a system of 
 instruction is pursued in unison with that course 
 prescribed by the House of Bishops. 
 
 To promote this object, subscriptions were open- 
 ed, money was raised, and the school set in op- 
 eration. The experiment, though commenced 
 with very limited means, has so far succeeded 
 that the friends of the institution have determined 
 to apply to this Convention for their sanction and 
 support in the further prosecution of their de- 
 sign. The individual through whose instrumen- 
 tality the school was first set in motion has con- 
 sented, should the Convention countenance the 
 undertaking, to engage with all his energies in the 
 work, and to' go in person through this state to 
 raise a fund for the permanent establishment of a 
 Theological School in the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 When the attempt was first made in this dio- 
 cess, my mind was impressed with considerable 
 doubt as to the utility of the measure, from an ap- 
 prehension that it might interfere with the General 
 Seminary at the north j but, jufter the most serious 
 reflection, the doubts I entertained have been re- 
 moved, and my mind is now satisfied with a full 
 conviction of the necessity of the undertaking. 
 The church in Virginia is now favoured with the 
 labours of several of her native sons, who have 
 been educated in her own school, who it is prob- 
 able would not have gone to a distant seminary 
 for theological instruction ; and others are pre- 
 senting themselves under similar circumstances, 
 who, I trust, will prove equally useful. 
 
 Strangers who come from distant parts of the 
 United States, while devoting themselves to the 
 pursuits of theology, will acquire a knowledge of 
 the members of our community ; and from an in- 
 timacy formed during their studies with the peo- 
 ple at large, will be more generally useful and 
 acceptable than they otherwise would be. Five 
 or six individuals of this description will be ad- 
 mitted to holy orders on Sunday next, all of whom 
 are disposed to labour in this part of the vine- 
 yard; whose assistance, in all probability, would 
 not have been secured to us had they been edu- 
 cated elsewhere. 
 
 The Bible Society of Virginia, at one of their 
 late meetings, entered into a resolution to supply 
 every family in this state, destitute of a Bible, 
 with a copy of the Holy Scriptures in the course 
 of two years. To effect this sacred purpose an 
 address has been published, in which the atten- 
 tion of the different ecclesiastical bodies of all de- 
 nominations of Christians in Virginia has been 
 called to the point : an address which now lies 
 on the table, and will be put into the hands of 
 such members of the Convention as may be dis- 
 posed to further the design. 
 
 To enforce the propriety and necessity of the 
 measure, by those arguments of which the sub- 
 ject admits, would be unnecessary in an assembly 
 of Protestant Christians. We all believe the sa- 
 cred Scriptures to be the word of God, and to 
 pontain all things necessary to salvation. " It is 
 a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths ;" and 
 in all things essential to the- salvation of immor- 
 tal souls is so plain, " that the wayfaring man, 
 though a fool, need not err therein." 
 
 Before I conclude, there is one more point to 
 which I think it my duty to call the attention of 
 this Convention : and as a year must necessarily 
 elapse before a final determination of the question 
 can take place, we shall have full time allowed us 
 for reflection and consideration. 
 
 Although my labours the past year have been 
 equal to the labours of any preceding twelve 
 months, still, from my advanced age, it is impossi- 
 
 ble for me to calculate upon a long continuance 
 of such effort and exertion. It is my wish, pro- 
 vided the Convention should think proper, so to 
 alter the constitution of the church as to admit 
 of the consecration of either a suffragan or an 
 assistant bishop in this diocess. It was proposed 
 several years ago, in consequence of the great ex- 
 tent of this diocess, to divide it into two parts, in 
 order that the parishes might receive episcopal 
 visitations more frequently than is prescribed by 
 the canons. As this purpose can be secured by 
 the appointment of a suffragan or an assistant 
 bishop, I would recommend it to the Convention 
 so to alter the constitution as to secure the con- 
 templated measure. It is my sincere desire that 
 a bishop should be appointed during my life ; and 
 as such an appointment can now be made with 
 perfect unanimity, it is expedient that it should be 
 done. It will give me pleasure to unite in labour 
 with the man of your choice. It will render me 
 happy, in the hour of my departure, to know the 
 individual to whorh I am to resign the arduous 
 duties of the episcopate :' to whose care this 
 peaceful, quiet diocess shall be committed. May 
 the Almighty direct us in all our doings with his 
 most gracious favour, and further us with hjs con- 
 tinual help. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, 
 
 Resolved, That the members of this Conven- 
 tion will wear crape on the left arm during the 
 session, and for thirty days thereafter, in token 
 of their high respect for the late Dr. Wilmer, and 
 that the secretary be requested to cause to be 
 procured, out of the contingent fund, as much 
 crape as may be necessary for the use of the 
 clergy. 
 
 The president of the Convention presented a 
 communication from the board of managers of 
 the Bible Society of Virginia. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Dr. Meade, 
 
 Resolved, That the said communication be^ 
 referred to a select committee. 
 
 The president then appointed the Rev. Dr. 
 Meade, the Rev. Dr. Keith, the Rev. Mi'. Le- 
 mon, and Mr. Westwood S. Armistead, on said 
 committee. . 
 
 The president having retired, Mr. Hugh Nel- 
 son was called to the chair. 
 
 The secretary received the following contri- 
 butions, from sundry parishes of this diocess, for 
 the Contingent Fund : — , 
 
 Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county, - $10 00 
 Lynnhaven parish, - - -. - 12 00 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - 30 00 
 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight, - - 10 00 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie, - - - 15 00 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, 20 00 
 Christ Church, Winchester, - - 15 00 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, - 10 00 
 South Farnham parish, Essex county, 16 00 
 Monumental Church-, Richmond, - 30 00 
 
 Henrico parish, Henrico county, - 15 00 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg, - - 15 00 
 Russell parish, Bedford county, - - 30,00 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland, 10 OO 
 St. Paul's Church, Suffolk, • - - 10 00 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle, - 15 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - - 20 00 
 
 Amount.carried f<Slrward, 
 
 $283 00 
 
214 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 Amount brought forward, 
 
 $283 00 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 20 00 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 30 00 
 St. John's Church, Ehzabeth City, - 15 00 
 St. Anne's parish, Esse^ county, - 20 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - - 10 00 
 Shelburne parish, Leesburg, Jjoudoun 
 
 county, - ' r - - 20 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 14 00 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline, - - 7 60 
 Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 ley county, - - - - - 5 00 
 
 St. Paul's parish. King George county, 30 00 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 20 00 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties^ - - " - - 20 00 
 Haipilton parish, Fauquier county, - 12 50 
 Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glouces- 
 ter, - - - - - - 15 00 
 
 B-aleigh parish, Amelia, - - - 10 00 
 
 8532 10 
 
 The foUowmg sums were paid towards the 
 support of the bishop's assistant for the year 
 ending May, 1828 : — 
 
 Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county, - $10 00 
 Newport parish, Isle of Wight, - - 10 00 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - - 20 00 
 Christ Church, Winchester, - - 7 60 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, - 5 00 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland 
 
 county, - - - - - 10 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Suflfolk, - - 10 00 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 10 00 
 Christ Churfih, Norfolk, - - - 20 00 
 St. John's Church, Elizabeth City, - 5 00 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex county, ^ 10 00 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 10 00 
 Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 ley county, - - - - 2 12 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties, r r r - - 10 00 
 Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glouces- 
 ter county, - - - - - 10 00 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia, - - , - 10 00 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle, - iO 00 
 Shelburne parish, Leesburg, Loudoun 
 V county, - - • .- r " 10 00 
 
 $179 62 
 
 -On motion, Uesolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9 
 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 16, 1828. 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore. 
 
 . The Rev. Edward W. Peet, of St. Paul's 
 ' parish, King Georg* xounty, appeared and took 
 nis seat. 
 
 Mr. Augustine L. Dabney, a lay delegate of 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes ; Mr. Benj. L. 
 Meade, a lay delegate of the parish of Raleigh, 
 Amelia county ; and Mr. Gordon Coleman and 
 }At. Wm. Clark, lay delegates of Antrim parish, 
 Halifax county, appeareaand took their seats. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the candidat«i 
 for orders now present be admitted to the sit- 
 tings of this Convention. 
 
 The parochial reports were handed in and 
 read, and referred to the committee upon paro- 
 chial reports. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Mr. Lee, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Edward 
 C. M'Guire, after which the Convention again 
 met. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Meade, from the committee to 
 whom was referred the communication from the 
 board of managers of the Bible Society, &c., 
 made the following report : — .. 
 
 Whereas the Bible Society of Virginia have 
 resolved, in dependance on the divine blessing, 
 to endeavour to supply the destitute parts of the 
 state with copies of the sacred volume adequate 
 to existing wants ; and whereas the board of 
 managers for said society have addressed a cir- 
 cular to the various ecclesiastical bodies of the 
 state, requesting their countenance and co-oper- 
 ation, which circular has been presented to this 
 Convention by our venerable bishop, with a 
 strong and zealous recommendation of its great 
 and important object ; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention do most fully 
 approve of the holy enterprise of said society, 
 and earnestly recommend it to the patronage 
 and aid of the various parishes and churches of 
 this diocess. And, 
 
 Resolved further. That the members of thi« 
 Convention will, in their individual capacity, 
 promote the accomplishment of the above-men- 
 tioned truly Christian purpose, according to their 
 means and opportunities. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the report of the 
 committee be received, and that the same be 
 unanimously approved. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the members of 
 the former Conventions now present be admit- 
 ted to the sittings of this Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. 
 Cairns have leave of absence from the Conven- 
 tion for the remainder of this day. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, by 
 ballot, of a standing committee of the church 
 in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where- 
 upon the following gentlemen were duly elect- 
 ed, viz. : — the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the 
 Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jack- 
 son, the Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. John 
 HoofF, and Mr. Gerrard Alexander. 
 
 The president having retired, Mr. William 
 Mayo was called to the chair. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election of 
 two trustees of the Theological School of Vir- 
 ginia, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the 
 death of the Rev. William H. Wilmer and 
 the Rev. Oliver Norris ; whereupon the Rev. 
 John Grammer and the Rev. John P. M'Guire 
 were unanimously elected. 
 
 A resolution, relative to the removal of com- 
 municants from one parish to another m this di- 
 ocess, was offered, and, on motion, the same waa 
 laid upon the table. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Syme, from the committee ap. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 ma 
 
 pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 made a report, which was read, and is as follows : 
 
 The crommittee on the treasurer's accounts 
 beg leave to report, that they have examined the 
 same, and find them to be correct. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, • That the said report 
 be received and approved. ' .- -^ 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, half 
 past 8 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 17, 1828. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore. 
 
 The Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, from the 
 committee on the state of the church in this di- 
 ocess, presented the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church re- 
 spectfully report to the Convention, that they have 
 deliberated on the matters referred to their con- 
 sideration, and have unanimously agreed in the 
 following report : — 
 
 There is only one subject which they have 
 thought it necessary to bring to the notice of the 
 members of this house; and this was suggested 
 by the address of our Right Rev. Diocesan at the 
 opening of the present session. The great 'extent 
 of the diocess renders it impossible for any one 
 person satisfactorily and efficientlj to discharge 
 the duties of the episcopate, when it is neces- 
 sary, as at present, that the bishop should have a 
 parochial charge.. The destitute condition of a 
 great portion of the church in this state renders 
 it absolutely necessary that the visits of the bishop 
 should befrequent to every section of the diocess, 
 and that he should spend among the people con- 
 -siderable time at every visitation. Under present 
 circumstances, this is plainly impossible. Few 
 of the churches can be visited more than once a 
 year, and the remote situation of many of them, 
 added to the inconvenient access to them, some- 
 times renders even this uncertain. Our venera- 
 ble and beloved diocesan, with all the exertions 
 prompted by his love for the church, and his zeal 
 for God, finds it utterly impossible, as he himself 
 has often said, and has with so much earnestness 
 and affection informed this Convention, and again 
 more particularly your committee, to perform as 
 he desires, and as he knows to be necessary, the 
 weighty and numerous duties of his office. It 
 is his desire (which the committee think at all 
 times entitled to the highest respect, and to the 
 deliberate attention of the members of the dio- 
 cess) that a suitable person be appointed and con- 
 secrated to relieve him, in the character of a 
 suffragan or assistant, of some of the cumber- 
 some duties of the episcopate ; and to give to the 
 church that attention and that activity for which, 
 in its present situation, and from the increasing 
 infirmities of age, he finds himself inadequate. 
 Your committee cannot but regret that any im- 
 pediment should exist to the immediate gratifica- 
 tion of the reasonable wishes of our Right Rev. 
 father, and the speedy execution of the excellent 
 thought which he has suggested. The sixth act 
 of the constitution of the church in this diocess 
 expressly declares, that " there shall be but one 
 bishop" to superintend its concerns. This pro- 
 vision was doubtless wise at the time the consti- 
 tution was framed ; but as the circumstances of 
 the church have so greatly changed since that 
 period, it is obviously no longer necessary or expe- 
 dient. The constitution forbids, however, the 
 liasty alteration of emy of its provisions ; your 
 
 conmiittee, therefore, respectfully propose the 
 adoption of the following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That, agreeably to the provisions of 
 the 13th article of the constitution, notice be 
 transmitted to the several vestries of the parishes 
 of the diocess, that it is proposed at the next Con- 
 vention to annul and abolish the first sentence of 
 the sixth article of the constitution, and so to alter 
 the said article that it may read thus : — 
 
 " The bishop shall be president erf the Conven- 
 tion ; in which character it shall be his duty to 
 give to the Convention, as often as he may deem 
 expedient, a general view of the state of the 
 church ; to call special Conventions at whatever 
 times and places he may think necessary ; to pre- 
 serve order during the time of session ; to put the 
 question, collect the votes, and declare the decision. 
 He may make any motion which he shall judge 
 conducive to the good of the church, but shall not 
 enter into debate ; and he may deliver his senti- 
 ments on any subject after it has been discussed 
 before a vote thereon. Whenever it shall be ne- 
 cessary for the bishop to visit any part of this dio- 
 cess, he shall be authorized to call a clergyman 
 from any part of the diocess to supply his place in 
 the duties of his parochial charge for not more 
 than tvfo Sundays." All which is respectfully- 
 submitted. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the resolution 
 recommended by the committee be adopted. 
 
 And, on motion. Resolved, That the report 
 of the committee be amended by striking out 
 from the words "unanimously agreed" to the 
 word " resolution," in the last line, and insert, 
 in lieu thereof, " to recommend the adoption of 
 the following resolution." 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lippit, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the state of the fund for 
 the permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess, presented a report, which was read and 
 approved. 
 
 The committee on the episcopal fund report, 
 that they have examined the treasurer's account, 
 and find it correct; and that the fund at present 
 consists of 
 
 54 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria, cost - - - . $2,700 
 6 shares of Bank of Alexandria, cost 1,200 
 3 shares do. do. cost 330 
 
 Nominal amount of fund, - - 4,230 
 Present value of do., - - $3,600 
 
 E. R. Lippit, Chairman. 
 The Rev. Dr. Keith, from the committee to 
 whom was referred the examination of the ac- 
 counts of the treasurer of the fund for the re- 
 lief of the widows and orphans of deceased 
 clergymen of the Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 made the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the Widows' Fund beg 
 leave to report, that they have examined the 
 treasurer's account, and find it correct. 
 
 Reuel Keith, Chairman, 
 The funds are as follows :~r- 
 United States 3 per cent, stock, $2,037 78 
 1 share Bank of Virginia stock, at par, 100 00 
 67 shares Farmers' Bank Alexandria 
 
 stock, at par, - - - - 3,350 00 
 
 Amount carried /orward. 
 
 $5,487 78 
 
216 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $5,487 78 
 
 Robert Andrews's executor, Rich- 
 mond, balance of note with int't, - 405 00 
 3 shares of Alexandria Bank stock, at 
 
 par, - - - - - - 600 00 
 
 Balance on hand, 
 
 6,493 78 
 85 
 
 86,493 63 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the sard report 
 be received and approved. - t 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the secretary be 
 instructed to correspond with Mr. Andrews 
 6n the subject of the balance due from the es- 
 tate which he represents to the Widows' Fund ; 
 and, if deemed expedient by him, to procure 
 from the treasurer of the fund the evidence of 
 the debt, and send the same to some trustwor- 
 thy person in Louisiana for collection. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the first rule 
 of order for the government of the Conven- 
 tion be amended, by striking out the words, 
 *' the morning service of the church," and insert- 
 ing, in lieu thereof, the word " prayer." 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Mr. Ducachet, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. 
 Empie ; after which the Convention again met. 
 
 Mr. Gerrard Alexander tendered his resigna- 
 tion as a member of the standing committee, 
 which being accepted, the Convention proceeded, 
 by ballot, to supply the vacancy ; whereupon 
 Mr. Edmund J. Lee was unanimously elected. 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 parochial reports presented the following report, 
 which was accepted : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 parochial reports to be condensed for publica- 
 tion have discharged that duty, and beg leave 
 unanimously to recommend that the said reports, 
 as now condensed, be spread upon the Journal 
 of the Convention. 
 
 John H. Winopield, Chairman. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. The rector 
 reports to the Convention that the interests of the 
 church continue slowly to advance. Thirteen 
 hew members have been enrolled ; but, from una- 
 voidable circumstances, four of these have not yet 
 communed. Besides his Sabbatical ministrations 
 in his two churches he has for some time past 
 officiated on Saturdays, in various and remote 
 parts of the county, and has been pleased to find a 
 general kind feeling manifested towards him. In 
 this extension of his labours he preaches in Lib- 
 erty, a decent village in the interior of the county,; 
 where, if he could attend on the Sabbath, he has 
 i-eason to believe the Lord would bless his minis- 
 trations to some permanent good. In this village 
 We have no house of worship ; 'but the masons, 
 who are erecting a neat brick edifice for the pur- 
 poses of a lodge, have very kindly determined to 
 furnish and set apart the lower room exclusively 
 for divine worship, and to give to us the priority 
 Of its use. This act of liberality calls for the 
 more thankfulness, as it was purely gratuitous — 
 being done without either the solicitation or the 
 knowledge of your minister. Baptisms, of adults 
 three, of infants twenty-two — burials four — mar- 
 
 riages Jnne — communicants (two having died and 
 two removed) twenty-eight. 
 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs. 
 
 Frederick parish. By an act of the last Coiv- 
 vention, the church of Winchester being separa- 
 ted from the parish, and formed into a new one 
 called Winchester parish, the parish of Frederick 
 now contains only two congregations, that of the 
 Chapel and that -of Wickliffe Church. The latter, 
 being on the border of the adjoining county, is 
 under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Jones ; the 
 Chapel congregation alone is under the pastoral 
 care .of the. minister of Frederick parish. The 
 communicants belonging to it are between forty 
 and fifty ; the baptisms during the last year hdve 
 been twelve ; the attendance on the services of 
 the church, with very few exceptions, is punctual ; 
 the worship of the congregation is conducted 
 with becoming reverence, and the conduct of its 
 members such as to afford a pleasing hope to their 
 minister that there is a goodly number who are of 
 those who shall finally be saved. 
 
 William Meade. 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester. The general state 
 of affairs in the congregation is somewhat pleas- 
 ing and hopeful. There has, during the past year, 
 been an accession of hearers and communicants, 
 and it is hoped an increase of vital piety ; the 
 meetings for social prayer continue to be well at- 
 tended; the Sunday School is still in operation, 
 but not flourishing, owing to the want of a suita- 
 ble place for holding the school, to the want of 
 teachers in the male department, and particularly 
 to the want of engagedness in the congregation in 
 benevolence of this description ; the catechetical 
 instruction of the children of the congregation 
 and of the Sunday School has been uninterrupted- 
 ly continued every first Sunday iii the month ; and 
 the benevolent societies which have been formed 
 continue to be efficient in their exertions to aid in 
 the general philanthropy which characterizes the 
 day in which we live. 
 
 It gives the rector pleasure to state, that since 
 the last Convention, some important changes have 
 taken place in the temporal affairs of the parish. 
 The old church, which for some time had been 
 too small and inconvenient for the congregation, 
 has been taken down, and the lot, together with 
 the small grave-yard attached to it, has been sold, 
 and a portion of the proceeds appropriated for the 
 erection of a new church, which is now com- 
 menced upon a foundation of forty-seven feet by 
 sixty-five. There has been a disinterment of the 
 remains in the old burying-ground, which have 
 been removed to a new one, which has been kindly 
 presented to the church and congregation by the 
 heirs of the late General Wood's estat§. Com- 
 municants forty-six — marriages three— baptisms 
 eight— deaths ten. . 
 
 The rector also reports, that the interesting con- 
 gregation which assembles in Christ Church, Nor- 
 borne parish,- is well, attended, and as prosperous as 
 can be expected from the limited means enjoyed, 
 being favoured but once a month with public wor- 
 ship. ' J. E. Jackson. 
 
 Lexmgton parish. The minister reports, that 
 the principal part of his time has been devoted to 
 the same three churches in which lie has been 
 labouring from the period of his induction to the 
 parish. 
 
 Through the blessing of Almighty God, in im- 
 parting the Holy Ghost to those who were dead 
 in trespasses and in sins, in St. Luke's two, in 
 St. Mark's four, in St. Matthew's ten, making in 
 all sixteen, have presented themselves, he trusts, 
 a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. 
 
 Commencing in March, the minister has preach- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 217 
 
 led monthly, in a church near New-Marke^, in Nel- 
 son county, with the prospect of being useful. He 
 has made one visit to Rocktish, in Nelson, where 
 he found an old Episcopal church mouldering to 
 decay, and a few aged friends of our Zion, and dis- 
 ciples of the Lord, lamenting their depnvation of 
 the ordinances of the gospel. In this county 
 there are some two or three places where an Epis- 
 copal minister of popular talents and laborious 
 self-denying habits would be favourably received. 
 
 In August last he visited Campbell and Halifax 
 counties, in company with the Rev Mr. Cobbs, to 
 preach, and to obtain subscriptions for the Theo- 
 logical School. In Lexington parish there have 
 been twelve baptisms, three marriages, and six 
 funerals. The children of the different congrega- 
 tions have been occasionally catechised ; there 
 have been three Sunday Schools conducted by 
 members of the different churches, containing each 
 from thirty to forty pupils. In behalf of the Theo- 
 logical Seminary, a subscription of three hundred 
 and forty dollars has been obtained. For addi- 
 tions to the communion, the minister has cause 
 humbly to adore the great Head of the church, 
 and to beheve that with some there is an increas- 
 ing solicitude for the happiness of the soul ; but 
 for the greater part, who are hastening to destruc- 
 tion, he has still to pray,— Lord, spare thy people, 
 and save thy heritage, the purchase of the Re- 
 deemer's blood. 
 
 Charles H. Pace. 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg. The rector hav- 
 ing been resident in this parish but a few months, 
 is not able to give a statement satisfactory to this 
 Convention. He is sorry to say that there has 
 been an addition of only one to the communion of 
 the church ; and not having been furnished with 
 a record, he cannot exhibit the present number. 
 Two funerals— four marriages— nine baptisms,two 
 of which were coloured childrenv 
 
 It is with pecdliar pleasure he would mention, 
 that the ladies of the congregation have consti- 
 tuted him a life member of the American Tract 
 Society ; that the Sunday School is in a very pros- 
 perous condition ; and from the good attendance 
 Upon his ministry, he is encouraged to hope, that 
 in the end it will appear that his labour is not in 
 vain. Thomas Jackson. 
 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier. The 
 rector reports that he resumed his present charge 
 on the first of April last, and it is with heartfelt 
 satisfaction and gratitude to God that he is en- 
 abled to say, that after an absence of more than 
 five years, he found those of whose real conver- 
 sion to God he had formerly entertained good 
 hope, still walking, with scarcely an exception, in 
 the straight and narrow way of life, and giving 
 satisfactory evidence of growth in grace and in 
 the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. The church in Fauquier has been much 
 weakened, by various causes, within the last five 
 years, and particularly by the removal of some of 
 her most valuable members by the hand of death. 
 But from present indications it is hoped that her 
 losses will be more than repaired, and that she 
 will become a vigorous and fruitful branch of the 
 diocess of which it is her happiness to be a part. 
 The rector has not yet had an opportunity to 
 ascertain the number of communicants. He has 
 baptized one infant. In Hamilton parish there is 
 a small Education Society. 
 
 i George Lemon. 
 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle county. The 
 present condition of this parish presents nothing 
 very striking or peculiarly interesting to vary the 
 report made of its state at the last Convention of 
 the church. Still the rector humbly trusts that 
 
 the divine blessing has not been utterly refused 
 his labours. During the year past four or five 
 communicants have bteen added, and one has been 
 removed by death. 
 
 An increased attention is given to the service, 
 and attachments to our worship and doctrines are 
 forming and growing. 
 
 Since January last the rector has been engaged 
 in officiating regularly, twice a month, at the Uni- 
 versity of Virginia, where the congregations are 
 large, respectful, and attentive, and the services 
 are maintained with decency and propriety. This 
 arrangement resulted from a request of the faculty 
 of that institution, communicated through their 
 chairman, T. T. Lomax, Esq; 
 
 It should be mentioned in this place that, during 
 the last summer, by the pious exertions and lib- 
 eral contributions of the members of Walker's 
 Church, their house of worship has undergone a 
 thorough repair, and is rendered in its arrange- 
 ments neat and commodious. 
 
 The rector has officiated, during the past year, 
 generally once a month, in Louisa ; where, by the 
 very friendly aid of the Rev. Mr. Crawford, he 
 trusts some good may be effected and souls saved 
 through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. 
 
 There is in this parish a Sunday School, as well 
 as an Education Society ; and the rector has re- 
 newed his weekly evening lecture, which had for 
 some time been suspended. Communicants about 
 fifty — baptisms, infants ten, adults (one of which 
 was by immersion) two — marriages eight. 
 
 Fred. W. H^tch. 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley county. Number 
 of communicants about eighty — baptisms during 
 the last year seven. The rector humbly trusts 
 that the spiritual .state of his communion has im- 
 proved during the past year, but is unable to re- 
 port any who have come out for the first time with 
 the important inquiry of " What must we do to be' 
 saved ?" The Union Sunday School, which is con- 
 nected with one of the congregations, has increas- 
 ed in numbers and zeal. John T. Brooke. 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county; The 
 condition of this church has improved since the 
 last Convention. Nine members have been added 
 to the communion, and the' attendance on divine 
 -service has been full and regular. Little indeed 
 has been done, compared with the work which 
 remains ; but even this day of small things affords 
 an occasion for thankfulness, and a pleasing hope 
 of subsequent improvement; Communicants thir- 
 ty-six — baptisms three, one of whom is an adult. 
 G. A. Smith. 
 
 St. Thomas's parfsh. Orange <;ounty. There is 
 no vestry in this parish, and the churches which 
 existed there some years since have been destroy- 
 ed. Divine service is held twice a month in the 
 courthouse, and the congregations continue to be 
 full and attentive. Since the last Convention 
 three persons have been admitted to the com- 
 munion, and a Sunday School has been organized, 
 which is well attended. Communicants twelve. 
 
 G. a. SMITft. 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria. In consequence of 
 the location of the Theological School in the coun- 
 try, and the removal of the rector, he has been re- 
 leased by the vestry from the discharge of 4II 
 parochial duties except that of preaching one 
 half the time, and the Rev. George Griswold has 
 been engaged as his assistant, and resides in town 
 wjth the congregation. The Sunday School, Sat- 
 urday School, and Education Society connected 
 with this church, are all in a very prosperous con- 
 dition. Communicants added, two — baptisms 
 twelve — marriages four — funerals five. 
 
 Reuel Keith. 
 
218 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The- rector re- 
 ports, with pleasure and gratitude, the continued 
 peace, hamiony, and prosperity of his charge. 
 All opportunities of public and social worship are 
 well attended. The Sunday School and Bible 
 classes are very prosperous. Eleven persons have 
 been added to the communion sinc'e the last Con- 
 vention ; and many are at present very seriously 
 inquiring after the way of salvation. There have 
 been two adult and twenty-seven infant baptisms, 
 twenty-one funerals, sixteen marriages. The Fe- 
 male Education Society, supported by this and 
 Christ Church, has contributea to the funds of the 
 parent institution during the past year upwards of 
 $500. William Jackson. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. This 
 church is in a state of undiminished prosperity. 
 Through the past year many tokens of the kind 
 and gracious remembrance of the Lord have been 
 vouchsafed us. There has been a very general 
 attention among the people to the things of God. 
 A deep impression was made on tha minds of our 
 community, by the services and ministrations of 
 the last Convention, and some fruit has been 
 gathered into the church, of which the seed was 
 no doubt sown at that season. While there have 
 been «ome valuable additions to the communion 
 since that period, there are also others who give 
 good evidence of " repentance towards God," and 
 of a sincere desire to know what they " must do 
 to be saved." 
 
 The several religious and benevolent institu- 
 tions connected with the church, viz., the Com- 
 mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society, the Female 
 Education Society, the Charity School and Bible 
 -classes, are in a state of prosperity, but especially 
 the Female Domestic Missionary Society, which 
 is still dispensing rich blessings around us. Du- 
 ring the few years of its existence it has engaged 
 in its cause five missionaries, whose labours have 
 been instrumental of good in many places, but 
 especially in the settlement of three useful minis- 
 ters in as many destitute parishes. 
 
 The Sunday Schools are in a flourishing con- 
 dition — the number of scholars registered is 250. 
 Baptisms twenty-nine (one adult) — marriages five 
 — communicants 104. 
 
 Edward C. M'Guire. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. The 
 rector of St. Martin's parish regrets, that ardent 
 devotion and active zeal do not exist in it to the 
 extent of his wishes ; yet he hopes that, upon the 
 whole, it is in a state of improvement. During 
 the past year the congregations have been larger 
 and more attentive than usual. We have now two 
 Sunday Schools in existence, which number about 
 sixty teachers, principally young persons, and up- 
 wards of 150 scholars. Ten communicants have 
 been added to the church, and several others seem 
 to be deeply impressed with the importance of 
 that subject, who are expected shortly to join us. 
 The communicants are now seventy-four — funer- 
 als fourteen — marriages four — baptisms two. 
 
 John Cooke. 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline. Since the last 
 Convention we have reason to hope that a good 
 work has been continued in this' parish, though, 
 perhaps, not so extensively as during the year of 
 revival of the church. Our congregation labours 
 under great inconvenience with respect to com- 
 fortable accommodations at the church, as it is 
 still very much out of repair ; and during the wet 
 weather of last winter we frequently were obliged 
 to abandon it entirely. Since the return of good 
 weather, the number has been as large as usual ; 
 and we believe there is an increasing concern 
 asaong many of them for a knowledge of the truth 
 
 as it is in Jesus. It affords us pleasure to obserre 
 that a Bible class has been formed, containing 
 eleven members, who manifest great anxiety to 
 search the Scriptures in the most profitable man- 
 ner. A Sunday School also was commenced on 
 the last Sunday in March, and they reported on 
 Sunday, the 4th of the present month, fifty schol- 
 ars. The communion has only been administered 
 once since last spring. One new member has 
 been added. One of the former number has re- 
 moved from the parish, so that the present num- 
 ber is the same as in the last report. Communi- 
 cants twenty-two — baptisms one — marriages five. 
 Leonard H. Johns. 
 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland county. 
 The rector of this parish reports, that there has 
 been some improvement in the prospects of the 
 church during the last year. The extensive field 
 in which he labours prevents him from devoting 
 to this congregation the attention which its neces- 
 sities demand and its growth encourages. He 
 has under his charge congregations in Raleigh 
 parish, Amelia, and Manchester parish, Chester- 
 field, whose prospects are flattering. During the 
 last year there have been seven baptisms, one 
 marriage, five deaths, and ten additions to the 
 communion. The whole number of communi- 
 cants is about thirty. 
 
 William F. Lee. 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond. Since the last 
 Convention, twenty-one communicants have been 
 added, six have been removed, and two have died ; 
 present number is 165. Sixty persons have been 
 confirmed. Of baptisms there have been forty — 
 three of adults, and thirty-seven of infants. The 
 Sunday School, which is in connexion with the 
 General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School 
 Union, and pursues the system of instruction 
 recommended by that society, is more flourishing 
 than at any former period. The number of schol- 
 ars is 177. The superintendents and teachers 
 are active and diligent in the discharge of their 
 duties, and manifest a more than ordinary interest 
 in the welfare of the school of which they have 
 the supervision. A s an evidence of the favourable 
 regard which is bestowed upon this institution, it 
 ought to be mentioned, that through the hberality 
 of a few individuals, a very respectable library has 
 lately been formed, and that the first superintend- 
 ent has just contracted for the erection of a 
 building, to cost $800, for the use of the school- 
 one half of which he advances on his own respon- 
 sibility. In addition to this mode of instruction, 
 religious knowledge is communicated by the as- 
 sistant minister, through the medium of Bible and 
 catechetical classes, who meet once every week ; 
 the senior class of ladies, consisting of twenty 
 members ; the junior class of males and females, 
 between the ages of eleven and sixteen, consisting 
 of fifty ; and the class of catechumens, consisting 
 of about twenty-five. A meeting is held every 
 week in a private house, in which a short service 
 from the liturgy is used, and a lecture delivered. 
 As the rector has discovered great advantages to 
 attend such social meetings, he begs leave to rec- 
 ommend the observance of them to all the clergy 
 of the diocess. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore. 
 
 Henrico parish, Richmond. The condition of 
 this congregation continues to improve, and it is 
 believed that the interests of vital religion are 
 gaining ground. The Sunday School continues 
 to be well attended, and it is evidently doing much 
 important good. It is composed of 120 scholars 
 and fifteen teachers. Communicants forty-one— 
 marriages thirteen— baptisms twenty-eight. 
 
 WiLLUM H. Habt, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 219 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county. The 
 rector reports that he has performed regular ser- 
 vices in this parish since the commencement of 
 this year. It is evidently in a depressed, but no 
 longer in a declining state. The congregations 
 were small at first, but have been gradually in- 
 <:reasing — they are now large and attentive. He 
 has officiated alternately at St. Paul's and Lamb's 
 Creek ; in the latter parish a Sunday School has 
 been commenced, which promises much useful- 
 ness. The number of communicants in both is 
 about thirty. Edward W. Peet. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex 
 county. These parishes, taken together, present 
 a prospect in some respects less, and in others 
 more encouraging, than when the last report was 
 made. St. Anne's, though a few have been added 
 to the communion since that time, has, it is fear- 
 ed, suffered some declension in its spiritual state. 
 Much good wil result, it is hoped, from a Female 
 Bible class, formed since the last Convention, and 
 a Sunday School in his immediate neighbourhood. 
 This school, though not attached to the Episcopal 
 Church, is at present conducted solely by mem- 
 bers of her communion. It has been in existence 
 now about seven or eight years ; and though the 
 number is much reduced, at one period had up- 
 wards of 150 scholars, several of whom have join- 
 ed the communion of the church, and of other de- 
 nominations of Christians. 
 
 The spiritual state of South Farnham has, it is 
 helieved, much improved since the last report. 
 The congregation has increased in numbers and 
 attention to the services of the sanctuary. A few 
 have been added to the communion, and others 
 would have been but for want of an opportunity. 
 Within the past year two Bible classes have been 
 formed, and a small Sunday School, conducted 
 principally by members of the Episcopal congre- 
 gation. In the two parishes there is a small Ed- 
 ucation Society. 
 
 Since August last, the pastor of St. Anne's and 
 South Farnham has preached twice a month 
 in Lunenburg parish, Richmond county. The 
 church which formerly stood in this county has 
 fallen to the ground, and the services are now per- 
 formed in the courthouse. Though there is no reg- 
 ularly organized congregation in this parish, yet 
 the number who attend the stated ministrations, 
 the Christian zeal of some, the anxiety of many to 
 have the word preached frequently among them, 
 and the recent formation of a large Sunday 
 School, afford the most pleasing hopes. 
 
 Communicants in both parishes, deducting one 
 removal, thirty-nine (one coloured) — baptisms in 
 both parishes and in the neighbourhood, eighteen 
 (one aduk, nine coloured) — one marriage — buri- 
 als three. John P. M'Guiee. 
 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes. I'he rector of 
 the churches in Gloucester reports, that nothing 
 ■very special has occurred in either of his parishes 
 since the last Convention. Two members, in the 
 course of the year, have been added to his com- 
 munion, and one removed by death, making the 
 present number nineteen. Baptisms thirteen — 
 marriages five — burials five. The venerable 
 church in Abingdon parish has been, during the 
 past winter,, thoroughly repaired, and the rector 
 takes this opportunity of acknowledging, with 
 thankfulness, the zeal which his people have 
 manifested in the completion of that object. 
 
 Wm. D. Cairns. 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re- 
 ports, during the last five months, one funeral, 
 two baptisms, three marriages, and eight new 
 communicants. The whole number of communi- 
 cants is thirty-eight. 
 
 In compliance with the 45th canon of the Gen- 
 eral Convention, he would further add, that the 
 adult members of the church are about 140 — chil- 
 dren 100 — catechumens fifty — and that, besides 
 the pupils of William and Mary, thecoi^regation 
 comprises about thirty adults who are not mem- 
 bers of our church. 
 
 The rector delivers one weekly lecture in the 
 church, which is well attended. Several of the 
 female members of the congregation meet togeth- 
 er once a- week, at private houses, for religious 
 exercises. They support a Bible Society, and 
 also a Working Society, the avails of which con- 
 stitute a fund for the poor of the town. The Sun- 
 day School consists, at present, of ninety-three. 
 
 A. Empie, 
 
 Elizabeth City parish. It is with gratitude to 
 the Author of all good, that the rector is en- 
 abled to report the state of his charge as encour- 
 aging. He ministers statedly on the Sabbath to 
 two congregations, viz., at Fortress Monroe and 
 Hampton. 
 
 The congregation at the fortress is numerously 
 attended, and consists of the military and citizens, 
 and their families, who have very generally con- 
 tributed to the support of the gospel. Their uni- 
 form attendance upon the stated services of the 
 church affords the pleasing hope that the ordi- 
 nances of religion have not been dispensed in vain. 
 Several have united themselves to our communion 
 in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 A Sunday School has been established, which 
 promises well. 
 
 At Hampton, where the church has been dor- 
 mant for more than twenty years, we have good 
 hope, from what we have witnessed, that this por- 
 tion of our Zion will ere long "be divested of 
 her weeds, and arrayed in the attire of joy." But 
 twelve months since and the church was almost 
 in ruins ; now, however, by the blessing of God 
 upon the untiring exertions and liberal contribu- 
 tions of her friends, this ancient edifice has been 
 so far repaired as to admit the congregation 
 within its walls to "worship the Lord in the 
 beauty of hohness." The services of the church 
 have met with a favourable reception, and, judg- 
 ing from the past, we are induced to beUeve there 
 is a growing attachment to her doctrines, disci- 
 pline, and worship. 
 
 The spiritual concerns of the church are in 
 some degree flattering. Twenty-four have re- 
 ceived the rite of confirmation from our beloved 
 diocesan, the most of whom have become commu- 
 nicants. The weekly lectures, both at this place 
 and the fortress, are mteresting. 
 
 A Sunday School, which numbers upwards of 
 one hundred scholars, and patronised by the dif- 
 ferent denominations, has been for some time 
 past in successful operation. 
 
 At the request ot a few families in Charles 
 parish, York county, I have for some months 
 past performed divine service, and preached, from 
 house to house, every fortnight, on Saturdays — 
 and it affords me great satisfaction to state to the 
 Convention, that the services have been numer- 
 ously attended ; and as a vestry has been recently 
 chosen, and exertions are making, the hope is en- 
 tertained that the love for our church may yet re- 
 vive in this parish. Communicants thirty-two — 
 baptisms fifty, including three cases of adults — 
 marriages five— funerals nine. 
 
 Mark L. Chevers. 
 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton county. The 
 rector thanks God that union, peace, and concord 
 now reign in the different churches Under his 
 charge. Two Bible Societies and a Missionary 
 SjQciety have been formed. C6mmunicants twed- 
 
2^ 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 ty-eight (added since lagt report eight)— baptisms 
 thirty — marriages twenty-three — funerals sixteen. 
 Stephen Selby Guntkr. 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg. Though a 
 few have been added to our communion, yet, in 
 consequence of removal and death, there is no in- 
 crease of numbers. Communicants about forty — 
 baptisms twenty-r-marriages three— funerals ten. 
 In Halifax the prospect is more pleasmg ; the 
 church has been organized. It is believed that 
 several hundred dollars have been subscribed to 
 the Theological Seminary. The people .of this 
 parish are anxiously desirous to secure the ben- 
 efits of religious instruction, by having a clergy- 
 man settled among them. Communicants ten — 
 baptisms five (one adult)— funerals two-^mar- 
 riages three. William Steel. 
 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county. The rector of 
 this parish has continued to preach during the 
 past year at the places mentioned in his report to 
 the last Convention. He has not succeeded, how- 
 esver, in organizing any regular congregation .du* 
 ring that period. The one which was previously 
 formed at Sapony Church has improved as much 
 as, from the circumstances of the people, could 
 have been expected. The services of the church 
 have at this place been engaged in with a degree 
 of regularity and solemnity which is not often ex- 
 ceeded by old congregations. The prejudices 
 against our forms of worship are gradually giving 
 place to more correct feeling ; and in many cases 
 the beauty and advantages of our excellent liturgy 
 are beginning to be perceived and appreciated. 
 This parish was visited in July last by our vener- 
 able diocesan and two of our clerical brethren, 
 when the rector was admitted to priest's orders, 
 and the rite of confirmation was administered to 
 nine persons. The services were continued at 
 the church for three days; were well attended, 
 and were particularly interesting ; and there is 
 great reason to believe that the exhibition which 
 was then made of the spirit and character of our 
 church, had a greater effect in conciliating the 
 favourable regard of the people, than could have 
 been produced by the efforts of an individual min- 
 ister m the course of several years. The sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper was on that occasion 
 administered, and received by fourteen members 
 of that congregation; one half of whom were 
 then, for the first time, admitted to the commu- 
 nion of the Episcopal Church. There is a Sab- 
 bath School, and also a Biblie class of adults, con- 
 nected with Sapony Church; and although both 
 of them are quite small, yet their existence is an 
 evidence of an increasing attention to the subject 
 of religion, which affords some encouragement to 
 their pastor. At the other places at which he 
 
 ^ministers regularly, the rector of this parish has 
 not had the same cause for encouragement as at 
 Sapony : public worship is but thinly attended ; 
 and the services of our church are so much dis- 
 regarded, that he has as yet been unable to use 
 the liturgy with any tolerable degree of regularity. 
 There is, however, generally, within the sphere of 
 
 -his regular ministrations, an improvement in the 
 external character of those who attend public wor- 
 ship, which, although not very great, is yet suffi- 
 cient to prevent him from fainting in despair. 
 Some few individuals, it is hoped, are seriously 
 inquiring the way to ZionT and four have been 
 admitted to the communion. During the last 
 month, the rector of this parish has engaged to 
 spend one week in each month in the service of 
 
 . the Female Missionary Society of Petersburg. 
 His plan is to preach during that week at two 
 places in the county of Sussex, at one in Surry, 
 •t one in.Prince George, and at Dinwiddie court- 
 
 house. He has spent one week on this circuit, 
 and is convinced, from the observation he has 
 made and the information obtained, that no sec- 
 tion of our state stands more in need of minis- 
 terial labours ; and there is great reason to believe 
 that a faithful, active, prudent clergyman, who 
 would officiate in this section, would receive a 
 very comfortable support. The number of com- 
 municants in the Sapony congregation is fifteen — 
 there have been five baptisms (four of infants 
 and one adult)— seven funerals — and five mar- 
 riages. J. Grammer. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. It is with great 
 satisfaction that the rector is enabled to state to 
 the Convention, that, by the blessing of God, this 
 parish is in a state of considerable improvement 
 as regards their religious interests. Their attend- 
 ance on the public worship and the ordinances of 
 religion is more regular than in some former 
 years ; there have been added lately eight or ten 
 communicants, who appear to be pious and well 
 disposed. 
 
 The society of ladies, auxiliary to the Education 
 Society, for the assistance of young men designed 
 for the ministry, have been very assiduous and 
 very successful in promoting the interests of the 
 association ; they have been enabled to transmit 
 very considerable sums of money to the parent 
 society. _ 
 
 The Sunday scholars lielonging to our church 
 in this toWn are not numerous ; on which ac- 
 count they have been united with the Methodist 
 Society scholars for a considerable length of time : 
 the united school is prosperous ; the teachers, se- 
 lected from both congregations, are very attentive 
 to their respective duties. Marriages since last 
 Convention twelve — baptisms twenty-nine-*-bu- 
 rials sixteen. Andrew Syme. 
 
 St. Luke's Church, parish of Newport. The 
 rector reports that he has not had any increase in 
 this congregation since the last Convention ; but 
 he takes pleasure in stating, that there appears to 
 be a spirit pervading the minds and hearts of his 
 people which presages "better things;" there is 
 a greater degree of seriousness manifested on the 
 part of members of the church than has hitherto 
 appeared, and a tenderness under the ministration 
 of the word which proves that the Spirit of the 
 Lord is secretly, but, we trust, surely at work upon 
 the heart. For these favourable signs the liveliest 
 gratitude is felt to the great Head of the church. 
 There have been nine baptisms (one adult) — 
 eight funerals— one marriage. 
 
 The rector also reports, in reference to this 
 church, that about 300 dollars have been subscri- 
 bed towards its repairs ; the materials have been 
 purchased, the workmen employed, and he ex- 
 pects soon to see this (the oldest church in Vir- 
 ginia now standing) put a in comfortable condition. 
 William G. H. Jones. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Suffolk. This church is 
 under the care of the rector of St. Luke's Church. 
 Since the last Convention he has had reason here 
 to praise God and take courage. Fifteen mem- 
 bers have been added to the communion. The 
 attendance at church is generally respectable and 
 regular, and the conduct of the members during 
 worship highly reverent. Three adult baptisms — 
 communicants tvyenty. William G. H. Jones. 
 
 Suffolk, May 1.^, 1828. I have not held a parish 
 for a considerable time. The churches in the 
 counties of Nansemond and Isle of Wight being 
 (until veiy late) destitute of ministers, I con- 
 sidered that I could promote the interest of reli-* 
 gion better by extending my labours to them all, 
 than by confining them to a single church. Agree- 
 ably to the request of the bishop, An association of 
 
CONVENTrON.^F 1828. 
 
 221 
 
 ministers, consisting of Mr. Parker, Mr. Jones, and 
 myself, was held in Sinithfield on the llih of 
 April, and at the church in Surry on the follow- 
 ing day, where we officiated to large and atten- 
 tive congregations. Baptisms thirty-one (nine 
 adults), seven were blacks — funerals nine— mar- 
 riages seven. Jacob Keeling. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. There 
 have been added to the communion, since the last 
 report, eight mdividuals. There are several others 
 belongmg to this charge who are deeply impressed 
 with the necessity and importance of religion, but 
 who have not yet obtained that satisfaction in their 
 own minds, with respect to the change of heart, 
 which they think is necessary to warrant them in 
 making an open profession of being on the Lord's 
 side. The pleasing hope is, however, confidently 
 indulged, that it will not be very long before some 
 of these individuals will be added to the list of 
 worthy communicants. The temporal condition 
 of this congregation, the rector is also happy to 
 state, has much improved within the last year. 
 The pews have all been rented out but two, and 
 measures are now taking for adding side galteries 
 to the church, in which to erect others. 
 
 There are attached to the congregation several 
 societies ; the most important of which are a 
 Sunday School, a Bible class, and a Female 
 Working Society ; all of which, it is believed, are 
 exerting a beneticial influence. Our weekly lec- 
 tures are still kept up, and it is hoped, from the 
 attendance on them, that they are not wholly with- 
 outiheir good effects. Blarriages three — baptisms 
 nine, two of which were adults — present number 
 of communicants twenty -four — funerals six. 
 
 John H. Wingfield. 
 Christ Church, Norfolk. The rector reports to 
 the Convention that, during the past year, he has 
 administered baptism to twenty-six persons, of 
 whom three were adults— there have been twelve 
 marriages— twenty-nine burials — and eighteen per- 
 sons admitted to the communion, making the pres- 
 ent number of communicants one hundred and 
 ninety-four. At the bishop's visit in June last, 
 sixteen were confirmed. The Bible class is in 
 about the same condition as last reported. The 
 Sunday School numbers one hundred and fifty- 
 eight scholars and twenty-two teachers. The 
 corner-stone of the new church was laid by the 
 Right Rev. the Bishop on the 20th of June last. 
 The edifice is nearly completed, and will be ready 
 for consecration, it is hoped, in July ensuing. Its 
 dimensions are 96 feet by 65. It is built of brick, 
 with a large vestry-room in the rear, and a steeple 
 calculated for a clock and bell, and 115 feet in 
 height. 
 
 During the last year there have been con- 
 tributed by the parish to the Education 
 
 Society, $584 80 
 
 To the bishop's assistant's salary, - 20 00 
 The contingent fund of the diocess, - 30 80 
 
 $635 60 
 The rector rejoices to inform the Convention 
 that the affairs of the congregation are in a pros- 
 perous condition ; and especially that its spiritual 
 state is, perhaps, more promising and satisfactory 
 than it has ever been during the ministry of the 
 incumbent. Henry W, Ducachet. 
 
 Suffolk, Va. Last summer I left the diocess 
 of Maryland and came to this place, in which I 
 have been occupied principally in teaching school. 
 But, during my residence here, I ha,ve frequently 
 performed divine service. Since the commence- 
 ment of this year I have superintended a Sunday 
 School, which consists of about thirty scholars. 
 Marriages three — one funeral. Ira Parker, 
 
 A resolution relative to the defraying the ex- 
 penses of the delegates to represent this diocess 
 to the General Convention was offered, and, on 
 motion, the same was laid upon the table. 
 
 A motion was made by the Rev. Mr. Duca- 
 chet, that the Convention do now take up and 
 consider the report made to the last Convention 
 by the special committee to whom had been re- 
 ferred the communication from the secretaries 
 of the House of Bishops and of the House of 
 Clerical and Lay Delegates to the secretary of 
 this Convention— which motion was rejected. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the next Conven- 
 tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the 
 diocess of Virginia be held in the town of 
 Charlottesville, on the Wednesday before the 
 third Thursday in May next. 
 
 The president having retired, Mr. H. Nelson 
 was called to the chair. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Meade, froih tlie board of 
 trustees of the Theological School, presented 
 the following report, which was read. 
 Report of the board of trustees of the Theological 
 
 Seminary of Virginia, to the Convention, held in 
 
 Petersburg, May 15, 1828. 
 
 It will be remembered, that at the last Conven- 
 tion, the trustees obtained leave to locate the sem- 
 inary in the neighbourhood of Alexandria, should 
 it be found practicable. In order to ascertain this, 
 a committee was appointed, with full powers to 
 select an eligible site, to erect the necessary build- 
 ings, and to raise the funds for defraying the ex- 
 penses of the same. The committee accordingly 
 repaired to Alexandria in the month of June, and 
 alter some time spent in surveying the different 
 situations which were offered, made a selection of 
 one, which, on account of the healthiness of its 
 atmosphere, the beauty of its prospect, and its 
 many conveniences, has given universal satisfac- 
 tion to the professors, students, friends, and vis- 
 iters of our seminary. The lot of land which was 
 purchased contained about sixty-two acres, the 
 half of which was cleared, well enclosed, and cov- 
 ered with grass. The remainder is in young tim- 
 ber, which will soon yield no inconsiderable 
 allowance of fuel. The buildings upon it consist- 
 ed of a new brick dwelling-house, with all neces- 
 sary out-buildings for the comfort of a family. A 
 well-enclosed garden and promising young orchard 
 were also among the improvements of the place. 
 The cost of the establishment was five thousand 
 dollars. This we were enabled to pay at once, 
 by the assistance of our treasurer, Mr. John Gray, 
 who kindly advanced the whole, relying for the 
 return of it upon the collections to be aftei-ward 
 made. It was now necessary to erect, without 
 delay, a suitable edifice for the reception of the 
 students, and of such person or persons as should 
 be employed to attend to their temporal comforts. 
 Accordingly, a brick house of three stories, con- 
 taining twelve rooms, besides a basement story, 
 affording a dining-room, kitchen, and closets, was 
 immediately erected, the cost of which has ex- 
 ceeded three thousand dollars. This we were 
 enabled to discharge by a loan from the Educa- 
 tion Society of two thousand dollars, and a fur- 
 ther advance from our treasurer and ever-ready 
 friend Mr. John Gray. To relieve ourselves from 
 the obligations thus incurred a new subscription 
 was commenced, which, by the united exertions 
 of the friends of the seminary, has already reached 
 the amount of the debt which was contracted, 
 being somewhat more than eight thousand dol- 
 lars. As this, however, is payable in annual vn- 
 
222 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 stalments of two, three, and four years, and the 
 interest on the money advanced is still increasing 
 the debt, it is plain that the present subscription 
 will not suffice to discharge the same with the in- 
 terest accruing. Other buildings are also neces- 
 sary to complete the establishment. Another 
 house for the residence of one of the professors, 
 who is at present living at an inconvenient dis- 
 tance, is very desirable, and a most convenient 
 situation presents itself on the seminary farm. So 
 soon as our means will justify the measure, it will 
 be also desirable to have a building for the pur- 
 poses to which the basement story is now devo- 
 ted, but for which it is by no means sufficient. In 
 the same building might be a lecture-room and 
 library, for which the private apartments of our 
 present edifice are now made to answer. These 
 additional buildmgs will, of course, require a large 
 increase of our funds, nor shall we venture to pro- 
 ceed until assured that the contributions of our 
 friends will justify the undertaking. 
 
 It becomes us also to make a further statement 
 of our pecuniary concerns, that the members and 
 friends of the church may not be mistaken as to 
 our condition, and relax their exertions or with- 
 hold their charities, on the supposition that our 
 need is not so great as it really is. Towards the 
 endowment of two professorships, each requiring 
 not less than fifteen thousand dollars, we have, as 
 yet, only realized the sum of ten thousand seven 
 hundred and thirty-four dollars and forty-two 
 cents. It is true that the unremitting exertions 
 of the Female AuxiUary Education Societies have 
 thus far enabled us to have the services of two 
 professors, besides receiving all the poor and pious 
 youths who have applied for admission into the 
 jseminary. But still we cannot consider any^n- 
 stitution on a sure and permanent basis, without 
 a fund, whose interest will suffice for the support 
 of those officers who are indispensable to its good 
 government ; and therefore we can never be satis- 
 fied until we have realized the needful sum. 
 
 In order to raise this amount as soon as practi- 
 cable, the trustees at their present meeting have 
 appointed the Rev. Dr. Cobbs, the Rev. Mr. 
 M'Guire, the Rev. Mr. Ducachet, and the Rev. 
 Dr. Meade, to solicit contributions in the State of 
 Virginia, the latter of whom will enter upon this 
 duty immediately after the Convention, and de- 
 vote two or three months to the same. 
 
 The trustees, considering also how much other 
 portions of our country are likely to be benefited 
 by the successful operation of our seminary, and 
 that it is most reasonable that those portions 
 should render us their aid in its establishment, 
 have requested the Rev. Mr. Jackson, of Alexan- 
 dria, the Rev. Mr. Mann, the Rev. Mr. Tyng, the 
 Rev. Mr. Johns, and the Rev. Mr. Henshaw, of 
 Maryland, the Rev. Mr. Bedell, of Pennsylvania, 
 and the Rev. Mr. M'llvaine, of New-York, to lend 
 us their aid in soliciting contributions, wherever 
 their judgment or convenience may lead them. 
 
 Having presented this exposition of the funds, 
 the location, and the buildings of our infant insti- 
 tution, we now proceed to state the pleasing ac- 
 complishment of those hopes which encouraged 
 us to choose its present location. VS^e have re- 
 alized that freedom from the many interruptions 
 inseparable from a town, which formed a strong 
 inducement to its removal. Every incentive to 
 close application to the exercises of piety is fur- 
 nished to the young candidate for the ministry. 
 On the Sabbath they either walk into Alexandria 
 and attend the public services of the churches, or 
 remain at the seminary, where, for their benefit 
 and the benefit of many families around, the ser- 
 vice of the church is read, and a sermoa deUvered, 
 
 by one of the professors. On the evening of the 
 Sabbath, and on other evenings of the week, they 
 are often piously and profitably engaged in visiting 
 the families in the neighbourhood, praying with 
 them, reading the word of God, and exhorting 
 them to holiness. It deserves also to be mention- 
 ed, that they evince a laudable zeal in attending 
 to the instruction of the children in the several 
 Sunday Schools which they have established in 
 Alexandria and at the seminary. While thus en- 
 gaged in these exercises which fit them for the 
 practical duties on which they are soon to enter, 
 we have the assurance of the professors that they 
 have not been inattentive to those bterary and 
 theological studies which are necessary to qualify 
 them for the defence of the faith. During the 
 past session seventeen students have been under 
 the care of the professors, though only fourteen 
 are to be considered as properly members of the 
 seminary, the remaining three being engaged in 
 preparatory studies, which will qualify them to 
 enter at some future period. It will be most en- 
 couraging indeed to the friends of our institution, 
 to behold six of these youths, who have been for 
 a greater or lesser period of time nurtured in our 
 seminary, presented on the ensuing Sabbath to 
 the bishop of our diocess, and, after receiving from 
 him the proper authority, proceeding forth to the 
 glorious work of preaching the everlasting gospel. 
 The trustees will only add, that their hopes and 
 expectations as to the expenses of hving have 
 been more than realized. From the experience 
 of the present year, they are iustified in saying 
 that the sum of seventy-five dollars is amply suf- 
 ficient for the board of each student, during the 
 period of the nine months which constitutes the 
 seminary term. 
 
 In concluding their report, the trustees have to 
 record the heavy loss sustained by the board in 
 the death of the lamented Dr. Wilmer. In this 
 as in every other department of usefulness, he had 
 ever displayed a judgment, zeal, and activity sel- 
 dom to be found united in one individual. The 
 emblems of mourning which now designate the 
 members of this Convention, evince the high 
 esteem in which his services were held by the 
 whole church. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the smn of one 
 hundred and twenty dollars and thirty-seven 
 and a half cents be appropriated to the bishop, 
 for the support of his assistant, out of the Con- 
 tingent Fund, to make up, with the sura paid in 
 for that purpose during the present Conven- 
 tion, the sum of three hundred dollars, in pur- 
 suance of the pledge made by the Convention 
 in the year 1826. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the 
 secretary his expenses incurred in attending 
 this Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, unanimously, TTiat the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 ministers of the Presbyterian, Methodist, and 
 Baptist churches in this place, for the liberal 
 and kind offer of their churches for the use of 
 the Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the treasurer pay 
 to the doorkeeper of this Convention the sum 
 of five dollars for his services. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 citizens of this place, for their kind and hospi- 
 table attentions to the members of the Conven- 
 tion^ during its session. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1828. 
 
 223 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be presented to the secretary and 
 treasurer for their faithful services. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That one thousand 
 copies of this Journal be printed, and distributed 
 by the secretary among the parishes. 
 
 The bishop appeared and took his seat as 
 president of the Convention. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to ths election, 
 bv ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United 
 States : whereupon the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : Rev. William Meade, 
 D. D., Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Rev. Edward 
 a M'Guire, Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Dr. Car- 
 ter Berkeley, Mr. Phihp Nelson, Mr. Hugh 
 Nelson, and Mr. James M. Garnett. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 in the town of Charlottesville, on the Wednes- 
 day before the third Thursday in May next. 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the P. E. Church of Virginia. 
 
 Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary. 
 
 On Sunday evening. May 18th, the clergy and 
 laity of the Convention assembled round the altar, 
 when the bishop addressed and took his leave of 
 them as follows : — 
 
 Brethren, — Agreeably to that practice which 
 has always marked the close of our Conventional 
 labours, we surround the altar of the Redeemer 
 to express our thankfulness to him for that unity 
 which has distinguished our proceedings, and for 
 the spiritual blessings we have enjoyed during our 
 association, and also to take an affectionate leave 
 of each other. 
 
 When we call to view the important concerns 
 in which we have been engaged, and consider the 
 peaceful spirit in which those concerns have been 
 transacted, how heartfelt should be the expression 
 of our gratitude to God ! The Theological Semi- 
 nary, that school of the prophets, that nursery of 
 the church, from which we have received so much 
 benefit and advantage, and from which we have 
 reason to expect still greater results, has received 
 from the benefactions of our friends an impulse 
 which, we trust, will ensure its success, and render 
 it an object of commanding importance not only 
 to this diocess, but to our religious community in 
 general. 
 
 Seven ybung men, six of whom are alumni of 
 that institution, have this day been admitted to 
 holy oi-ders. Men, from whose labours parishes 
 which have been destitute for many years will be 
 supplied, and the word of life communicated to 
 those who have looked lo us for spiritual help. 
 Yes ! the walls of some of our churches, in which 
 the voice of the gospel has not been heard for 
 twenty years, will again resound with the glad 
 tidings of salvation, and wake the prayers and 
 praises of our people. The hungry will be fed 
 with the bread of life ; the thirsty will be led to 
 the fountain of ever-living waters that they may 
 drink ; the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ will be 
 exhibited to their view, and poor weeping peni- 
 tents be directed to Calvary for the salvation of 
 their immortal souls. My heart vibrates with joy 
 at the glowing prospect presented to our view, 
 and my soul rejoices in the prosperity of our Zion. 
 
 When we contemplate the blessings with which 
 God in his mercy hath favoured us, we have rea- 
 son to take courage and press forward in the dis- 
 charge of our duly. It is by the preaching of the 
 
 gospel in its purity that we are to expect a con- 
 tinuance of the divine favour. It is the cross of 
 a crucified Jesus under which we have rallied ; 
 and while that cross continues to form the banner 
 under which we fight the fight of faith, the bles- 
 sing of God will descend upon us in profusion, and 
 our preaching prove the savour of life to" tBose 
 who hear us. Yes, my brethren, I repeat the dec- 
 laration : If we expect to succeed in our ministry, 
 and to see the work of the Lord prosper in our 
 hands, Jesus Christ, and him crucified, must con- 
 stitute the basis of all our discourses — the anima- 
 ting theme of all our addresses. Yes ! my soul 
 warms at the thought. It is the cross which 
 forms the ladder by which the behever scales the 
 heavens. The cross is the throne of grace from 
 which Jesus answers prayer, and pronounces par- 
 don and forgiveness to the poor penitent. Carry 
 your people to Gethsemane, and show them the 
 precious Redeemer under the load of their conv- 
 plicated guilt, sweating great drops of blood ; con- 
 duct them to Calvary, exhibit the Saviour to their 
 view as the only propitiatory sacrifice for you ;. 
 and lest any of your charge should doubt his mer- 
 ciful disposition, proclaim to them the soul-enli- 
 vening truth— proclaim to them that the Lord 
 Jesus wears on his compassionate bosom the 
 glorious inscription, " not willing that any should 
 perish, but that all should come to repentance." 
 Go on, my beloved sons in the ministry, go on in 
 the glorious work in which you have engaged, 
 and the Lord Jesus will assist you with his grace, 
 and bless you with the richest evidences of his 
 love. Let controversy alone ; for it will paralyze 
 your minds and obstruct you my our work. Preach 
 the truth. Be attentive to your solemn vows of 
 conformity to our worship which you have volun- 
 tarily made. Be men of peace — imitate, as far as 
 in you lieth, your divine Master. " Learn of him 
 who was meek and lowly in heart, and you will 
 find rest to your souls." 
 
 We are now, my brethren, to part. Remember 
 that such is the frail tenure of our earthly exist- 
 ence, that it is scarcely to be expected we shall 
 ever meet again in this world. The last year took 
 two from our number ; and before the next twelve 
 months shall have revolved over our heads, others 
 may be taken from our ranks, called lo give an 
 account of their stewardship. Strive, then, I be- 
 seech you, to be prepared. Be much at a throne 
 of grace, not only with the people of your charge, 
 but also in your retirement. When you enter 
 your closets, remember that you are entering the 
 threshold of heaven, and say to the world and all 
 its delusive pleasures, " Slay ye here while I go 
 yonder and worship." By such a course your 
 lamps will be always trimmed, your lights burning 
 in your hands : then, when the voice of God shall 
 proclaim the approach of the bridegroom, you will 
 be prepared to enter into the everlasting joy of our 
 
 To the lay members of the Convention I beg 
 leave to return my sincere thanks for their kind 
 co-operation and support. With many of you I 
 have met in Convention ever since my residence 
 in Virginia, and to your labour the church is in- 
 debted for a large portion of its success. The 
 clergy consider you as co-workers with them, and 
 lean much on you for your counsel and advice. 
 Be steadfast and immoveable, always abounding in 
 the work of the Lord, and your labour will not be 
 in vain in the Lord. My brethren, 1 bid you all an 
 affectionate farewell; and should we never meet 
 in this vale of tears. Oh may we meet in that hap- 
 py world prepared for the righteous, and enjoy that 
 rest which remaineth for the people of God. Breth- 
 ren, farefwell. Richard C. Moore^ 
 
2U 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocesa 
 of Virginia, which assembled in the town of Charlottesville, on Wednesday, the 20th day of 
 May, 1829. 
 
 This being the day and place appointed for 
 the annual meeting of the Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of 
 Virginia, several clergymen and lay delegates 
 attended divine seryice in the Episcopal Church 
 in this town. 
 
 Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Adam 
 Empie, and a sermon preached by the Rev. John 
 H. Wingfield. 
 
 After divine service (the Right Rev. Bishop 
 Moore being prevented by indisposition from 
 attending), the Rev. William Meade, D. D., was 
 elected, by joint ballot of the clerical and lay 
 delegates, in conformity with the canons of the 
 church, president pro tempore of this Conven- 
 tion, and accordingly took his seat as such. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Augusta parish, 
 Staunton ; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rus- 
 sell pairish, Bedford county ; the Rev. John Cole, 
 officiating in Surry and Prince George coun- 
 ties ; the Rev. John Cooke, St. Martin's parish, 
 Hanover and Louisa counties ; the Rev. Robert 
 B. Croes, assistant minister of the Monumental 
 Church, Richmond ; the Rev. Charles Dresser, 
 Antrim parish, Halifa.x county ; the Rev. Henry 
 W. Ducachet, M. D., Christ Church, Norfolk ; the 
 Rev. James Doughen, parish of St James, Nor- 
 thara, Goochland county ; the Rev. Adam Empie, 
 rector of Bruton parish, and President of Will- 
 iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; the Rev. 
 Zachariah H. Goldsmith, St. George's parish, 
 Accomack county ; the Rev. John Grammer, 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county ; the Rev. Caleb 
 J. Good, St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county ; 
 the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville 
 parish, Albemarle county ; the Rev. Johannes 
 Edward Jackson, Christ Church, Frederick 
 parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. William 
 Jackson, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the 
 Rev. Thomas Jackson, Shelburne parish, Lou- 
 doun county ; the Rev. William G. H. Jones, 
 parish of Newport, Isle of Wight ; the Rev. 
 Reuel Keiths D. D., Professor in the Theologi- 
 cal School of this diocess near Alexandria ; 
 the Rev. Ge^orge Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds 
 parishes, Fauquier county ; the Rev. WiUiam 
 F. Lee, Henrico parish, Henrico county ; the 
 Rev. William Meade, D. D., Frederick parish, 
 Frederick county ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg ; the Rev. 
 John P. M'Guire, St.^Anne's and South Farn- 
 ham parishes, Essex ; the Rev. Nahum G. Os- 
 good, Moore's parish, Campbell county ; the 
 Rev. Charles H. Page, Lexington parish, Am- 
 herst county •, the Rev. Edward W. Peet, St 
 Paul's parish, King George county ; the Rev. 
 John Philips, Cumberland parish, Lunenburg 
 county ; the Rev. G. A. Smith, St. Stephen's 
 Church, Culpepper county ; the Rev. John H. 
 "Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. WUliam Mayo, Dr. Carter 
 
 Berkeley, and Mr. John G. Williams, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the certificates of lay delegates ; 
 who then withdrew, and, after a short time, re- 
 turned and presented the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 pertificates of the lay delegates have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report, that 
 the following persons have been duly elected 
 lay delegates to this Convention. 
 
 Thomas Marshall, Leeds parish, Fauquier 
 county ; Dr. Hector Harris, Hamilton parish, 
 Fauquier county ; Thomas Withers, jr., I3ristol 
 parish, Petersburg ; John H. Hill, St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; William H. Thompson, 
 Christ Church, Norfolk ; Dr. Carter Berkeley, 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun- 
 ties ; Junius A. Clay and Philip A. Boiling, 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham ; Thomas Nelson, 
 Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ; Obed Waite, 
 Christ Church, Winchester ; Dr. E. A. Mor- 
 rison, Bath parish, Dinwiddiis county ; Philip 
 Nelson, Frederick parish, Frederick county ; 
 Edward B. Withers, Moore's parish, Campbell 
 county ; Westwood S. Armistead, Elizabeth 
 City parish, Ehzabeth City county ; Thurmer 
 Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne 
 county ; Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, 
 Albemarle county ; John Nelson, St. James's 
 parish, Mecklenburg county ; William Boiling, 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland county ; 
 Edward Rouzee-, Valiter's Church, St. Anne's 
 parish, Essex county ; John Gray, St. George's 
 parish, Fredericksburg ; John G. Lawrence, St. 
 Margaret's parish, Caroline county ; Wm. Mayo 
 and John G. Williams, Monumental Church, 
 Richmond; Seth Ward, St. Paul's Church, 
 Lynchburg ; Parke F. Berkeley, Antrim parish, 
 Hahfax county ; John Stuart, St. Paul's parish, 
 King George county ; Walter W. Webb,Bruton 
 parish, Williamsburg ; Isaac Winston, St. Ste- 
 phen's Church, Culpepper county ; Richard S. 
 Ellis, Lexington parish, Amherst county ; Ed- 
 mund I. Lee, Christ Church, Alexandria, Fair- 
 fax parish ; Gerrard Alexander, Russell parish, 
 Bedford county ; John L.Thomas,Christ Church, 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley county ; Benjamin 
 B. Taliaferro, Henrico parish, Henrico county. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the following 
 rules of order, adopted by the last Convention 
 for the government of their proceedings, be the 
 rules of proceeding during the present Con- 
 vention :■— 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with prayer. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or 
 be unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 
CONVENTION OF 
 
 N 
 
 22S 
 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. - - 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. . 
 
 7. While the president is putting Uny question, 
 the members shall continue in their seats, and 
 shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before the 
 house unless it be seconded, and, when required, 
 reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, 
 it shall be determined upon before any new 
 thing is introduced, except the question of ad- 
 journment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Robert B. Croes, the 
 Rev. Thomas Jackson, the Rev. George A. 
 Smith, the Rev. John Cooke, and the Rev. 
 William G. H. Jones be a committee to ex- 
 amine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, 
 the Rev. Adam Empie, the Rev. George Lemon, 
 the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., the Rev. 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs, Mr. Gerrard Alexander, Mr 
 Hugh Nelson, and Mr. William H. Thompson, 
 be a committee to take into consideration the 
 state of the church in this diocess, and report 
 thereupon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Edmund I. Lee, the Rev. 
 Edward Jackson, and Mr Richard Ellis, be a 
 committee to examiue the accounts of the treas- 
 urer of the fund for the permanent support of the 
 episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William F. Lee, Mr. 
 Obed Waite, and Mr. Seth Ward, be a commit- 
 tee to examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William Jackson, Mr. 
 Thomas Marshall, and the Rev. John P. M'Guire, 
 be a committee to examine the state of the 
 fund for the support of the widows and orphans 
 of deceased clergymen. 
 
 The secretary then received the following 
 contributions from sundry parishes of this diocess 
 for the Contingent Fund : — 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - $15. 00 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, - 15 00 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - 30 00 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 30 00 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties, - - - - - 20 00 
 Augusta parish, Augusta county, - 10 00 
 Christ Church, Winchester, - - 15 00 
 
 -$135 00 
 
 - 15 00 
 
 - 15 26 
 
 - 10 00 
 
 = 15 00 
 
 - 10 00 
 
 S ,14 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $135 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie county, 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, 
 Moore's parish, Campbell county,. 
 Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City 
 
 county, 
 Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne, 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county, 
 St, James'sparish, Northam, Goochland , 
 
 county, - - - - - - , 10 00 
 
 Vauter's Church, St. Anne's parish, 
 
 Essex, - - - - w 30 00 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, 9 30 00 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county, 8 00 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - 
 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county, - 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county, 
 
 Bruton parish, Wilhamsburg, 
 
 St. Stephen's parish, Culpepper county, 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax 
 
 parish, - - . - . - 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county, 
 Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 ley county, - . - - . 
 Henrico parish, Henrico county, 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight, - 
 Town of Suflblk, - . - . 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun county. 
 South Farnham parish, Essex county, 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle, 
 
 $579 14' 
 
 The following sums' were paid towards the 
 support of the assistant to the bishop in the 
 Monumental Church, for the year ending May, 
 1829:— 
 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, - $5 
 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county,, - - 5 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - - 20 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 20 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties, - - - - - - 10 
 
 Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county, - 10 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 10 
 
 Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City- ' : " 
 
 county, - - - - ».'.---& 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county, ' 10 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 15 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, -5 
 Henrico parish, Henrico county, ... . r .16 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, ~ * 6 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight, - - 5 
 Town of Suffolk, - - - - ., - 6 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle coUnty, 5 
 
 30 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 25 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 15 50 
 
 15 35 
 
 30 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 16 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 10 4 
 
 10 00 
 
 $150 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock. 
 
 Thobsday, May 21, 1829. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 William Meade. 
 
 The parochial reports were handed in and 
 
22f6 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 read, and referred to the committee upon pa- 
 rochial reports. 
 
 Mr. Henry Claggett, a lay delegate of the 
 parish of Shelburne, Loudoun county, and Mr. 
 George W. Rothrock, a lay delegate of St. 
 Paul's Church, Suffolk, appeared and took their 
 eeats. 
 
 , The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the 
 committee on the state of the church, made a 
 report, which, on motion, was recommitted, and 
 thereupon a letter from WiUiam Leigh, Esq., 
 upon th^ subject of the devise of Evan Ragland, 
 was rererred to the said committee. 
 
 The Rev. William F. Lee, from the committee 
 appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts, 
 made the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred for 
 examination the treasurer's accounts have per- 
 formed that duty, and report that the annexed 
 account, showing a balance of $456 11^ cents 
 in the hands of the treasurer, is correct, and 
 that the different items are supported by proper 
 
 « vouchers, which are filed with the account. 
 
 '^ ' William F. Lee, Chairman. 
 
 ■ On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received and approved. 
 
 The Rev. William Jackson, from the com- 
 mittee to whom was referred the examination 
 of the accounts of the treasurer of the fund for 
 the relief of the widows and orphans of deceas- 
 ed clergymen of the Episcopal Church of Vir- 
 ginia, made the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the Widows' Fund beg 
 leave to report, that they have examined the 
 treasurer's account, and find it correct. 
 
 The funds are as follows : — 
 
 United States three per cent, stock, $2,037 78 
 
 TA shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria stock, at par, - - 3,700 00 
 
 3 shares of Alexandria bank-stock, 
 
 . at par, - - - - - 600 00 
 
 .1 share of Bank of Virginia stock, 
 
 at par, - - . . . lOO 00 
 
 Robert Andrews's estate, balance 
 of note, with interest from 30th 
 April, 1829, till paid, - - 399 23 
 
 Cash on hand, - - - - 280 97 
 
 $7,117 98 
 
 Oil motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received and approved. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to take into consideration the laws 
 and regulations for the government of the so- 
 ciety for the relief of distressed widows and 
 orphans of clergymen, and make report there- 
 upon to the next Convention ; and the Rev. 
 William Meade, the Rev. Edward C. M'Ouire, 
 the Rev. Reuel Keith, and Mr. Edmund L Lee, 
 were appointed. 
 
 The proceedings of the standing committee 
 during the last year were read. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Thomas Jackson, and a sermon by the Rev. 
 George Lemon. After which the session was 
 
 resumed, and the Convention proceeded to th«^ 
 election, by ballot, of a standing committee of 
 the church in this diocess for the ensuing year ; 
 whereupon the following gentlemen were duly 
 elected, viz. : — the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., 
 the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William 
 Jackson, Mr. John Hoofif, Mr. Edmund L Lee, 
 and Mr. John Gray. 
 
 The following report of the committee to 
 whom was referred the communication from the 
 secretaries of the House of Bishops and of the 
 House of Clerical and Lay Delegates, upon the 
 proposed alterations of the liturgy, made to the 
 Convention held in Fredericksburg in the year 
 1827, was called up, read, and, on motion, refer- 
 red to the committee of the whole. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred a com- 
 munication from the secretaries of the House of 
 Bishops and of the House of Clerical and Lay 
 Deputies, under date of 20th December, 1826, re- 
 port, that they have attentively considered the 
 subjects referred to them, and that they have 
 unanimously agreed to recommend to the Con- 
 vention the adoption of the following resolutions. 
 
 1. Resolved, That any alterations in '* The or- 
 der how the psalter is appointed to be read," or in 
 " The order how the rest of the Holy Scripture is 
 appointed to be read," are, in the opinion of this 
 Convention, uncalled for by the state of the 
 church, and entirely inexpedient. 
 
 2. Resolved, That the present preface _ to the 
 confirmation office having been so long in use 
 without being the subject of frequent or great 
 complaint, the proposed substitute for it is un- 
 called for and inexpedient. 
 
 3. Resolved, That as the proposed collect m 
 the confirmation office seems to take for granted 
 the truth of a doctrine about which some differen- 
 ces of opinion prevail in the church, and seems to 
 have a tendency to produce dissatisfaction in the 
 minds of some, and perhaps to lead to still further 
 controversy, it is uncalled for and inexpedient. 
 
 4. Resolved, That whereas the rubric imme 
 diately after the communion service appears, as 
 it now stands, to be sufficiently explicit, and the 
 proposed alteration in it seems to be intimately 
 connected with the foregoing proposed changes, it 
 is equally uncalled for and inexpedient. 
 
 5. Resolved, That, as this Convention disap- 
 
 f>roves of the proposed alterations, the delegation 
 i^om this diocess to the General Convention be 
 instructed to use their exertions to prevent their 
 adoption. 
 
 6. Resolved, That whereas the proposed ad- 
 dition to the 8th article of the constitution of this 
 church, by which the words, " or the articles of 
 rehgion," are to be inserted after the words, '* or 
 other officers of the church," seems to be a rea 
 sonable and salutary provision, this Convention 
 do entirely approve the same, and accordingly rec- 
 ommend It to the support of their representatives. 
 
 All which is respectfully reported. 
 By order of the committee, 
 Henry W, Ducachet, Chairman. 
 
 The house then resolved itself into a com- 
 mittee of the whole, the Rev. Mr. Hatch in the 
 chair, and after some time spent therein the 
 committee rose, reported progress, and asked 
 leave to sit again, which, on motion, was 
 granted. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Convention 
 adjourn, to meet again at a quarter before 4 
 o'clock. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 237 
 
 Thursday Afternoon, May 21, 1829. 
 
 The Convention met again according to ad- 
 journment. 
 
 Mr. Peter M'Vickar, a lay delegate of the par- 
 ish of St. Andrew's, appeared and took his seat. 
 
 The house again, on motion, resolved itself 
 into a committee of the whole, the Rev. Mr. 
 Hatch in the chau: ; and, after some time spent 
 therein, rose and reported the following pream- 
 ble and resolution, as a substitute for the report 
 of the committee to them referred ; — 
 
 The Convention of this diocess having had 
 under long and serious consideration the pro- 
 posed alterations in the rubric relative to the 
 order of our service, and also to the proposed 
 additions to the confirmation service, is con- 
 strained to express its dissent from the proposed 
 changes ; believing that they are not likely to 
 effect that most desirable end contemplated by 
 the advocates of the same. Therefore, Resolv- 
 ed, That, zealously attached to the Book of 
 Common Prayer and other offices of our 
 church, this Convention is desirous that no al- 
 teration should take place in the same at this 
 time. - 
 
 On motion, Resolved^ That the report of the 
 committee of the whole' be for the present laid 
 upon the table. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 22, 1829. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 William Meade, D. D. 
 
 The Rev. Franklin G. Smith, of St. Paul's 
 Church, Lynchburg, appeared and took his seat. 
 
 The report of the committee of the whole 
 was taken up, and, on the question being put 
 upon agreeing to the same, it was carried in 
 the affirmative. 
 
 On motion, it was then Resolved, That this 
 Convention do concur with the House of Bish- 
 ops and the House of Clerical and Lay Dele- 
 gates in General Convention, in the propriety 
 of the proposed amendment to the second clause 
 of the eighth article of the constitution. 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary do transmit 
 certified copies of the resolutions adopted by 
 this Convention upon the proposed alterations 
 of the liturgy, &c., to the secretaries of the 
 House of Bishops and of the House of Clerical 
 and Lay Delegates. 
 
 Mr. Francis L Wiatt, a lay delegate of the 
 parish of South Farnham, Essex county, api- 
 peared and took his seat. 
 
 The Rev. Frederick W. IJatch, from the 
 committee upon the state of the church, pre- 
 sented the following report : — - •. 
 
 The committee on the state of the church ask 
 leave of the Convention respectfully to report, 
 in part, that, having had under consideration 
 the destitute condition of many of our parishes, 
 and the utter inadequacy of any existing means 
 of relief, they would recommend to this Con- 
 vention the establishment of a Diocesan Mis- 
 sionary Society, to be under the control of the! 
 
 P2 
 
 Conventioi^, and the formation of auxiliary so- 
 cieties in the different parishes. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Frederick W. Hatch, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received and approved. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of five members 
 be appointed to prepare a constitution in con- 
 formity with the foregoing report of the com- 
 mittee upon the state of the church ; and there' 
 upon the Rev. Mr. Ducachet, the Rev. Mr. 
 Cobbs, the Rev. Mr. Croes, Mr. John Gray, 
 and Dr. Carter Berkeley, were appointed. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 Convention having received intelhgence of the 
 illness of the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, deeply 
 regret his absence, and sympathize with him in 
 his affliction. 
 
 Mr. Edmund L Lee, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the state of the fund for 
 the permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess, presented the following report, which 
 was read and approved : — ■ 
 
 The committee on the Episcopal Fund report, 
 That they have examined into the same, and find 
 that on the 29th of April, 1828, there were fifty- 
 four shares of the stock of the Farmers' Bank of 
 Alexandria, which, cost -f 2,700, and nine shares of 
 the stock of the Bank of Alexandria, which cost 
 $1,530, the par value of which is $1,800, on which 
 par value has been paid for several years past a 
 dividend of four per cent. ; two of these shares 
 cost $100 a share ; on these two a dividend of 
 eight per cent, on the money paid for them has 
 been received ; and one other of them cost $130; 
 on this a dividend of four per cent, on the par 
 value has been paid, so that on this share more 
 than seven per cent, has been the dividend. 
 
 Since the last Convention, four shares have 
 been purchased of the stock of the Farmers' Bank 
 of Alexandria, out of the dividends which have 
 been received. These cost $30 a share, the par 
 value of which is $50 ; the dividend on which has 
 been four per cent. ; so that on the actual cost a 
 dividend of more than six per cent, is paid. 
 
 The amount of the bank-stock belonging to this 
 fund, at par value, is $4,700, on which a dividend 
 of at least four per cent, will be paid, receivable 
 semi-annually, which is immediately reinvested 
 in stock, so that at the end of the year the aggre- 
 gate amount of the dividend is increased. 
 
 There is in the hands of the treasurer of the 
 fund $6 16. Two dividends are yet to be re- 
 ceived. 
 
 The committee further report, that shortly be- 
 fore the meeting of this Convention, a share of 
 stock of the Ashby's Gap Turnpike road, which 
 had been some time since given to this fund by 
 the Rev. William Meade, was disposed of for fiifty 
 dollars ; upon this share dividends to the amount 
 of eight dollars had accrued : the fifty dollars and 
 the dividends are to be vested in stock. 
 
 The whole amount of the fund will be as fol- 
 lows : — 
 Bank- stock, - - - . $4,700 00 
 
 Cash, 6 16 
 
 Cash for road share and dividend, - 58 00 
 
 Two dividends, - - . 72 00 
 
 $4,836 16 
 Ed. 1. Lee, Chairman. 
 The Convention then adjourned until half 
 past 3 o'clock P. M. 
 
228 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 Friday Afternoon, May 22, 1829. 
 
 The Convention again met according to ad- 
 journment. 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, president pro tem- 
 pore of the Convention, being abssent, the Rev. 
 Mr. Lemon was called to the chair. 
 
 The Convention then, on motion, proceeded 
 to the consideration of the following resolution, 
 adopted at the last Convention, proposing to 
 annul and abolish the first sentence of the sixth 
 article of the constitution. 
 
 " Resolved, That, agreeably to the provisions 
 of the 13th article of the constitution, notice be 
 transmitted to the several vestries of the par- 
 ishes of this djocess, that it is proposed at the 
 next Convention to annul and abolish the first 
 sentence of the sixth article of the constitution ; 
 and so alter the said article that it may read 
 thus : ' The bishop shall be president of the 
 Convention ; in which character it shall be his 
 duty to give to the Convention, as often as he 
 may deem expedient, a general view of the 
 state of the church ; to call special Conventions, 
 at whatever times and places he may think ne- 
 cessary ; to preserve order during the time of 
 session ; to put the question, collect the votes, 
 and declare the decision. He may make any 
 motion which he shall judge conducive to the 
 good of the church, but shall not enter into de- 
 bate ; and he may deliver his sentiments on any 
 subject after it has been discussed, before a vote 
 thereon. Whenever it shall be necessary for the 
 bishop to visit any part of this diocess, he shall 
 be authorized to call a clergyman from any part 
 of the diocess to supply his place in the duties 
 of his parochial charge, for not more than two 
 Sundays.' " 
 
 And, on the questio'n being put upon agree- 
 ing tp the proposed resolution, the same was 
 carried in the affirmative. 
 
 Ayes — The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicho- 
 las H. Cobbs, John Cole, John Cooke, Charles 
 Dresser, Henry W. Ducachet, Zachariah H. 
 Goldsmith, Caleb J. Good, Frederick W. 
 Hatch, William Jackson, Reuel Keith, George 
 Lemon, Wilham F. Lee, Edward C. M'Guire, 
 John P. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Charles 
 H. Page, Edward W. Peetj John Philips, 
 George A. Smith, Franklin G. Smith, John H. 
 Wingfield ; Messrs. Thomas Marshall, Hector 
 Harris, John H. Hill, Wm. H. Thompson, Car- 
 ter Berkeley, Junius A. Clay, Philip A. Boiling, 
 Edward B. Withers, Westwood S. Armistead, 
 Thurmer Hoggard, Hugh Nelson, John Nelson, 
 John Gray, William Mayo, Seth Ward, Parke 
 F. Berkeley, John Stuart, Isaac Winston, Rich- 
 ard S. Ellis, Gerrard Alexander, Benj. B. Ta- 
 liaferro, George W. Rothrock, and Francis J. 
 Wiatt — 45. 
 
 Noes — The Rev. Robert. B. Croes, Adam 
 Empie, John Grammer, Johannes Edward Jack- 
 son, Thomas Jackson, William G. H. Jones ; 
 Messrs. Thomas Withers, jnn., Thomas Nel- 
 son, Obed Waite, E. A. Morrison, PhiUp Nel- 
 son, William Boiling, John G. Williams, Wal- 
 ter W. Webb, Edmund I. Lee, John L. Thom- 
 ap, and Henry Claggett — .17. 
 
 Mr. Hu^h Nelson offered the following reso- 
 lution, which, on motion, was laid upon the 
 table :— 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention deem it ex- 
 pedient, considering the age and bodily infirmi- 
 ty of our most venerated bishop, to proceed to 
 the election of an assistant bishop, who is not 
 to be considered as entitled to the succession — 
 but that it shall be the right and duty of the 
 Convention of the diocess of Virginia, on the 
 demise of our venerated bishop, to proceed to 
 the election of a principal bishop, as a successor 
 to the said deceased bishop. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 23, 1829. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Mr. Lemon. 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, president pro 
 tempore, being absent, the Rev. Edward C. 
 M'Guire was called to the chair. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Ducachet, from the committee 
 appointed to prepare a constitution for the es- 
 tablishment of a Diocesan Missionary Society, 
 presented a constitution, which, being amended, 
 was adopted, and is as follows :• — 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Art. I. This society shall be called "The 
 Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society of the 
 Diocess of Virginia." 
 
 Art. II. The object of this society shall be to 
 procure and support missionaries within the 
 bounds of this diocess 
 
 Art. III. The brehop of the diocess shall be 
 ex-officio the president ; and the other officers shall 
 be a vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer, and 
 an executive committee, consisting of five clerical 
 and five lay members, to be annually appointed by 
 the Convention ; and of this executive committee 
 the bishop shall be exofficio the president. 
 
 Art. IV. The duty of the executive committee 
 shall be to employ missionaries, to appoint their 
 stations, to give them such instructions as may 
 be deemed necessary, to provide for the payment 
 of their salaries, to take all such measures as may 
 promote the objects of the society, and to present 
 an annual statement of their proceedings to the 
 Convention. 
 
 Art. V. The payment of any sum not less than 
 one dollar annually shall constitute a member ; 
 the payment of twenty dollars shall constitute a 
 life member ; and the payment of fifty dollars 
 shall constitute a patron. 
 
 Art. VI. Any missionary society of the Epis- 
 copal Church may become an auxiliary, by trans- 
 mitting to the secretary a list of its officers and a 
 copy of Its constitution (provided such constitution 
 do not contravene the provisions of these articles). 
 
 Art. VII. It shall be the duty of the auxiliary 
 societies to place their funds at the disposal of the 
 executive committee. 
 
 Art. VIII. The executive committee may, 
 when they deem it expedient, employ a portion of 
 the funds of the society, not exceeding one tenth 
 part thereof, in supplying its missionaries with 
 prayer-books and tracts, and shall, in their report 
 to the Convention, specify what books and tracts 
 have been so distributed. 
 
 Art. IX. This constitution may be altered by 
 a vote of a majority of the Convention present 
 when the alteration is proposed. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 229 
 
 The Convention then, on the recommenda- 
 tion of the committee, adopted the following res- 
 olutions :-^ 
 
 Resolved, That it be the duty of every min- 
 ister of this diocess, to endeavour to form an 
 auxiliary society in the parish where he offi- 
 ciates. 
 
 Resolved, That it be respectfully recom- 
 mended, that a collection be annually made in 
 all the churches in the diocess, for the benefit 
 of this society, on the first Sunday in November. 
 Resolved, That a sermon be preached at 
 every Convention of the diocess in behalf of 
 this society, and a collection made towards its 
 funds — the preacher to be appointed by the ex- 
 ecutive committee. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the elec- 
 tion of the officers and executive committee of 
 the Missionary Society ; and thereupon the Rev. 
 William Meade, D. D., was elected vice-presi- 
 dent, John G. Williams was elected secretary, 
 Thomas Nelson was elected treasurer, and 
 Rev. E. C. M-Guire, Rev. H. W. Ducachet, 
 Rev. N. H. Cobbs, Rev. Wm. Jackson, Rev. 
 George A. Smith, Col. William Boiling, Mr. 
 John Nelson, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. Ed- 
 mund I. Lee, and Mr. John Gray, were elected 
 the executive committee. 
 
 The Rev. Wm. G. H. Jones offered the fol- 
 lowing resolution, which, on motion, was laid 
 upon the table : — 
 
 Resolved, That the 10th canon be altered by 
 striking out the word " eight," and insert, in 
 lieu thereof, " five," so as to cause it to read, 
 " On -every Easter-Monday, each parish shall 
 elect five vestrymen ; but, when it is deemed 
 expedient, the number may be increased to 
 twelve," &.C. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded, on motion, 
 to the consideration of the resolution offered 
 yesterday by Mr. Hugh Nelson, and, on the 
 question being taken, the same was carried iii 
 the affirmative. 
 
 . Ayes — The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicho- 
 las H. Cobbs, John Cole, John Cooke, Henry 
 W. Ducachet, Zachariah H. Goldsmith, John 
 Grammer, Caleb J. Good, Johannes Edward 
 Jackson, William Jackson, Thomas Jackson, 
 WiUiam G. H. Jones, Reuel Keith, George 
 Lemon, William F. Lee, Edward €. M'Guire, 
 John P. M'Guire, John Philips, George A. 
 Smith, John H. Wingfield, and Frankhn G. 
 Smith; Messrs. Thomas Marshall, Hector Har- 
 ris, John H. Hill, William H. Thompson, Car- 
 ter Berkeley, Junius A. Clay, Philip A. Boiling, 
 Thomas Nelson, Obed Waite, Philip Nelson, 
 Edward B. Withers, Westwood S. Armistead, 
 Thurmer Hoggard, Hugh Nelson, John Nelson, 
 William Boiling, John Gray, William Mayo, 
 Seth Ward, Parke F. Berkeley, John Stuart. 
 Isaac Winston, RichardS. Ellis, Gerrard Alex- 
 ander, John L. Thomas, Benjamin B. Taliafer- 
 ro, Henry Claggett, George W. Rothrock, and 
 Francis J. Wiatt — 50. 
 
 Noes — The Rev. Robert B. Croes, Charles 
 Dresser, James Doughen, Adam Empie, Fred- 
 erick W. Hatch, Nahum G. Osgood, and Charles 
 JI. Page ; Messrs. Thomas Withers, jr., E. A. 
 
 Morrison, John G. Williams, Walter W. Webb, 
 Edmund I. Lee, and Peter M'Vickar — 13. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded, agreeably 
 to the resolution last adopted and the 5th arti- 
 cle of the constitution, to the election of an 
 assistant bishop, after secret prayer to God. 
 
 The clergy then proceeded to nominate and 
 appoint, by ballot, some fit and qualified clergy- 
 man for that office ; and on counting the ballots 
 there were found twenty-five votes in favour of 
 the Rev. William Meade, D. D., and two blank 
 ballots ; so that the Rev. William Meade, D. D., 
 was declared to be duly nominated and appoint- 
 ed by the clergy : and then the said appoint- 
 ment was presented to the order of the lay 
 delegates ; and upon a ballot being taken among 
 them, there were found in favour of the Rev. 
 William Meade, D. D., thirty-six votes, being 
 the whole number of votes given in : and there- 
 upon the Rev. William Meade, D. D., was de- 
 clared to be duly elected. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to announce to the Rev. Dr. Meade 
 his election to the office of assistant bishop of 
 this diocess : and thereupon the Rev. Henry 
 W. Ducachet and Mr. Hugh Nelson were ap- 
 poirHed. 
 
 The committee then retired, and after some 
 time returned and reported that the Rev. Dr. 
 Meade had consented to accept the office. 
 
 On motion of Mr Edmund I. Lee, the follow- 
 ing preamble and resolution were adopted. 
 
 Whereas there exists a diversity of opinion 
 as to the practice of having more than one act- 
 ing bishop in a diocess — it seems to this Con- 
 vention to be a subject of that general charac- 
 ter and importance, as to render it proper for 
 the General Convention to act upon it in such, 
 a way as will prevent those evils which may 
 result from this practice. It is therefore Re- 
 solved, That the delegates from this diocess io 
 the next General Convention do bring the sub- 
 ject before that body, and use their efforts to 
 obtain the adoption of such a general rule on 
 this subject as shall have the effect of regula- 
 ting the number of bishops each diocess may 
 elect, and of prescribing the circumstances under 
 which a suffragan, or assistant, or coadjutor, 
 may be chosen, and also the duties of such 
 bishops. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of eight delegates, "to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United 
 States : whereupon the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. Reuel Keith, 
 D. D., Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev. Nicho- 
 las H. Cobbs, Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. 
 James M. Garnett, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. 
 Hugh Nelson, and Mr. Philip Nelson. 
 
 The members of the Convention then pro- 
 ceeded to sign the testimonials in favour of the 
 Rev. William Meade, D. D., bishop elect. 
 
 We, whose names are underwritten, fully 
 sensible how important it is that the sacred of- 
 fice of a bishop should not be unworthily con- 
 ferred, and firmly persuaded that it is our duty 
 to bear testimony on this solemn pcgasion with- 
 
230 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 Out partiality or affection, do, in the presence 
 of Almighty God, testify that the Rev. William 
 Meade, P. D., is not, so far as we are informed, 
 justly liable to evil report, either for error in 
 religion or for viciousness in life ; and that we 
 do not know or believe there is any impediment 
 on account of which he ought not to be conse- 
 crated to that holy office. We do, moreover, 
 jointly and severally declare, that we do in our 
 consciences believe him to be of such sufficien- 
 cy in good learning, such soundness in the faith, 
 and of such virtuous and pure manners and 
 godly conversation, that he is apt and meet to 
 exercise the office of a bishop to the honour of 
 God and the edifying of his church, and to be a 
 wholesome example to the fiock of Christ. 
 Signers to the testimonials in favour of William 
 Meade. 
 
 The Rev. Ed. C. M'Guire, George Lemon, 
 Thomas Jackson, William Jackson, Henry W. 
 Bucachet, J. E. Jackson, William F. Lee, John 
 H. Wingfield, John Grammer, jr , Reuel Keith, 
 John P. M'Guire, John Cole, Frederick W. 
 Hatch, Charles Dresser, Ebenezer Boyden, 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs, John Cooke, William G. 
 H. Jones, Charles H. Page, George Archibald 
 Smith, James Doughen, Zachariah H. Gold- 
 smith, John Philips, Edward W. Peet, Caleb J. 
 Good, Nahum G. Osgood, Franklin G. Smith, 
 Carter Berkeley, M. D., William Boiling, Phil- 
 ip Nelson, Thomas Marshall, Gerrard Alex- 
 ander, Seth Ward, Isaac Winston, Richard 
 Shelton Ellis, William Mayo, John Gray, Ed- 
 niund I. Lee, John G. WiUiams, Parke F. 
 Berkeley, E. A. Morrison, M. D., George W. 
 liothrock, Thomas Withers, jr., J. L. Thomas, 
 Hugh Nelson, John H. Hill, John Nelson, Benj. 
 B. Taliaferro, Francis J. Wiatt, Philip A. Bol- 
 Jing, W. W. Webb, Hector Harris, Junius A. 
 Clay, William H. Thompson, W. S. Armistead, 
 Thurmer Hoggard, Obed Waite, John Stuart, 
 Jildward B. Withers, and Thomas Nelson. 
 
 The Rev. WiUiam Meade, D. D., president 
 pro tempore of the Convention, appeared and 
 took his seat. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the next Conven- 
 tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the 
 Diocess of Virginia be held in the town of Win- 
 chester, on the third Thursday in May next. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention adjourn- 
 ed until a quarter. before 4 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday Afternoon, May 23, 1829. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn^ 
 ment. 
 
 Mr. Edmund I. Lee offered the following 
 resolution :— 
 
 There shall be annually in the month of , 
 
 in every church in this diocess, a sermon preached 
 by the rector thereof, on the duties ana labours 
 of a bishop ; in which the minister shall lay before 
 his congregation the obUgation and necessity of 
 supporting the bishop by voluntary contributions, 
 so as to relieve him from parochial labours ; which 
 sermon shall be followed by a collection m aid of 
 the episcopal fund estabUshed by a resolution of 
 the Convention of this diocess in the year 1816. 
 The amount of the collection in each church shall 
 be forthwith remitted by the minister thereof to 
 the trustees of the said fund, and he shall also re- 
 
 port the amount Collected and remitted as aford 
 said to the subsequent Convention of the diocess, 
 which report shall be entered on the journals of 
 the same. 
 
 The management and care of the said fund shall 
 be vested in three trustees, two of whom shall be 
 the church-wardens for the time being of Christ 
 Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish, and the third 
 shall be appointed by the Convention. All monev 
 now in the hands of the church-wardens aforesaid, 
 or which may hereafter be collected in any way, 
 or which inay be received as donations or bequests 
 for this object, or be received as dividends or in- 
 terest on the stock held by the said church-war- 
 dens as a part of the said fund, shall be loaned out 
 upon security of real estate, or invested in stock 
 of the United States, or in the stock of any incor- 
 porate and safe bank, at the discretion of the said 
 trustees ; and all securities and investments shall 
 be taken in the names of the said church-wardens 
 for the time being of Christ Church aforesaid, and 
 their successors, in trust as the Bishops' Fund. A 
 statement of the said fund and of the securities for 
 the same shall be exhibited at every stated meet- 
 ing of the Convention, signed by the trustees or a 
 majority of them. The said trustees shall hold 
 their office during the pleasure of the Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 The fund which has been raised and vested in 
 bank-stock, or which may be raised as aforesaid 
 for the support of the bishop, shall be permitted 
 to accumulate without diminution until its annual 
 amount shall become adequa4;e, in the opinion of 
 the Convention, to the support of the bishop ; and 
 then, by the mutual consent of the bishop of the 
 diocess and of the Convention, he shall hold no 
 parochial charge, but shall devote his time and 
 labours to those duties which appertain to the 
 episcopal office, and particularly shall visit, at least 
 once a year, if practicable, each church and con- 
 gregation in his diocess. If the bishop shall omit 
 to perform the duties aforesaid without a sufficient 
 reason, to be judged of by the Convention, it shall 
 be in the power of the Convention to withdraw 
 the whole or part of the said annual income from 
 his use. And whenever the principal sum shall 
 yield an annual interest adequate to the object 
 aforesaid, the collections herein before directed to 
 be made shall be discontinued. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the said resolu- 
 tion be indefinitely postponed. 
 
 Ayes — Rev. John Cole, Charles Dresser, 
 Henry W. Ducachet, John Grammer, Frederick 
 W. Hatch, William Meade, Edw. €. M'Guire, 
 John P. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Edward 
 W. Peet, John Philips, George A. Smith, John 
 H. Wingfield ; Messrs. Hector Harris, Thomas 
 Withers, jr., William H. Thompson, Carter 
 Berkeley, M. D., Junius A. Clay, Thomas Nel- 
 son, E. A. Morrison, M. D., Philip Nelson, 
 Westwood S. Armistead, Thurmer Hoggard, 
 Hugh Nelson, William Boiling, William Mayo, 
 Parke F. Berlceley, John Stuart, Gerrard AleXf 
 ander, John L. Thomas, and George W. Roth- 
 rock — 31. 
 
 Noes — Rey. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicholas H. 
 Cobbs, John Cooke, Robert B. Croes, James 
 Doughen, Adam Empie, Caleb J. Good, Johanr 
 nes Edward Jackson, William Jackson, Thomas 
 Jackson, Reuel Keith, George Lemon, Charles 
 H. Page ; Messrs. Thomas Marshall, Philip A. 
 BoUing, Obed Waite, Edward B. Withers, John 
 Nelson, John G. WiUiams, Seth Ward, Walter 
 W. Webb, Isaac Winston, Richard S. ElU^, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 231 
 
 Edmund I. Lee, Benjamin B. Taliaferro, and 
 Francis J. Wiatt — 26. 
 
 The Rev. Robert 6. Croes, from the commit- 
 tee on the parochial reports, presented the fol- 
 lowing report, which was read and received : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the pa- 
 rochial reports have discharged the duty commit- 
 ted to them, and beg leave to oifer the reports, as 
 condensed, to be inserted on the journals of this 
 Convention. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. With unfeigned 
 gratitude to God, who, for the display of his glory, 
 sometimes works by the feeblest instruments, the 
 rector reports, that the state of the parish is more 
 interesting and encouraging than at any former 
 period. During the past year the spirit of the 
 Lord has been poured out on the congregations, 
 and a number have been brought to profess an ex- 
 perimental knowledge of the truth. Thirty-two 
 members have been added to the communion, and 
 ,|in increasing spirit of prayer and zeal seems to 
 prevail among the people. Besides those already 
 added, there are now fifteen or twenty who are 
 seriously concerned about the salvation of their 
 souls, many of whom, it is confidently believed, 
 will soon make a pubhc confession of theu: Sa- 
 viour. 
 
 From indications in liis own parish and many 
 of the circumjacent counties, the rector is cheered 
 with the hope that a day of better things is dawn- 
 ing on our Zion. In all the southwestern coun- 
 ties of Virginia the field is ripe for the harvest, 
 and we only need ministers of self-denying habits 
 to enter in and labour. Even four or five mission- 
 aries would be incalculably useful, by organizing 
 congregations, by erecting new churches, by col- 
 lecting contributions to the Theological School, 
 and by securing to our cause multitudes who in a 
 few more years may otherwise be incorporated 
 among other denominations. Baptisms, of infants 
 twenty-eight, of adults fourteen — burials eight — 
 marriages eight — communicants, one removed, one 
 withdrawn, total fifty-eight. N. H. Cobbs. 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county. During 
 the past year the minister has occasionally extend- 
 ed his labours to a distant part of the county, and 
 feels grateful to the great Head of the church that 
 those labours have not been altogether in vain. 
 Nine new communicants have been added to his 
 church during the last year, making the whole 
 number about sixty. Fifteen children have been 
 baptized, four of whom were coloured. A Sunday 
 School has been lately reorganized in his parish 
 with some prospects of usefulness. The attend- 
 ance of the congregation on j)ublic worship is 
 punctual, and their observance of the forms of the 
 church regular and devout ; and, what is still more 
 gratifying to their minister, there is the encoura- 
 ging hope that a goodly number belong to the in- 
 visible church of Christ, and will be found among 
 the redeemed on the great day. 
 
 William Meade. 
 
 Christ Church.Winchester. The affairs of this 
 part of " Frederick parish" still preserve a pleas- 
 ing aspect. The pubhc worship of God, as well 
 as the subordinate means of grace, are well attend- 
 ed. The Sunday School has revived with re- 
 doubled energy, and the catechetical instruction 
 of the children of the congregation and of the Sun- 
 day School has been uninterruptedly continued 
 on the first Sunday in every month. 
 
 The benevolent societies attached to the con- 
 gregation have p)it forth more than usual efforts 
 the past year, and more than double the amount 
 of funds have been raised than in any preceding 
 year. 
 
 The new church which was reported to the 
 last Convention as having been commenced, 19 
 now in progression, and will be completed in a few 
 weeks. 
 
 During the past year there have been six added 
 to. the communion — four have been called, it is 
 trusted, to exchange the church militant for the 
 church triumphant, and one valued member has 
 removed to a distant part of the diocess, leaving 
 the present number forty-eight. There have been 
 eleven marriages, nineteen baptisms, and fifteen 
 deaths. 
 
 The rector has also pleasure in stating, that the 
 church under his care in Norborne parish yields 
 some fruit to his ministry ; there is a small acces- 
 sion of communicants, but it is hoped a consider- 
 able increase of devotion to God and love to the 
 church. 
 
 This place of worship, which has been built 
 many years, was never finished, but exertions have 
 been made and a sufficient sum raised for that 
 purpose, which will be completed in the course of 
 the present summer. J. E. Jackson. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The painful 
 duty devolves upon the rector of reporting to the 
 Convention that the Sunday School of this churcli 
 is in a languishing condition. The exercises of 
 the Bible class are attended by a few members of 
 the congregation with some degree of interest, 
 and, it is hoped, of benefit. 
 
 Liberal contributions have been made to the 
 funds of the Theological Seminary. An associa- 
 tion, under the title of " The Lynchburg Sewing 
 Society, auxiliary to the Education Society of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church," has been formed 
 by a number of ladies, who have prosecuted their 
 benevolent undertaking with much industry, zeal, 
 and success. The rector gratefully acknowledges 
 their goodness in making him a life member of the 
 society to which theirs is auxihary. 
 
 For the last year and a half a weekly prayer- 
 meeting has been held by female communicants 
 of this church, which has excited the happiest in- 
 fluence upon the spiritual interests of the congre- 
 gation, and doubtless heis contributed largely to 
 that increase of the church during the year past 
 which has so far exceeded the accessions in any 
 former year. Communicants, removed two, added 
 sixteen, present number thirty-six — baptisms thir- 
 teen, of adults six, of infants seven — marriages 
 nine — burials five. F. G. Smith. 
 
 Lexington parish. During the past year there 
 has been no remarkable improvement in the spir- 
 itual condition of the congregation. To the num- 
 ber of communicants sixteen have been added. 
 
 In the congregation in Nelson county there have 
 been four new communicants. The ciiildren of 
 the different congregations have been occasionally 
 catechised. There are two female Bible classes. 
 The ladies are about to organize an Auxiliary Ed- 
 ucation Society. Upon reviewing his labours for 
 three years past, the minister acknowledges with 
 gratitude the goodness of God. Marriages three 
 — baptisms twenty — funerals eleven— communi- 
 cants forty-eight. Chas. H. Page. 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg. It is with grati- 
 tude the rector reports, that he feels much encour- 
 aged in his labours in this parish. The attendance 
 upon his ministry is encouraging, and he has rea- 
 son to hope that the word preached is not without 
 some blessed effect. 
 
 The Sunday School, numbering seventeen 
 teachers and about one hundred scholars, is in a 
 prosperous condition, and regularly attended both 
 by the teachers and scholars. An excellent hbra- 
 ry has been purchased for the use of the Sunday 
 School. : 
 
d32 
 
 CONVENTION OF 182^. 
 
 "^ A contribution has been made to the Coloniza- 
 |6n Society. The rector has been constituted a 
 life member of the Education Society. And also, 
 by general contributions and the e.xertions of tlie 
 ladies, a sufficient sum has been provided for en- 
 larging our church. 
 
 The rector officiates monthly at Aldie and Mid- 
 dleburg, He has also three Bible classes well 
 Attended, from which, by the blessmg of God, he 
 hopes much good will result. Marriages three — 
 burials seven — baptisms, two adults and seventeen 
 children, eleven of whom were coloured. 
 
 Four persons have been added to the commu- 
 pion of the church. Thomas .Iackson. 
 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes. The rector hopes 
 that the interests of religion and of the church are 
 strengthening in the parishes committed to his 
 care. The congregation of St. James's Church, 
 Warrenton (Hamilton parish), is, for the greater 
 part of the year, a large, and always an attentive 
 one. During the last fall they plastered and 
 painted the interior of their church, and it is now 
 .one of the most comfortable houses of worship in 
 the country. A Bible class has been formed m 
 this congregation, and promises to be, under God, 
 instrumental of much good. The number of com- 
 jBunicants has increased. 
 
 The Cool Spring congregation, Leeds parish, 
 has, during the last year, greatly recovered from 
 its depressed state. The number of its cotnmunl 
 cants, however, is as yet but small, and this small 
 number has sutlered a heavy bereavement in the 
 death of a member whose increasing piety and zeal 
 promised much usefulness to the cause of God 
 and his church. Communicants, including both 
 parishes, between thirty and forty — baptisms 
 twelve — marriages nineteen — funerals nine. 
 
 Gko. Lemon. 
 
 Fredericksville parish, Charlottesville. The 
 state of this parish is believed to be constantly 
 improving — though slowly, yet, it is trusted, per- 
 manently. Our services have been continued at 
 the university, whether with any real benefit re- 
 piains yet to be seen. 
 
 A Sunday School, managed by able teachers, 
 And conducted on the most approved plan, has 
 been recently formed, in connexion with our Gen- 
 eral Episcopal Union, and consists of about seven- 
 ty scholars. 
 
 Six or eight new communicants have been ad- 
 ded, but by deaths and removals the whole num- 
 ber of communicants remains about the same as 
 j-eported at the last Convention. Baptisms about 
 jtwenty, of whom one was an adult. 
 
 F. W. Hatch. 
 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham county. This 
 parish was reorganized on the 22d of January, 1829, 
 during a visit of the Rev. Mr. Hatch and the Rev. 
 Mr. Croes, who officiated in the church at the 
 Merry Oaks on the 21st, 22d, and 23d of the month. 
 The Rev. Mr. Cobbs and the Rev. Mr. Page have 
 since visited the parish, and preached both at the 
 Oaks and the courthouse. The vestry have suc- 
 ceeded in raising several hundred dollars for the 
 support of a minister, and are extremely anxious 
 to be supplied with frequent rehgious services. A 
 Sunday School has been organized, to be con- 
 ducted in the mode recommended by the General 
 Episcopal Sunday School Union. The number 
 of communicants is about twenty, and there are 
 several persons in addition who are waiting for an 
 opportunity to commemorate the love of their Sa- 
 viour over the symbols of his body and blopd. 
 
 Junius A. Clay, ) Vp^trvmPn 
 Phimp a. Boi.ling, ( Vestrymen. 
 
 Augusta parish, Staunton. I have preached in 
 this pajrisb about four months. A Sunday School 
 
 of sixty-five or seventy scholars has been estab* 
 l.shed, for which a good library has been obtained. 
 A Bible class of about twenty -five members has 
 been lormed. 
 
 A subscription lately commenced for raising a 
 sum to buiid a church seven miles from Staunton, 
 where I have had service once in three weeks for 
 some time past, .seems not likely to fail in its ob- 
 ject. At this place Episcopal services have not, 
 till recently, ever been enjoyed. 
 
 The congregation in Staunton have subscribed 
 a liberal sum for the purchase of an organ for the 
 church. 
 
 Number of baptisms twenty-five — candidates for 
 confirmation eight — communicants about twenty. 
 
 P^BtNEZER BOYDBN. 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper, and St. 
 Thomas's parish. Orange county. Since the last 
 Convention there has been no material change in 
 the condition of these churches. 'Ihe rector has, 
 since last fall, preached once a month at Stevens- 
 burg, and occasionally at other places. His con- 
 gregations have been invariably attentive and re- 
 spectful during divine service, and he hopes his 
 ministry will be the means of leading some to the 
 knowledge of ihe truth. Communicants in Cul- 
 pepper thirty-four, in Orange thirteen — marriages 
 three — funerals five. 
 
 George Archibald Smith. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The afliairs of 
 this congregation remain in a highly interesting 
 condition. Since the last Convention forty-two 
 persons have been confirmed, and twenty-five 
 added to the communion. Much serious inquiry 
 still prevails among us. Our various societies are 
 very prosperous. The Saturday and Sunday 
 Schools continue to exert their happy influence 
 on the morals and habits of the young, tiaining 
 them up to industrious, useful, and Christian hves. 
 We have, besides, three Bible classes in operation 
 for those of more advanced years ; one for males, 
 and two for females. During the past year there 
 have been baptisms, of adults two, children forty- 
 three— marriages six — funerals twelve. The Sun- 
 day School contains about two hundred and fifty 
 scholars. Present number of communicants is 
 about one hundred and sixty. 
 
 William Jackson. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. The 
 rector of this church, in presenting his 16th annual 
 report to the Convention, is happy in being able 
 to say that the last, like the preceding years, has 
 been marked by many cheering indications of the 
 continued goodness and favour of God the Saviour. 
 There has been in that time the usual attention 
 of the people to the means of grace, and an unu- 
 sual number have been added to the church pf 
 such as, he trusts, will be saved. There has also 
 been a fruitfulness in those good works which 
 ever distinguish and adorn the real followers of 
 the Redeemer. The various associations among 
 us for religious and charitable purposes have been 
 actively engaged in furthering their several designs 
 of benevolence towards the souls and bodies of 
 men. The Prayer- Book and Tract Society, the 
 Female Missionary Society, the Bible Society, 
 the Sunday and Charity Schools, and especially 
 the Bible classes, have greatly flourished, and dif- 
 fused the choicest blessings. Marriages seven — 
 funerals eleven — baptisms twenty-five (five adults) 
 — communicants one hundred and fourteen. 
 
 Enw. C. M'Guire. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. Since 
 the last Convention six communicants have been 
 added, some have died, and others haye removed; 
 present number seventy — ten persoi^s have been 
 confirmed— of baptisms, there have been fourteen 
 
CONVENTION OF 1829; 
 
 233 
 
 —of funerals ten— of marriages five. In addition 
 to the Bible, the Education, and the two Sunday 
 Sciiool Societies which before existed, and are 
 siili carrying on their useful operations, a number 
 of young ladies have formed a Working Society, 
 auxiliary to the Education Society, which contrib- 
 utes largely to its funds. 
 
 John Cooke. 
 
 St. John's Church, Richmond, Henrico parish. 
 Baptisms twenty-three— marriages five— funerals 
 eleven— communicants thirty-six. The present 
 rector assumed this charge in September last. 
 He would gratefully acknowledge the blessing of 
 God upon his humble labours, interrupted as they 
 have been by bodily infirmities ; and he is encour- 
 aged to hope that the ripening fruits will soon be 
 more abundantly manifested. 
 
 The weekly lectures are generally crowded, 
 and by those who seem deeply interested in the 
 truths of the word. The Sunday School flour- 
 ishes, and has connected with it a library of near 
 two hundred volumes. The Bible class, it is trust- 
 ed, will be the instrument oi- doing much good. 
 The Education Society promises to extend effi- 
 cient aid to the parent society. Recently there 
 has been formed a iMissionary Society, auxiliary 
 to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States, and the members of it have engaged with 
 zeal and spirit in the promotion of the important 
 measures for which they have associated. 
 
 William F. Lee. 
 
 St. Paul's and Brunswick parishes. King George 
 county. The rector of St. Paul's parish. King 
 George county, reports, that during the last year 
 he has been unable to enjoy more than one com- 
 munion season ; at that time there was an acces- 
 sion of five communicants, which makes the whole 
 number now about thirty. He has administered 
 the holy rite of baptism to twenty-two infants, 
 ■three of whom were coloured. He has likewise 
 baptized one adult ; marriages two, funerals two. 
 He has laboured, by means of weekly lectures, 
 Bible classes, &c., to lead his people to the saving 
 knowledge of Christ crucified. Since the last 
 Convention a Bible Society has been formed, by 
 means of which nearly three hundred Bibles have 
 been distributed throughout the county. 
 
 In Brunswick parish, where he labours one half 
 ,of his time, the number of communicants is about 
 ten. There have been six infant baptisms, two 
 marriages, and two funerals. The old parish 
 church, which was in a state of decay, has been 
 put in complete repair. The Sunday School in 
 this parish has been productive of much good. 
 The rector hopes that, through the manifold mer- 
 cies of God, his labours will not be without per- 
 manent blessing. En. W. Peet. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes. The 
 pastor reports that there has been no striking 
 change in the condition of his charge since the last 
 Convention. He confidently believes, however, 
 that God's gracious blessing upon his ministra- 
 tions has produced some general improvement in 
 the spiritual state of the people. 
 
 The Education Society, Sunday Schools, and 
 Bible classes, heretofore reported, are still in ex- 
 istence. In reference to these I will merely re- 
 mark, that the organization of some of them has 
 lately been so improved as to render them more 
 powerful and efficient agents of the gospel. 
 
 In Lunenburg parish, Richmond county (where 
 the pastor of St. Anne's and South Farnham still 
 preaches twice a month), the prospect for good con- 
 tinues somewhat cheering. The Sunday School 
 in that parish, which was suspended during the 
 winter, has been again commenced with the most 
 
 flattering prospects. Burials fifteen, of which two 
 were of commurricants — marriages four — bap- 
 tisms sixteen, of which two were of adults and 
 three of coloured persons — communicants forty- 
 three (one coloured). J. P. M'Guire. 
 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county. This parish, 
 which was reorganized just before the last Con- 
 vention, through the agency of the Rev. Mr. Steel, 
 continued to enjoy his services two Sundays in a 
 month until Christmas ; since that time my own 
 labours, which had previously been divided be- 
 tween four congregations, have been restricted to 
 three — two Sundays in a month being now devo- 
 ted to that which assembles in the courthouse. 
 Although the number of communicants has not 
 been increased during the last year, yet the pros- 
 pects of the church are brightening. There are 
 now Sunday Schools connected with two of the 
 congregations, in one of which, though recently 
 organized, more than one hundred scholars have 
 been enrolled. A considerable number of prayer- 
 books have been distributed during the past year, 
 and the number of those who join in the service 
 is increasing. During the last four months a 
 weekly meeting has been held in the neighbour- 
 hood of the courthouse, on the plan recommended 
 by the bishop in his last year's parochial report. 
 Number of communicants professedly Episcopal, 
 twelve. Charles Dresser. 
 
 St. John's Church, Moore parish, Campbell 
 county. The minister reports that, during the 
 year, he has preached statedly to three congrer 
 gations. Twice a month at St. John's Church, 
 which has been built within the year; once a 
 month at the courthouse, and once a month at 
 Brookneal. The responses in all the congregar 
 tions are now more generally made than at any 
 former period. During the year between forty and 
 fifty prayer-books have been distributed. Bap- 
 tisms nine (one adult) — communicants six — fu- 
 nerals two. N. G. Osgood. 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county. The 
 present minister having had the charge of the 
 church in this parish but a little more than four 
 months, is not enabled to report any special change 
 in the congregation. He officiates regularly at 
 the church, and once a month at the Round Oak 
 meeting-house. There appears to be an increase- 
 ing attachment to our communion ; and the strong 
 prejudice which has existed for years against it 
 is gradually giving place to more enlightened an4 
 liberal views. A Sunday School, numbering up- 
 wards of sixty scholars, has been established ; and 
 from the zeal of the teachers and the attention of 
 the scholars much good is anticipated. A Bible 
 class also, consisting of ten or twelve ladies, has 
 been commenced ; a majority of these appear to, 
 be anxiously seeking an experimental acquaint- 
 ance with the word of eternal life. Communi- 
 cants (two added), twenty-six— baptisms, one 
 adult (by immersion). Caleb I. Goon. 
 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland county. 
 So recent has been the present minister's connex- 
 ion with this parish, that he is unable to speak of 
 it particularly. The services of the church are 
 well attended, and an increasing interest in her 
 prosperity is manifested. James Doughen. 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. Com- 
 municants eight — funerals two. 
 
 John Philips, 
 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county, and St. An- 
 drew's, Brunswick. Since the last report no im- 
 portant change has occurred in Bath parish, and 
 the rector has been constrained to mourn over the 
 apparent deadness to spiritual things which pre- 
 vails. There are, however, encouraging circum- 
 stances which afford him grounds for hope. The 
 
234 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 Sunday School and Bible class, though each very 
 small, exert, it is trusted, a beneficial influence. 
 
 Early in the last year the rector commenced 
 preaching at Lawrenceville, Brunswick, county ; 
 and, perceiving a greater prospect of usefulness iu 
 this county than ih Greensville, he was constrain- 
 ed, though with great reluctance, to discontinue 
 his appointments at Hicksford. An effort has 
 been made to erect a church at Lawrenceville, 
 which has proved so far successful as to encour- 
 age the hope that it will be ready for use in July 
 next. On the first Saturday in April last, an ex- 
 position was attempted of the constitution and pe- 
 cuharities of our church ; of the advantages of its 
 liturgy, and of the manner and spirit in which it 
 should be used ; after which a vestry was elected, 
 the old parish of St. Andrew's revived, and a rec- 
 tor chosen. On that day a large congregation 
 united for the first time in the regular service of 
 the church. The present prospects of this parish 
 are encouraging, and it is hoped that the undivided 
 services of a minister may in a few years be se- 
 cured. Communicants in both parishes twenty- 
 seven : one has died during the last year, and thir- 
 teen have been added— baptisms fifteen— marria- 
 ges six — funerals eleven. John Grammer. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. The rector reports 
 to the Convention that, though no occurrences of 
 any great importance have taken place in this par- 
 ish since the last Convention, he has the satisfac- 
 tion to remark that we are in a state of progres- 
 sive improvement ; public worship is well attend- 
 ed ; and the number of communicants, though not 
 so numerous as might be expected or desired, 
 • from the extent of the parish, increases every year ; 
 several members have been added during the pres- 
 ent year. The Sunday School is now unconnect- 
 ed with that of any other denomination, and is in 
 a prosperous condition. The Female Education 
 Society is still assiduous in promoting the inter- 
 ests of the parent society, as may be seen in the 
 amount of moneys sent to Alexandria every year. 
 The female weekly prayer-meeting is regularly 
 attended. The Female Missionary Society have 
 ?dso been zealously engaged in endeavouring to 
 supply the spiritual wants of the surrounding 
 country. The Rev. Mr. Grammer devoted a part 
 of his time for four months during the last year to 
 the service of this society ; and since that time 
 they have been enabled to engage the services of 
 the Rev. Mr. Cole, who has been employed by 
 them for three months in the county of Surry. 
 Marriages six— baptisms twelve — deaths nineteen. 
 Andrew Syme. 
 In Surry, where our church has scarcely been 
 known except to her prejudice for more than 
 twenty years, she is, it is hoped, again reviving, 
 and the prejudices in regard to her are subsiding. 
 Efforts have been made during the past year to 
 repair the churches in this county, and to raise a 
 salary for the present minister ; two of the 
 churches have been partially repaired, and, we 
 hope, before the expiration of the present year, will 
 be completed. The actual members of our com- 
 munion in this county are but few, consequently 
 we have had to encounter many difficulties (some 
 of vvhich still exist), in establishing the regular 
 services of the church. Two Sunday Schools 
 have just been commenced, from which, by the 
 blessing of God, we anticipate much lasting good. 
 Baptisms three. John Cole. 
 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight. The recort of 
 St. Luke's Church in this parish reports, that 
 there have been but few additions to the commu- 
 nion in that congregation during the past year ; the 
 church, however, appears to be gradually rising, 
 ^d it is hoped the time is not far distant when 
 
 her prospects will brighten, and aflford cheering en- 
 couragement. 
 
 The building has undergone considerable re 
 pairs since the last Convention, and in a few 
 weeks will be placed in comfortable order. The 
 ladies of the congregation have contributed ^30 to 
 make the rector a life member of the Education 
 Society, for which he makes his grateful aknowl- 
 edgments. 
 
 St. Paul's, Suffolk. This church is still under 
 the care of the rector of St. Luke's ; there has 
 been but little change since the last report. Mar- 
 riages five — baptisms six — funerals three, in both. 
 William G. H. Jones. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec 
 tor reports, that, as far as he can discover, there 
 has been but httle or no change in the spiritual 
 condition of his charge since the last Convention. 
 Four members have been added to the list of com- 
 municants, while several have removed from the 
 parish, which leaves the number about the same 
 as last reported. The congregation is as large as 
 the number of pews in the church will admit. 
 Liberal subscriptions, to the amount of ^1,800, 
 have been obtained for the purpose of enlarging the 
 church, to which it is intended to add a steeple, 
 and also a vestry -room — the whole design, accord- 
 ing to estimate, will leave us in debt about $1 ,700, 
 for the liquidation of which we depend upon the 
 future increase of our congregation, and the as- 
 sistance of friends abroad. 
 
 There are in connexion with this congregation 
 a Bible class, Sunday School, and Female Work- 
 ing Society, all of which it is believed are effect- 
 ing some good. Marriages four— baptisms nine 
 — communicants twenty-six— funerals four— fami- 
 lies forty. John H. Wingfield. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk (Ehzabeth River parr 
 ish). Since the last Convention there have been 
 baptized thirty-two persons, of whom five wer« 
 adults ; there have been four marriages and twen- 
 ty-four funerals. Seventeen have been confirm- 
 ed, and thirteen admitted to the communion, one 
 of whom, it may be interesting to state, was deaf 
 and dumb. The present number of communicants 
 is two hundred and two. The new church was 
 consecrated by the Right Rev. the Bishop on 
 Sunday, 9th of November last. The old parish 
 church has been appropriated and is to be fitted 
 up expressly for the use of the Sunday School, 
 now m a very encouraging condition, numbering 
 twenty-two teachers, one hundred and ninety 
 scholars, and upwards of three hundred volumes 
 in its library. The Auxiliary Education Society 
 continues to flourish; and has, during the last 
 year, contributed to the funds of the parent insti- 
 tution $186 50 ; besides $60 for the outfit of a 
 beneficiary from this parish. The temporal pros- 
 perity of the church is perhaps greater than it has 
 ever been in past years; and, in its spiritual con- 
 cerns, we are not without pleasing evidences of 
 the, Lord's presence and blessing. 
 
 Henry W. Ducachet. 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond. Communir 
 cants, six deceased, twelve removed, nineteen 
 added— present number, one hundred and seventy. 
 Baptisms in the last ye-ir about thirty-five, of 
 which one was of an adult. Sunday scholars 
 one hundred and seventy-five, diligently instruct- 
 ed by ten male and nineteen female teachers. 
 Weekly services are held, either in the church 
 or the new and commodious Sunday School-room. 
 The assistant minister continues his exercises 
 with the catechetical class and the two Bible 
 classes, the number of members of which is 
 about the same as reported last year. Much 
 praise is due to the superintendents and teacher^ 
 
CONVENTION OF 1829. 
 
 235 
 
 of the Sunday School, who, by the aid of the ex- 
 cellent system of instruction provided by the Gen- 
 eral Episcopal Sunday School Union, and the 
 useful magazines issued by that society, have 
 been enabled very materially to improve the gen- 
 eral character and discipline of the school. 
 
 To'the credit of the congregation it ought to 
 be mentioned, that in the course of the last two 
 years they have contributed at least $4,650 for 
 purposes connected with the church, in addition 
 to their ordinary expenses, which are not light, 
 viz.: For finishing the monument, $1,200; for 
 the Theological Seminary and Education Socie- 
 ty, about $2,200 ; for the Sunday School-room, 
 $900 , and for the Domestic and Foreign Mission- 
 ary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the United States, $350. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore. 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re- 
 ports during the last year sixteen baptisms— eight 
 marriages, six of which were of coloured persons 
 — and six funerals, two of which were of infants, 
 and two of the remaining adults belonging not to 
 the parish. Of the communicants, two have 
 died, and nine new ones have been added, of 
 which one is an African. The present number is 
 forty-five. 
 
 Through the divine blessing, the present state 
 of religion in the parish is, as we have reason to 
 believe, prornising and improving. A second 
 weekly meeting for religious exercises has lately 
 been established : and as the first is conducted by 
 the female, this will be under the management 
 of the male communicants. The Bible Society, 
 iri order to extend its usefulness, has resolved to 
 distribute prayer-books and tracts as well as Bibles 
 jn Williamsburg and the adjoining counties. 
 
 A. Empie. 
 Elizabeth City parish. The congregation at 
 Hampton has undergone no material change since 
 the last report. Pews have been erected, and 
 arrangements mad« for some additional improve- 
 ments in the church. During the last month an 
 association, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Duca- 
 chet, Wingfield, and Empie, was held, and the 
 church was opened for three successive days. 
 
 The rector still continues (as per last report) 
 to minister to the congregation at Fortress Mon- 
 roe, composed of the citizens and the military. 
 A considerable reduction of the military force at 
 that post has recently taken place, and conse- 
 quently the congregation is materially diminished. 
 The general attendance, however, at the church, 
 of those who remain, together with the citizens, 
 is encouraging, and is considered as the precursor 
 of some spiritual good. The Sunday School is 
 still continued with good success. Baptisms 
 seventeen — conununicants thirty — ^marriages six 
 — funerals nine. M. L. Cheveks. 
 
 St. George's parish, Accomack county. The 
 rector reports that he has performed regular ser- 
 vices in this parish since July last. In conse- 
 quence of the parish being vacant for several years 
 previous to his location, the church has evidently 
 suffered much. He trusts, however, that, under 
 the blessing of the Almighty, it will soon revive. 
 The congregations were small at first, but have 
 been gradually increasing. A Bible Society and 
 a Tract Society have been formed within the last 
 two months. Communicants twenty-eight — bap- 
 tisms twenty -three — funerals three. 
 
 Zacharjah H. Goldsmith. 
 The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the 
 committee upon the state of the church in this 
 diocess, presented the following report and ac- 
 companying resolutions : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church had 
 hoped, before making their report to the Conven- 
 tion, to have been in possession of the informa- 
 tion usually communicated by the bishop at our 
 annual meetings ; but, faiUng in this wish, and 
 being now without any expectation of the bishop's 
 arrival, they beg leave to state, with a reference 
 to the only source's of information accessible, 
 
 That they consider the general condition of the 
 church in this diocess, and its future prospects, as 
 flattering in a degree beyond what they have been 
 at any previous period since its revival. 
 
 To whatever quarter our attention is turned, we 
 are animated with the view of increased and still 
 increasing prosperity. 
 
 Our parishes, where regular ministrations are 
 had, exhibit, as appears to your committee, evi- 
 dences of improvement which call for the fervent 
 gratitude of all our hearts, and invite us to re- 
 newed efforts for the extension of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom and the salvation of souls. In the min- 
 istry there is zeal and ardour regulated by pru- 
 dence, and among the people a warm attachment 
 to the oflSces and doctrines of the church. 
 
 Ancient prejudices, arising chiefly from the 
 state and condition of our communion at the 
 period of the disruption of those pohtical ties by 
 which we were held in connexion with Englana, 
 and which there never have been wanting efforts 
 to keep alive and to perpetuate, are gradually 
 yielding to better feelings and convictions of truth. 
 But,-amid much that is cheering, and by which 
 our hearts are made glad, there is nevertheless 
 what impresses our minds with sorrow, and de- 
 mands our continued prayers to the great Head of 
 the church. 
 
 There are " waste places" which require to be 
 rebuilt — there is desolation which calls for our 
 tears and supplications. Many are destitute of 
 ministrations winch in their infancy they were 
 taught to love, and to whose pecuhar excellence 
 their riper judgment bears decisive testimony. 
 
 They call for these ministrations — they await 
 them with anxious and aching hearts — with hearts 
 deeply saddened by " hope long deferred." But 
 where are the labourers to enter on this ground 
 and gather in this harvest, who shall carry to 
 these famished souls the bread of life ! The sup- 
 plies from our seminary are inadequate to the de- 
 mands upon it — foreign resources are uncertain. 
 To the Missionary Society just established by this 
 Convention, do the committee look with cheering 
 hopes of the needed relief in this our deep ne^ 
 cessity. 
 
 The committee being deeply impressed with 
 the sense of the propriety of preserving the Chris- 
 tian purity and the proper dignity of the Conven- 
 tions of this diocess, recommend to the Conven- 
 tion the adoption of an amendment to the second 
 article of the constitution, by adding to the same 
 the following words ; " and provided also, that 
 such delegate or delegates shall, previously to 
 taking his or their seat in Convention, comply 
 with the subscription required of vestrymen." In 
 conformity wherewith, the committee reconunend 
 the following resolutions : — 
 
 Resolved, That, agreeably to the provisions of 
 the thirteenth article of the constitution, notice be 
 transmitted to the several vestries of the parishes 
 in this diocess, that it is proposed at the next 
 Convention to amend the second article of the 
 constitution, by adding to the same the following 
 words ; " and provided also, that such delegate or 
 delegates shall, previously to taking his or their 
 seat in Convention, comply with the subscription 
 required of vestrymen." 
 In relation to the devise made by Eyan E^gr 
 
^36 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1826. 
 
 land, the committee recommend the adoption of 
 the following resolution : — 
 
 Resolved, That William Leigh, Esq. be re- 
 quested to hold the borjds of Edmund Irby for 
 collection, to proceed to collect the money due 
 upon the bonds as soon as the last bond shall be- 
 come due, and to make a report of his proceedings 
 to the next Convention. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted, 
 
 E. W. Hatch, Chairman. 
 
 On motion^ Resolved, That the said report be 
 accepted, and the resolutions adopted. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That leave of absence 
 for the remainder of the session be granted to 
 Mr. Philip A. BoUing. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 minister of the I*resbyterian church in this 
 place, for the liberal and kind offer of his church 
 for the use of the Convention. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be tendered to the citizens of this 
 place, for their kind and hospitable attentions to 
 the members of the Convention during its session. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the thanks of this 
 Convention be presented to the secretary and 
 treasurer for their faithful services. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That one thousand 
 ^copies of this journal be printed, and distributed 
 by the secretary among the parishes, under the 
 superintendence of the bishop. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec- 
 retary his expenses incurred in attending this 
 .Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the door- 
 keeper of this Convention six dollars for his 
 services. 
 
 The Rev. William Meade, from the board of 
 ^trustees of the Theological School, presented 
 the following report, which was received : — 
 
 fleport of the Board of Trustees of the Theological 
 School of the Episcopal Church of Virginia. 
 
 The trustees of this institution are enabled to 
 report, that the blessing of Almighty God seems 
 still to attend all their efforts in its behalf. Within 
 the last two years about nineteen thousand dol- 
 lars have been added to our former subscription, 
 more than eleven thousand dollars of which have 
 heen paid and applied to the purchase of a farm, 
 • to the erection of buildings, and to other pur- 
 poses of the institution, What has been sub- 
 scribed is still, however, far from sufficient to 
 place our institution on a sure and respectable 
 foundation. 
 
 The treasurer's account will show the amount 
 of the funded capital, and that it still falls far 
 short of what is needed for the comfortable sup- 
 port of one professor. Relying upon that Provi- 
 dence which has hitherto opened the hearts and 
 hands of so many friends, to enable us to com- 
 mence this work and prosecute it to its present 
 state, we still cherish the pleasing hope that it 
 ■will increase more and more each year in useful- 
 ness, and that its friends will never permit it to 
 suffer for want of those pecuniary aids which are 
 essential to its prosperity. 
 
 During the past year twenty -seven candidates 
 for the ministry have been enrolled on the list of 
 students at the seminary, though only seventeen 
 of these have been pursuing the regular study of 
 divinity, the remainder being chiefly engaged in 
 some prepariatory studies. 
 
 Of the members of the seminary during the 
 present session, one is from North Carolina, seven 
 from Virginia, five from Maryland, three from 
 Pennsylvania, five from New-York, three from 
 Vermont, one from Connecticut, and two from 
 Massachusetts. "* 
 
 I'he number of the first class at present is seven. 
 In pursuing the course of studies marked out 
 by the " Regulations of the Seminary," the gentle- 
 men composing the first class have read, on the 
 " Evidences of Revelation," about one half of the 
 first volume of '• Home's Introduction," together 
 with such other authors who have discussed with 
 ability the subjects tieated of in the text-book, 
 as were designated by the professor. They have 
 read critically, and with a cont-tant reference to 
 the most approved commentators, the wtiole of 
 the Greek Harmony of the historical books of the 
 New Testament. On the interpretation of tlie 
 New Testament, they have recited to the proles- 
 sor a very large part ot the second volume of 
 Home's Introduction, and Emesti on Interpreta- 
 tion, &c. 
 
 About the first of January the class commenced 
 the study of Hebrew, and have read fifteen chap- 
 ters in the book of Genesis, and are now pursuing 
 their studies by the aid which the Hebrew Chris- 
 tomathy of Professor Stuart aftbrds. The class 
 have been required to produce to the profes&or 
 once a week ong-inal compositions on the most im- 
 portant proofs of divine revelation, and occasion- 
 ally a critical dissertation on some difficult pas- 
 sages of the New I'estarnent. 
 
 The industry and general good conduct of the 
 students have met with the warm commendation 
 of the professors. 
 
 The second class have read and undergone 
 satisfactory examination on nearly the whole of 
 Mosheiin's Church History, with reference to 
 Milner, and such other ecclesiastical histories as 
 the hbrary afforded. And, in addition to the study 
 of ecclesiastical history, this class has been en- 
 gaged in the critical study of the Epistles in Greek, 
 and of the Prophet Isaiah m Hebrew ; they have 
 also, in accordance with the laws of the institu- 
 tion, completed a comprehensive system of Scrip- 
 tural Divinity, making the Bible m its original 
 languages the sole text-book preparatory to the 
 examination of human systems and the articles 
 of our church. During the present month an ex- 
 amination of the students has taken place, in the 
 presence of the bishop and other trustees, which 
 proved creditable to instructers and pupils. At 
 that time three of the candidates were admitted 
 to holy orders by the bishop of our diocess. From 
 this institution we have already received a num- 
 ber of useful labourers in the ministry of our 
 church, and to it must we look for those faithful 
 labourers yet needed to build up the many waste 
 places of our Zion. We therefore most ear- 
 nestly recommend it to the continued and increas- 
 ing prayers and charity of the friends of the 
 church, and, above all, to the protection and bles- 
 sing of Heaven. 
 
 Resolved, That the names of the subscribers 
 to the Theological School since May, 1827, be 
 published with the Journals of the Convention. 
 
 Mr. Hugh Mercer having resigned his office 
 as a trustee of the Theological School, Mr. 
 Robert P. Waring was duly elected. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the following be 
 adopted as an additional canon. 
 
 I'hat the election of lay delegates to the Con- 
 vention shall be certified either by the chuichr 
 wardens or by the clerk of the vpstiy. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 237 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the sum of one 
 hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated to the 
 bishop for his episcopal services for the support 
 of his assistant out of the contingent fund, to 
 make up, with the sum paid in for that purpose 
 during the present Convention, the sum of three 
 hundred dollars^ in pursuance of the pledge 
 made by the Convention in the year 1826. 
 On motion of the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, it was 
 Resolved, That this Convention, regarding 
 the intemperate use of ardent spirits as one of 
 the most desolating and alarming vices of our 
 country, as presenting one of the most formi- 
 dable of all barriers to the spread of the gospel 
 of our Lord and Saviour — feels itself called upon 
 to express its decided approbation of the efforts 
 that are making in many sections of our land to 
 arrest the progress of this acknowledged evil, 
 and to pray that abundant success may crown 
 the labours of the Christian, the patriot, and the 
 philanthropist, in their laudable associations for 
 this important purpose. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev Reuel Keith, the 
 Rev, Nicholas H. Cobbs, the Rev. Henry W. 
 Ducachet, M. D., the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 Dr. Carter Berkeley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be, 
 and they are hereby nominated, trustees to the 
 General Theological Seminary of the Protestarxt 
 Episcopal Church of the United States. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the Rev. 
 William Meade, D. D., bishop elect, and to the 
 delegates to represent this diocess in the next 
 General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of the United States, the sum of fifty 
 dollars each, to defray their expenses in attend- 
 ing the said Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay the quota 
 due from this diocess to the General Conven- 
 tion, to defray the expenses of the same. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed, to meet in the town of Winchester, on 
 the third Thursday in May next, 
 
 William Meade, D, D., President. 
 
 Teste, John Gr! Williams, Secretary, 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of the Convention^f the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Dioce»r 
 of Virginia, which assembled in the town of Winchester, on Thursday, the fiOth of May, 1830. 
 
 This being the day and place appointed for 
 the annual meeting of the Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia, several clergymen and lay delegates 
 attended divine service in the Episcopal Church 
 in this town. 
 
 Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Ed- 
 ward C. M'Guire, and a sermon preached by 
 the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs. 
 
 After divine service (the Right Rev. Bishop 
 Moore being absent), the Right Rev. William 
 Meade, D. D., assistant bishop of the diocess, 
 took the chair as president of the Convention. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Augusta parish, 
 Staunton ; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell 
 parish, Bedford county ; the Rev. John Cole, 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester ; the 
 Rev. John Cooke, St Martin's parish, Hanover 
 and Louisa counties ; the Rev. James Doughen, 
 parish of St. James, Northam, Goochland county ; 
 the Rev. Charles Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax 
 county ; the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., 
 Christ Church, Norfolk ; the Rev. Adam Empie, 
 rector of Bruton parish, and President of Will- 
 iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; the 
 Rev. Caleb J. Good, St. Margaret's parish, 
 Caroline county ; the Rev. John Grammer, 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county ; the Rev. Fred- 
 erick W. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle county ; the Rev. Johannes Edward Jack- 
 son, Christ Church, Frederick parish, Frederick 
 county ; the Rev. William Jackson, St. Paul's 
 Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Thomas Jack- 
 son, Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ; the 
 Rev. Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's parish, 
 Jefferson county ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, D, 
 
 D., Professor in the Theological School of this 
 diocess, near Alexandria ; the Rev. George 
 Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier 
 county ; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Professwr 
 in the Theological School of this diocess, near 
 Alexandria ; the Rev. William F. Lee, Rich-- 
 mond ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St, 
 George's parish, Fredericksburg ; the Rev. 
 John P. M'Guire, Christ Church, Fairfax parish,. 
 Alexandria ; the Rev. Nahuin G. Osgood^ 
 Moore's parish, Campbell county, and Tillotson 
 parish, Buckingham county ; the Rev. Edward^ 
 W. Peet, Henrico parish, Henrico county ; the 
 Rev. Zachariah Meade, St. Anne's parish, Al^ 
 bemarle county. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William Jackson and 
 Mr. Obed Waite be a committee to examine 
 the certificates of lay delegates ; who then with- 
 drew, and, after a short time, returned and pre- 
 sented the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report, that 
 the following persons have been duly elected 
 lay delegates to this Convention, and that their 
 certificates are in the form prescribed by the 
 canon, viz. : — 
 
 Thomas M. Ambler, Moore parish, Campbell 
 county ; Thomas Nelson, Portsmouth parish, 
 Norfolk county ; Dr. Isaac Winston, St. Ste- 
 phen's Church, Culpepper county ; Dr. Carter 
 Berkeley, St. John's Church, Elizabeth City 
 parish ; Junius A. Clay, Tillotson parish, Buck- 
 ingham county ; Samuel Pryor, Bath parish, 
 Dinwiddle county ; John F. Clark, Antrim 
 parish, Halifax county ; Obed Waite, Christ 
 Church, Winchester ; Seth Ward, St. Paul's 
 Church, Lynchburg; Benjamin Wiggenton, 
 
238 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 Church, Winchester; Seth Ward, St. Paul's 
 Church, Lynchburg; Benjamin Wiggenton, 
 Russell parish, Bedford county ; Philip Nelson, 
 Frederick parish, Frekeri.ck county ; Francis 
 Nelson, St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Lou- 
 isa counties ; Parke F. Berkeley, St. Marga- 
 ret's parish, Caroline, county ; Edmund I. Lee, 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; 
 John Gray, St. George's Church, Fredericks- 
 burg ; George M. Carrmgton, Henrico parish, 
 Henrico county ', John A. W. Smith, Hamilton 
 parish, Fauquier county ; Thomas Griggs, St. 
 Andrew's parish, Jefferson county ; WiUiam B. 
 Richards, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ; John 
 G. Williams, Monumental Church, Richmond ; 
 John E. Page, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg 
 county ; Francis Silver, Christ Church, Nor- 
 borne parish, Berkeley county. 
 
 That the following persons appear to have 
 been duly elected, but the certificates of their 
 appointment are not in the form prescribed by 
 the said canon. 
 
 Robert P. Waring, St. Anne's parish,. Essex 
 county ; Benjamin Pollard, Christ Church, 
 Norfolk ; William C. Latane and Thomas L. 
 Latane, South Farnham parish, Essex county ; 
 John Stuart and Francis C. Fitzhugh, St. Paul's 
 parish. King George county ; George Sharp, 
 Hampshire parish, Hampshire county ; Lewis 
 Berkeley, St. James's Church, Shelburne, Lou- 
 doun county ; John Carter, St. Anne's parish, 
 Albemarle county ; Thomas Marshall, Leeds 
 parish, Fauquier county ; George F. Washing- 
 ton, Bruton parish, Williamsburg. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the report of the 
 committee be received, and that those persons 
 who are reported to be duly elected, but whose 
 certificates are not in the form prescribed by 
 the canon, be admitted to their seats in this 
 Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That Mr. Benjamin 
 Ferguson be received as the lay delegate of 
 the parish of St. Mark's, Culpepper county, it 
 appearing to the Convention that he was duly 
 elected to represent said pajish, but was pre- 
 vented from obtaining the certificate of appoint- 
 ment by high waters. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund L Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the following rules of order, 
 adopted by the last Convention for the govern- 
 ment of their proceedings, be the rule of pro- 
 ceeding during the present Convention. 
 
 L The business of every day shall be intro- 
 4uced with prayer. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or 
 be unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once deteirmined shall 
 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the samd 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds of 
 the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, 
 it shall be determined upon before any new 
 thing is introduced, except the question of ad- 
 journment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. ' 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave the chair. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Dr. Ducachet, 
 
 Resolved, That the following rule be adde^ 
 to the rules of order adopted for the govern- 
 ment of the Convention : — 
 
 That none of the rules of order shall be sus- 
 pended without the concurrence of two thirds 
 of the members present. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund L Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the president shall, in his dis- 
 cretion, select a pew within the limits of those 
 allotted for the use of the members, which pew 
 shall be appropriated for the accommodation of 
 visiting clergymen and students of the Theo- 
 logical School, who may be invited to the same 
 by the president, without any special applica- 
 tion to the Convention. 
 
 Mr. John G. Williams presented the memo- 
 rial of the vestry of Christ Church, in the city 
 of Richmond, praying that they may be recog- 
 nised by the Convention, and that the delegate 
 whom they have appointed may be received. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the said memo- 
 rial, with the accompanying documents, be re- 
 ferred to a select committee ; and a- committee 
 was appointed of Mr. Thomas Marshall, Mr. 
 John G. WiUiams, the Rev. Mr. Empie, Mr. 
 Obed Waite, and Col. George M. Carrington. 
 
 Col. George M. Carrington presented the re- 
 monstrance of the wardens and vestry of Hen- 
 rico parish, against the reception of Christ 
 Church, in the city of Richmond, by the Con- 
 vention; which, on his motion, was, with the 
 accompanying documents, referred to the same 
 committee to whom the memorial was referred. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer, 
 
 Resolved, That the 10th canon be altered, 
 by striking out the word " eight," and inserting, 
 in lieu thereof, " five," so as to cause it to read, 
 " On Easter-Monday, each parish shall elect five 
 vestrymen ; but, when it is deemed expedient, 
 the number may be increased to twelve," &c. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon, the 
 Rev. William Jackson, the Rev. Adam Empie, 
 the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs> Mr. Thomas 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 239 
 
 Marshall, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and the Rev. Dr. 
 Ducachet, be a committee to take into consid- 
 eration the state of the church in this diocess, 
 and report thereupon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, 
 the Rev. Charles Dresser, and the Rev. Ebene- 
 zer Boyden, be a committee to examine the 
 parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 John P. M'Guire, and Mr. William B. Richards, 
 be a committee to examine the state of the fund 
 for the support of the widows and orphans of 
 deceased clergymen. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Thomas Jackson, 
 Mr. Obed Waite, and Mr. Edmund I. Lee, be a 
 committee to examine the accounts of the 
 treasurer of the fund for the permanent support 
 of the episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William F. Lee and 
 the Rev. Alexander Jones be a committee to 
 examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That when this Con- 
 vention adjourn to-day, it adjourn to meet to- 
 morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That Mr. Obed Waite 
 have leave of absence from the service of this 
 house to-morrow morning. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 21, 1830. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev.- Bishop Meade. 
 
 Mr. Alexander Stephen, a lay delegate of 
 Norborne parish, appeared, produced a certifi- 
 cate of his appointment, and took his seat. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Marshall, from the committee to 
 whom were referred the memorial of the vestry 
 of Christ Church, and the remonstrance of the 
 church of Henrico parish, presented the follow- 
 ing report : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the me- 
 morial of the vestry of Christ Church, in the city 
 of Richmond, praying that their church may be 
 admitted to a representation in the Convention, 
 and the remonstrance of the wardens and vestry- 
 men of Henrico parish, adverse thereto, beg leave 
 to report : — 
 
 That they have carefully examined the said me- 
 morial and remonstrance, together with the ac- 
 companying documents, and are of opinion that 
 the harmony, and quiet, and prosperity of the 
 church, will be more promoted by acceding to the 
 wishes of the petitioners than by rejecting the 
 same. There is good ground t beUeve thato many 
 of those who are anxious to form the new church, 
 in the establishment of which their convenience 
 is deeply interested, could not be induced to re- 
 turn to the old Henrico parish church. Your com- 
 mittee have not deemed it necessary or advisable 
 to give a detailed statement of the considerations 
 which occasioned or the circumstances which at- 
 tended the establishment of the new church, be- 
 cause that course would be calculated to promote, 
 and possibly to perpetuate, the painful excitement 
 by which the friends of either church have been 
 attected. It is sufficient to say, that the course 
 which the petitioners have pursued seems to your 
 committee, upon an attentive investigation of the 
 whole subject, to have been strictly canonical, and 
 
 that all the constitutional requisites have been 
 complied with. They therefore recommend to 
 the Convention the adoption of the following 
 resolution : — 
 
 •' Resolved, That the memorial of the vestry of 
 Christ Church, in the city of Richmond, is reason- 
 able, and that their lay delegate be admitted to a 
 seat in this body." 
 
 And, on the question being put upon agree- 
 ing with the committee in their report and reso- 
 lution, the same was carried in the affirmative. 
 
 Ayes — Bishop Meade, the Rev. Ebenezer 
 Boyden, Nicholas H. Cobbs, John Cole, John 
 Cook, James Doughen, Charles Dresser, Henry 
 W. Ducachet, Adam Empie, Caleb J. Good, 
 John Grammer, Frederick W. Hatch, JohanneiS 
 Edward Jackson, William Jackson, Thomas 
 Jackson, Alexander Jones, Reuel Keith, Geo. 
 Lemon, Edward R. Lippit, Edward C. M'Guire, 
 John P. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Zacha- 
 riah Mead ; Messrs. Thomas M. Ambler, 
 Thomas Nelson, Isaac Winston, Carter Berke- 
 ley, Junius A. Clay, Samuel Pry or, John F. 
 Clark, Obed Waite, Seth Ward, Benjamin Wig- 
 ginton, Philip Nelson, Francis Nelson, Parke 
 F. Berkeley, Edmund I. Lee, John Gray, John 
 A. W. Smith, Thomas Griggs, William B. 
 Richards, John G. Williams, John E. Page, 
 Francis Silver, Robert P. Waring, Benjamin 
 Pollard, Thomas L. Latane, John Stuart, Fran- 
 cis C. Fitzhugh, George Sharp, Lewis Berke- 
 ley, John Carter, Thomas Marshall, George F. 
 Washington, Alexander Stephen, and Benjamin 
 Ferguson — 56. 
 
 Noes — George M. Carrington and William 
 C. Latane — 2. 
 
 Mr. Samuel C. Nichols produced a certificate 
 of his appointment as a lay delegate of Christ 
 Church, Richmond, and took his seat. 
 
 The following pastoral address of Bishop 
 Moore was then read : — 
 
 To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Ckvrck 
 of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 Dear Brethren, — In conformity with the can- 
 ons of the church, I hereby present you with an 
 account of my labours during the last year. 
 
 Immediately after my recovery from the illness 
 with which I was confined the last spring, in the 
 county of Orange, I repaired to Fredericksburg, 
 at which place I preached, and admitted to the 
 order of deacons Mr. N. Osgood ; I then continued 
 my journey through the Northern Neck of Virginia, 
 in company with the Rev. Mr. Peet and Mr. 
 M'Guire ; preaching in the churches in the coun- 
 ty of King George, and at Mattox Bridge, in West- 
 moreland ; at the courthouse, Richmond county ; 
 in White Chapel and Christ Church, Lancaster 
 county ; at the church and courthouse, Northum- 
 berland comity ; at Wicomico Church, in West- 
 moreland ; and, again passing through Richmond 
 county, the Rev. Mr. Peet fulfilled an appointment 
 which had been previously made for him. We 
 then crossed the river to the town of Tappahan- 
 nock, in the county of Est»ex, at which place I 
 preached, and administered the Lord's Supper. 
 From thence we passed on to Mr. James M. Gar- 
 nett's, and the next day Mr. Edward M'Guire 
 preached in Vauter's Church in that neighbour- 
 hood ; after which I administered the Lord's Sup- 
 per, and admitted to the holy order of the priest- 
 hood the Rev. Caleb J. Good. Leaving Mr, Gar- 
 
240 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 nett's, I visited Mr. Waring's family and lectured 
 at his house. On this tour of May and June I 
 was much assisted by the labours of the Rev. Mr. 
 Peet and Mr. John M'Guire. The congregations 
 were, in general, large and attentive, and in some 
 instances appeared to be deeply impressed. They 
 are anxious to procure the services of clergymen; 
 and, I have no doubt, would endeavour to yield 
 them a comfortable support. 
 
 In the month of October I visited the counties 
 of Dmwiddie and Brunswick, in company with 
 the Rev. Mr. Lee, Mr. Jones, Mr. Steele, Mr. 
 Syme, and Mr. Grammer. 1 preached m Sapony 
 Church on a week day ; after which we repaired 
 to Brunswick courthouse, where we passed sever- 
 al days, the clergy preaching ih turn to very re- 
 spectable and attentive congregations. On Sun- 
 day we held three services ; in the morning I 
 preached, .consecrated the church, held a confirm- 
 ation, and administered the Lord's Supper; two 
 of the brethren followed in the afternoon and even- 
 ing ; part of the day there were numbers who 
 could not obtain seats ; and the assemblies were 
 solemn and attentive. I then visited Petersburg, 
 and officiated in that place. 
 
 In November I visited and preached in Prince 
 George, Surry, Suffolk, Nansemond, and Isle of 
 Wight counties. In the church in Surry county 
 the congregation was very large, and in Suffolk 
 and Isle of Wight also ; the sacrament of the 
 Lord's Supper was administered in several of the 
 above-mentioned places ; and the Rev. Mr. Grara- 
 ^mer and Mr. Empie also preached. The Rev. 
 Mr. Cole and Mr. Jones were also in company 
 with us. 
 
 In December I preached and lectured in Hamp- 
 ton, consecrated the church, which had been very 
 eonifortably repaired, and administered the Lord's 
 Supper : the congregation was large and attentive. 
 
 In January I visited Portsmouth, preached to 
 a very large congregation, consecrated a hand- 
 «ome church lately erected, admitted the Rev. 
 Mr. Goldsmith to the holy order of the priest- 
 hood, and administered the Lord's Supper. In 
 Norfolk I preached and administered the rite of 
 confirmation to 15 or 16 persons. In the present 
 month I again visited Portsmouth, and instituted 
 the Rev. Mr. Wingfield ; and in Norfolk I also 
 preached. 
 
 In addition to the above duties, I ordained in 
 July Mr. Henry B. Goodwin, deacon. In No- 
 vember I also ordained Mr. Cleaveland a deacon, 
 and in April I admitted to the same office Mr. 
 liComdas Polk. I have also preached in Gooch- 
 land and in Hanover counties. 
 
 Seventeen counties visited, four deacons or- 
 dained, two admitted to the priesthood, three 
 churches consecrated. 
 
 With my sincere prayers that your association 
 mayi)e blessed with a sense of the divine pres- 
 ence, I remain, dear brethren, your friend and pas- 
 tor, Richard Channing Moore. 
 
 Norfolk, May 16, 1830. 
 
 Report of the Right Rev. W. Meade, Assistant 
 jBishop of Virginia, to the Conwention assembled in 
 Winchester, May 2\,\^Z0. 
 
 It becomes my duty, bretliren and friends, to 
 add to the report just read an account of those 
 episcopal acts which I have performed, in compli- 
 ance with the wishes of him to whose assistance 
 you have been pleased to call me. The first offi- 
 cial act which it became my duty to discharge, 
 was the consecration of the church in which we 
 are now assembled to the worship of Almighty 
 God. This was done on the 30th of October, 
 1829, in the imdst of a large and attentive congre- 
 
 gation, and with the aid of seven of my brethren 
 of the ministry from our own and the neighbour- 
 ing diocess of Maryland. It is hoped that the oc 
 casion, and all the holy exercises thereof, were 
 not without some good effect. The sight of a 
 building so happily adapted to all the purposes for 
 which It was erected, and constructed according" 
 to a style of architecture so suitable to houses of 
 public worship, and the setting apart the same ac- 
 cording to such solemn and impressive forms from 
 all worldly and common uses, to the sole purpose 
 of honouring God and promoting the immortal 
 interests of men, were well calculated to produce 
 a salutary effect on the minds of all present. The 
 services were continued for three days, and ap- 
 peared still to interest the numerous attendants. 
 On the morning of the Sabbath we united in the 
 Lord's Supper ; in the afternoon I baptized four 
 infants, and in the evening the services were 
 closed. In about five weeks afterward 1 made a 
 visit to Berkeley county, preaching three times in 
 Martinsburg and twice at Hedge's Chapel ; also 
 once at Bunker's Hill, in the church which is un- 
 der the care of the Rev. Mr, Jackson of Winches- 
 ter. While in this county I administered the 
 Lord's Supper and the ordinance of baptism at 
 Hedge's Chapel. The Rev. Mr. James 'I'yng, 
 from the diocess of New-England, has accepted a 
 call from this parish, which has now for some time 
 been destitute, and it is hoped, by the blessing of 
 God, will be an instrument of good to it. 
 
 On Monday, the 30th of November, I commen- 
 ced a visit to some of the middle counties of the 
 state. On the evening of that day I preached at 
 Woodstock, where we have but few attached 
 friends to our communion. 1 made an effort to 
 reach Harrisonburg the next day, in order to 
 preach in the evening, but failed in consequence 
 of the state of the roads, which had been render- 
 ed heavy by the rains of the preceding day. 
 
 On Wednesday evening I reached Staunton, and 
 preached to a full house. The three following 
 days were spent in performing religious services 
 by myself, the Rev. Mr. Jackson of Winchester, 
 and Mr. Charles H. Page of Amherst. During 
 which, besides the various services in Staunton, 
 we preached at a Lutheran church twelve miles 
 distant, and at "Waynesborough. On Saturday 
 evening, after having preached on the subject in 
 the morning, I administered the rite of confirma- 
 tion to ten persons. On the next morning, after 
 preaching an ordination sermon, I admitted to the 
 order of priests the Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, and 
 to the order of deacons Mr. Adams, two students 
 from our Virginia seminary. It gives me pleas- 
 xire to be able ta state to the Convention, that the 
 prospects of our church in Staunton appear to be 
 truly encouraging. The services of their minis- 
 ter are highly acceptable, and, by the blessing of 
 Heaven, we may expect the happiest results from 
 them. It is contemplated during the present year 
 to erect two new brick churches, one in Staunton 
 and one in the neighbourhood. Having performed 
 the duties required at Staunton, I proceeded up 
 the valley to Botetourt, preaching once only by 
 the way, at Greenville, about twelv^ miles from 
 Staunton. On Wednesday [ reached Fincastle, 
 and preached there that evening and the following 
 morning. I was here met by Mr. Cobbs, who re- 
 mained to preach in Fincastle on Thursday even- 
 ing, while I went to the neighbourhood of a church 
 about twelve miles distant, where I preached on 
 Friday, and adininistered the rite of confirmation 
 to two persons. The Rev. Mr. Stephens having 
 left Fincastle, it is at present without an Episcopal 
 minister. The Rev. Mr. Cobbs has, however, ex- 
 tended his labours to this county, and promises to 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 241 
 
 continue them until a more regular supply can be 
 obtained. We have some warm friends and a few 
 interesting members in this county, whom it is 
 our duty to cherish. On Friday evening the Rev. 
 Mr. Cobbs and myself were engaged in religious 
 exercises at the house of Mr. Watts, and the next 
 morning set oiit for Liberty, the county town of 
 Bedford, which we reached in time for service m 
 the evening. On the next day, which was the 
 Sabbath, I preached to a large congregation in 
 that place, and administered the rite of confirma- 
 tion to seven persons. On Monday I preached to 
 a large assembly at a private house some miles dis- 
 tant, and confirmed three. On Tuesday preached 
 at I'rinity Church, and confirmed nineteen. On 
 Wednesday preached at St. Stephen's, confirming 
 thirteen ; and on Thursday preached at New-Lon- 
 don, near the residence of Mr. Cobbs. I cannot 
 leave this parish without noticing how the rich 
 blessing of Heaven has been poured out on the 
 zealous exertions and affectionate preaching of 
 Mr. Cobbs. But a few years since, and there 
 were not more than two or three communicants 
 in the county, and not a place of public worship 
 belonging to the church ; now there are more than 
 seventy communicants, and three places of public 
 worship, where service is regularly performed, 
 besides many private houses, which are freely 
 thrown open for religious exercises. But what is 
 far more important is, that good evidence is af- 
 forded of the prevalence of real piety ; and it is 
 pleasing to perceive the animation and holy zeal 
 with which the services of the church are con- 
 ducted. From this parish I passed into that of 
 the Rev. Mr. Osgood, in Campbell county, preach- 
 ing at the courthouse on Friday to a small con- 
 gregation, and on Saturday and Sunday at St. 
 John's Church to large ones. On Saturday the 
 church was consecrated, and on Sunday eight 
 persons were confirmed. The congregation in 
 CampljAjbas been collected, and the church built 
 during^^last two or three years, by the disin- 
 terested and laborious efforts of the Rev. Mr. Os- 
 good, who, while supporting himself by the care 
 of a school, has devoted all his spare time to the 
 duties of the ministry. From Campbell I passed 
 into Pittsylvania, in company with Mr. Cobbs, 
 who preached on Monday evening at Dr. Slaugh- 
 ter's, where we were met by the Rev. Mr. Dresser 
 from Halifax. On Tuesday I preached at Green- 
 field meeting-house, in the neighbourhood of Mrs. 
 Coles, an aged and very attached member of our 
 church, who has for the last thirty years been 
 deprived of the privilege of communing according 
 to those edifying and venerable forms in which, 
 during her earher years, she had been accustomed 
 to commemorate the dying love of her Redeemer. 
 She lives surrounded by her children and de- 
 scendants, who still are determined to adhere to 
 the good old ways of their ancestors, and who, by 
 the blessing of God, may prove the foundation of 
 an Episcopal church in that county. In company 
 with the brethren already mentioned, I spent the 
 evening at the house of Mrs. Coles in religious 
 services, first baptizing one of her grandchildren, 
 then confirming her youngest daughter, and after- 
 ward administering the Lord's Supper to herself, 
 her daughter, and others present, taking care to 
 show how, according to the structure and prin- 
 ciples of our fhurch, these several services fol- 
 lowed each other, and by regular gradation con- 
 ducted the infant member of Christ's flock up to 
 the stature of the fulness of the perfect man in 
 Christ Jesus. The Rev. Messrs. Osgood and 
 Dresser have promised to watch over and cherish 
 our little hope in this region ; and " though our 
 beginning be small, our latter end may greatly in- 
 
 Q 
 
 i crease." On the day following I preached to a 
 1 large congregation at Pittsylvania courthouse, on 
 j my way to Halifax, which 1 reached on Thurs- 
 j day. The three following days were spent in re- 
 I Ugious services at Halifax courthouse, at General 
 Carrington's, and at the Brick Church. On Fri- 
 day, which was Christmas-day, I preached at the 
 courthouse to a full house, and administered con- 
 firmation to ten persons. 1 was peculiarly grati- 
 fied at beholding the order and sobriety which 
 prevailed in the village on a day which, though 
 originally set apart for the holiest of purposes, has 
 too generally been perverted to licentiousness and 
 crime. This, I was informed, is to be in a great 
 measure ascribed to the exertions of some zealous 
 advocates for the cause of Temperance Societies, 
 who are labouring in that region with a devotion 
 worthy of the subject. On the following Sabbath 
 I preached at the Brick Church, and, assisted by 
 the Rev. Messrs. Cobbs and Steel, admitted Mr. 
 Charles Dresser to the order of priests. It will 
 be gratifying to all the friends of the church to 
 learn, that, under the faithful and diligent ministry 
 of Mr. Dresser, it is rising in the general esteem 
 in this region. A new brick church is nearly 
 completed at the courthouse, and another of wood 
 is in progress in the county, though the latter is 
 not entirely the property of our denomination. 
 From Halifax I passed over into Mecklenburg, 
 where I preached at St. James's Church on Tues- 
 day to a small congregation, administered the rite 
 of confirmation to seven persons, and, spending 
 the evening at old Mrs. Nelson's, preached and 
 administered the holy communion. Our assembly, 
 both morning and evening, was rendered smaller 
 than usual by heavy falls of rain, which made the 
 roads and watercourses diflRcult of passage. I 
 returned through Charlotte into Campbell, calling 
 at Mr. John Henry's, who hves at the ancient seat 
 of his father, Mr. Patrick Henry, the well-known 
 friend of his country, of religion, and our church. 
 His widow and children still retain their attach- 
 ment to the church, and some of them are worthy 
 members of the same. On the evening of the last 
 day of the year I reached the house of Mr. Spots- 
 wood Henry, in Campbell, and preached at the 
 same to a considerable collection of the neigh- 
 bours. On the next morning, in company with 
 Mr. Osgood, 1 proceeded to Lynchburg, where I 
 preached in the evening. The two following days 
 were spent in preaching the word and administer- 
 ing the ordinances of religion by the Rev. Mr. Os- 
 good and myself to full and attentive congrega- 
 tions, during which time 1 baptized one adult and 
 several children, confirmed twenty-two persons, 
 and administered the Lord's Supper to a large 
 number. God has blessed the disinterested la- 
 bours of the Rev. Mr. Smith in this place. A few^ 
 years since, and we had no congregation or place 
 of worship in Lynchburg ; now we have a com- 
 modious and handsome edifice, and a very con- 
 siderable and increasing congregation, in which 
 there is a goodly number of truly pious and de- 
 voted servants of the Lord. 
 
 My next visit was to the counties of Amherst 
 and Nelson, under the pastoral care of the Rev. 
 Mr. Page, and where, in the zeal, and piety, and 
 number of his converts, is to be seen the evidence 
 of his faithful and laborious ministry. I preached 
 at the four different places where he regularly 
 officiates, and admitted forty-one persons to the 
 rite of confirmation. After preaching in Nelson 
 at the last of the four places alluded to, I passed 
 over into Buckingham, and reached the court- 
 house that evening in time to follow with an ex- 
 hortation a sermon of Mr. Osgood, who had gone 
 before me to that place. The two following days 
 
242 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 were spent in religious exercises at the Merry 
 Oaks and a private house in the neighbourhood, 
 where, though the weather was very unfavourable, 
 our congregations were large. On the first day I 
 contirmed thirteen, and on the second adminis- 
 tered the Lord's Supper to a goodly number. The 
 members and friends of our church in this county 
 have been so happy as to secure half of the ser- 
 vices of the Rev Mr. Osgood, who, having been 
 released from a school, is now entirely devoted to 
 the ministry of the word. A church, it is ex- 
 pected, will be built during this year in Bucking- 
 ham. From Buckingham i passed into Albemarle, 
 where, in the neighbourhood of the Green Moun- 
 tain, 1 spent three days, enjoying the kind hos- 
 pitality of some Christian friends, and preaching 
 at Warren, at Scottsville, and at Mrs. Carter's. 
 I am pleased to inform the Convention, that a 
 church is soon to be erected in this part of Albe- 
 marle. On Friday evening I reached Charlottes- 
 ville and preached there, as also the next morning 
 and evening. On the Sabbath, after a sermon by 
 the Rev. Mr. Boyden, 1 administered the rite of 
 confirmation to twenty-seven persons, and the 
 Lord's Supper to very many more. I preached 
 again that evening, and thus ended the services 
 of the occasion. I cannot refrain from expressing 
 the gratification which I experienced at the con- 
 stant attendance and correct deportment of a large 
 number of the young men attached to the uni- 
 versity. May the blessing of Almighty God rest 
 upon the institution, and make it a fruitful nursery 
 of generous patriots, enlightened statesmen, and 
 devoted servants of the Lord. On Monday morn- 
 ing I left Charlottesville, in company with Mr. 
 Hatch, and preached to a small congregation at 
 "Walker's Church about mid -day. Tarrying all 
 night at Mr. Nelson's, we set out the next morn- 
 ing for Orange, and reached the courthouse in 
 time for service at noon. We were then joined 
 by the Rev. Mr. Smith, who is officiating minister 
 at that place. I preached on that and the follow- 
 ing day, and took some part in the exercises of the 
 evening, following with an exhortation a discourse 
 by Mr. Hatch. On the second day I baptized six 
 children before the congregation. On Thursday 
 I reached Culpepper courthouse, and preached 
 morning and evening ; in the morning admitting 
 eleven persons to the rite of confirmation. On 
 the following day I preached at the Fork Church, 
 where I was joined by the Rev. Mr. Woodville, 
 under whose care the congregation is. The day 
 was unpleasant, and the congregation small. On 
 the evening of that day I reached Fauquier court- 
 house, where I preached the following day. On 
 the next, which was the Sabbath, I preached at 
 Cool Spring, in the upper part of the county, and 
 on the evening of the same day, by the good prov- 
 idence of God, was permitted once more to reach 
 my home and family, after an absence of eight 
 weeks ; in some measure, I trust, impressed with 
 gratitude for the high honour conferred on me in 
 being allowed to perform such holy duties, and 
 for his gracious protection of me in giving health 
 and strength to accomplish what I had under- 
 taken, and especially in granting such mild and 
 favourable weather during a period of the year 
 usually most unpropitious for religious assemblies. 
 After remaining at home a few weeks I made 
 a visit of a few days to Alexandria, chiefly with 
 a view to that institution which is so dear to us 
 all, because so essential to the prosperity of our 
 diocess, as well as conducive to the general in- 
 terests of religion in our church and country. 
 While there 1 admitted to deacon's orders Mr. 
 Zachariah Mead, whom the bishop had requested 
 me to ordain during my journey in the winter, 
 
 but who, on account of ill health, was unable to 
 meet me at any point of my journey. From this 
 time until Easter-Sunday I was not called on 
 for the performance of any episcopal acts, when, 
 after having devoted all the Sabbaths in Lent ex- 
 cept one to a series of discourses, addressed to 
 the young and all those who had never renewed 
 their baptismal engagements, I admitted at the 
 chapel where I officiate eight persons to the rite 
 of confirmation. On the following day I set out 
 on a visit to some of the parishes of Maryland, 
 bordering on the Potomac, which I had been re- 
 quested to attend to by Bishop Moore, who had 
 been invited to take them under his episcopal 
 charge. In the evening 1 reached Charlestown, 
 in .letferson county, where I preached. On the 
 following day I arrived at the parish of the Rev, 
 Mr. Rice, on the Maryland tract, where my la- 
 bours in Maryland commenced ; but, as my report 
 of these belongs more properly to the Maryland 
 Convention, I shall not detain you by a recital of 
 them. After'having concluded the duties required 
 of me in Maryland, I returned homeward by the 
 way of Romney, which 1 reached on Saturday, the 
 23d of April, preaching there that evening, and 
 twice the following day. The Rev. Mr. Holiday 
 Johns, from Maryland, was so good as to accom- 
 pany me to that place, and assist in the perform- 
 ance of divine service, as also to preach once on 
 the Sabbath. On Tuesday I preached in Zion 
 Church, about seventeen miles from Romney, and, 
 on the same evening, Mr. Johns officiated at 
 Bethell ; our members in this parish are few, but 
 very firm and decided, and in two of the congre- 
 gations meet on the Sabbath, where the service 
 and a sermon are read by a layman, who was ap- 
 pointed to this duty some years since. Such, 
 brethren, is the account I render of those services 
 which I have been enabled to perform since it 
 pleased Almighty God to allow me to labour in 
 the highest order of the ministry of his cfeurch. I 
 humbly commit them to his gracious fav6ur, and 
 pray that they may not be altogether in vain. And 
 I earnestly entreat all my brethren and friends 
 who have contributed to place me in this office, 
 and all who desire my usefulness in it, that they 
 will lend me the aid of their counsels and their 
 prayers, that I may faithfully and effectually fulfil 
 the ministry which has been assigned me. 
 
 Wm. Meade, Assistant Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the pastoral ad- 
 dresses of the bishop and assistant bishop of this 
 diocess be referred to the committee on the 
 state of the church. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Grammer, from the board of 
 trustees of the Theological School, presented 
 the following report, which was read : — 
 
 Report of the Trustees of the Theological Seminary 
 of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 The trustees are figairi permitted to report, that 
 the institution under their charge is, by the divine 
 blessing, still in a prosperous condition. By an 
 afflictive dispensation of God, they have been de- 
 prived for some months of the valuable services of 
 one of the professors ; but the able and assiduous 
 efforts of his»colleague have, it is hoped, prevent- 
 ed any serious loss to the department under his 
 care. The prescribed course of studies has been 
 pursued, and the usual exercises of the students 
 performed without interruption. The number of 
 young men engaged in theological studies at the 
 seminary during the present session has been 
 seventeen. Three of these have already been 
 ordained, and three more are in expectation of re- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 243 
 
 ceiving orders during this Convention. And as 
 two were ordained before the commencement of 
 this session, and since the last report, the whole 
 number which will have left the seminary and 
 taken orders during the year is eight. 
 
 One of the professors reports to the board, that 
 the industry and general progress of the students 
 has been such as to deserve his warm commenda- 
 tion. A spirit of harmony and brotherly love has 
 prevailed among them, which, when connected 
 with their exertions in Sunday Shools, and other 
 zealous efforts for the spiritual improvement of 
 the destitute and ignorant in the vicinity of the 
 seminary, exhibits a very favourable evidence of 
 the sincerity and ardour of their piety. 
 
 The junior class have, during the present ses- 
 sion, been engaged in studying Home's Introduc- 
 tion to the Critical Study of the Sacred Scriptiires, 
 and have already completed the first volume, on 
 the Evidences of Christianity ; have read a small 
 part of the second volume, on Biblical Criticism, 
 and the greater part of the third volume, on Bibli- 
 cal Antiquities. And it is expected that they will, 
 during the session, complete the second and third 
 volumes, and also the fourth volume, on the Analy- 
 sis of the Books of Scripture. In their Greek 
 studies they have nearly completed Archbishop 
 Newcombe's Harmony of the Go.spels, referring 
 in their progress to the most approved commenta- 
 tors. In Hebrew they have been engaged in 
 studying Stuart's Hebrew Christomathy, which 
 they will finish by the close of the session. They 
 have also, once in every fortnight, composed dis- 
 sertations on the most important arguments in 
 support of the truth of revealed religion, which 
 have been read before the class, and undergone the 
 minute criticism of the professor. 
 
 The senior class have attended, during the ses- 
 sion, to the critical study of the Epistles, of which, 
 with the aid of the best commentaries, they have 
 read the two to the Thessalonians, the one to the 
 Romans, and the first to the Corinthians. The 
 course in systematical divinity has been passed 
 over in a maimer somewhat more general than 
 usual, in consequence of the absence of the pro- 
 fessor on whom devolves the instruction in this 
 department: but the most important subjects in 
 theology have been thoroughly studied. 
 
 The treasurer's report, which is annexed hereto, 
 will exhibit a view of the funds now in hand. 
 From this it will be seen that our means are as 
 yet very inadequate to the permanent and efficient 
 support of the institution. And while the board 
 would gratefully acknowledge the divine goodness 
 which has prospered their efforts thus far, and 
 from past mercies would learn to rely with more 
 confidence on future assistance, yet, remembering 
 that the purposes of God are accomplished through 
 the agency of human means, and that his crea- 
 tures are the honoured instruments by which his 
 kingdom is to be established, they would earnest- 
 ly call upon the friends of our Zion, and urge 
 them to put forth all their energies in placing on 
 a finner foundation that institution from which, 
 under God, we hope for labourers whose efforts 
 are to change our moral wilderness into a fruitful 
 field. 
 
 The Rev. William F. Lee, from the commit- 
 tee appointed to examine the treasurer's ac- 
 counts, made the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred for ex- 
 amination the account of the treasurer of the 
 Convention, report, that they have examined the 
 same, and find it to be correct, and sustained by 
 the proper vouchers ; and that there is a balanoe 
 Q3 
 
 of $32 53 in his hands, as appears by the an- 
 nexed account. 
 
 William P. Lee, Chairman. 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received and approved. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Jackson, from the com- 
 mittee appointed to examine the state of the 
 fund for the permanent support of the episco- 
 pate in this diocess, presented the following re- 
 port, which was read and approved. 
 
 The committee on the episcopal fund report, 
 that, according to the statement of the fund made 
 to the last Convention, the amount in stocks 
 and cash then on hand was $4,836 16. 
 
 Since the last Convention, seven shares of 
 the Farmers' Bank of Alexandria have been 
 purchased, at thirty dollars a share, the par value 
 of which is fifty dollars. The shares were pur- 
 chased from the dividends arising from the stock 
 of the fund. The dividends on the slock have 
 been four per cent, on the par value. There is 
 in the hands of the agent of the trustees, in 
 money, $17 16, besides one unpaid dividend of 
 $36 ; so that the amount, according to the fund, 
 is as follows : — 
 Amount according to the last state-" 
 
 ment, $4,836 16 
 
 Stock purchased since last Conven- 
 tion, which, at par value, is - 350 00 
 Unpaid dividend, - - - - 36 00 
 Cash in the hands of the trustees, 17 16 
 
 $5,239 32 
 The secretary then received the following 
 contributions from sundry parishes of this dio- 
 cess for the Contingent Fund : — 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - $15 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - 15 00 
 
 Lexington and Nelson parish, Amherst 
 
 and Nelson, 17 50 
 
 Moore parish, Campbell county, - - 10 00 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham, 26 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 20 00 
 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun, - - 20 00 
 St. Anne's Church, Essex, - - 30 00 
 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, - - 10 00 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle, - - -.15 00 
 Antrim parish, Halifax, - - - 30 00 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, - 15 00 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle county, 10 00 
 St. Paul's parish. King George county, 16 00 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 15 00 
 Russell parish, Bedford county, - 30 00 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county, 9 85 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties, 20 00 
 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester 
 
 county, - - - - - 15 00 
 Hampshire parish, Hampshire county, 3 00 
 Henrico parish, Henrico county, - 15 00 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 12 00 
 Zion Church, St. Andrew's parish, Jef- 
 ferson county, - - - - 15 00 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax par- 
 ish, 30 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, $414 35 
 
244 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $414 35 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, 20 00 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, - 30 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland 
 
 county, 10 00 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk borough, - 30 00 
 Augusta parish, Augusta county, - 10 00 
 Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City 
 - county, - - -' - - 7 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Albemarle county, - 10 00 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg, - - 15 00 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, Dinwiddle 
 
 county, 30 00 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, 15 00 
 Christ Church, Winchester, - - 15 00 
 Fredericksville parish, Fredericksburg, 20 00 
 Christ Church, Mill Creek, Norborne 
 
 parish, 7 00 
 
 From Rev. William Crawford, of Louisa, 10 00 
 
 $643 35 
 
 The following sums were paid towards the 
 support of the bishop's assistant in the Monu- 
 mental Church. 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa 
 
 counties, $10 00 
 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 12 00 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - - 6 00 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 20 00 
 Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City 
 
 county, - - - - - 5 00 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, Dinwiddle 
 
 county, 20 00 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester, - - 5 00 
 Fredericksville parish, Fredericksburg, 15 00 
 
 $93 00 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 John Grammer, and a sermon by the Rev. 
 Adam Empie ; after which the session was re- 
 sumed. 
 
 The parochial reports were handed in and 
 read, and referred to the committee on paro- 
 chial reports. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund L Lee, the res- 
 olution proposed at the last Convention, to 
 amend the 2d article of the constitution, by ad- 
 ding to the same the following words, " and 
 provided also, that such delegate or delegates 
 shall, previously to taking his or their seat in Con- 
 vention, comply with the subscription required 
 of vestrymen," was taken up, and again, upon 
 the motion of the Rev. Mr. Empie, laid upon 
 the table. 
 
 Mr. Edmund I. Lee offered the following 
 resolution, which, on his motion, was laid upon 
 the table. 
 
 Resolved, That the first canon be amended 
 by adding to the same the following words : 
 " and all persons who shall be registered by 
 their own request, according to the provisions of 
 this canon, as members of a particular church, 
 shall always be considered to be attached to 
 that church, until they shall actually express to 
 the minister thereof their desire to withdraw, 
 and shall obtain from him a certificate to that 
 
 effect; and it shall be the duty of such minister 
 to grant such certificate whenever it may be re- 
 quired." 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the church 
 in this diocess for the ensuing year : — where- 
 upon the following gentlemen were duly elect- 
 ed, viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the Rev. 
 Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jackson, 
 Mr. John Hooff, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and Mr. 
 John Gray. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 Saturday, May 22, 1830. 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by Bishop 
 Meade. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Edward C. M'Guire, from the 
 committee to whom was referred the examina- 
 tion of the accounts of the treasurer of the fund 
 for the relief of the widows and orphans of de- 
 ceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church of 
 Virginia, made the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the Widows' Fund beg 
 leave to report, that they have examined the 
 treasurer's account, and find it correctly stated. 
 
 The Funds are as follows, viz. : — 
 United States 3 per cents., - . $2,037 78 
 
 79 shares of Farmers' Bank of Al- 
 exandria stock, at par, - - 3,950 00 
 5 shares of Alexandria Bank stock, 
 
 at par, 1,000 00 
 
 1 share of Bank of Virginia stock, 
 
 at par, 100 00 
 
 R. Andrews's estate, bal. of note, 
 with interest from 30th April, 
 1829, till paid, ... 399 23 
 Cash in hand, - - - - 123 49 
 
 $7,610 50 
 The Rev. Mr. Hatch, from the committee on 
 the parochial reports, presented the following 
 report, which was read and received. 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 parochial reports have had the same under con- 
 sideration, and beg leave to present them, in the 
 following condensed form, for insertion on the 
 Journal. 
 
 St. Paul's, Alexandria. Since the last Conven- 
 tion there have been eight marriages, sixteen fu- 
 nerals, forty-three baptisms, nine added to the 
 communion. The past year has not been marked 
 by as large an accession to our communion as the 
 preceding ; but we have not been altogether with- 
 out the divine blessing. Our Sunday Schools and 
 Bible classes are still exerting a useful influence. 
 To our benevolent institutions, which continue to 
 prosper, we have recently added a Missionary So- 
 ciety, auxiliary to " The Domestic and Foreign 
 Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church," and we are happy to say that the spirit 
 of missions warms the hearts of many of our con- 
 gregation ; and we believe that our society will 
 annually contribute a very respectable sum to 
 both departments. Wm. Jackson, Rector. 
 
 Christ Church, Frederick parish, Winchester. 
 With feelings of gratitude, the rector acknowl- 
 edges the divine goodness during the past year, in 
 the addition of twenty-one to the communion of 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 245 
 
 his church ; of whom eight removed into the par- 
 ish who had been received into church commu- 
 nion. The number of communicants sixty-six — 
 marriages six— baptisms twenty. 
 
 The church in Norborne parish under his care 
 is well attended ; but he has to lament the small- 
 ness of accessions to the communion. The 
 church has been lately thoroughly repaired by the 
 parish at a considerable expense, and it is now a 
 very comfortable place of worship. 
 
 J. E. Jackson. 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county, and St. An- 
 drew's parish, Brunswick county. The rector 
 of these parishes has continued, during the past 
 year, the same course of labour mentioned in his 
 last report. The size of the congregations has 
 been very gradually increasing ; and his weekly 
 social meetings have been tolerably well attend- 
 ed ; but the spiritual improvement of his hearers 
 has by no means kept pace with his desires and 
 previous expectations. The Sunday School has 
 been kept up, and has evidently eflfected some im- 
 provement. 
 
 In St. Andrew's parish he continues to preach 
 two Sundays in each month, and the prospects 
 are more encouraging. The new church at Law- 
 renceville was completed in Jane last ; and al- 
 though not a costly, is a very commodious build- 
 ing. The congregation there has been generally 
 good ; the services of the church well performed ; 
 and the attention to the word of life such as to 
 encourage the hope that it would prove the savour 
 of life unto life to many souls. A Bible class has 
 been formed at Red Oak church ; and some few 
 of the ladies belonging to that congregation have 
 lately exerted themselves in behalf of the Educa- 
 tion Society, with a zeal which is worthy of imi- 
 tation, and with a degree of success which, under 
 their unfavourable circumstances, reflects great 
 credit on their assiduity. 
 
 Although many diflSculties are yet to be over- 
 come, the rector is encouraged to hope that, ere 
 long, our Zion will come forth in her beauty, even 
 in this moral wilderness. 
 
 The number of communicants in both parishes 
 is thirty-five ; one has died during the past year, 
 two have removed, and eleven have been added. 
 The baptisms have been twelve (two of adults, 
 six of white, and four of coloured infants)— mar- 
 riages twelve — funerals seven. 
 
 John Grammer, Jr. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. The rector has the 
 satisfaction to report, that his congregation grad- 
 ually increases m number ; and he cherishes the 
 hope that there is some increase and improve- 
 ment in spiritual knowledge among a portion of 
 the members. The number of communicants has 
 not increased during the last year ; their present 
 number is fifty. The Sunday School continues in 
 an improving state ; the teachers, particularly the 
 female part of them, are attentive to their respec- 
 tive duties. The Auxiliary Education Society 
 prosecutes the interests of the parent institution 
 (Alexandria) with unabating assiduity. Marria- 
 ges seven— baptisms twenty-six — deaths eleven. 
 . Andrew Syme. 
 
 Augusta parish. The rector reports, that du- 
 ring the past year the members of the Augusta 
 parish have, with great exertion and generous lib- 
 erality, raised funds for building two neat brick 
 churches ; one in Staunton, the other seven miles 
 distant ; both to be immediately erected. 
 
 Our Sunday School and Bible class are flour- 
 ishing, the former having been increased from 
 fifty to about one hundred scholars, with fifteen 
 teachers. The Sunday. SchooUibrary contains 
 200 volumes, purchased by the Ladies' Sewing 
 
 Society. A parish library has also been com- 
 menced, and promises much usefulness among an 
 inquiring people. A Female Education Society 
 has been formed to aid our Theological Seminary. 
 An increasing interest in the church is manifest, 
 and true piety finds some to love and cherish it. 
 I'en persons have been confirmed. The number 
 of communicants twenty-eight— baptisms four — 
 marriages five — deaths two. 
 
 Ebenezer Boyden. 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, CaroUne county. The 
 rector of this parish reports, that since the last 
 Convention there have been seven baptisms. 
 Three communicants have been added to the 
 church, and one removed by death. The congre- 
 gations are large and attentive, and also increas- 
 ing ; and he therefore trusts that his labours have 
 not been altogether in vain in the Lord. The 
 Sunday School and Bible class are still contin- 
 ued, and, it is believed, have been useful. Com- 
 municants twenty-seven — marriages four. 
 
 Since the commencement of the present year, 
 one Sunday in each month has been spent in la- 
 bouring at the Bowlmg-Green. A considerable 
 interest is here felt by a number upon the subject 
 of religion, and a Bible class has recently been 
 formed, consisting of upwards of a dozen ladies, 
 from which much good is anticipated. 
 
 I have also preached one Sunday in each 
 month, since December, in the adjoining county 
 of Spotsylvania. The prospect of reviving the 
 church in the lower part of this county is very en- 
 couraging. At the earnest sohcitations of many 
 friends to the church, one Sunday in each month 
 will be devoted to labouring in this part of the 
 Lord's vineyard. C. J. Good. 
 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes. The number of 
 communicants nineteen. Our Sunday Schools 
 have been revived, and promise much good. Tiie 
 services of the church are well attended. 
 
 My residence in these parishes has been too 
 short to enable me to say any thing more definite 
 as to their present state. 
 
 Jno. Cole. 
 
 The rector of Russell parish, Bedford county, 
 would acknowledge, with humble gratitude to 
 God, that his labours have not been altogether 
 without the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Al- 
 though as much has not been fulfilled as was an- 
 ticipated at the last Convention, still it may be 
 said that the interests of the church have been 
 steadily improving, and that her general prospects 
 are decidedly favourable. Not only has his heart 
 been cheered by some additions to the commu- 
 nion, but he has also been gratified to perceive a 
 very favourable change in the public mind, both 
 with regard to the pious character of the church, 
 and the peculiar nature of her services. Of those 
 added to the communion since the last report, one 
 is a very excellent and truly pious young man, 
 who, after much prayer and self-examination, has 
 determined immediately to commence his studies 
 with a view to the ministry. Burials four-— mar- 
 riages eleven — baptisms, of adults seven, of infants 
 thirty — communicants, two died, three removed, 
 sixteen added, total seventy. 
 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs. 
 
 Parish of Frederick. The state of this parish is 
 considered promising. The attendance upon 
 divine worship is punctual, and the services of 
 the church are devoutly attended. The rector 
 preaches regularly at the chapel, occasionally at 
 Berry ville, and about four times in the year has 
 meetings on Saturday and Sunday at Middletown. 
 The number of communicants is about sixty — 
 baptisms during the last year have been eight — 
 marriages four — funerals four. 
 
24a 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 Thet© are two Sunday Schools in the parish, 
 one at Berryville, and another at Millwood. 
 
 The societies in this parish continue to flour- 
 ish. Between three and four hundred dollars are 
 annually raised for the Colonizing Society, nearly 
 two hundred for the Education Society, and one 
 hundred and fifty have been recently given to the 
 Greek Mission. 
 
 In the course of the present year, it. is hoped,. 
 a new and commodious brick church will be built 
 at Berryville. Wm. Meabe. 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re- 
 ports, since the last Convention, eighteen bap- 
 tisms ; four of the subjects were adults, and one 
 was baptized by immersion — seven marriages, 
 three of which were of coloured persons — eigh- 
 teen funerals, nine of children and nine of adults. 
 Only ten of the eighteen belonged to the parish. 
 Of the communicants, two have died, and one has 
 left the church — thirteen have been added to the 
 communion : the present number is fifty-four, of 
 whom three are coloured persons. 
 
 In other respects the parish is much the same 
 as when last reported, except that by the estab- 
 lishment of two other Sunday Schools, the num- 
 ber of our scholars is reduced to about forty. 
 During the year, however, there has been no in- 
 considerable increase of pious inquiry and rational 
 rehgious excitement, and a good work, through 
 grace, is, we hope, still in progress. May the 
 Lord increase abundantly the number and the 
 graces of hi,« servants. A. Empie. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. The 
 rector of this parish reports, that during the past 
 year but few additions have been made to his 
 communion, while, by deaths and removals, the 
 number has been in some measure reduced. He 
 is consoled, however, in being able to state, that 
 there are other indications of good not less cheer- 
 ing than the acquisition of numbers, and that the 
 general condition of the parish is in a state of im- 
 provement. 
 
 At two of the churches where divine service is 
 regularly performed the congregations are small, 
 but respectful and attentive ; at the other, it is 
 large and flourishing. One of the Sunday 
 Schools heretofore existing has. been discontin- 
 ued ; the other is in a more prosperous and inter- 
 esting condition than at any former period. It 
 numbers at present eighteen teachers, who are 
 active and zealous, and sixty scholars, who are 
 diligent and attentive. 
 
 Since the last Convention, the Education So- 
 ciety has contributed to the parent institution 
 $266 ; $210 of that were raised by a society of 
 young ladies, the proceeds, of their own industry ; 
 $200 of which were the proceeds of a fair, which, 
 amid difficulties and discouragements of various 
 kinds, they prosecuted with a zeal, perseverance, 
 and propriety of conduct, which redound as much 
 to their credit as they contributed to their suc- 
 cess. They have contributed also $30 to make 
 their minister a life member of the Education So- 
 ciety, making in all $240 raised by this society 
 Bince the last Convention. 
 
 The receipts of the Auxiliary Bible Society 
 during thep>a$t year were $80, $50 of which were 
 paid into the treasury of the parent institution ; 
 the balance was laid out in the purchase of Bibles 
 and Testaments for the use of the parish. 
 
 A liberal subscription has been raised for the 
 purpose of erecting a new brick building for public 
 worship, which will be commenced in the course 
 of a few months, and probably completed in the 
 course of the ensuing year. 
 
 We have also formed a Missionary Society, for 
 the double purpose jof aiding the Protestant Epis- 
 
 copal Missionary Society of the diocess of Vir- 
 ginia, and the Domestic and Foreign Missionary 
 Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
 United States. 
 
 The whole amount contributed in this parish 
 since the last Convention towards religious and 
 charitable purposes, besides supporting its minis- 
 ter, is $491 ; 296 to the Education Society ; 80 to 
 the Bible Society ; 75 to the Theological Semi- 
 nary ; 20 to the Contingent Fund ; 10 to the Bish- 
 op's Assistant, and 10 to the Greek Mission, raised 
 by a society of little girls. 
 
 Communicants sixty-five, added six—baptisms 
 eight, one adult, one coloured infant— funerals 
 nine — one marriage. John Cooke. 
 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland. The 
 minister of this parish reports, that there has been 
 no material change in the state of the congrega- 
 tion during the past year. The present number 
 of communicants is twenty-four. There have 
 been formed during the year a Prayer- Book and 
 Tract Society, and a Sunday School. The min- 
 istrations of the sanctuary have been generally 
 well attended. He has preached regularly one 
 Sunday in the month in Araeha county, and one 
 in Chesterfield. 
 
 Within the entire circuit of his charge there are 
 thirty-six communicants, four of whom have been 
 added during the current year. Funerals six — 
 baptisms four — marriages two. 
 
 James Doughen. 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county. During the last 
 year there has been an accession of eight to the 
 number of communicants in this parish. In the 
 neighbourhood of the courthouse, a commodious 
 brick church has. been erected, which is now 
 nearly ready for consecration. One of the con- 
 gregations reported last year has since been given 
 up, and a new one formed in another part of the 
 county, where a convenient house of worship has 
 been erected, and every thing promises well. 
 Regular congregations three — communicants 20 — 
 baptisms, three adults and nine children — mar- 
 riages three — funerals seven. 
 
 Charles Dresser, Rector. 
 It may not be improper to state, that, during my 
 residence in Halifax, I have occasionally extended 
 my labours to the adjoining county of Pittsylvania, 
 where our church has never been organized, but 
 where an active and zealous minister would be 
 well received. There are already seven commu- 
 nicants, some of whom have not had an opportu- 
 nity of receiving the communion for nearly forty 
 years. C. D. 
 
 St. John's Church, Henrico parish, Henrico 
 county. My connexion with this parish has 
 been of but little more than one month's stand- 
 ing ; of course I am not able to report satisfac- 
 torily its present condition. On Easter -day twen- 
 ty-four participated in the Holy Communion. I 
 have administered the sacrament of baptism to 
 three infants. Edward W. Peet. 
 
 Moore parish, Campbell county. During the 
 past year very little change has taken place in the 
 state of the people of this parish. Divine service 
 has in general been seriously attended, and the 
 number of communicants somewhat increased. 
 Baptisms nine— marriages two — one funeral — 
 communicants fifteen. N. G. Osgood. 
 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham county. This 
 new and interesting parish has not enjoyed the 
 regular services of the church till recently. Since 
 February last, divine service has been held there 
 twice a month. The congregations are large, 
 attentive, and devout ; the members of the church 
 exemplary and zealous. There will soon be 
 erected a conunodious house of worship. The 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 247 
 
 Sunday School mentioned in the last report is 
 still in operation. Baptisms ten, two adults — 
 marriages four — funerals four — communicants 
 twenty-five. N. G. Osgood. 
 
 Christ Church. Fairfax parish, Alexandria, D. 
 C. The rector of this parish commenced his la- 
 bours among the people of his charge only in No- 
 vember last. He therefore cannot enter much into 
 detail in this report. With his congregation 
 there is united a Sunday School, a Bible class, a 
 Saturday School under the care of a benevolent 
 society, and a Missionary Association, which is yet 
 in its infancy. The number of communicants it 
 has been impracticable to ascertain with perfect 
 accuracy ; three were added at the last commu- 
 nion, and one has since removed from the parish, 
 leaving perhaps seventy-five or eighty in, all. 
 Marriages four (one of which was that of colour- 
 ed persons), baptisms eleven (of which six were 
 coloured children), burials six (one a coloured 
 man). John P. M'Guire. 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Albemarle. The rector of 
 the parish having been connected with it but a few 
 weeks, is unable to make any very explicit report 
 respecting it. It gives him pleasure to observe, 
 however, that notwithstanding it has been for a 
 long time destitute of the regular ministrations of 
 the Episcopal church, there is at present existing 
 in the hearts of a considerable number an ardent 
 desire to restore them ; and, in accordance with 
 this desire, an effort is now making to erect a neat 
 and convenient brick edifice for public worship ; 
 which effort, there is great reason to believe, will, 
 by the blessing of God, shortly succeed. There 
 is, on the whole, a good foundation for the hope, 
 that persevering labour among this people will be 
 ultimately crowned with success. 
 
 Zacha^ri.^H Mead. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. There 
 is nothing remarkable to be communicated in re- 
 gard to the state of this parish. With some ex- 
 perience of the appointed trials of his church, 
 there has also been through the past year an ex- 
 perience of the unchanging love which the Saviour 
 bears towards her; unequivocal proofs of his 
 faithfulness have been given us in some important 
 accessions to his cause, while the gradual increase 
 of that cause in moral ascendency promises the 
 best results in the present and final salvation of 
 those intrusted to our care. 
 
 The zeal of the congregation is unabated in sus- 
 taining those parochial institutions which have 
 for their object the good of mankind, temporal 
 and spiritual, at home and abroad. Our Sunday 
 Schools are cherished with peculiar interest; of 
 these there are three, one of which is an infant 
 school, and is especially interesting and useful. 
 We have also three Bible classes in operation, 
 one for females, and two for males ; these have 
 been most useful in promoting rehgion among us. 
 Two pious youths from this source will soon be 
 added to the list of our theological students. 
 The Sunday Schools contain about 225 scholars, 
 the Bible classes about fifty. Communicants 
 about 112, baptisms seventeen, marriages eight, 
 funerals nine. Edw. C. M'Guire. 
 
 Christ Church, Richmond. This church was 
 organized on the 31st of December last, and has 
 been steadily increasing ever since. There is 
 connected with it a Sunday School and Educa- 
 tion Society, and a Bible class. The Sunday 
 School numbers 103 scholars and teachers. As 
 an appendage to this department, there is a library 
 of about 250 volumes, which have been selected 
 with care. 
 
 The rector of this church performs a third ser- 
 vice every Sunday night in the town of Manches- 
 
 ter, which Is numerously attended ; and he has 
 been much encouraged by the prospects which 
 have unexpectedly opened in that place, of a large 
 ingathering to the flock of Christ. He thinks the 
 piety of his charge is assuming an elevated char- 
 acter ;■ he trusts that a praying people will draw 
 down the blessing of a prayer-answering God. 
 There have been recently seven additions to the 
 communion, making the whole nurnber of com- 
 municants thirty — baptisms eight — marriages two 
 —burials six. William F. Lee, Rector. 
 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier. The 
 congregations of these parishes are generally good 
 and often crowded, and are uniformly attentive to 
 the preaching of the word. The number of com- 
 municants has increased, and it is hoped that the 
 increase always consists of those who constitute 
 the real strength and ornament of the church of 
 Christ. The number of comYnunicants in both 
 parishes is about fifty — ^baptisms fifteen — mar- 
 riages fourteen — funerals seven. 
 
 A Sunday School was established in Leeds 
 parish last summer, and promises to be an instru- 
 ment of much good. 
 
 The Female Education Society in Hamilton 
 parish is still in operation, and lately transmitted 
 about $40 to the parent society. A sermon was 
 preached and a collection taken up for the benefit 
 of this society in January last. A Bible Society 
 was formed last summer, which has distributed a 
 large number of Bibles, and contributed hberally 
 to the funds of the parent institution. 
 
 Geo. Lemon, Rector. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The rector re- 
 ports, that the state of religion in this parish has 
 presented nothing pecuhar in the course of the 
 year past. The hope is devoutly cherished, that 
 in the midst of much worldliness of mind, the sol- 
 emn truths of the gospel are gaining a progressive 
 influence over some who have heretofore disre- 
 garded them ; and that the doctrine, discipline, and 
 worship of our church are becoming better under- 
 stood and more justly valued. 
 
 The Sunday School has recently been organ- 
 ized anew, and is conducted with energy, and with 
 the happiest effects. Communicants, died one, 
 removed six, .added seven, present number thirty- 
 six — baptisms, of adults two, of infants six — fu- 
 nerals ten. F. G. Smith. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, King George county. The 
 lay delegates from this parish report, that there 
 has been no accession to the number of commu- 
 nicants during the past year, but they flatter 
 themselves that there is an increasing interest in 
 the general prosperity of the church. An act of 
 the Legislature, changing their dilapidated church 
 into an academy, has been repealed, and subscrip- 
 tions obtained for putting it in repair. The re- 
 moval of their pastor to St. John's Church, Rich- 
 mond, is very generally and deeply regretted. 
 Should they, by the blessing of God, succeed in 
 obtaining a zealous and self-denying minister to 
 succeed him, they should not despair of success, 
 John Stuart, 
 Francis C. Fitzhugh. 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg. Marriages six 
 — baptisms nineteen— funerals three — added to the 
 communion of the church eight — removals from 
 the same four. Thomas Jackson, Rector. 
 
 St. John's church, Hampton. Marriages seven- 
 teen—baptisms forty-six (five adults, two blacks) 
 — communicants twenty-two — funerals twenty- 
 two. 
 
 With gratitude to God the rector reports, that 
 in the early part of the present year, the church 
 was consecrated by our venerable bishop. In con- 
 sequence of removals and death, the number of 
 
248 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 communicants is lessened, although two have 
 been added since the last report. As heretofore, 
 the labours of the rector have been divided be- 
 tween Hampton and Old Point ; and the hope is 
 indulged that he has been instrumental, in the 
 hands of God, of promoting in a small degree the 
 interests of religion, as connected with our Zion. 
 Mark Lindsay Chevers. 
 
 The rector of St. Andrew's parish reports, that 
 though the churches under his care exhibit no 
 striking evidences of improvement, they are still 
 in such a state as to call forth his gratitude, and 
 give some encouragement to his exertions. 
 
 The people of his charge are generally punc- 
 tual and regular in their attendance at the house 
 of God. Those who have professed to be follow- 
 ers of Christ, are for the most part consistent and 
 without reproach. The rector has, indeed, for a 
 short time past, entertained some hope, from the 
 increased zeal of the pious, the religious sensibil- 
 ity of an unusual number of his people, the late 
 hopeful conversion of six youths, and the evident 
 seriousness of several others, that there was ap- 
 proaching one of those seasons of " refreshing 
 irom the Lord" so much to be desired, and for 
 which we should so earnestly pray. 
 
 There are two useful associations, one in con- 
 nexion with the General Domestic and Foreign 
 Missionary Society, and the other with the Soci- 
 ety for the Education of Poor and Pious Youth 
 for the Ministry. The American Bible, Tract, 
 and Colonization Societies, also receive a cordial 
 and liberal support. The number of communi- 
 cants about seventy-five. 
 
 Alex. Jones. 
 
 The rector of Fredericksville parish remarks 
 no very material changes in his congregations du- 
 ring the past year. Those who love the church, 
 her ministry, and services, have continued to sus- 
 tain ihem with unabated zeal and attachment. 
 Seldom, if ever, has a communion service occur- 
 red, when some one or more has not been added 
 to the number, as is trusted, of true professors of 
 the faith of a crucified Saviour. There are, how- 
 ever, many circumstances of difficulty, not to say 
 of discouragement, which the rector deems it un- 
 necessary to detail to this Convention, as he is not 
 aware that they are peculiar to himself, but be- 
 lieves them to prevail more or less generally. 
 
 The rector has recently attempted the renewal 
 of a congregation near Buck Mountain, which 
 was once in a flourishing condition, but has 
 been destitute of the services of the church for 
 the last twenty years ; the prospect at present is 
 encouraging. Communicants added eight, whole 
 number about fifty — baptisms eleven, ten infants, 
 one adult— funetals six. Colonization Society, 
 $650— Organ, $600. F. W. Hatch. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk (Elizabeth River par- 
 ish). In this parish there have been, since the last 
 Convention, twenty-four baptisms, fifteen mar- 
 riages, and twenty-fwo funerals. The present 
 number of communicants is two hundred and six. 
 The Sunday School is still large and flourishing. 
 The Education Society was never so prosperous 
 and interesting as at present. Its members have 
 considerably increased ; and their efforts in behalf 
 of the society have never been more diligent or 
 successful. They have raised for the parent soci- 
 ety during the year, $227 89i Agreeably to the 
 resolution of the Convention at the last session, a. 
 sermon has been preached by the rector in behalf 
 of the Missionary Society of the diocess, and a 
 collection made, which amounted to $101 26, to 
 which the Sunday School of the parish has added 
 the sum of $9, 
 
 Two hundred and two dollars and fifty cents 
 
 have been lately contributed to the Greek Mission, 
 and a missionary spirit roused, from which the 
 happiest results are expected. 
 
 The temporal circumstances of the congrega- 
 tion continue in a state of undiminished prosper- 
 ity ; and the spiritual condition of the people, it is 
 humbly hoped, is gradually (if slowly) improving. 
 There is still indifference and worldliness enough 
 to occasion regret ; but something of interest, and 
 faithfulness, and spirituality, to rejoice the heart, 
 and to call forth thanks to God. 
 
 Henry W. Ducachet. 
 
 Report of Lexington parish, Amherst county. 
 Upon a review it is found, that the work of the 
 Lord has not prospered to the same extent the last 
 year as in preceding years. 
 
 The churches have been generally well attend- 
 ed, and to each of them there have been small 
 additions,'making in all seven. Marriages four — 
 baptisms fifteen— funerals sixteen — the whole num- 
 ber of communicants forty-eight. 
 
 Besides the regular places of worship, the min- 
 ister flatters himself with the hope of rearing up 
 in the county two or three other congregations. 
 
 The children of the diftierent churches have 
 been occasionally catechised. 
 
 Report of Nelson parish, Nelson county. In 
 the county of Nelson a parish has been recently 
 organized, which is called Nelson parish. 
 
 The accession to the list of communicants is 
 eight, and others in the congregation appear to be 
 deeply engaged in seeking an acquaintance with 
 Him whom God hath sent. The whole number 
 of communicants nineteen. The prospects of the 
 church in this county are encouraging. 
 
 Could the churches be blessed with the minis- 
 trations of the word oftener than once in four 
 weeks, we should hope that the Lord would draw 
 to himself numbers " of such as shall be saved." 
 Charles H. Page. 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county. There 
 has been a considerable improvement in this con- 
 gregation since the last Convention. Six new 
 communicants have, within the last year, been ad- 
 ded to the church. The interest in its services 
 has manifestly increased ; a Bible class, lately 
 formed, has been numerously attended ; and other 
 circumstances seem to indicate an improvement 
 in the spiritual condition of the people. 
 
 A society has been formed auxiliary to the Do- 
 mestic Missionary Society of the diocess, and con- 
 tributions to its funds to the amount of thirty-one 
 dollars have been promptly and cheerfully made. 
 
 There has been no perceptible change in the 
 state of the church in Orange county. 
 
 Baptisms in both parishes ten, two of which 
 were of adults — burials four — communicants in 
 Culpepper thirty-six — in Orange thirteen. 
 
 George A. Smith. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec- 
 tor reports, that since the last Convention, their 
 house of public worship has been almost entirely 
 rebuilt, and on a much larger scale. To the ac- 
 comphshment of this object, they are particularly 
 indebted to the exertions of one individual, who, 
 besides his own personal labour and a liberal do- 
 nation of $100, generously advanced above $1,000, 
 without which the work must have been greatly 
 retarded, if not suspended altogether. 
 
 With respect to the spiritual condition of the 
 congregation, the rector is happy to state, that it 
 is, on the whole, quite encouraging. An increas- 
 ing interest in the services of the sanctuary is 
 clearly manifested. The Sunday school is still kept 
 up, but not in that flourishing condition which is 
 greatly to be desired. The Bible class has been 
 revived, and promises to be quite usefuL 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 249 
 
 Communicants, seven added and three remo- 
 ved, whole number thirty-three. Fam dies in the 
 congregation about titty— marriages fifteen— bap- 
 tisms ten— burials three. 
 
 J. H. WiNGFIELD. 
 
 St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling. Nine years 
 ag(j, that most laborious and successful clergy- 
 man, the late Rev. John Armstrong, came to this 
 place. Full of the spirit of his office, he imme- 
 diately set about the collecting of a congregation 
 that should worship God agreeably to the forms 
 of our church. There was scarcely any thing to 
 encourage the making of an effort, oi; to sustain it 
 when begun. Such a zeal as his needed no other 
 excitement than the fact that there were in the 
 town some families who, not belonging to any 
 other church, might, by judicious attention, be in- 
 duced to join ours. 
 
 During six years he persevered, with varying suc- 
 cess, amid the greatest discouragements, such as 
 are known only to a zealous missionary occupying 
 a new station, remote from the great body of the 
 church, and pecuhar local hinderances, which 
 would have disheartened and turned back a less 
 holy and devoted servant of God. 
 
 " The work of the Lord prospered in his hands." 
 Assisted by a few pious and other generous indi- 
 viduals, he succeeded in procuring the erection of 
 a handsome and commodious church, and in es- 
 tablishing a parish, embracing within its limits 
 about forty families, among the most respecta- 
 ble and intelligent in the place. At the time of 
 his much-lamented death there were about thirty 
 communicants, and a large and flourishing Sab- 
 bath School was accomplishing much good. 
 
 But the praise of our late rector is in other 
 churches besides this. By judiciously and indus- 
 triously economizing his time and labour, he col- 
 lected large congregations in several other neigh- 
 bouring places, and built or repaired three other 
 churches in this state and in Ohio. 
 
 This scarcely less than apostolic missionary's 
 success is an exemplification of what a holy zeal, 
 united with a generous disinterestedness and good 
 
 Eractical sense, may accomplish, when animated 
 y the high considerations to which the " called 
 of God" only are accessible. 
 
 St. Matthew's Church was without a pastor for 
 a year after Mr. A.'s death. I commenced my 
 ministry here in August, 1828. I found the Sun- 
 day School flourishing : it continues to be so. Fif- 
 teen families and fourteen communicants have 
 been added since, making the present number of 
 families about sixty, and of communicants thirty. 
 I have baptized two adults and twelve children ; 
 celebrated eighteen marriages and seven funerals. 
 The Bible class and catechumens preparing for 
 confirmation are in regular attendance upon stated 
 appropriate exercises. 
 
 Of God's abounding grace through Christ, we 
 are at this moment rejoicing at the cheering indi- 
 cations of a revival and diff'usion of experimental 
 Eractical piety. To several of those who have 
 een for some time regular in their attendance 
 upon the ordinances of the Lord's house, the 
 spirit of all gracious affections has shown their 
 ruined state as sinners, and has led to that faith 
 in Christ which justifies and sanctifies, whereby 
 " we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord." 
 
 J. Thos. Wheat, Rector. 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund L Lee, the reso- 
 lution offered at the last Convention, and yes- 
 terday laid upon the table, proposing to amend 
 the second article of the constitution, by adding 
 to the same the following words ; '* and provided 
 
 also, that such delegate or delegates shall, pre- 
 viously to taking his or their seat in Convention, 
 comply" with the subscription required of vestry- 
 men," was taken up ; and, on motion, the same 
 was laid upon the table. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Williams, Resolved, That 
 the tenth canon be amended by striking out 
 the words, " solemnly engage to conform to," 
 and insert, in lieu thereof, the following words, 
 " approve and prefer." 
 
 On motion of Key. Mr. Grammer, Resolved, 
 That, agreeably to the provisions of the thir- 
 teenth article of the constitution, notice be 
 transmitted to the several vestries of the par- 
 ishes in this diocess, that it is proposed, at the 
 next Convention, to amend the second article 
 of the constitution, by adding to the same the 
 following words ; " and provided also, that such 
 delegate or delegates shall, previously to taking 
 his or their seat in Convention, comply with the 
 subscription required of vestrymen." 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund L Lee, the reso- 
 lution offered by him proposing to amend the 
 first canon was taken up ; and, on the ques- 
 tion being put thereon, the same was carried iri 
 the negative. 
 
 The R.ev. George Lemon, from the com- 
 mittee upon the state of the church in this dio- 
 cess, presented*the following report and accom- 
 panying resolutions : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave respectfully to report, that the spiritual 
 state and general prospects of the diocess, so far 
 as they have been made known by the episcopal 
 and parochial reports presented to this Conven- 
 tion, are of a character to awaken gratitude to 
 God, and inspire the most encouraging hopes. 
 Much, very much, remains to be done to give 
 prevalence to religion and virtue throughout our 
 land ; but what has been done already furnishes 
 ground of confidence that the Lord is with this 
 branch of his church, and that he is waiting to 
 bless with still greater success our faithful en- 
 deavours to do his will and promote his glory. 
 
 Among various interesting points to which the 
 committee might draw the attention of this Con- 
 vention, they will limit themselves to three. The 
 first point is the restriction accompanying the elec- 
 tion of our assistant bishop, by which u was de- 
 clared, that his election as assistant bishop should 
 not of itself constitute him successor to our pres- 
 ent diocesan. The removal of this restriction is, 
 in the opinion of your committee, highly desira- 
 ble. The committee will not occupy the time of 
 this Convention with a lengthened argument in 
 support of their opinion, but will content them- 
 selves with recommending the adoption of the fol- 
 lowing preamble and resolution, adverting to the 
 uniform practice of the church, and to a canon of 
 the General Convention on the subject of assist- 
 ant bishops, passed at its last meeting. That 
 practice has been, in every instance of an election 
 of an assistant bishop, to declare him at the same 
 time successor to his diocesan, in case of survi- 
 ving him ; and the language of the canon referred 
 to is, " When the bishop of a diocess is unable, 
 by reason of old age, or other permanent cause of 
 infirmity, to discharge his episcopal duties, one as- 
 sistant bishop may be elected by and for said dio- 
 cess, who shall, in all cases, succeed the bishop in 
 case of surviving." This canon expresses, in the 
 strongest manner, the sentiment of the General 
 Convention on the subject, while at the same time 
 
250 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 it responds to the wishes of this diocess, as de- 
 clared by its last Convention at Charlottesville, 
 that the General Convention would adopt some 
 definite legislative enactment with respect to as- 
 sistant bishops; wishes which the delegates of 
 this diocess to the last General Convention were 
 instructed to present to that body. It is not ne- 
 cessary to impress on this Convention^ the respect 
 due to the sentiment of the great council of our 
 church, and especially when this sentiment has 
 been given in a manner accordant with our for- 
 mally expressed desire. Your committee there- 
 fore beg leave to recommend the following reso- 
 lution: — 
 
 Resolved, That the Right Rev. William Meade, 
 who has been consecrated assistant bishop of this 
 diocess, be, and he is hereby declared, successor of 
 our present venerable diocesan, in case he should 
 survive him. 
 
 The second point to which your committee 
 would invite the attention of this Convention is, , 
 the duty of adopting some measure to provide for 
 meeting the expenditures, whether in travelling or 
 otherwise, to which our assistant bishop is subject, 
 as incidental to his office, and necessary to the 
 due performance of his episcopal duties. To de- 
 vise a proper measure for this purpose, your com- 
 mittee recommend the appointment of a special 
 committee. 
 
 The third point to be adverted to is the obli- 
 gation resting, as your committee conceive, on 
 this Convention, to adopt means for rendering to 
 our diocesan a suitable remuneration for his epis- 
 copal services. To devise such means, your com- 
 mittee, recommend the appointment of a special 
 committee. 
 
 Geo. Lemon, Chairinan. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer, 
 
 Resolved, That the report of the committee 
 be amended, by striking out from and after the 
 words, " but will content themselves with," 
 down to the end of the tirst resolution proposed 
 by the committee, and insert, in lieu thereof, 
 the following : *' recommending the adoption of 
 the following preamble and resolution : Whereas 
 the General Convention of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in the United States have, by the 
 fifth canon of 1829, provided that every assist- 
 ant bishop who may hereafter be elected in the 
 said church shall be in all cases entitled to suc- 
 ceed the bishop of the diocess in which he may 
 be elected ; and whereas the Convention is 
 desirous of preserving, as far as possible, the 
 harmony and uniformity of the church, and of 
 testifying its contidence in the assistant bishop 
 of this diocess : — Therefore, Resolved, That 
 the restriction annexed to the election of the as- 
 sistant bishop of Virginia be hereby removed." 
 
 The question was then taken upon agreeing 
 with the committee in so much of their report, 
 as amended, as relates to the removal of the 
 restriction annexed to the election of assistant 
 bishop, and the same was carried in the affirm- 
 ative. 
 
 Ayes — The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicho- 
 las H. Cobbs, John Cole, John Cooke, James 
 Doughen, Charles Dresser, Hen. W. Ducachet, 
 Adam Empie, John Grammer, Frederick W. 
 Hatch, Alexander Jones, Reuel Keith, George 
 Lemon, Edward -R. Lippit, William F. Lee, 
 Edward C. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Ed- 
 ward W. Peet, Zachariah Meade; Messrs. 
 
 Thomas M- Ambler, Thomas Nelson, Dr. I. 
 Winston, Carter Berkeley, Junius A. Clay, 
 Samuel Pryor, John F. Clark, Obed Waite, Seth 
 Ward, Benj. Wigginton, Philip Nelson, Fran- 
 cis Nelson, Parke F. Berkeley, John Gray, 
 Geo. M. Carrington, John A. W. Smith, John 
 E. Page, Robert P. Waring, Benjamin PolTard, 
 W^illiam C. Latane, Thomas^ L. Latane, Francis 
 C. Fitzhugh, Geo. Sharp, John Carter, Thomas 
 Marshall, George F. Washington, Benj. Fer- 
 guson, Alexander Stephens, and Samuel C. 
 Nichols~49. 
 
 Noes — The Rev. Johannes Edward Jackson, 
 William Jackson, Thomas Jackson, John P. 
 M'Guire ; Messrs. Edmund I. Lee, John Stu- 
 art, and Lewis Berkeley — 7. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer, 
 
 Resolved, That the second and third recom- 
 mendations contained in the report of the com- 
 mittee on the state of the church, be referred to 
 a select committee of three members ; and a 
 committee was appointed of the Rev. Mr. Gram- 
 mer, Dr. Carter Berkeley, and Mr. Obed Waite. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the next Conven- 
 tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the 
 Diocess of Virginia be held in the borough of 
 Norfolk, on the third Thursday in May next. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, unanimously. That the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 ministers of the churches in this place, for the 
 liberal and kind offer of their churches for the 
 use of this Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, unanimously, Th?it the 
 thanks of this Convention be tendered to the 
 citizens of this place, for their kind and hospita- 
 ble attentions to the members of this Conven- 
 tion during its session. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That one thousand 
 copies of this Journal be printed, and distributed 
 by the secretary among the parishes. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec- 
 retary his expenses incurred in attending this 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the door- 
 keeper of this Convention six dollars for his 
 services. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the sum of one 
 hundred and thirty-two dollars be appropriated 
 to the bishop for his episcopal services for the 
 support of his assistant, out of the contingent 
 fund, to make up, with the sum paid in for that 
 purpose during the present Convention, the sum 
 of two hundred alfd twenty-five dollars. 
 
 Then, on motion, the Convention adjourned 
 until half past 4 o'clock P. M. 
 
 The Convention met at half past 4 o'clock 
 P. M. 
 
 The standing committee of this diocess for 
 the past year presented the journal of their pro- 
 ceedings, which was read. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Grammer, from the committee 
 to whom were referred the second and third 
 recommendations contained in the report of the 
 committee on the state of the church, presented 
 the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 second and third recommendations contained in 
 the report of the committee on the state of the 
 
CONVENTION OF 1830. 
 
 251 
 
 church, have had the same under consideration, 
 and beg leave to recommend the adoption of the 
 following resolutions : — 
 
 Resolved, That John G. Williams, the Rev. 
 Mr. Lee, and the R^v. Mr. Peet, be appointed a 
 committee, to meet in the city of Richmond as 
 early as convenient, and make such an assess- 
 ment among the parishes of this diocess as 
 will raise the sum of three hundred dollars annu- 
 ally, to be paid to Bishop Moore, and that this 
 committee inform the clergymen of each par- 
 ish of the proportion required from his parish ; 
 and, 
 
 Resolved, That the clergy be required to raise 
 the quota so assessed, and pay it in at the next 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer of the church 
 pay to the Right Rev. Bishop Meade the sum of 
 one hundred and fifty dollars ; and that, in addi- 
 tion to this, he pay the expenses already incur- 
 red, and which may from time to time be in- 
 curred by the said bishop, in performing his epis- 
 copal visitations. 
 
 And, on the queistions being severally put 
 upon agreeing with the committee in their pro- 
 posed resolutions, the same were carried in the 
 affirmative. 
 
 Dr. Carter Berkeley, from the executive 
 committee of the Missionary Society of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church, presented the fol- 
 lowing report : — 
 
 The executive committee of the Missionary 
 Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church re- 
 port to the Convention, that they have exam- 
 ined the treasurer's accounts, and find he has 
 received the sum of $324 72, none of which 
 has been expended, owing to the difficulty of 
 procuring a missionary. 
 
 That, in consequence of the distant location 
 of the different members of the executive com- 
 mittee, they have not had a meeting to organize 
 the society ; they therefore recommend to the 
 Convention the propriety of altering the third 
 article of the constitution of the Missionary 
 Society, so as to make the executive committee 
 consist of the officers of the society, and seven 
 clerical and seven lay members ; and that any 
 three members may form a quorum to transact 
 ordinary business. The president of the Con- 
 vention will appoint the time of making the col- 
 lection for the benefit of the society. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the report be re- 
 ceived. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Constitution 
 of the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society 
 of the Diocess of Virginia be amended, by stri- 
 
 king out the third article of the same, and in- 
 serting, in lieu thereof, the following : — 
 
 " The bishop of the diocess shall be ex-officio 
 the president, and the assistant bishop shall be 
 ex-officio the vice-president, and the other offi- 
 cers shall be a secretary, a treasurer, and an 
 executive committee, consisting-of the said offi- 
 cers and seven clerical and seven lay members, 
 to be annually appointed by the Convention ; 
 and of this executive committee the bishop 
 shall be president, and three members shall be 
 sufficient to constitute a quorum to transact 
 business." 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the elec- 
 tion of the officers and executive committee of 
 the Missionary Society ; and thereupon John 
 G. W^illiams was elected secretary, Thomas 
 Nelson was elected treasurer, and Rev. E. C. 
 M'Guire, Rev. H. W. Ducachet, Rev. N. H. 
 Cobbs, Rev. W^illiam Jackson, Rev. George A. 
 Smith, Rev. VV^illiam F. Lee, Rev. E. W. Peet, 
 Mr. John Nelson, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. Ed- 
 mund L Lee, Mr. John Gray, Col. George M. 
 Carrington, and Mr. Samuel C Nichols, were 
 elected members of the executive committee. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the United 
 States ; whereupon the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. Reuel Keith, 
 D. D., Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rev. Henry 
 W. Ducachet, Rev. John Grammer, Mr. John 
 G. W^illiams, Mr. Thomas Marshall, Mr. Philip 
 Nelson, and Mr. James M. Garnett. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the tenth canon, 
 directing the manner of electing vestrymen, be 
 amended, by adding thereto the following words ; 
 " Vacancies happening within the year may be 
 filled by the remaining members, provided a 
 sufficient number remains to form a quorum." 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the will of Evan 
 Ragland be referred to the standing committee 
 of the diocess, with instruction to inquire into 
 the amount that has or will be collected in con- 
 formity with the compromise heretofore effected 
 with his heirs, and what disposition should be 
 made of the same in conformity with the will, 
 and report thereupon to the next Convention. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention adjourn- 
 ed, to meet in the borough of Norfolk, on the 
 third Thursday in May next. 
 
 William Meade, 
 
 Assistant Bishop of the Diocess 
 
 of Virginia. 
 
 J. G. Williams, Secretary. 
 
252 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, 
 which assembled in the Borough of Norfolk, on the Idth day of May, 1831. 
 
 This being the day and place appointed for 
 the annual meeting of the Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of 
 Virginia, the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., 
 vyith several clergymen and lay delegates, at- 
 tended divine service in the Episcopal church- 
 in this borough. 
 
 , Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Ben- 
 jamin C. Cutler, and a sermon preached by the 
 Rev. John Grammer. 
 
 After divine service, the Right Rev., Bishop 
 Moore took the chair as president of the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 this Convention, appeared, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Ephraim Adams, Alexandria ; Eb- 
 enezer Boyden, Augusta parish, Staunton ; 
 Mark L. Chevers, St. John's Church, Elizabeth 
 City -parish ; Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell par- 
 ish, Bedford county ; John Cole, Abingdon and 
 Ware parishes, Gloucester ; John Cooke, St. 
 Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa counties ; 
 Benjamin C. Cutler, Shelburne parish, Loudoun 
 courity ; James Doughen, St. James's parish, 
 Northam, Goochland ; Charles Dresser, Antrim 
 parish, Halifax county ; Henry W. Ducachet, 
 M. D., Christ Church, Norfolk ; Adam Empie, 
 rector of B<-uton parish, and President of Will- 
 iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; Stephen 
 S. Gunter, Hungar^s parish Northampton ; 
 Zachariah H. Goldsmith, St. Paul's parish. 
 King George ; John Grammer, St. Andrew's 
 and Bath parishes, Dinwiddle county ; Johannes 
 Edward Jackson, Christ Church, Frederick par- 
 ish, Frederick county ; William Jackson, St. 
 Paul's Church, Alexandria ; Jacob Keeling, Suf- 
 folk parish, Nansemond county ; George Lemon, 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier ; Will- 
 iam F. Lee, Christ Church, Richmond ; Charles 
 Mann, Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan- 
 dria ; Zachariah Meade, St. Anne's parish, 
 Albemarle county; Edward C. M'Guire, St. 
 George's parish, Fredericksburg ; John P. 
 M'Guire, St. Anne's and South Farnham parish- 
 es, Essex ; Nahum G. Osgood, Moore's parish, 
 Campbell county ; Ira Parker, Lynnhaven par- 
 ish. Princess Anne ; Edward W. Peet, Henrico 
 parish, Henrico county ; Leonidas Polk, assist- 
 ant minister of the Monumental Church, Rich- 
 mond ; William Steel, St. James's parish, Meck- 
 lenburg ; Andrew Syme, Bristol parish, Peters- 
 burg ; John H. Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, 
 Norfolk county. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. James Doughen, the 
 Rev. John Cole, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a 
 committee to examine the certificates of lay 
 delegates, who then withdrew, and, after a short 
 time, returned and presented the following re- 
 port : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report, that 
 the following persons have been duly elected 
 lay delegates to this Convention, and that their 
 
 certificates are in the form prescribed by the 
 canon, viz. : — 
 
 Burwell Bassett, Bruton parish, Williams- 
 burg ; Wright Southgate, Christ Church, Nor- 
 folk ; Augustin L. Dabney, Abingdon parish, 
 Gloucester ; Warner T. Taliaferro, Ware par- . 
 ish, Gloucester ; Mallory M. Todd, Newport 
 parish. Isle of Wight ; William B. Whitten, 
 Russell parish, Bedford county ; Thurmer 
 Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne; 
 Arthur Emerson, Trinity Church, Portsmouth 
 parish ; William G. Minor and Thomas L. 
 Lomax, St. Margaret's parish, Caroline ; John 
 Nelson, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county; 
 Edward Valentine, Augusta parish, Augusta 
 county ; John W. Page, Hampshire parish, 
 Hampshire county ; John T. Clark, Antrim 
 parish, Halifax county ; Isaac Winston and 
 Philip Slaughter, jr , St. Stephen's Church, 
 Culpepper county ; James M. Garnett, St. 
 Anne's parish, Essex county ; William Boiling, 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland coun- 
 ty; Roger B. Atkinson, Cumberland parish, Lu- 
 nenburg county ; Francis Wicker, St. John's 
 Church, Henrico parish, Henrico ; Francis C. 
 Fitzhugh, M. D., St. Paul's parish, King George 
 county ; Junius A. Clay, Tillotson parish, Buck- 
 ingham county ; Linneus Dupuy, St. Paul's 
 Church, Lynchburg ; Joseph Prentiss, St. 
 Paul's Church, town of Suffolk ; Austin Fitz- 
 hugh and Edward T. Tayloe, Brunswick par- 
 ish. King George county ; Westwood S. Armi- 
 stead, St. John's Church, parish of Elizabeth 
 City ; Edmund I. Lee, Christ Church, Fairfax 
 parish, Alexandria ; Hilary Baker, Christ 
 Church, Richmond ; William G. Smith, M. D., 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton : Archibald Ma- 
 gill, Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley ; 
 Francis Nelson, St. Martin's parish, Hanover 
 and Louisa counties ; Thomas Marshall, Leeds 
 parish, Fauquier county ; Robert Boiling, Bris- 
 tol parish. Prince George county ; Alexander 
 Brodnax, St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick ; 
 William S. Jones, Christ Church, Winchester ; 
 Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle ; Walter Coles, St. Anne's Church, Albe- 
 marle county ; Leven S. Joynes, St. George's 
 parish, Accomack county ;" John G. Lawrence, 
 South Farnham parish, Essex county ; Robert 
 Pollard and J G. Williams, Monumental 
 Church, Richniond ; Philip Nelson, Frederick 
 parish, Frederick county; William M. Black- 
 ford, Hamilton parish, Fauquier county ; Thom- 
 as Withers, Bath parish, Dinwiddle county ; 
 John Gray, St. George's parish, Fredericks- 
 burg. 
 
 That the following persons appear to have 
 been duly elected, but the certificates are not 
 in the form prescribed by the canon, viz. : — 
 
 Thomas Nelson, Frederick parish, Frederick 
 county; John Thorn, St. Mark's parish, Cul- 
 pepper county. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 253 
 
 The Rev. T. G. Bedell, of Philadelphia, the 
 Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, of Washington, and 
 the Rev. William G. H. Jones, of North Caro- 
 lina, with several candidates for orders, were 
 invited by the president, in pursuance of the 
 standing order of the Convention, to attend the 
 sittings of the same. 
 
 On motion of Mr. J. G. William^, 
 Resolved, That the following rules of order, 
 adopted by the last Convention for the govern- 
 ment of their proceedings, be the rules of pro- 
 ceeding during the present Convention. 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with prayer. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 
 .ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 house unless he have leave, or be unable to at- 
 tend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not again be drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined upon before any new subject 
 is introduced, except the question of adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave his chair. 
 
 13. None of the rules of order shall be sus- 
 pended without the concurrence of two thirds 
 of the members present. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Adam Empie, the 
 Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, the Rev. John 
 Grammer, the Rev. William Jackson, Mr. Ed- 
 mund I. Lee, Mr. Thomas Marshall, Mr. Bur- 
 well Bassett, and Mr. Hugh Nelson, be a com- 
 mittee to take into consideration the state of 
 the church in this diocess, and report there- 
 upon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, 
 the Rev. John P. M'Guire, the Rev. Edward W. 
 Peet, and Mr. Francis Nelson, be a committee 
 to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon, the 
 
 Rev. Johannes Edward Jackson, the Rev. 
 Ebenezer Boyden, and Mr. John Thorn, be a 
 committee to examine the state of the fund for 
 the support of the widows and orphans of de- 
 ceased clergymen. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William F. Lee, 
 Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Robert Pollard, and Mr 
 Thomas Withers, be a committee to examine 
 the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Mr. 
 James M. Garnett, Mr. Wright Southgate, Mr. 
 John Gray, and Mr. Walter Coles, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the accounts of the treasurer 
 of the fund for the permanent support of the 
 episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That when the Con- 
 vention adjourn to-day, it adjourn to meet to- 
 morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 20, 1831. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 George Lemon. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore being absent, 
 from indisposition, the Rev. Mr. Lemon was 
 called to the chair. 
 
 Mr. Fitch W. Taylor, a lay delegate of St. 
 Paul's Church, Alexandria, appeared, produced 
 a certificate of his appointment, and took his 
 seat. 
 
 The secretary received the following contri- 
 butions from sundry parishes of this diocess for 
 the contingent fund : — 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg, - - $15 00 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 30 00 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, - - 20 50 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight, - - 3 00 
 Russell parish, Bedford county, - - 30 00 
 Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne, - 10 00 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, - 15 00 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline, - 3 00 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 16 00 
 Augusta parish, Augusta county, - 10 00 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county, - - 25 00 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper coun- 
 ty, 13 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, - • - - 22 00 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland 
 
 county, - - - - - 10 00 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county, 15 00 
 St. John's Church, Henrico parish, - 15 00 
 St. Paul's parish. King George county, 27 50 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham county, 14 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - - 15 00 
 St. Paul's Church, town of Suffolk, - 7 50 
 Brunswick parish. King George county, 10 00 
 St. John's Church, parish of Elizabeth 
 
 City, 6 00 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan- 
 dria, 30 00 
 
 Christ Church, Richmond, - - 16 00 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton, - - 10 00 
 Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 ley, 5 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, 
 
 $392 50 
 
254 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $392 50 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and 
 
 Louisa counties, - - - - 20 00 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - - 15 00 
 Bristol parish, Prince George county, 30 00 
 St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, 15 00 
 Christ Church, Winchester, - - 15 00 
 St. Anne's Church, Albemarle, - - 5 00 
 St. George's parish, Accomacft, ^ 10 00 
 South Farnham parish, Essex county, 10 00 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 15 00 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, - 30 00 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, - 15 00 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie county, - 15 00 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 20 GO 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 20 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 20 00 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg, Lou- 
 doun county, - - - - 10 00 
 From Mrs. Lucy Thweatt, Mrs. Mary ^ 
 
 Johnson, Mrs Mary Thweatt, and I ^^\ nn 
 Mrs. Virginia Pegram, of Ches- f ^" "" 
 terfield county (donation), ) 
 Fredericksville parish, Albemarle coun- 
 ty, - 10 00 
 
 $677 50 
 
 The following sums were paid by sundry 
 parishes towards the support of Bishop Moore, 
 and as a remuneration for his episcopal servi- 
 ces, in pursuance of the assessment made upon 
 them by the committee appointed at the last 
 Convention for that purpose : — 
 
 Bruton parish, VVilliamsburg, 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, - - ' - 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, Glouces- 
 ter, - - j- 
 Newport parish, Isle of Wight, 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, - 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county, 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, 
 Augusta parish, Augusta county, 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county, - 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper coun- 
 ty, - .- - - - - 
 
 St. Anne's parish. Essex county, 
 
 St. John's Chureh, Henrico parish, 
 
 Henrico county, - - 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham, - 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - 
 St. Paul's Church, town of Suffolk, - 
 St. John's Church, parish of Elizabeth 
 City, ...... 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan- 
 dria, - - 
 Christ Church, Richmond, 
 Hangar's parish, Northampton, - 
 Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke- 
 • ley, - - - - - . 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and 
 Louisa counties, .... 
 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county, -* 
 Bristol parish. Prince George county, 
 St. Andrew's and Bath parishes, 
 
 12 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 3 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 9 00 
 
 7 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 7 50 
 
 6 00 
 
 9 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 7 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 9 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 Amount carried fonvard, 
 
 $203 50 
 
 $203 50 
 
 12 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 4 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 , 12 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, 
 Christ Church, Winchester, 
 St. Anne's Church, Albemarle, - 
 St. George's parish, Accomack, 
 South Farnham parish, Essex county, 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county. 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg, - 
 Moore parish, Campbell county. 
 From Rev. Mr. Crawford, Louisa, 
 Fredericksville parish, Frederick county 
 
 $328 60 
 
 Mr. Edmund I. Lee, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the state of the fund for the 
 permanent support of the episcopate in this dio- 
 cess, presented the following report : — 
 
 The committee upon the subject of the Bishops' 
 Fund respectfully report a statement of the ac- 
 count rendered by the wardens of Christ Church, 
 Fairfax parish, under whose care the same has 
 been placed, which will show how much has been 
 addexl to the principal since the last Convention, 
 and what is the present amount of the fund : — 
 
 It appears that in the year 1822, the late Rev. 
 Andrew Belrnain, of Winchester, gave a share of 
 the stock of the Bank of Virginia to this fund, and 
 the same was transferred to the Right Rev. Bishop 
 Moore and the gentlemen then members of the 
 standing committee. That all the members of 
 the then committee have departed this life except 
 two, one of whom removed several years ago out 
 of the diocess, and is no longer a member of 
 the committee. That there is now due from 
 the bank, for unreceived dividends on this share, 
 $39 75. 
 
 The committee would recommend, that the 
 share in the Bank of Virginia should be sold by 
 the surviving trustees, and the money, with the 
 dividends now due, be vested in such other fund 
 as the church-wardens aforesaid shall deem most 
 to the interest of the fund. 
 
 The whole fund, including: the bank-slocks at 
 par value, and the $39 75 dividends due on the 
 share in the Virginia Bank, added to the $13 16 in 
 the hands of the trustees of the Bishops' Fund, 
 amounts to $5,552 91. 
 
 The committee are unanimously of opinion, 
 that steps ought to be taken to increase the 
 Bishops' Fund as rapidly as practicable. They 
 cannot forbear to express the great importance 
 of being able to release the bishops from parochial 
 duties, so that they may be able to travel as much 
 and as often through this extensive diocess as 
 circumstances will admit. Under this impres- 
 sion, the committee recommend the adoption of 
 the following resolutions : — 
 
 Resolved, That the minister of each church in 
 this diocess, annually, deliver an appropriate dis- 
 course, recommending the pious object of the 
 episcopal fund, and the necessityof increasing the 
 same. I'he collections to be made at such time 
 and in such manner as the minister and wardens 
 of this church shall deem most expedient. The 
 amount of the collection in each church shall, 
 when practicable, be forthwith remitted by the 
 minister thereof to the church-wardens of Christ 
 Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish ; and he shall 
 also report^ the amount collected and remitted as 
 
CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 255 
 
 aforesaid, to the next Convention, which report 
 shall be entered on the journals of the same. 
 The church-wardens aforesaid shall forthwith pro- 
 ceed to vest the same fund, which will produce 
 an interest payable half yearly. 
 
 Resolved, That the share in the Virginia Bank 
 be sold, and the proceeds applied as recommended 
 in the report. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report be 
 for the present laid upon the table. 
 
 The Rev. William F. Lee, from the commit- 
 tee appointed to examine the treasurer's ac- 
 counts, made the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 treasurer's account, respectfully report, that 
 they have examined the same, and find it to be 
 correct — the various items being ascertained by 
 the proper vouchers, which are filed with the 
 account. The balance remaining in the hands 
 of the treasurer at this time is $76 4^. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report be 
 received and approved. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. 
 Mr. Dresser, and a sermon by the Rev, Mr. 
 Empie. 
 
 After divine service. Rev. Bishop Moore ap- 
 peared and took his seat as president of the 
 Convention. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, agreeably to 
 the 45th canon of the General Convention, de- 
 livered the following 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 In compliance with the duty enjoined on me by 
 the church, I now present to the Corivention a 
 view of my episcopal labours since their last an- 
 nual meeting. 
 
 In the month of June I visited the town of Pe- 
 tersburg, in company with several of the clergy ; 
 at which time I preached in the church at that 
 place, and confirmed thirteen persons. In the 
 month of December I repeated my visit, preached, 
 and confirmed nine. 
 
 On the 27th of November I visited Fredericks- 
 burg, on the evening of which day I confirmed 
 twenty-four ; and on Sunday, the 28th, I preached, 
 admitted Mr. Cleaver to deacons' orders, the Rev. 
 G. W. Ridgeley to the priesthood, and administer- 
 ed the Lord's Supper. 
 
 On the 22d of November I attended the conse- 
 cration of the present bishop of Maryland, at 
 which time 1 preached, and assisted in all the so- 
 lemnities usual on sucli occasions. 
 
 During the last winter I visited the county of 
 Hanover, with the intention of laying the corner- 
 stone of a church now building, but was prevent- 
 ed from discharging that duty by the weather. I 
 however lectured at the house of Dr. Berkeley. 
 
 In November I visited the county of Essex, 
 and officiated in Vauter's Church. 
 
 During the past year I have visited Norfolk and 
 Portsmouth several times. In June I admitted 
 to the priesthood, in Christ Church, the Rev. 
 John H. Hill and the Rev. John Cole; and in 
 March; ordained Mr. W. N. Hawks deacon, and 
 preached on the evening of the same day. 
 
 In Portsmouth I have preached several times ; 
 consecrated a handsome new church, and institu- 
 ted the Rev. J. H. Wingfield pastor of that parish. 
 
 I have visited the county of Goochland several 
 times, upon which occasions I have always 
 preached, and administered the Lord's Supper. 
 
 In July last I consecrated Christ Church, in the 
 
 city of Richmond, of which the Rev. Wm. F. Lee 
 is rector; on which occasion I preached, and ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper. I preached also in 
 that church on the evening of Good Friday, and 
 confirmed sixteen persons ; and in February, I 
 ordained in the same church Mr. Jos. H. Saun- 
 ders deacon, and administered the Lord's Supper .- 
 
 In February, I instituted the Rev. E. W. Peet 
 rector of St. John's Church, in the city of Rich- 
 mond, on which occasion the Rev. W. F. Lee 
 preached; and on the evening of Sunday, the 8th 
 instant, I admitted to the priesthood, in the same 
 church, the Rev. Jarvis Buxton : sermon by the 
 R^. Mr. Peet. 
 
 In the present month I visited Hanover county, 
 preached in the morning in the church, and lec- 
 tured in the afternoon at the house of Mr. Nelson 
 Berkeley, and in both places had large and atten- 
 tive congregations. 
 
 The last week I visUed the county of Essex, 
 preached to the largest congregation I have ever 
 seen in Vauter's Church, and confirmed two per- 
 sons ; and in the afternoon of the same day, the 
 Rev. Mr. Peet lectured at the house of Mr. James 
 Garnett. 
 
 The next day I preached in Port Royal to the 
 largest congregation 1 have ever met in that place. 
 I then crossed the Rappahannock and visited King 
 George county, in which place I con-secrated St. 
 Paul's Church— an edifice which has been resto- 
 red to the worship of Almighty God ; and, by the 
 generous efforts of the congregation, has been 
 finished with great taste. I preached on the oc- 
 casion to an immense crowd of respectable and 
 pious worshippers, confirmed twenty-two, and ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper to upwards of sixty 
 persons. 
 
 Upon that solemn occasion I was assisted by 
 five clergymen, whose labours were continued 
 three successive days ; and we have every reason 
 to believe, that the word which was then deliver- 
 ed will not return unto the Lord void ; but that 
 many precious souls have received an impulse 
 which will never cease to shed its good effects in 
 their future hfe and conversation. 
 
 I cannot conclude without recommending to 
 the clergy and people the great importance of re- 
 ligious associations. They have a tendency to 
 produce in the minds of both minister and congre- 
 gations an increase of religious ardour ; to heigh- 
 ten their attachment to the church, her doctrines, 
 and worship ; and to fit and prepare them for the 
 society of angels, and the spirits of the just made 
 perfect in Heaven. 
 
 Rich'd C. Moork. 
 
 The following Address of the Right Rev. 
 Bishop Meade, made in pursuance of the canon, 
 was read by the secretary ; — 
 To the Members of the Convention of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia, 
 
 assembled in Norfolk, May 19<A, 1831. 
 
 Dear Brethren and Friends, — Being called 
 by the providence of God to perform episcopal 
 duties in places far distant from that in which you 
 have assembled, I send you the following brief 
 notice of such services a^ I have been enabled to 
 render during the past year, in aid of our much 
 loved father in Christ. Most of you being pres- 
 ent, doubtless remember with holy joy the exer- 
 cises of the Sabbath which succeeded our lastCon- 
 vention in the town of Winchester. The morning 
 was commenced by administering the rite of bap- 
 tism to two adults, and of confirmation to twenty- 
 two. Our mid-day services were truly interesting, 
 and we hope edjfying. They were prolonged to 
 an unusual length by the administration of the 
 
256 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 Lord's Supper to a multitude of devout worship- 
 pers, -and by the ordination of one priest and three 
 deacons. The Kev. Mr. Snnallvvood, from Mary- 
 land, was admitted to priests' orders, and the Rev. 
 Mr. Ash, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Hill, to deacons' 
 orders. The last ordination was rendered doubly 
 dear and interesting to us all, by the considera- 
 tion that Mr. Hill and his beloved wife were soon 
 tolearve our shores, and engage in the glorious ef- 
 fort to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer^ 
 through the world. From the time of the Con- 
 vention until the month of August, my labours 
 were confined to the limits of my own parish, with 
 the exception of a visit to Leesburg and another to 
 Gharlestown, at each of which places I preached, 
 and administered the ordinances of religion. In 
 the latter, two persons were confirmed. On the 
 16th of August, I set out on a visit to our few scat- 
 tered congregations on the banks of the Kanawha 
 and Ohio rivers. On my way thither I stopped 
 at Woodstock, where 1 preached once, at Harri- 
 sonburg, where I preached twice, and at Port Re- 
 public, where I preached once. In and around 
 each of these places we have some friends warm- 
 ly attached to our church, who, if not able to sup- 
 port regular ministers, would rejoice in the occa- 
 sional services of missionaries. I also tarried sev- 
 eral days in Staunton, preaching repeatedly, con- 
 firming two persons, and uniting in the adminis- 
 tration of the Lord's Supper. The zeal of our 
 people in that place has led them to the erection 
 of a new brick church, which will be consecrated 
 in the tour upon which I am just entering. On 
 leaving Staunton I proceeded without delay to 
 Gharlestown, in Kanawha county, which I reach- 
 ed in six days. In this place and ihe neighbour- 
 hood I spent two Sabbaths and the intervening 
 days in the performance of ministerial and epis- 
 copal duties. During its period I preached ten 
 times, consecrated one church, baptized one adult 
 and nineteen children, confirmed sixteen, and ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper twice. I was truly 
 gratified by my visit to this parish. It has been 
 now destitute for some years of the ministrations 
 of our church; but there are a goodly number of 
 pious persons w^ho are strongly attached to our 
 communion, and firmly resolved to procure the 
 services of some faithful minister, whose temporal 
 wants will, I am confident, be well provided for. 
 I trust that it will please the Great Shepherd 
 soon to send them a pastor after his own heart. 
 From Kanawha I directed my course towards 
 Wheeling, which I reached in six days. It was 
 my intention to call at Parkersburg, but circum- 
 stances prevented. While in Marietta, on the op- 
 posite side of the river and some miles above, I 
 learned that there were a number of persons about 
 Parkersburg who were desirous to obtain the ser- 
 vices of an Episcopal minister, and that if a suit- 
 able one could be obtained, a union would be 
 probably formed between Parkersburg and Mari- 
 etta, which might offer a sufficient field of useful- 
 ness to a pious man, and ensure him a moderate 
 support. 1 reached Wheeling on Saturday even- 
 ing, and spent the three following days there, 
 preaching four times. On Wednesday I went to 
 Wellsburg, and preached to a large congregation 
 that night. On Thursday I preached at St. John's 
 Church, about eight miles from Wellsburg, and in 
 the evening at Steubenville, in Ohio. I preached 
 again at St. John's Friday morning, when I con- 
 firmed nineteen, and on Saturday morning I 
 preached again at Wellsburg, confirming nine. 
 At this time a regular church was organized 
 in Wellsburg, and a vestry appointed, I feel 
 much interested for this new church, and for 
 the congregation at St. John's. The Rev, Mr. 
 
 Morse, of the diocess of Ohio, has kindly nur- 
 sed them for some years; but he informs me 
 that they want more attention than he can spare 
 from his other charges. Some pious minister, 
 whose chief desire is to have souls for his hire, 
 might labour among them very usefully ; and 
 though he might not abound, he would not, I 
 think, suffer want. He would have comfort in the 
 society of some sincere, humble, and pious souls, 
 and might be the instrument of salvation to many 
 sinners. After having concluded my labours in 
 Wellsburg and the neighbourhood, 1 returned to 
 Wheeling, and spent another Sabbath in that 
 place, when I admitted seven persons to the rite 
 of confirmation. The rector of the congregation 
 at Wheeling appears to be earnestly engaged in 
 the duties of the ministry, and will, I" trust, re- 
 ceive the blessing of his divine Master. It was 
 my intention to have returned by the way of Mor- 
 gantown, Clarksburg, and Moorfields ; but, being 
 ianable to make appointments in due time, I took 
 a different route, and reached home after an ab- 
 sence of six weeks. In the month of October I 
 paid a visit to the churches in Berkeley county, 
 and also to that in Shepherdstown. In the coun- 
 ty of Berkeley I preached repeatedly, admitted 
 twenty-six to the rite of confirmation, and admin- 
 istered the holy communion. Most of the per- 
 sons confirmed were quite young ; but, in the judg- 
 ment of those most competent to form a correct 
 opinion, truly engaged in seeking the salvation of 
 their souls, and well worthy to be admitted to a 
 full participation of all the privileges of God's 
 house. In Shepherdstown I preached twice and 
 confirmed six. In the month of December I spent 
 a few days at an association in Winchester, and on 
 Sunday admitted eight to confirmation and the holy 
 communion. During the year, I have also admit- 
 ted to confirmation, within the bounds of my own 
 parish, nineteen persons. I have nothing else to 
 report in the way of episcopal labours, except a 
 short excursion in the month of April, in which I 
 visited the churches in Loudoun, Fauquier, Alex- 
 andria, and the Theological Seminary. In Lees- 
 burg I preached twice. I am happy to state, that 
 the congregation in that place enjoys the services 
 of the Rev. Mr. Cutler, and hope it will long re- 
 tain them. In Fauquier I preached three times, 
 twice at Warrenton and once at Cool Spring. In 
 the former place I admitted eleven to the rite of 
 confirmation. In conclusion, I would beg leave to 
 call the serious attention of my brethren to the 
 present condition of our Theological Institution 
 in the vicinity of Alexandria. At no previous time 
 has God, by his holy Spirit, moved the minds of 
 so many pious youth within our communion to 
 devote themselves to the gospel ministry. At no 
 previous time has the semmary been so full of stu- 
 dents preparing themselves for the high and holy 
 duties of the priesthood. And yet, at no period 
 have the funds of the Education Society been so 
 inadequate to meet the demands made upon it. 
 The treasury is now exhausted. I feel a pleasing 
 assurance that the mere statemeirt of this fact 
 will be suflicient to stimulate the languishing zeal 
 of our friends. .Many of our auxiliaries have, I 
 doubt not, relaxed in their exertions, from a sup- 
 position that our condition was so prosperous as 
 hot to require the continuance of the zeal' which 
 first animated them. I have not the least reason 
 for believing that there is m one of them the 
 slightest change of sentiment iii regard to the in- 
 stitution. I am very confident that there is no 
 just cause for such change. I would therefore 
 take this opportunity of urging it upon all the 
 members of the Convention, and especially upon 
 my brethren in the ministry, to resolve, on return- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 257 
 
 ing to their several homes, to renew their exer- 
 tions in this cause, and not suffer so holy and im- 
 portant an institution for a moment to be retarded 
 in its operation for the want of a prompt and gen- 
 erous support. At the time that this communica- 
 tion shall be read to you, I shall be far distant from 
 my brethren and friends; but my heart will be 
 with them— and I pray that grace, mercy, and 
 peace may be multiplied unto them, and that the 
 holy exercises of the Convention may be niore 
 abundantly blessed than on any previous occasion. 
 And, in return, let me beg that the prayers of all 
 the brethren and friends may be oifered up for a 
 weak, and unworthy brother. 
 
 William Meade, 
 Assistant Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmiind I. Lee, 
 Resolved, That the addresses of the bishop 
 
 and assistant bishop of this diocess be referred to 
 
 the committee on the state of the church. 
 The parochial reports were handed in and 
 
 read, and referred to the committee on parochial 
 
 reports. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, 
 
 The report of the committee to examine into 
 
 the state of the fund for the perma^nent support 
 
 of the episcopate in this diocess was taken up, 
 
 and again read, when, 
 
 On motion, the Convention adjourned until 
 
 to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 21, 1831. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Mr. Doughen. 
 
 The Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., appeared and 
 took his seat. 
 
 The report of the committee upon the subject 
 of the Bishops' Fund was again taken up and 
 considered, and, upon the question being taken, 
 the report and resolutions were agreed to. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the next Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia be held in the town of Alexandria, on 
 the third Wednesday in May next. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. Mr. 
 Steel, and a sermon by the Rev Mr. Cutler. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer of the Conven- 
 tion do pay to the secretary of the House of 
 Clerical and Lay Delegates of the General Con- 
 vention the sum of eleven dollars, being the 
 special assessment upon this diocess for. the 
 purpose of paying the debt now due from the 
 General Convention. .., 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lemon, from the committee to 
 whom was referred the examination of the ac- 
 counts of the treasurer of the fund for the relief 
 of the widows and orphans of deceased clergy- 
 men of the Episcopal Church of Virginia, made 
 the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 examination of the accounts of the treasurer 
 of the fund for the relief of the widows and 
 orphans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal 
 Ctiurch of Virginia, beg leave to report, that the 
 following account of the treasurer, Mr. John 
 Hooff, was submitted to them : of the entire 
 
 R 
 
 correctness of which account they have no 
 doubt ; but no vouchers were submitted to the 
 committee. 
 
 George Lemon, Chairman. 
 
 Tlie Fund or the Relief of the Widoivs and Or- 
 phans of Deceased Clergymen of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church of Virginia, in account 
 with John Hooff, Treasurer, Dr. 
 
 1830, May 25.— To cash paid for four ■ 
 shares of the Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria stock, $30 per share, - $120 GO 
 
 Oct. 2.— To cash paid for four shares of 
 
 do., - - - - - - 120 00 
 
 1831, Jan. 5. — To cash transmitted the 
 Rev. Alexander Jones, for the use of 
 
 Miss Maria Heath, - - - 30 00 
 Balance in treasurer's hands, - 125 Ql 
 
 $395 61 
 
 Or. 
 
 1830, May 12.— By olcl account for bal- 
 ance, - - - - - - $123 49 
 
 July 3. — By dividend on three per cents., 
 
 for one quarter, - - - - 15 28 
 
 July 8.— By cash for dividend on five 
 
 shares Bank Alexandria stock, - 15 00 
 
 Oct. 1.— By cash for dividend on eighty- 
 three shares Farmers' Bank Alex- 
 andria, - - - - - 83 00 
 
 Oct. 4. — By cash for dividend on three 
 
 per cents., one quarter, - - 15 28 
 
 1831, Jan. 8. — By cash for dividend on 
 
 three per cents., one quarter, - 15 28 
 
 Jan. 10. — By cash for dividend on five 
 
 shares Bank Alexandria stock, - 15 00 
 
 Jan. 31. — By cash for dividend on one 
 share Bank of Virginia, from July, 
 1829, to January, 1831, - - 1100 
 
 April 2. — By cash for dividend on three 
 
 per cents., one quarter, - - 15 28 
 
 April 5. — By cash for dividend one ighty- 
 seven shares Farmers' Bank Alexan- 
 dria stock, - -. - - - 87 00 
 
 $395 61 
 
 May 4. — By balance brought down, in 
 ^he treasurer's bands, - - -$125 61 
 E. E. : John Hoo/f, Treasurfer. 
 
 The Funds of the Company are as follow : — 
 United States three per cents., - $2,037 78 
 87 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria stock, at par, - - - 4,350 00 
 5 shares of Bank of Alexandria stock, 
 
 at par, ... - - 1,000 00 
 1 share of Bank Of Virginia stock, at 
 
 par, - ^ ... 100 00 
 
 Robert Andrews's estate, balance of 
 note, with interest, from 30th April, 
 1829, till paid, - - - - 399 23 
 Cash in hand, - - - - 125 61 
 
 $8,012 62 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received. 
 
258 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Cobbs, from the committee on 
 the parochial reports, presented the following 
 report, which was read and received. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the paro- 
 chial reports would state to the Convention that 
 ihey have performed that duty, and herewith re- 
 turn the said reports, revised and abridged, for in- 
 sertion on the journal. 
 
 N. H. CoBBs, Chairman. 
 
 St. George's parish, Accomack. This parish 
 has been without a rector for the last eleven 
 months. The congregations are desirous to obtain 
 one as early as possible. Both churches in the 
 parish are in good order. The Rev. Messrs. Che- 
 vers and Gunter have each visited the parish twice 
 since it has been vacant, and preached several 
 times. Communicants twenty-eight— one mar- 
 riage — baptisms fifteen — Sunday School scholars 
 sixty-three. There is also an infant class of about 
 fifteen, from two to seven years of age, under the 
 direction of two young ladies. It was formed in 
 April, and is becoming very interesting. There 
 is also a Female Tract Society, auxiliary to the 
 American Tract Society, in a prosperous condi- 
 tion ; also a Bible Society, in rather a languislung 
 condition. Levin S. Joynes, Delegate. 
 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton county, Virginia. 
 Since last report, Hungar's Church has been 
 repaired, and a new and handsome brick church 
 erected at Eastville, which is now ready for con- 
 secration. Two Bible Societies have been formed, 
 and the county supplied with the word of God. A 
 Female Tract Society has been formed. A Tem- 
 perance Society has been organized that numbers 
 seventy-five. The visible effects of this society 
 are great, and it promises much usefulness to the 
 community at large, as well as to famiUes and in- 
 dividuals. The temperance cause is the cause of 
 God, and will prevail. I have had evening service 
 at the lower end of the county and at Bell Haven 
 alternately, every Lord's day, and lectures at East 
 Hill in the week. The present number of com- 
 municants is twenty- eight— baptisms one hundred 
 and one— burials forty-three— marriages thirty- 
 one. S. S. Gunter, Rector. 
 
 St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling. Having ob- 
 tained help of Gpd, we continue unto this day pro- 
 gressing steadily, if not rapidly. The visit of our 
 beloved bishop was a season of refreshing from the 
 presence of the Lord. The fallen were raised up, 
 the weak-hearted were helped and comforted — all 
 were strengthened. 
 
 The Lord has added a few to the church of 
 such, we trust, as shall be saved. They have 
 given additional weight and influence to the body 
 of communicants, thirty-two in number, in whose 
 confessions of Christ, humility, love, and devotion, 
 the rector has abundant cause of rejoicing and 
 hope. 
 
 The Sunday School is flourishing ; it has nine 
 teachers and about a hundred scholars. 
 
 The two congregations in Brooke county, so 
 long and faithfully served by the Rev. Mr. Morse, 
 of Steubenville, Ohio, still continue to prosper 
 under his care. The number of communicants in 
 both is, I believe, about fifty. 
 
 J. Thomas Wheat, Rector. 
 
 Augusta parish, Staunton. The affairs of this 
 parish wear, in most respects, a far brighter aspect 
 than at any former period of the labours of the 
 present minister. One new church in Staunton, 
 a very neat and commodious edifice, is nearly 
 completed. That in the neighbourhood is com- 
 menced. In spiritual things God has poured on 
 us his blessing, 
 
 Members added to the communion last year 
 sixteen — confirmations fifteen — baptisms twelve — 
 marriages eight— deaths six — whole number of 
 communicants forty-two. E.' Boyden. 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester. The situation of 
 Christ Church, Frederick parish, continues to be 
 prosperous. Our increase is steady, but not rapid. 
 The public ministrations and social exercises are 
 well attended, and the benevolent societies liber- 
 ally supported. 
 
 During the past year a Missionary Society has 
 been organized, and an auxiliary to it, by a Sewing 
 Society, formed among the ladies of the congrega- 
 tion, both of which promise much good 
 
 There are two Sunday Schools umler the pat- 
 ronage of the church ; the one more immediately 
 attached to the congregation is well supplied with 
 pious teachers, and possesses a useful library, and 
 contains about eighty scholars. School No. 2 is 
 located at a cotton-factory about three miles from 
 town, and contains about sixty scholars, many o^ 
 whom are adults; six of them are deeply concern- 
 ed about the salvation of their souls. The library 
 of the school contains about seventy volumes, fur- 
 nished by the congregation of Christ Church. 
 
 Since the last Convention eighteen have been 
 added to the communion, of whom two members 
 have removed from the parish, leaving the present 
 number of communicants eighty-two — baptisms 
 twenty-one— marriages eight. 
 
 The congregation at Mill Creek continues to 
 increase; the attendance is full to overflowing; 
 the spacious building which we possess frequently 
 cannot contain the congregation. 
 
 J. E. Jackson, Rector. 
 
 Lynnhaven parish. Princess Anne county. In 
 July last I took charge of this parish, and devoted 
 my whole time to it until the last of September, 
 when, being under the necessity of settling in 
 Portsmouth, I altered my appointments and added 
 two mure churches to my field of labour— one in 
 Elizabeth river parish, and the other in St. Bride's, 
 in Norfolk county, in each of which I preached 
 once a month. At length, believing that it was 
 inexpedient to continue my services any longer in 
 the former parish, I resigned it, and commenced 
 preaching at Deep Creek, in Portsmouth parish, 
 where 1 have had considerable encouragement. 
 Baptized six white children and four coloured — 
 total ten. Ira Parker. 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper. This church 
 has been for the last year without a pastor, owing 
 to the infirmity and subsequent removal of our late 
 minister, the Rev. George A. Smith. But, not- 
 withstanding this event, which has been deeply 
 deplored, it is not believed as yet there has been 
 any falling off among those who profess to be par- 
 tial to the church. On the contrary, a few weeks 
 ago, when we were visited by Mr. Sniith, one or 
 two new members were admitted to the commu- 
 nion. The lay delegate has been instructed to 
 use his best exertions to procure the services of a 
 clergyman. J. Winston, Lay Delegate. 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Albemarle. During the past 
 yeat two Sunday Schools have been formed, em- 
 bracing more than fifty scholars. 
 
 Two Tract Societies have also been formed, 
 the one auxiliary to the Episcopal Tract Society, 
 and the other auxiliary to the American Tract 
 Society. 
 
 The congregations are^enerally respectable and 
 attentive, and there are some more than ordinary 
 indications of seriousness. 
 
 The communion has not been administered, 
 consequently the number of communicants not 
 known. L. Mead. 
 
 i 
 
 ] 
 
CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 259 
 
 St. James's Church, Leesburg. For the last 
 six months there have been regular serTices in the 
 church and in the parish, and it is believed not 
 without a divine blessing. During this time there 
 have been three deaths, four baptisms, and one 
 marriage. The number of communicants is forty- 
 nine. The number of Sunday School scholars is 
 one hundred and forty, and the number of teachers 
 twenty-four. The vestry are now taking measures 
 to enlarge the church. 
 
 The church in Leesburg is closed one Sunday 
 in a month, the rector officiating on that day alter- 
 nately at Aldie and Middlebnrg. Of the state of 
 religion in this parish, nothing more at present 
 can be said than that there is a general interest in 
 the means of grace, and, it is believed, a spirit of 
 prayer for an increase of pure and undeliled reU- 
 gion. 
 
 The Education Society and missionary opera- 
 tions are not forgotten. B. C. Cutler. 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, and Nelson 
 parish. Nelson county. Through the providence 
 of God, the minister has been enabled to perform, 
 in some imperfect measure, the duties of his exten- 
 sive -charge, having neglected only a few stated 
 appointments in consequence of the extreme rigour 
 of the winter. 
 
 While sorrowing that the number 6f new com- 
 municants does not exceed eleven, the minister is 
 somewhat cheered by the belief that a deep feeling 
 of seriousness is beginning to pervade some of his 
 congregations, and that there are at this time fif- 
 teen or twenty who, being awakened from the 
 sleep of death, are using the appointed means to 
 secure the salvation of their souls. 
 
 Sabbath Schools five, of which two are not 
 wholly under the care of our church. The chil- 
 dren have been occasionally catechised at church. 
 Baptisms forty, of which twelve or fifteen were of 
 coloured children— marriages six — funerals eigh- 
 teen — the whole number of communicants seven- 
 ty-four. Chas. H. Page. 
 
 Parish of St. James, Northam, Goochland. The 
 minister of this parish reports, that since the last 
 Convention there has been one addition to the 
 communion; present number of communicants 
 twenty-six— two have been confirmed. The Sun- 
 day School, the Prayer-Book and Tract Society, 
 reported at the last Convention, still continue in 
 operation, and the latter has distributed gratui- 
 tously, during the year, sixty- two prayer-books. 
 Marriages two — funerals three— baptisms four. 
 James Doughen. 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River parish. 
 Since the last report to the Convention of the state 
 of this parish, there have been thirty-three bap- 
 tisms (in four cases of adults), twelve marriages, 
 and thirty-one funerals. There have been added 
 to the communion within the past year twenty- 
 eight persons, making the present number of com- 
 municants about two hundred and thirty. The 
 harmony of the congregation continues undisturb- 
 ed, and its temporal prosperity undiminished ; and 
 an humble hope is cherished that in the more than 
 unusual seriousness of some, and the increased 
 devotion of many of the pious among them, there 
 is the pleasing prospect of a good work of grace. 
 Henry W. Ducaciiet, Rector. 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re- 
 ports, since the last Convention, three baptisms, 
 three marriages, and nine funerals, five of which 
 were subjects not belonging to the parish. Of the 
 communicants, two have died and four have re- 
 moved — nine have been added ; the present num- 
 ber is sixty, three of them being coloured persons 
 — confirmations thirteen. In compliance with the 
 fortieth canon of the General Convention it ia fur- 
 
 ther stated, that the number of adults within his 
 care and attached to the church amounts to one 
 hundred and six; they were, ia the report of 1823, 
 erroneously estimated at one hundred and forty, 
 having then not had time, durmg the short period 
 of five months, to ascertain accurately the names 
 of those who might be regarded as Episcopalians. 
 
 A. Empie. 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county. The increase 
 of the church in this parish is slow. Since the 
 last Convention four only have been added to the 
 communion. An equal number are, however, pre- 
 pared to receive it. In addition to other places, I 
 have preached once a month, during the past year,- 
 at the county poorhouse, with some prospect of 
 usefulness. A missionary association has recently 
 been formed, auxiliary to the Domestic and For- 
 eign Missionary Society. Communicants twenty 
 — baptisms seven — marriages four — funerals four. 
 Charles Dresser. 
 Pittsylvania county, where there is yet no or- 
 ganized parish, has been occasionally visited by 
 Mr. Osgood and myself during the past year, and 
 still continues an inviting field of labour. The 
 services of a resident clergyman would be very 
 acceptable to the people. In expectation of ob- 
 taining one, measures have recently been taken to 
 build a church, and the work is now in progress. 
 Communicants ten, of whom three have been 
 added since the last Convention — baptisms, three 
 adults and nine children. Chas. Dresser. 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie county. No material 
 change is perceptible in the condition of these par- 
 ishes since the last Convention. The congreg-a- 
 tions are gradually assuming a more decided 
 character, and it is hoped that the prejudices 
 against our church are silently giving way. The 
 addition to our communion has not equalled that 
 of the preceding year, and the rector has had cause 
 to mourn over the comparative coldness which has 
 existed in his flock ; while an increasing attention 
 to the temporal concerns of the church, the -active 
 zeal in behalf of our Education Society which has! 
 been manifested by a few pious females in St. An- 
 drew's parish, and some late indications of greater 
 spirituality in our devotional services, encourage 
 him to hope that a brighter day will ere long dawn 
 upon us. Nine members have been added to our 
 communion, one has departed in peace to join the 
 communion of saints in the church triumphant, 
 and one has removed ; the whole number of com- 
 municants is forty-two.- There have been twelve 
 baptisms, ten of white and two of coloured chil- 
 dren, seven funerals, and one marriage. 
 
 John Grammer, Jr. 
 St. Paul's Church, Suffolk. The members of 
 this church are attentive to all the ordinances of 
 religion, and evince that they have not forsaken 
 that God who made them, nor *• slightly regarded 
 the rock of their salvation." Three communi- 
 cants have removed during the last year : the pres- 
 ent number is eighteen— baptisms seven — funer- 
 als twelve — marriages five. J. Keeling. 
 
 St. Luke's Church, parish of Newport, Isle of 
 Wight. By the request of the vestry of this 
 church, I have officiated twice during the present 
 year to large and attentive congregations, and 
 shall endeavour to continue my services once 
 every month, until they shall have procured a 
 minister. Their church, which is the oldest in 
 Virginia, has been thoroughly repaired; and, by 
 the exertions of a few individuals, a sum of mo- 
 ney has been raised to build a church in the town 
 of Smithfield, and I feel confident that this pious 
 undertaking will be accompUshed during the pres- 
 ent year. . J. Keeling. 
 
260 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county. The rec- 
 tor reports, that his labours commenced in tiiis par- 
 ish since the last Convention. The church build- 
 ing, which was ihen in a dilapidated condition, has 
 recently been repaired, and was consecrated to the 
 worship of Almighty God by the Right Kev. Bishop 
 Moore, on theiSih of May. Confirmation was 
 held at that time, and twenty-two persons were 
 admiued to that apostolic rite ; three were added 
 to the communion, and several more are deeply 
 concerned about the salvation of their souls. The 
 meeting continued three days, and was numer- 
 ously attended. On the last day a deep serious- 
 ness perviided the congregation, and we trust that 
 we shall be enabled to say that this was but the 
 day of small things. One marriage — funerals three 
 — baptisms ten — comn.unicants twenty-eight. 
 Zachariah H. Goldsmith. 
 
 The rector reports, that although he islocated 
 in St. Paul's parish, one half of his time has been 
 devoted to Brunswick parish. The congregation 
 inthis part of our Zion is generally small, but at- 
 tentive. One person during the past year has 
 been added to the communion by change of resi- 
 dence. One funeral— baptisms sixteen— commu- 
 nicants ten. Z. H. Goldsmith. 
 
 Parish of Frederick. The rector of this parish 
 desires to be thankful to the Giver of all grace, 
 that there is reason to believe that the cause of 
 religion is gradually advancing in this part of the 
 Lord's vineyard. The attendance upon public 
 worship is, for the most part, punctual, and the 
 behaviour of those attending devout. The inter- 
 est in religious and benevolent institutions of our 
 own church and of the whole Christian world is 
 still considerable, and, in some instances, warm 
 and active. While there are too tnany still indif- 
 ferent to the concerns of religion, it is matter of 
 encouragement to the rector, that during the past 
 year the hearts of some seem to have been gra- 
 ciously drawn to the love and service of God, by 
 the constraining influence of his Holy Spirit oper- 
 ating through his word and ordinances. Huring 
 the year thirteen have been added to the com- 
 munion, thirty-seven have been baptized, of whom 
 three were adults, and eight were coloured chil- 
 dren. The new church at Battletown is nearly 
 completed, and will be ready for consecration in 
 the summer. The rector is happy to state that 
 the Rev. Mr. Rice has been elected as his assist- 
 ant in the parish of Frederick, and has entered 
 upon his duties with the pleasing prospect of being 
 acceptable and useful. This measure became in-' 
 dispensable, in consequence of the withdrawal of 
 the services of the Rev. Mr. Jones from one of 
 the congregations, and the frequent absence of the 
 rector on episcopal duty. 
 
 The number of communicants is about eighty. 
 . "' William Meade. 
 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier. The 
 rector reports that the congregations have been 
 generally large ahd attentive, and he entertains a 
 cheering hope that within the last three months 
 an increased interest in divine and eternal thmgs 
 has been felt ; this has been manifested by a great- 
 er zeal in labouring for the promotion of religion, 
 by the addition of several new menibers to the 
 number of our communicants, and an apparently 
 more devout attendance on the public means of 
 grace. As already intimated, there has been an 
 increase of the number of our communicants, but 
 removal and death have also caused a decrease. 
 In Hamilton parish, communicants thirty-six ; in 
 Leeds, seventeen ; baptisms seventeen — funerals 
 five — marriages eighteen — Sunday Schools two. 
 Geo. Lemon, Rector. 
 
 St. Jdm's Church, Hampton. No material 
 
 change has occurred since the last report. The 
 attendance of the congregation upon the stated 
 services of the church continues to be regular and 
 devout. The condition of the congregation at Old 
 Point is more encouraging than for two years past 
 Public worship is usually well attended. The 
 weekly lectures at the Military Schoolhouse ex- 
 cite considerable interest, and have thus far secu- 
 red the attendance of a numerous auditory. A 
 Sunday School, numbering forty scholars and 
 four teachers, in connexion with the Protestant 
 Episcopal Sunday School Uniori, under the d rec- 
 tron of Its indefatigable superintendent, affurdsthe 
 prospect of much good. 
 
 Marriages five — baptisms fifty (twenty colour- 
 ed) — communicants twenty-two — burials nine. 
 Mark L. Chevers, Rector. 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond. The rector 
 reports, since the last Convention, he has baptized 
 about thirty, two of whom were adidts. The 
 communion has been administered as often as the 
 occasional absence of the rector on diocesan du- 
 ties would allow. The rector takes pleasure in 
 repeating, that on most of these occasions we 
 have had a few additions. Whole number of com- 
 municants one hundred and sixty. The Sunday 
 School numbers about one hundred and eighty. 
 The Bible classes are flourishing. - The Female 
 Missionary Society belonging to this church have 
 in their treasury about $600 ; it is not probable 
 that they will be long without the services of a 
 missionary. The Education Society receives 
 yearly from this congregation very considerable^ 
 assistance. Richard C. Moore, Rector. 
 
 St. .John's Church, Henrico parish. The rector 
 has to report five baptisms, four marriages, twelve 
 funerals, five accessions to the communion, and 
 four removals from it by the hand of death. 
 Through sickness and other causes, he has been 
 absent from his charge twenty-one Sundays du- 
 ring the past year. He is happy to state, the par- 
 ish church has been completely and handsomely 
 repaired. Edward W. Pekt. 
 
 Christ Church, city of Richmond. This church 
 was, at the last Convention, first admitted to rep- 
 resentation in this body. Since that time, the 
 blessing of Divine Providence has rested upon it 
 to a degree which has much exceeded expecta- 
 tion. We now possess a neat and convenient edi- 
 fice for the public worship of God, which has been 
 duly consecrated by the bishop of the diocess. 
 Though in its infancy, this church has been en- 
 abled to contribute somewhat towards the spread 
 of the knowledge of Christ, ahd the promotion of 
 the Redeemer's kingdom abroad. The congrega- 
 tion has perhaps more than doubled during the 
 past year. Until within a fe\y months, the im- 
 provement in the spiritual condition of the church 
 has not been such as to afford very great encour- 
 agement, but recently there has been cause for 
 joy in accessions to the communion : sixteen per- 
 sons have been confirmed since that time, a much 
 greater attention to serious things has prevailed 
 than before, and, at this moment, we have reason 
 to believe that the Holy Ghost is moving upon the 
 hearts of a number, who, by their diligent and anx- 
 ious attention to the means of grace, show that 
 they are not " far from the kingdom of God." 
 
 There are connected with this church a Bible 
 class, Sunday School, an association formed for 
 the purpose of aiding the Education Society and 
 the Sunday School, and a Missionary Society. 
 These institutions all promise to be useful. Mar- 
 riages four — baptisms eleven (one adult) — funerals 
 twenty — additions to the communion thirteen — 
 whole number of communicants forty-three. 
 
 William F. Lee, Rector. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 261 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria. The rector would 
 state that he took charge of this church in the 
 month of December last, and does not feel justi- 
 fied in speaking confidently of the state of the con- 
 gregation, bur. would say that all things seem to 
 encourage his hopes and animate his exertions. 
 Six persons have been received to the communion, 
 three from other churches and three from among 
 themselves — present number of communicants 
 eighty-seven— baptisms three — one funeral. 
 
 The Sunday School is in a very flourishing 
 state — the number of scholars attending amounts 
 to about one hundred and thirty ; two Bible class- 
 es have been formed among tbe adults, and two 
 among the more youthful members of the church. 
 A class of catechumens has also been formed. 
 Charles Mann, Rector. 
 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county. Since 
 the last communication made to the Convention, 
 several of the communicants having died (four 
 within the last eight months), some having re- 
 moved, and a few* being added, make the present 
 number only thirty-six. Since the last Conven- 
 tion there have been fourteen baptisms, fourteen 
 funerals, and two marriages. 
 
 John Woodville. 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county. The 
 lay delegates report, that, owing to the sickness 
 and absence of their rector, they have been with- 
 out the regular services of the church for nearly 
 the whole of the past year. They are looking 
 with deep solicitude and anxiety for his return, 
 which is expected as soon as his health permits. 
 Wx G. Minor. 
 Thomas L. Lomax. 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. In con- 
 sequence of the death of the late venerable rector 
 of this parish, the ReV. John Philips, it is at present 
 vacant. The vestry are extremely anxious to have 
 his place supplied ; and, to that end, are willing to 
 pledge themselves to raise an adequate sum for 
 his support. A neat and comfortable church has 
 recently been erected in one part of the parish, 
 .which is now ready for consecration, and measures 
 have been taken to build another, which will 
 probably- be completed the present year. The 
 number of communicants is only ten ; but others, 
 it is thought, would soon join if an opportunity 
 were afforded. 
 
 Roger B. Atkinson, Delegate. 
 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester coun- 
 ty. The state of these parishes, the rector reports, 
 is prosperous. God, in his infinite mercy, has in 
 some measure blessed our Zion; and there are 
 yet, we indulge the hope, evidences of his presence 
 among us. 
 
 During the past year the Education Society has 
 raised $130, to constitute the rector a life member 
 of the parent institution. 
 
 Baptisms eighteen, including one adult — four 
 funerals, two of which were of coloured persons — 
 one marriage— communicants, eight added, two 
 removed— total 24. John Cole. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec- 
 tor reports that the state of his congregation, as 
 regards spiritual things, is "about the same as 
 stated by him at the last Convention. The con- 
 gregation. Iw thinks, is on the incre-tse as to mem- 
 bers generally, aod the people are evidently more 
 regular in their attendance on public worship, 
 and manifest a more lively interest in the services 
 of the sanctuary. The Sunday School has lately 
 been revived, and promises to be more useful than 
 it has ever been. 
 
 Families about fifty— communicants, one re- 
 moved, present number thirty-two— marriages 
 
 three— -baptisms (of which one was an adult) nine 
 — burials thirteen. J. H. WirioFiELD. 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg. The unset- 
 tled state of the people, anxious for removal to 
 some other region, forbids the hope of any increase 
 in the parish. The original number of communi- 
 cants has been lessened by death. There have 
 been seven removals and deaths since the present 
 rector has been in the parish. Marriages two — 
 baptisms fourteen — funerals six — communicaiits 
 thirty-five. Wm. Steel, Rector, 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa, The 
 lector reports, that since the last Convention 
 there have been some interesting additions to the 
 church. He regrets to see in some too much 
 coldness and indifference, but he is pleased to 
 state, that he has reasons to believe many of those 
 who profess to be the children of God are growing 
 in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. The 
 new church contemplated in our last report will 
 soon be completed and ready for consecration. 
 The various benevolent institutions among us still 
 continue to flourish. Besides the means of grace 
 usually enjoyed, we have had in successful opera- 
 tion monthly meetings, for the special purpose of 
 prayer, from which, it is believed, much good has 
 resulted. In addition to the congregations here- 
 toiore attended, 1 have .been labouring for some 
 time past in the county of Louisa, where I have 
 had large and attentive congregations. Communi- 
 cants sixty-nine, two have died and six have been 
 added — baptisms twelve — marriages eight — funer- 
 als fourteen. John Cooke. 
 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham. Very httle 
 change has taken place in the condition of the 
 congregation in this parish since the last report. 
 There is now in progress a church edifice, which 
 will be completed and ready for consecration this 
 fall. Funerals three — communicants twenty-six. 
 
 Moore parish, Campbell. The two congrega- 
 tions in this parish exhibit nearly the same aspect 
 as when last reported. Funerals two— marriages 
 two — communicants sixteen. N. G. Osgood. 
 
 St. Paul's parish, Alexandria. As regards the 
 spiritual concerns of this congregation, we have 
 nothing material to detail, though our number of 
 hearers has considerably increased, and we think 
 that recent indications justify the hope that the 
 great Head of the church is about to visit us in 
 mercy. Our temporal affairs are in a much more 
 prosperous condition than they have heretofore 
 been. Through the laudable exertions of a female 
 association, our last debt, amounting to about 
 $1,300, has been liquidated, by weekly or monthly- 
 subscriptions, in less time than eighteen months. 
 Our schools and various societies are well and 
 zealously supported. Since the last Convention 
 there have been twelve marriages — baptisms thirty- 
 four, of which number one was an adult — funerals 
 nineteen — six have been added to the communion 
 — present number one hundred and sixty. The 
 Sunday Schools contain upwards of three hundred 
 scholars. Wm. Jackson, Rector. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. The rector 
 reports that the general aspect of things in this 
 parish may be considered as favourable. An in- 
 creasing interest is manifested in the preaching of 
 the gospel ; the members of the cominunion are 
 beginning to exhibit more zeal and devotion, and 
 the spirit of grace is evidently exciting in many 
 minds an anxious inquiry about the salvation of 
 the soul. The indications of a blessing from God 
 are such as to inspire with hope, and stimulate to " 
 exertion ; and at no period of his ministry has the 
 rector been more encouraged to preach Jesus 
 Christ and him crucified. Besides one young 
 man now qualified to be presented as a candidate 
 
262 
 
 COl^IVENTIOK OF 1831. 
 
 for the ministry, there are one or two others who 
 it is hoped will in time be prepared i'or the same 
 object. Baptisms, of mfants sixteen, of adults five 
 — burials two — marriages nine — coiiiniunicants, re- 
 moved six, added ten, total seventy-four. Besides 
 officiating in Russell pansli, Bedford county, the 
 rector has, since Christinas, devoted one fourth of 
 his time to the adjacent county of Botetourt ; in 
 this county we have a few very pious and zealous 
 members, and some warmly attached friends. 
 Communicants, added four— total fourteen. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. The condition of 
 this parish is not materially changed since last 
 report. The public services of the church are 
 well attended, and it is hoped, by the blessing of 
 God, much good will finally result to the members. 
 Eight have been added to the communion, two 
 have died, and two have removed ; total number 
 of communicants between sixty and seventy. 'I'he 
 Female Association for Weekly Prayer is regular- 
 ly attended ; the Female Education Society is 
 still very assiduous in promoting the interests for 
 which it was instituted. Baptisms twenty-five — 
 marriages eight — funerals twenty-one. 
 
 At^drew 3yme. 
 
 St. George's parish, Fredericksburg. The rec- 
 tor of this church is still permitted, through God's 
 abounding mercy, to report the favourable state 
 of the congregation committed to his pastoral care. 
 The divine blessing has been vouchsafed us 
 during the past year to an encouraging extent. 
 We have rarely enjoyed more manifest proof of 
 the faithfulness of Him who has said, *' My word 
 shall not return unto me void, but shall prosper in 
 the thing whereto I sent it." So efficacious has 
 his word been, that fifteen or twenty members 
 have been added to the communion, bringing with 
 them a large accession of religious and moral in- 
 fluence, auspicious in a high degree to the prog- 
 ress of divine truth among us. There is a lauda- 
 ble attention paid to the important duties of family 
 and public worship. The increasing number of 
 those who, around the family altar, offer the sacri- 
 fice of prayer and praise with " morning light and 
 evening shade," is a source of great satisikction, 
 as it is of great advantage to the cause of truth 
 and godliness among us. So much has the num- 
 ber increased of those who go up to the house of 
 God, that the vestry have the enlargement of the 
 church edifice now under consideration. There 
 is also the same zeal and devotion evinced in be- 
 half of our several religious and benevolent insti- 
 tutions. Our Sunday Schools (three in number) 
 contain about two hundred and fifty scholars, dili- 
 gently instructed by more than fifty teachers ; one 
 of these is an infant school, containing children 
 between the ages of three and seven years, and 
 considered by us as our most interesting charge. 
 Our Bible classes are still continued, with every fa- 
 vourable prospect of extensive and lasting useful- 
 ness. The Prayer- Book and Tract Society is do- 
 ing much good. Th« Female Missionary Society 
 IS well sustained, and anxious to be more actively 
 engaged than their recent want of missionaries 
 would admit. The claims of the General Mis- 
 sionary Society have also been duly regarded by 
 us, the contributions to its funds having in the 
 last two years exceeded the sum of $800. Bap- 
 tisms twenty-seven (five adults) — marriages six — 
 funerals eighteen — communicants one hundred and 
 twenty-five. Edwakd C. M'Gcire. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. Amid many 
 causes for humiliation, the general aspect of this 
 parish is encouraging. The church edifice has 
 lust been completed in a neat and chaste style. 
 The Sunday School has been furnished with a 
 valuable library, and is conducted with untiring 
 
 zeal. The weekly prayer-meeting maintained by 
 the female communicants has been instrumenta 
 in diffusing spirituality of mind, and uniting theii 
 efforts for the religious charities of the church 
 An increased sense, of the responsibility for the 
 right use of influence as a talent has been shown 
 by several laymen, and their efforts in diftusing 
 right principles in religion have been blessed. 
 The circulation also of the works issued by the 
 New-York Protestant Episcopal press has con- 
 tributed to advance the cause of evangelical truth 
 and apostolic order. Baptisms, of adults four, of 
 infants ten — marriages three — funerals six— com- 
 municants, added sixteen, present number fifty- 
 two. F. G. Smith, Rector. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex 
 county. The pastor reports that he returned to 
 his present charge in Isiovember last ; since that 
 time the congregations have been improving, and 
 six have been added to the communion. The pres- 
 ent number of communicants is forty-seven. One 
 Sunday School, which has been in existence 
 about twelve years, is still in successful operation. 
 Another has just commenced under circumstances 
 not very encouraging. Three Bible classes have 
 been formed, one male and two female, embracing 
 about forty individuals. It is proper here to re-r 
 cord, that the parishioners, though few in number, 
 have purchased nearly two hundred acres of land 
 for a glebe, and commenced erecting thereon a 
 parsonage-house, which it is expected will be fin- 
 ished with all convenient speed. When the whole 
 is completed, it will have cost upwards of two 
 thousand dollars, and afford a very agreeable 
 abode for their present or future pastor. 
 
 John P. M'Guirej 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Edward C. P^I'Guire, from the 
 board of trustees of the Theological School, pre- 
 sented the following report, which was read -.-^ 
 
 In discharge of the duty assigned them by the 
 constitution, the trustees of the Theological School 
 beg leave to submit to the Convention the following 
 
 ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 The board take great pleasure in announcing the 
 unusual prosperity which, through the past year, 
 has marked the progress of the institution intrust- 
 ed to their care. At no former period have the 
 proofs of divine favour been more largely vouch- 
 safed, nor have the instances of a growing inter- 
 est in her welfare, on the part of friends, ever 
 been more gratifying. In every view of present 
 circumstances and future prospects, we have 
 every reason to thank God and take courage. 
 
 The number of young men who have been pur- 
 suing their studies during the present session is 
 reported by the professors as amounting to twenty' 
 three. Of these, three have left the seminary on 
 account of ill health. The number at this time is 
 nineteen, one of whom will sustain his examina- 
 tion for deacons' orders during the sitting of the 
 present Convention. We are happy also to state, 
 that eight others arc expected to apply for orders 
 at the close of the session in July. 
 
 In regard to the spirit and conduct of those who 
 are sharing the benefits of our school, we can say, 
 that their religious and moral deportment has 
 been such as to give assurance of sincere piety 
 and entire devotion to the high objects of that 
 holy office tx) which they aspire ; and that their 
 industry and general proficiency have been such 
 as to secure for them the approbation of their in- 
 structers. 
 
 The branches of sacred learning systematically 
 pursued by the students as their regular and es- 
 tablished course need not be here detailed, seeing 
 
CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 26a 
 
 they have been so often and minutely referred to 
 in former reports. Suffice it to say, that the reg- 
 ulations adopted by the board of trustees on this 
 subject, in harmony as they are with the course 
 prescribed by the House of Bishops, have been 
 strictly and faithfully complied with, v It is \Vith 
 pleasure we mention also, that in addition to the 
 mstructions heretofore so ably and efficiently af- 
 forded by our two resident professors, the professor 
 of Pastoral Theology has commenced a course of 
 lectures and recitations on those points of minis- 
 terial duty and obligation belonging more espe- 
 cially to the important department filled by him. 
 
 A reference to the treasurer's account will 
 show that there have been some accessions to our 
 funds during the period embraced by this report. 
 This addition has accrued from old subscriptions 
 collected from legacies, &c. The value of the 
 seminary property, as well as the convenience and 
 comfort of one of the professors, have been en- 
 hanced by the erection of a respectable dwelling- 
 house, situated at a convenient distance from the 
 seminary. This building has been erected by the 
 Education Society, aided m part by the munifi- 
 cence of a few private individuals. 
 
 As the importance and value of this excellent 
 institution become more manifest, and assume a 
 more commEuiding aspect, the board of trustees 
 feel their duties and responsibilities proportionably 
 increasing. They will therefore meet with every 
 indulgence at your hands, while in concluding 
 their report they bring to your view its necessities 
 and claims. So long and so fondly cherished by 
 you, and no doubt as dear to you as ever, such a 
 representation cannot be made in vain. The in- 
 crease of students through the past year had at 
 one time rendered it probable that the erection of 
 an additional building would be necessary ; nor 
 could they all have been received, but that, from 
 peculiar circumstances, some were accommodated 
 m the houses of the professors. If then there 
 hould, as is hoped and desired, be large additions 
 o our present number, no alternative will be left 
 us but either to erect another edifice, or turn 
 them from our doors. The assistance now ren- 
 dered us by the Education Society is known to 
 the most of you ; and it ought to be known, that 
 without such friendly aid the seminary could not 
 be sustained for a day in effective operation; a 
 state in which it is surely not expedient for us to 
 continue. Besides gathering up the fragments of 
 old subscriptions, may we not expect a reviving in- 
 terest on the part of our friends in regard to all 
 the means calculated to increase our funds ? 
 Having of Late received some gratifying testament- 
 ary evidences of regard, we are encouraged to 
 hope that others will follow this good example. 
 It has cheered us to see various literary and reli- 
 gious institutions, from time to time, richly en- 
 dowed in our land, and we cannot but think that the 
 one under our charge presents a strong claim upon 
 all those who, in their dying hour^ wis.h to conse- 
 crate a portion of their worldly gain to the service 
 of God and the good of man. 
 
 In regard to the security of the permanent funds 
 now in hand, the board can speak with entire con- 
 fidence. The loans have been effected by men of 
 business, well acquainted with the circumstances 
 of individuals. And in doing this, every legal re- 
 quirement has been observed, so that the invest- 
 ments are the best and safest which could be 
 made. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 The Trustees. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be received. .• ^ 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lee, from the executive com- 
 mittee of the Missionary Society of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church, presented the following 
 
 The constitution of the Missionary Society of 
 Virginia requires of the executive committee 
 thereof to exhibit an annual statement of their 
 proceedings to the Convention. This statement 
 the executive committee now make. They are 
 sorry to say that so little has been done ; a few 
 words will put the Convention in full possession 
 of all their transactions. 
 
 The first meeting of the committee was held in 
 the month of March last, and measures were then 
 adopted, with the view of employing the funds of 
 tlie society. The Rev. Mark L. Chevers was 
 employed to officiate part of his time in the coun- 
 ties of York, Warwick, and Elizabeth City, which 
 were conceived to be unportant fields of labour. 
 He has entered upon the duties assigned him ; 
 but so short a time has elapsed since, that no re- 
 port from him could be expected. 
 
 Notwithstanding diligent inquiries, and a notice 
 of their wants and wishes, published and exten- 
 sively circulated in several Episcopal papers, the 
 committee have not been able to engage suitable 
 missionaries. They are prepared, for a time, to 
 employ several ministers ; but their funds, if not 
 replenished, would very soon be exhausted. The 
 friends of the church, who have exerted them- 
 selves in behalf of this important institution, will 
 not relax their efforts, but still sustain it ; for by 
 its agency only is it probable that the waste places 
 can be built up. There are many interesting 
 points in our diocess to which the attention of the 
 committee has been directed. We look to our 
 Theological Seminary for faithful ministers, with 
 missionary spirits, wha, animated by the love of 
 Christ, need not the stimulus of inferior motives 
 to induce them to labour in those promising fields 
 to which our attention has been called — who shall 
 be willing to endure self-denial, satisfied with the 
 supply of their necessary wants. 
 
 The number of organized Episcopal churches in 
 this state is about one hundred; the clergy are 
 less than half that number: of these, several, 
 through age or infirmity, or other causes, are dis- 
 qualified for very active service. The cry for help 
 is heard from many quarters. Applications are 
 incessantly made for assistance ; and had we the 
 means and ministers, we are confident that one 
 hundretl clergymen might find ample fields of use- 
 ful labour within the limits of our diocess. 
 
 At the meeting of the committee before men- 
 tioned, the Rev. J. P. M'Guire was requested to 
 preach in behalf of this society, and has consented 
 to do so during this Convention. 
 
 At a former Convention, the ministers of the 
 several parishes were required, annually, to apply 
 to their people for aid to the funds of the Mission- 
 ary Society. In but few instances have remittan- 
 ces been made to the treasurer ; a fact to which 
 the committee would respectfully direct the atten- 
 tion of the Convention. 
 
 The treasurer's account (which is herewith ex- 
 hibited) shows that there are now in his hands 
 $618 22. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Executive Committee. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report be 
 received. 
 
 The proceedings of the standing committee 
 of this diocess since the last Convention were 
 presented and read. 
 
264 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1831. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Williams, Resolved, That 
 the bishop and standing committee of this dio- 
 cess be, and they are hereby, authorized to as- 
 certain what disposition should be made under 
 the will of Evan Ragland, deceased, of the fund 
 received in conformity with the compromise 
 heretofore effected with his heirs ; and that they 
 receive the said funds from Mr. John Nelson 
 and Judge William Leigh, and invest the same 
 in such manner as to them may seem best ; 
 and from time to time pay over the interest or 
 dividends, as the same may be received, to the 
 minister of Antrim parish, until the further order 
 of the Convention. 
 
 The, Rev. Mr. Empie, from the committee 
 upon the state of the church in this diocess, pre- 
 sented the following 
 
 -The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave respectfully to report, that in reference to 
 the actual condition of the diocess, they have 
 nothing to communicate beyond what is contained 
 in the episcopal and parochial reports. Those 
 reports evmce at once the Hdehty, zeal, and suc- 
 cess of our bishops and clergy, and the progress 
 of religion amofig the laity ; and at no former Con- 
 vention since the revival of the church in this dio- 
 cess have tfiey furnished intelligence more flat- 
 tering and encouraging. As far as external evi- 
 dences go, they proclaim the existence of a truly 
 pious and evangelical spirit pervading the church- 
 es, and they furnish ground for the animatmg hope, 
 that both the form and power of godliness are 
 rapidly winnmg their way among our people. In 
 re-echoing, however, the language of former re- 
 ports on this subject, and felicitating ourselves 
 upon the growing prosperity of our Zion, God for- 
 bid that the leaven of vanity and spiritual piide 
 should mingle itself with the hallowed feelings of 
 joy at the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 Remembering that the blessing of God is com- 
 mensurate with our zeal and our efforts, while 
 our hearts are filled v^ith animating love and grat- 
 itude to the great Head of the church for the good 
 that has been achieved, clergy and laity should 
 take shame to themselves that more good has not 
 been effected, and we should all perseveringly en- 
 deavour, each in our stations, to devote more of 
 our time, our talents, and our property, to the 
 cause of God and of souls. 
 
 The committee take pleasure in stating, that 
 they do most cordially concur with our venerable 
 diocesan in the opinion he expresses on the sub- 
 
 iect of clerical associations. Experience, with 
 ler thousand tongues, proclaims the efficacy of 
 these associations in stirring up Christians from 
 their state of spiritual slumber, and in bringing 
 the thoughtless and impenitent imder the subdu- 
 ing energies of God's word and spirit. As far, 
 therefore, as such associations can be effected 
 without interfering with other clerical duties, they 
 deserve to be recommended and encouraged. 
 And your committee believe, that being left vol- 
 untary and depending upon previous concert is 
 the best mode of adapting them to the ever-vary- 
 ing circumstances of tirrie, place, and emergency. 
 
 In conclusion, the committee think it expedient 
 to recommend to the special consideration and 
 observance of the clergy, as far as practicable, 
 the requirements of the 40th canon of the General 
 Convention, and the 13th canon of the chnrch in 
 this diocess. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 A. Empie, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report be 
 received. 
 
 .On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 
 do now adjourn until half past 4 o'clock P. M. 
 
 The Convention met at half past four O'clock 
 
 P. M., and, the bishop being absent, the Rev. 
 
 Mr. Lemon was called to the chair. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the e ec- 
 tion of the officers and executive committee of 
 the Missionary Society ; and thereupon John 
 G. Williams was elected secretary, Thomas 
 Nelson was elected treasurer, and Rev. E. C. 
 M'Guire, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev. 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rev. William Jackson, 
 Rev. Leonidas Polk, Rev. William F. Lee, Rev. 
 Edward W. Peet, Mr. John Nelson, Dr. Carter 
 Berkeley, Mr. Edmund L Lee, Mr. John Gray, 
 Mr. George M. Carrington, and Mr. Samuel C. 
 Nichols, were appointed members of the execu- 
 tive committee. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election^ 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the church 
 in this diocess for the ensuing year. Where- 
 upon the following gentlemen were duly elected, 
 viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the Rev. 
 Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jackson, 
 Mr. John Hooff, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and Mr. 
 John Gray. -r' 
 
 On motion of Mr. Thomas Marshall, Resolv- 
 ed, unanimously, That the thanks of this Con- 
 vention are due to the citizens of Norfolk bor- 
 ough, for their kindness and hospitality to every 
 nrember of this body. / 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Lee, the Rev. 
 Mr. Peet, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be appointed 
 a committee, to meet in the city of Richmond 
 as early as convenient, and make such an as- 
 sessment among the parishes of this diocess as 
 will raise the sum of $300 annually, to be paid 
 to Bishop Moore, and that this conmiittee inform 
 the clergymen of each parish of the proportion 
 required from his parish ; and 
 
 Resolved, That the clergy be requested to 
 raise the quota so assessed, and pay it in at the 
 next Convention. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States ; wherejipon the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. Reuel Keith, 
 Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev. John Gram- 
 rner. Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Mr. James M. 
 Garnett, Mr, John G. Williams, Mr. Thomas 
 Marshall, and Mr. John Nelson. 
 
 On motion of Mr. A. L. Dabney, Resolved, 
 That, agreeably to the provisions of the 13th 
 article of the constitution, notice be transmitted 
 to the several vestries of the parishes in this 
 diocess, that it is proposed at the next Conven- 
 tion to amend the first article of the constitu- 
 tion, by striking out the word " Thursday," and 
 inserting, in lieu thereof, the word " Wednes- 
 day," so that the article shall read thus : " There 
 shall be a Convention of the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church in this state on the third Wednes- 
 day in May in every year ; but the Convention 
 which meets in the year previous to the meet- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 265 
 
 ing of the General Convention may have power 
 to appoint the time and place of meeting for the 
 next annual session." _ ■ \ 
 
 On motion of the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Rer 
 solved, That twelve hundred copies of this 
 Journal be printed, and distributed by the secre- 
 tary among the parishes. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec- 
 retary his expenses incurred in attending this 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the door- 
 keeper of this Convention six dollars for his ser- 
 vices. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 journed, to meet in the town of Alexandria, on 
 the third Wednesday in May next. 
 
 RicH.\RD Channing Moork, 
 Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia, which assembled in the tovm of Alexandria, on the IGthday of Mai/, 1832. 
 
 This being the day appointed for the annual 
 meeting of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia, 
 the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D. D., 
 bishop, and the Right Rev. William Meade, 
 D. D., assistant bishop of the diocess, with 
 several clergvmen and lay delegates, attended 
 divine service in Christ Church. 
 
 Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Alex- 
 ander Jones, of St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson 
 county, and a sermon preached by the Rev. 
 William F. Lee, rector of Christ Church, 
 Richmond. 
 
 After divine service, the Right Rev. Will- 
 iam Meade, assistant bishop, in the absence of 
 Bishop Moore, took the chair as president of 
 the Convention, and Rev. WilUam F. Lee was 
 appointed Secretary pro tem. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 the Convention, appeared, viz. : — 
 
 Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church, Lan- 
 caster county ; Rev. Mark L. Chevers, St. 
 John's Church, Elizabeth City parish ; Rev. 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell parish, Bedford 
 county ; Rev. James Doughen, St. James's par- 
 ish, Northam, Goochland county ; Rev. Charles 
 Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax ; Rev. Henry 
 W. Ducachet, M. D., Christ Church, Norfolk; 
 Rev. Adam Empie, rector of Bruton parish, and 
 President of William and Mary College ; Rev. 
 Stephen H. Gunter, Hungar's parish ; Rev. Z. 
 H. Goldsmith, St Paul's parish. King George ; 
 !Rev. John Grammer, St. Andrew's and Bath 
 parishes, Dinwiddie county ; Rev. Johannes 
 Edward Jackson, Christ Church, Winchester ; 
 Rev. William Jackson, St. Paul's Chun.h, Al- 
 exandria ; Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Professor in 
 Theological Seminary ; Rev. George Lemon, 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier ; Rev. 
 William F. Lee, Christ Church, Richmond ; 
 Rev. Charles Mann, Christ Church, Fairfax par- 
 ish ; Rev. Zachariah Meade, St. Anne's parish, 
 Albemarle ; Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St 
 George's parish, Fredericksburg ; Rev. J. P. 
 M'Guire, St. Anne's and South Farnham par- 
 ishes, Essex ; Rev. Ira Parker ; Rev. John H. 
 Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk ; Rev. 
 Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's parish, Jeffer- 
 son ; Rev. F. G. Smith, St. PauPs Church, 
 Lynchburg ; Rev. Charles H. Page, Lexington 
 parish, Amherst ; Rev. Charles C. Taliaferro, 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg ; Rev. Joseph 
 H. Nichols, assistant minister of the Monument- 
 
 al Church, Richmond ; Rev. William M. Jack- 
 son, assistant minister of Frederick parish ; 
 Rev. Chaplin Hedges, Smithfield, Isle of 
 Wight ; Rev. Frederick D. Goodwin, Kanawha 
 parish; Rev. W. P. C. Johnson, No rborne par- 
 ish, Berkeley ; Rev. Annesley Stewart ; Rev. 
 J. S.' Swift, missionary in Buckingham, Albe- 
 marle, &-C. ; Rev. Josias Clapham, Hanover 
 parish. King George. 
 
 Mr. 'I'homas Marshall and Rev. Adam Em- 
 pie, D. D., were appointed a committee to ex- 
 amine the certificates of the lay delegates, who 
 reported as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report that the 
 following persons have been duly elected lay 
 delegates to this Convention, and that their cer- 
 tificates are authenticated in the manner pre- 
 scribed in the canon, viz. : — 
 
 Albert Turner, Hanover parish. King. George 
 county ; Robert P. Waring, Vuuter's Church, 
 parish of St. Anne's, Essex ; John T. Clark, 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county; William D. 
 Young, Portsmouth parish; Jacob C. Sheldon, 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg ; James Brown, 
 St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county ; George 
 F. Thornton and Addison F. Thornton, St. 
 Margaret's parish, Caroline ; Archibald Magill, 
 Christ Church, Winchester ; John Stuart and 
 Edward T. Tayloe, Lamb's Creek Church, 
 Brunswick parish. King George county ; Will- 
 iam G. Smith, Hungar's parish, Northampton ; 
 Robert E. Steed, Christ Church, Norfolk bor- 
 ough ; Philip Nelson and Philip Burwell, Grace 
 Church, Frederick parish ; David M. Walk and 
 Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, Princess 
 Anne ; John Wilson, Christ Church, Norborne 
 parish ; Westwood S. Armistead, St. John's 
 Church, Hampton ; Rawleigh W. Downman, 
 Christ Church, Lancaster ; William Norvell 
 Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg ; Lud- 
 well Digges, Hamilton parish, Fauquier county ; 
 Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albemarle; 
 Edmund Penn, Lexington parish, Amherst ; 
 Francis Wicker, Heririco parish, Henrico coun- 
 ty ; George W. Bassett, St. George's parish, 
 Fredericksburg ; Isaac Winston and Philip 
 Slaughter, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper; 
 John S. Dixon, Ware parish, Gloucester coun- 
 ty ; Isaac Chapline, Trinity Church, St. An- 
 drew's parish, Jefferson county; Gustavus B. 
 Alexander, St. Paul's Church, King George 
 
^66 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 county ; Edmund J. Lee, Christ Church, Fairfax 
 parish ; Thomas Nelson, Monumenul Church, 
 Richmond ; Wilson C. Selden and Lewis T. 
 Berkeley, St. Jamies's Church, Shelburne par- 
 ish, Loudoun ; Edward Colston, Norborne par- 
 ish, Berkeley county ; Thomas Marshall, Leeds 
 parish, Fauquier county ; Wm. Boiling, parish 
 of St. James, Northam, Goochland ; John Hooff, 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. 
 
 And the committee further report, that the 
 following persons appear to have been duly 
 elected, but their certificates are not in the form 
 prescribed by the canon, viz. : — 
 
 William Radford, Russell parish, Bedford 
 county"; Francis R. Hanson, Newport parish, 
 Isje of Wight ; John Nelson, St. James's parish, 
 Mecklenburg. 
 
 Oa motion. Resolved, That the report of the 
 committee appointed to examine the certificates 
 of the lay delegates be received and approved ; 
 and that those who were duly elected, but 
 whose certificates were not properly authentica- 
 ted, be admitted to seats in this Convention. 
 
 On motion of Rev. William F. Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the following rules of order, 
 adopted by the last Convention for the govern- 
 ment of th^ir proceedings, be the rules of pro- 
 ceeding during the present Convention. 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with prayer. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or 
 be unable to iittend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in de- 
 bate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. - 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, be 
 counted, unless he be personally interested in 
 the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before the 
 house unless it be seconded, and, when required, 
 reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined upon before any new subject 
 is introduced, except the question of adjourn- 
 ment. ^ 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and Avith- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave the chair. 
 
 13. None of the rules of order shall be sus- 
 pended without the concurrence of two thirds 
 of the members present. 
 
 14. The president shall, in his discretion, se- 
 lect a pew within the hmits of those allotted 
 for the use of the members, which pew shall be 
 appropriated for the accommodation of visiting 
 clergymen and students of the Theological 
 School, who niay be invited to the same by the 
 president without any special application to the 
 Convention. 
 
 In conformity with the fourteenth rule of the 
 Convention, Rev. James Milnor, D. D., of the 
 Diocess of New-York, and the Rev. J. P. K. 
 Henshaw, of the Diocess of Maryland, and 
 others, were invited to take seats with the mem- 
 bers of the Convention. 
 
 On motion by Mr. Hugh Nelson, of Freder- 
 icksville parish, Resolved, That a committee be 
 appointed to examine the condition of the funds 
 of the Theological School of this diocess, and 
 to suggest and report to this Convention the 
 best practicable means of enlarging the funds 
 of the institution, so as to promote the design 
 of making the school adequate to the reception 
 and instruction of such pious young men as 
 may present themselves to this institution as fu- 
 ture candidates for the ministry. 
 
 Committee on the Theological School-r-Rob- 
 ert P. Warmg, John T. Clark, Thomas Mar- 
 shall, Edward Colston, Hugh Nelson, Rev, 
 John Grammer, and Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Adam Empie, D. D., 
 Rev. George Lemon, Rev. H. W. Ducachet, 
 M. D., Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Philip Nelson, 
 and John Nelson, Esqrs., and Dr. Isaac Winston, 
 be a committee to take into consideration the 
 state of the church in this diocess, and report 
 thereon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That Rev. Charles Dresser, Rev. 
 Charles H. Page, and Rev. John P. M'Guire, 
 be a committee to examine the parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Thomas Nelson, Rev. J. 
 E. Jackson, and Rev. Franklin G. Smith, be a 
 committee to examine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That Rev. Edward C: M'Guire, 
 Rev. John H. Wingfield, and Col. John Stuart, 
 be a committee to examine the fund for the sup- 
 port of widows and orphans of deceased clergy- 
 men. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Mr. Raw- 
 leigh W. Downman, and Mr. John Nelson, be 
 a committee to examine the accounts of the 
 treasurer of the fund for the permanent support 
 of the episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 And the Convention adjourned till to-morrow 
 morning, 9 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 17, 1832. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., who took the chair 
 as president. 
 
 Mr. Hilary Baker, a delegate from Christ 
 Church, Richmond, appeared and took his seat. 
 
 The Rev. William F. Lee having with- 
 drawn, Hilary Baker was appointed secretary 
 pro tem. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 267 
 
 The Rev. E. R. Lippit appeared and took his 
 seat. 
 
 A memorial was received from the vestry of 
 St. Paul's Church, Norfolk borough^ which was 
 read, as follows : — . 
 
 To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the State of Virginia, assembled at Al- 
 exandria. 
 
 Norfolk, Va., 1th May, 1832. 
 Brethren, — The great increase of worship- 
 pers at Christ Church, in the borough of Norfolk, 
 has rendered it impossible for all to be accommo- 
 dated there who are attached to the doctrines 
 and worship of the Episcopal Church, and it has 
 been deemed advisable to organize another congre- 
 gation without delay. In pursuance of this de- 
 sign, subscriptions have been raised to repair the 
 old church belonging to the parish, and a vestry, 
 after due notice, elected, composed of Wm. H. 
 Thompson, George Rowland, Kichard B. Maury, 
 Alexander Gait, and Alpheus Fobes. We, the said 
 vestry, therefore pray to be recognised by the 
 Convention of the diocess, as representing the 
 new congregation, under the style and title of 
 " St. Paul's Church, Norfolk," and also that Rich- 
 ard B. Maury, our delegate to the Convention, 
 be admitted to a seat in that body. Signed by or- 
 der and in behalf of the vestry, by 
 
 Alex. Galt, ? WBrrlPTi<» 
 R. B. Maurv, ^ Wardens. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the prayer of the 
 petitioners be granted, and that their lay dele- 
 gate, Mr. R. B. Maury, who presented a certifi- 
 <;ate of his appointment, be admitted to a seat 
 in this body. 
 
 The report of the treasurer of the fund for 
 the relief of the widows and orphans of de- 
 ceased clergymen was presented, and referred 
 to the committee appointed to examine the same. 
 
 The report of the treasurer of this Conven- 
 tion was presented, and referred to the com- 
 mittee appointed to examine the same. 
 
 The Rev. John Cook, of St. Martin's parish, 
 Hanover, appeared and took his seat. Mr. 
 George W. Nelson, a delegate from the same 
 parish, produced a certificate of his appoint- 
 ment, and was admitted to a seat in the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Mr. Robert Thompson, a delegate from Nel- 
 son parish. Nelson county, and Mr. Malcolm 
 M'Farland, from Cumberland parish, Lunen- 
 burg county, attended and took their seats. 
 
 The report of the treasurer of the Missiona- 
 ry Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the Diocess of Virginia was presented and 
 referred to a committee to examine the same, 
 consisting of Dr. Wilson C. Selden and Mr. 
 John Stuart. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., in 
 pursuance of the 45th canon of the General 
 Convention, delivered the following address : — 
 
 In compliance with the duty imposed on me by 
 the church, I shall now present you with a view 
 of those episcopal duties in which I have been en- 
 gaged during the past year. Inclination loudly 
 prompted me to extend my labours, but advanced 
 years and bodily infirmities have obliged me to 
 move in a very small circle, and to leave some du- 
 ties which I should gladly and willingly have per- 
 formed to my Right Rev. brother. Bishop Meade. 
 
 Immediately after the close of the last Conven- 
 
 tion in Norfolk, I visited the eastern shore of Virr 
 ginia, attended by the Rev. Mr. Goldsmith. We 
 commenced our labours in Eastville, in the coun- 
 ty of Northampton, at which place, being indispo- 
 sed myself, .Mr. Goldsmith preached in the even- 
 ing. We then proceeded to the coutity of Acco- 
 mack, in company with Mr. Gunter, where I 
 preached in St. James's Church on Sunday, the 
 day of May, to a large congregation, and ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper and the rite of con- 
 firmation. In the afternoon of the same day Mr. 
 Goldsmith preached in Onancock to a respectable 
 and attentive auditory. 
 
 The next day, agreeably to appointment, I met 
 a small congregation in another district of the par- 
 ish ; upon which occasion Mr. Gunter read pray- 
 ers and I preached. As I had made an appoint- 
 ment in St. George's Church the subsequent day, 
 we attended lor the purpose of divine worship, 
 when prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. and 
 
 I preached to a numerous and deeply-impressed 
 congregation. Having finished our labours in Ac- 
 comack, we returned to Northampton, and held 
 divine service in Hungar's Church ; on which oc- 
 casion Mr. Gunter read prayers and the Rev. 
 Mr. Goldsmith preached. We then returned to 
 Eastville, where, on the day after our arrival, I 
 consecrated a handsome brick church : — prayers 
 were read by Mr. Gunter, and a sermon suitable to 
 the occasion was delivered by myself I'he sac- 
 rament of the Lord's Supper was administered, 
 and nine persons were confirmed. The church 
 in Eastville, for its neatness and symmetry, re- 
 flects great credit upon the members of our com- 
 munion in that neighbourhood. It was erected by 
 the generous contributions of a small number of 
 the wealthy part of that community, who, with 
 their descendants, I sincerely pray, may reap the 
 advantages arising from their pious exertions. 
 During my stay on the eastern shore, I suffered 
 much from bodily indisposition ; and I should 
 consider myself deficient in gratitude were I not 
 to express my thanks to the people for their atten- 
 tion to my wants, and to Mr. Goldsmith for his 
 unwearied efforts in contributing to my comfort. 
 
 Having thus discharged my duties in those 
 counties, I recrossed the bay, and returned to 
 Riciuiiond. In the month of July I visited the 
 city of Williamsburg, lectured in the evening at 
 the house of Mr. Peachy; preached, and adminis- 
 tered the Lord's Supper the Sunday following, in 
 the church, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Empie, and 
 confirmed fifteen. I then embarked for Alexan- 
 dria, at which place we held an association. 
 On that occasion we were joined by a number of 
 the clergy of this diocess and of Maryland, and 
 were assisted in our labours by the Rev. Dr. Hen- 
 shaw and the Rev. Mr. Johns, of Baltimore, and 
 Rev. Dr. Bedell, of Philadelphia. To say that 
 our meeting at that time was instructive and 
 agreeable, would be expressing myself in lan- 
 guage too faint for the occasion. A spirit of great 
 fervour and devotion appeared to animate every 
 bosom ; the congregations were deeply solemn 
 and attentive, and overflowing ;— many were awa- 
 kened to the consideration of eternal things, and 
 openly avowed their love and gratitude to the Al- 
 mighty. It would rejoice my heart, brethren, to 
 witness a similar evidence of divine influence 
 in every parish in the diocess. As a proof of the 
 devotional feeling which prevailed, more especial- 
 ly among the young, I with pleasure announce to 
 the Convention that I confirmed, during my visit, 
 upwards of ninety persons. An ordination was 
 also held in St. Paul's Church, on which occasion 
 I admitted to deacons' orders Fred. D. Goodwin, 
 Cyrus Hamilton Jacobs, WiUiam P. C, Johnson, 
 
26^ 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 Job Sidney Swift, J. Loring Woart, and William 
 M. Jaclisoii. 
 
 In February last I admitted to deacons' orders 
 in Christ Church, Richmond, Mr. Parke F. Berke- 
 ley, when the Rev. Wiiham F. Lee preached, and 
 assisted me in the administration of the Lord's 
 Supper. 
 
 In the month of April I made a pastoral visit to 
 Charles City county, in company with the Rev. 
 Mr. Peet, at which time I consecrated a church 
 in that parish, which has been completely re- 
 paired by the efforts of the people, and hand- 
 somely fitted for the public worship of Almighty 
 God. On that occa&ion Mr. Peel read prayers, 
 and I preached to a numerous and attentive audi- 
 tory, and administered the Lord's Supper to thirty- 
 nine devout members. It is with pleasure I in- 
 form the Convention that a second church in the 
 same county will be ready for consecration by my 
 returp to Richmond. 
 
 Jn Charles City county we have had no com- 
 fortable place in'' which to assemble since my res- 
 idence in this diocess ; but as the members of our 
 communion in that district have thus evidenced 
 their attachment to the church by preparing places 
 for the wol-ship of Almighty God, 1 have no doubt 
 that a clergyman of piety, industry, and cojupe- 
 tent talents would meet with a welcome reception 
 and a suitable support ; and that our Zion, which 
 has been cloaked in sackcloth for the last thirty 
 years, would put on her beautiful garments, and 
 the courts of the Lord's house be hiled with de- 
 vout worshippers, and resound with the praises 
 of the ever-living God. I have thus, brethren, 
 given you a view of my episcopal labours since 
 the last Convention, and shall reserve what I have 
 further to say for the valedictory address, with 
 which our meeting will be closed on Sunday 
 evening. 
 
 The Right Rer. Bishop Meade, D. D., also 
 delivered an address, narrating the episcopal 
 duties performed by him during the past year, 
 as follows : — 
 
 To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 of the Diocess of Virginia, assembled in Alexandria, 
 May 16, 18.32. 
 
 Dear Brethren, — The narrative of episcopal 
 duties performed by me within our bomds during 
 the past year will be very brief, for those duties 
 were few in number. You will recollect that 
 during the last summer my services were called 
 for by the newly-organized diocessesof Kentucky 
 and Tennessee. A compliance with those occu- 
 pied nearly three months, and of course withdrew 
 me during that period from the scene of my ordi- 
 nary labours. The detailed account of duties per- 
 formed in these infant diocesses was presented 
 to fhe proper authorities thereof, and having been 
 duly spread before the public, need not be now 
 repeated. So long an absence from my parish 
 and family will, I am sure, be accepted as an ex- 
 cuse for the po.^tponement of some visits which 
 I intended to make to parishes within our own 
 diocess. Nevertheless, it was my purpose to 
 spend the two months immediately preceding this 
 our meeting in visiting some of the middle coun- 
 ties of the state, according to the wish of Bishop 
 Moore ; but it pleased Providence to prevent the 
 execution of the same, by sending sickness on 
 some members of my family, under circumstances 
 which required my presence at home. With 
 divine permission, I expect to enter upon the pro- 
 posed tour in a short time after the rising of this 
 Convention. I now proceed to make mention of 
 those acts performed by me in the diocess of I 
 
 Virginia since your last annual meeting. I availed 
 myself of the opportunity pre&ented by my visit to 
 the western country, to make some appointments 
 for the benefit of our congregations in tataunton 
 and Kanawha. At the former place I expected, 
 according to previous notice, to find a new church 
 ready for consecration; but in this was disap- 
 pointed, unavoidable circumstances preventing its 
 completion. I reached Staunton on the third of 
 May, and, tarrying there a part of two days, 
 preached twice, and administered the rite of con- 
 firmation to twelve persons. By recent inteili- 
 gence Irom the diligent pastor of that congrega- 
 tion,^ I learn that the church in Staunton is com- 
 pleted, and that another in the county bids lair 
 tt) be ready for consecration and use m a short 
 time. From Staunton I proceeded to Kanawha, 
 reaching Charlestown on the following Saturday. 
 In that place and the neighbourhood 1 spent five 
 days, pieaching seven times, administering the 
 communion twice, and bapdzmg six children. 
 During the last fall the members and friends of 
 our church in that legiou obtained the services 
 of the Rev Frederick Goodwin, who is now with, 
 us to render a more specific account of the con- 
 dition of that portion of our Zion. From Kana- 
 wha 1 proceeded to the duties wliich awaited me 
 in the west. Through God's good providence I 
 was enabled to perform all that was required of 
 me, and permitted to return in health and safety 
 to my family and people by the last of July. If 
 any good shall result from the labours performed, 
 1 shall consider them light indeed, and not worthy 
 to be mentioned. A lew weeks alter reaching 
 home, and on the 21st of August, I was called to 
 the pleasing task of consecrating to the service 
 of God a new and very eKcellent church in Berry- 
 ville, within my own parish. Myself and people 
 were much encouraged by the presence of a num- 
 ber of brethren from different parts, who for three 
 successive days and nights were engaged in otler- 
 ing up solemn prayers to Heaven, and delivering 
 faithful and animated exhortations to large and 
 attentive congregations. On the last day, which 
 was the Lord's day, the sacrament of baptism was 
 administered to one adult, the rile of confirmation 
 to seven persons, the office of deacon was con- 
 ferred on Mr. Chaplin Hedges, and the Lord's 
 Supper was distributed among a large number of 
 communicants. A few day's after the above-men- 
 tioned services I attended an association in Win- 
 chester, where our exercises were also continued 
 for three days and nights, closing on the Sabbath 
 with the administration of the rite of confirmation 
 to eight persons, and the Lord's Supper to a goodly 
 number of communicants. In the month of Sep- 
 tember I was called to visit the churches in Fau- 
 quier, Culpepper, and Fredericksburg. My duties 
 commenced in Culpepper. The Rev. Mr. Wood- 
 viile, the Rev. Mr. Lemon,. Mr. Zachariah Meade, 
 and Mr. George Smith were present. During the 
 two days and nights we were together, it was 
 felt to be good that we were there. With the 
 rising sun we repaired to the house of God, where 
 a number of devout people met with us. In the 
 forenoon, afternoon, and evening, we renewed our 
 assemblies, and wailed still upon God. ft is hoped 
 our intercessions, prayers, and exhortations were 
 not in vain. The earnest desires which already 
 existed in many hearts, were, we trust, increased 
 and confirmed mto holy resolutions. On the second 
 day the rite of confirmation was administered to 
 eighteen, and was followed by the Lord's Supper. 
 From Culpepper I proceeded in company with the 
 Rev. Zachariah Meade to Fredericksburg, where 
 a spiritual feast awaited us. For some months 
 before the religious state of that parish had been 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 269 
 
 deeply interesting. The rector traces the coni- 
 mencement of that happy revival wiih which his 
 people have been blessed to serious impressions 
 made upon the minds of some of the young mem- 
 bers of his congregation at the Convention iri Nor- 
 folk. The impressions were soon communicated 
 to others, and spread from heart to heart, until a 
 general and very deep concern pervaded the con- 
 gregation. Meetings for religious exercises be- 
 came more frequent in the church, the lecture- 
 room, and private houses. The anxieties of souls 
 hungering and thirsting after righteousness, loudly 
 called for every effort from the minister and the 
 pious members of his church. 'I'he result was 
 such as must give joy to every friend of reUgion. 
 God perfected praise out of the mouth of liabes ; 
 young men and maidens were converted to the 
 Lord ; even the old were born again ; tb^eal of 
 Christians wts stirred up ; intideUty was miazed, 
 vice stood abashed, scoffers became mute ; all 
 ages, charact^s, and classes flocked to the house 
 of God as a place of deep and all-absorbing inter- 
 est. Such was the condition of the church in 
 Fredericksburg when 1 was called upon to assist 
 in the admission of a number of new converts to 
 all the privileges of the church of God. It was 
 indeed a most delightful and triumphant season 
 to myself and the brethren assembled on the oc- 
 casion. Often did we meet together with people 
 who evidently felt that it was good for them to be 
 there, who delighted to sing together in hymns, 
 and psalms, and spiritual songs, singing and ma- 
 king melody in their hearts to the Lord. We 
 felt that it was good for ourselves to be there, that 
 our faith and zeal might be improved. On the 
 Sabbath we were privileged to hear the renewal 
 of solemn baptismal vows in the rite of confirma- 
 tion uttered by more than seventy persons, from 
 the age of fifteen to threescore and ten. We 
 have good reason to believe that these vows were 
 made in sincerity and truth, with enlightened 
 understandings and sanctified affections. No 
 methods were used to produce a spurious excite- 
 ment, and hurry to an open profession of religion 
 those who might be under its influence. Such a 
 revival as this may God grant to all our churches. 
 I have only to add, that on the evening of the day 
 when this interesting scene occurred the sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper was administered, and 
 Mr. Seneca Bragg and Mr. Stewart were admit- 
 ted to the order of deacons. The morning service, 
 sermon, and rite of confirmation, occupied so large 
 a portion of the day, that it was thought expedient 
 to defer the remaining exercises until the evening. 
 On leaving Fredericksburg f proceeded to Fau- 
 quier, where I preached at Warrenton on Tues- 
 day, at which time thirteen persons were con- 
 firmed. On the two following days I preached in 
 the upper part of the county at the Cool Spring 
 meeting-house, and intended to have held a con- 
 firmation and administered the Lord's Supper on 
 the third day, but was arrested by the hand of 
 sickness, which for some weeks disabled me from 
 all duty. Much sooner than I deserved it pleased 
 Providence to raise me up from the bed of sick- 
 ness, and enable me to engage in his service. The 
 first public act performed after my recovery was 
 the bestowing of priests' orders on the Rev. Mr 
 Bragg, which was allowed before the canonical 
 period, with a view to his entering into the services 
 of the Missitniary Society in a distant part of our 
 coimtry. His ordination took place in the new 
 church at Berryville, on Sunday, November 13th, 
 1831. From that time till the month of April my 
 services were confined to my own parish. On 
 the 12ih of April I set out to visit, according to 
 appointment, on© of the churches in Hampshire ;' 
 
 but in consequence of the sickness of my horse, was 
 unable to reach the place of appointment. I was 
 obliued to retrace my steps, in order to fulfil an 
 engiigement at Mill Creek on Saturday, the 14th. 
 This I was enabled to do, as well as to reach 
 Martinsburg, and preach there the same evening. 
 On the following morning, which was the Sab- 
 bath, !• preached again at Maitinsburg, baptized a 
 child, confirmed two persons, and administered 
 the commnnion. At night I preached to a large 
 congregation in the country at Mount Zioti Church, 
 and the next day preached again- baptized one 
 adult and confirmed two persons, and adminis- 
 tered the communion. I am happy to inform the 
 Convention that the Rev. Mr. Johnson has been 
 chosen rector of this parish, and will enter imme- 
 diately on his duties. 
 
 On the following day I proceeded to Shepherds- 
 town, where I preached m the evening, and also 
 the next morning. From thence I went to Charles- 
 town, where I also preached twice, and on the 
 second occasion confirmed nine young and inter- 
 esting disciples of our Lord. On ^he following 
 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, being the senscn 
 set apart for the special consideration of the suf- 
 ferings, death, and resurrection of our Lord, the 
 services were held at the chapel in Frederick 
 parish and the church at Berryville, by the Rev. 
 William Jackson and myself, on the last of which 
 days, in the church at Berryville, I baptized one 
 adult, confirmed seven, and administered the 
 Lord's Supper to the communicants of the parish. 
 
 The last services performed were at Leesburg, 
 on my way to this place, where I preached on 
 Saturday evening, Sunday morning and evening, 
 besides addressing the teachers, parents, and 
 children of the fiourishing Sunday School in that 
 place. On Monday morning, before I left there, a 
 meeting of a few friends of the measure assembled, 
 and commenced a subscription for a new and larger 
 church. One thousand dollars were subscribed, 
 which, with other means already in hand, and 
 what may certainly be expected from others not 
 present, almost ensures the object of the meeting. 
 Such, brethren, are the. only services 1 have been 
 able to render to the church in aid of our beloved 
 father, to whose assistance you have called me. 
 Wm. Meade, Assist. Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 The secretary received the following contribu- 
 tions from sundry parishes in this diocess for Con- 
 tingent Fund, and towards the remuneration of 
 Bi&hop Moore for his episcopal services, viz. : — 
 
 Hanover parish, King George 
 
 county, - - - . 
 Vauter's Church, Essex county, 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county, 
 Portsmouth parish, 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg, 
 St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson 
 
 county, Zion Chufch, 
 Do. Trinity Church, - 
 South Farnham parish, Essex, 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline, 
 Christ Church, Winchester, 
 Lamb's Creek Church, Bruns- 
 wick parish, King George, 
 Huntrar's parish, Northumber- 
 land, - . _ . 
 
 
 For E. «er. 
 
 Contingent 
 
 of Bishop 
 
 Fund. 
 
 Moore. 
 
 $5 00 
 
 $00 oo 
 
 20 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 24 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 11 00 
 
 9 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 4 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 00 
 
 10 00 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 8 50 
 
 Amount carried forward, |145 00 S54 50 
 
2tO 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $145 00 
 Christ Church,Norfoik borough, 30 00 
 Grace Church, Frederick par- 
 ish, Frederick county, 
 Lynnhaven parish. Princess 
 
 Anne county, 
 Christ Church, Norborne par- 
 ish, Berkeley county, 
 St. John's Church, Hampton, 
 Chirist Church, Lancaster 
 county, - . - 
 
 15 00 
 
 - 10 CO 
 
 8 00 
 6 00 
 
 15 70 
 
 15 00 
 
 16 25 
 
 15 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 11 00 
 
 ::S 
 
 ^t. Paul's Church, Lynchburg,, 15 00 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier, 
 Lexington parish, Amherst, 
 St. John's Church, Henrico 
 parish, - - - - 
 St. George's parish, Freder- 
 icksburg, '- 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpep- 
 per county, 
 -Ware and Abingdon parishes, 
 
 Gloucester, - - - 36 10 
 St. Paul's parish, King George, 13 00 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, 30 00 
 Monumental Church, Rich- 
 mond City, - - - 
 St. James's Church, Shelburne 
 
 parish, Loudoun, 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley, 
 Christ Church, 
 Mount Zion's Church 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier, 
 St. James's parish, Northam, 
 Goochland, - - - 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 
 Russell parish, Bedford county, 30 00 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight, 3 00 
 St. James's parish, Mecklen- 
 burg, - - - - 
 Christ Church, Richmond, - 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover, 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie, 
 St. Andrew's parish, Bruns- 
 wick county, 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg 
 county, - - - - 
 Suffolk parish, Suffolk, 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper, 
 Kanawha parish, 
 Wicomico parish, Northum- 
 berland, - - - - 
 Mr. Hugh Nelson, for Fred- 
 ericksville parish, 
 
 30 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 6 50 
 20 00 
 
 10 00 
 10 00 
 20 00 
 30 00 
 15 00 
 
 - 15 00 
 
 15 00 
 10 00 
 22 00 
 15 00 
 
 7 00 
 
 00 
 
 S54 50 
 12 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 9 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 6 00 
 
 00 
 12 00 
 
 7 00 
 5 00 
 
 8 00 
 10 00 
 
 9 00 
 12 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 $704 55 $295 60 
 
 The business of the Convention was sus- 
 pended for the purpose of attending divine ser- 
 vice. 
 
 After service. Bishop Meade took the chair. 
 The parochial reports having been received and 
 read, were referred to the committee on paro- 
 chial reports. 
 
 The report of the board of trustees of the 
 Theological School of Virginia, together with 
 that of their treasurer, were presented and read 
 by the Rev, John Grammer, and received. 
 
 Report of the Trustees of the Theological Seminary 
 of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 In presenting again to the Convention a report 
 of the condition and prospects of the Theological 
 Seminary, the trustees are permitted to indulge in 
 a higher tone of congratulation than they could on 
 any former occasion assume. The blessing of 
 Ciod has been crowning our feeble efforts with a 
 most cheering mea.sure of success ; and the pros- 
 pect of seeing the spiritual desolation of our Zion 
 removed, and her walls supplied and built up by 
 faithful and eflicient labourers, is brightening upon 
 us with a rapidity which gives ripeness to our 
 hopes, assurance to our faith, and new energy to 
 our exertions. The Lord is evidently calling the 
 attention of the pious youth of our church to the 
 consideration of the duty of dedicating themselves . 
 exclu^ely to his service in the ministry of the 
 gospel. The number of students in^ur seminary 
 during the last year has exceeded by nearly one 
 third that of any previous period, ^'en have been 
 ordained since the last meeting of our Convention, 
 and seven are expected to undergo examination 
 for orders during our present session. Here is 
 therefore an increase of seventeen to the number 
 of our clergy within one year; an increase which 
 we may reasonably expect will advance with the 
 rapidity of a geometrical proportion, and soon si- 
 lence the urgency of that cry for help which falls 
 with such constant and painful vibrations upon 
 our ears from almost every quarter of our land. 
 It is no longer visionary to hope, that before an- 
 other generation shall have wholly passed away, 
 every parish in our diocess may be blessed with a 
 regular ministration of the word of life and the 
 ordinances of our church— and the prospect of 
 such a consummation of our hopes is calculated 
 to enkindle the liveliest emotions of gratitude to 
 God, who has so graciously sustained and encour- 
 aged us amid the many difficulties which have 
 threatened to overwhelm us. But, although our 
 cause for gratitude is most abundant, we are not 
 periniited to forget that it is through the instru- 
 mentality of human iheans that the divine pur- 
 poses are effected. "While God is by his spirit 
 working upon the hearts of the youth of our 
 church, and awakening in their bosoms the holy 
 desire of ministering to the spiritual wants of 
 their fellow-creatures ; to us is given the honour, 
 and on us devolves the duty, of supplying the 
 means for improving to the highest measure of 
 efficiency the talents with which they have been 
 intrusted. And these means must be enlarged in 
 proportion as the number of those to whom they 
 are to be applied is increased. The increase du- 
 ring the past year in the number of students who 
 are preparing for the ministry in our seminary, 
 renders an enlargement of that institution indis- 
 pensably necessary. The building heretofore 
 erected for the general purposes of the seminary 
 is at present insufficient. It is capable of ac- 
 commodating only twenty students, while the 
 number at this time connected with the institution 
 is thirty. Of these several have been under the 
 necessity of submitting to the great inconvenience 
 and disadvantage of obtaining lodgings in the 
 adjacent country. And it is the painful duty of 
 the board to state, that one young man has been 
 compelled to withdraw from the impossibility of 
 procuring accommodations, and that there is rea- 
 son to fear that others have been deterred by the 
 same cause from connecting themselves with this 
 seminary. Under these circumstances, the trus- 
 tees have felt themselves constrained to order and 
 make arrangements for the erection of another 
 building, of equal dimensions with that at present 
 occupied. And it is from the efforts of Christian 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 271 
 
 benevolence that they must look for the means of 
 meeting the expenses of this undertaking. Our 
 vested fund amounts to $17,075 90 — the annual 
 interest of which is barely sufficient for the sup- 
 port of one professor ; and to divert it from this to 
 Other purposes would be to stop at once the 
 course of instruction, and render it wholly useless. 
 It is therefore upon the liberahty of our friends 
 that we depend for the supply of our present 
 wants. And to this source we look with entire 
 confidence. After the many evidences we have 
 received of the divine favour, to doubt would 
 manifest a want of faith in the highest degree un- 
 reasonable and sinful. While the Lord is putting 
 it into the hearts of our youth to relinquish their 
 prospects for earthly wealth and worldly honours, 
 and "give their time and their talents, their bodies 
 and souls, lo the glorious work of proclaiming sal- 
 vation to a perishing world, who can dare to sup- 
 pose that he will not exert an according influence 
 upon his people, and move them to contribute 
 freely of that substance of which they are his 
 stewards, to the purpose of rendering most effect- 
 ual this work ? The work is of the Lord ; it is a 
 branch of his planting, and it will flourish. While 
 one pulse of piety throbs in a human bosom, the 
 vital current of Christian charity must flow on- 
 ward. We appeal, therefore, fearlessly, to those 
 who call themselves the disciples of that Saviour 
 who so loved the world that he gave his life as a 
 ransom for sinners, and who thus proved by his 
 works what he has declared in his word, that the 
 essential characteristic of his nature is love, — we 
 appeal to his professed disciples for the manifest- 
 ation of the sincerity of their professions, by the 
 exhibition of a portion of his spirit. And it is an 
 appeal wnich cannot be resisted. If they be in- 
 deed his disciples, they are animated by his 
 spirit ; for " If any man have not the spirit of 
 Christ, he is none of his." They cannot look un- 
 moved upon the waste places of Zion ;— they 
 cannot remain deaf to the calls for help which as 
 cend on all sides from the multitudes '' who are 
 ready to perish ;" nor can they reflect without re- 
 gret on the fact, that of those who are desirous of 
 labouring in the vineyard of the Lord, any should 
 be kept back for want of such means as earthly 
 riches can provide. They will respond to our ap- 
 peal with a promptness and liberality which will 
 manifest of what spirit they are, and that the 
 spirit of Christ is a spirit of love. We would call 
 upon the Convention, therefore, to sustain us in 
 our present undertaking, by adopting such meas- 
 ures as may be deemed expedient for presenting 
 this subject most clearly to the consideration of 
 our friends. 
 
 And in conclusion the board would briefly state, 
 that from the report of the professors, the stu- 
 dents m our seminary have, during the past year, 
 pursued with regularity and diligence the course 
 of stiidy heretofore prescribed ; that their deport- 
 ment has been consistent and exemplary, and has 
 developed a tone of piety and devotedness to God 
 which gives a strong promise of their future use- 
 fulness in his church. 
 
 The committee appointed to take into con- 
 sideration the state of the Theological School, 
 made a report as follows : — 
 
 Resolved, That a meeting be invited to be 
 held at St. Paul's Church, on Friday afternoon, 
 at half past 4 o'clock, when addresses by the 
 clergy and some of the laity will be presented, 
 and a collection taken up to procure funds for the 
 immediate erection of such buildings at the sem- 
 inary as are at this time deemed indispensable. 
 
 Resolved, That the chairman of this commit- 
 tee be requested to invite' such of the clergy 
 and laymen as he may think proper to present 
 addresses at the said meeting. 
 
 Resolved, That for the accommodation of 
 those who may be unprepared at the instant to 
 indulge their charitable feelings towards this 
 institution, subscription papers be prepared and 
 offered to the meeting, which shall also be dis- 
 tributed throughout the diocess, to secure a 
 collection adequate to the wants of the semi- 
 nary. 
 
 An amendment was offered by Mr. Colston, 
 pending the discussion of which the Convention 
 adjourned, to meet to-morrow morning, at 9 
 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 18, 1832. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Wm. F. Lee. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took 
 the chair as president. 
 
 The Rev. Edward W. Peet, of Henrico par- 
 ish, appeared and took his seat. 
 
 The following communication was received 
 from the Virginia Society for promoting the ob- 
 servance of the Christian Sabbath, which was 
 read, and, with the documents accompanying it, 
 referred to the committee on the slate of the 
 church, viz. : — 
 
 To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 The managers of the Virginia Society for pro- 
 moting the observance of the Christian Sabbath 
 would respectfully solicit the attention of the 
 Convention to the best means of promoting the 
 sanctificationof the Lord's day. The accompany- 
 ing circular, address, and report, will explain the 
 object, and the means employed by this society ; 
 and show that we desire not the aid of the civil 
 power, but the moral influence of all the people ol 
 God. Believing that the Convention take a lively 
 interest in this subject, and that its influence 
 would be extensively and powerfully felt among 
 us, we cherish the hope that it will take such 
 measures in relation to it as in its wisdom it may 
 deem expedient. 
 
 By order of the board of managers. 
 
 Chaki.es Goddard, Cor. Sec. _ 
 
 Richmond, May 12, 1832. 
 
 The Rev. J. Loring Woart appeared and 
 took his seat. 
 
 The consideration of the report made. on yes- 
 terday by the committee on the Theological 
 School was resumed. On motion of the Rev. 
 Mr. Grammer, it was amended by the adoption 
 of the following substitute : — 
 
 Whereas it appears from the report of the 
 board of trustees of the Theological Seminary 
 that funds are wanting for the erection of an- 
 other building, and the endowment of another 
 professorship, the first of which objects is of 
 immediate and absolute importance ; therefore, 
 Resolved, That a meeting be held this after- 
 noon, in St. Paul's Church, at half past 4 
 o'clock, for the purpose of commencing such a 
 course of measures as may be calculated to 
 effect this object; by making known to the 
 friends of the seminary its wants ; appealing ta 
 
272 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 them by public addresses for pecuniary aid ; re- 
 ceiving such contributions as its friends may be 
 prepared to give ; and such subscriptions as 
 any may be disposed to make. 
 
 Resolved, That the board of trustees of the 
 Theological Seminary be requested to make the 
 necessary arrangements, and superintend the 
 proceedings of the said meeting. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, it was 
 
 Resolved, That the next annual Conven- 
 tion of this diocess be held in the Monumental 
 Church, in the city of Richmond. 
 
 The committee on the treasurer's accounts 
 made the following report : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the treas- 
 urer's accounts respectfully report, That they 
 have examined the same, and find them correct--^ 
 the various items being ascertained by the proper 
 vouchers, which are filed with the accounts. The 
 balance remaining in the hands of the treasurer 
 at this time, of the contingent fund, is $497 11, 
 and the fund for the bishop is $36 50, as appears 
 by the accompanying accounts. 
 
 Thomas Nelson, Chairman. 
 
 Mr. Edmund J. Lee, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the state of the fund for the 
 permanent support of the episcopate in this dio- 
 cess, presented the following report : — 
 
 The committee upon the episcopal fund re- 
 port. That, according to the order of the Conven- 
 tion, they have examined the same. And that at 
 the last Convention the amount was $5,552 91 in 
 stocks. That there has been added to it since 
 then $216, which has been vested in bank- 
 , stocks, makmg the whole amount in stocks to be 
 $5,750. During the present Convention, the trus- 
 tees of the fund have received the following sums 
 under the resolution of the last Convention :— 
 From Russell parish, - , - - $12 50 
 St. Martin's, - - - - 17 00 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, - 12 00 
 Sapony Church, Chesterfield, - 10 00 
 Christ Church, Richmond, - 11 00 
 
 $5,750 00 Stocks. 
 
 62 50 Cash. $62 50 
 
 $5,812 50 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the said report 
 be received. 
 
 Agreeably to the provisions of the 13th arti- 
 cle, notice having been transmitted to the sev- 
 eral vestries of the parishes in this diocess that 
 it was proposed lo amend the first article of the 
 constitution, by striking out the word Thursday, 
 and inserting, in lieu thereof, the word Wed- 
 nesday; on motion of the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, 
 it was Resolved, That the said article be so 
 amended as to read thus : *' There shall be a 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in this state on the third Wedne.sday in May 
 every year ; but the Convention which meets 
 m the year previous to the meeting of the Gen- 
 eral Convention may have power to appoint 
 the time and place of meeting for the next an- 
 nual session." 
 
 Leave of absence for to-morrow was granted 
 to Mr. Edmund J. Lee and Mr. Wm. Boiling. 
 
 The business of the Convention was sus- 
 pended for the purpose of attending divine ser- 
 
 vice. After service, Bishop Meade took the 
 chair. 
 
 Mr. Jno. B. Breckenridge presented a cer- 
 tificate of his appointment as lay delegate from 
 Augusta jjarish, in Staunton, and was admitted 
 to a seat in the Convention. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the church 
 in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where- 
 upon the following gentlemen were duly elect- 
 ed, viz. :— The Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the 
 Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. Wm. Jack- 
 son, Mr. John HoofF, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, and 
 Mr. John Gray. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the 
 choice of the executive committee of the Mis- 
 sionary Society, which resulted in the election 
 of Mr. John G. Williams, secretary ; Mr. 
 Thomas Nelson, treasurer ; and Rev. E. C. 
 M'Guire, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev. 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rev. Wm. Jackson, Rev. 
 Adam Empie, Rev. Wm. F. Lee, Rev. Edward 
 W. Peet, Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Geo. M. Car- 
 rington, and Mr. Samuel C. Nichols, as mem- 
 bers of the executive committee. 
 , The committee to whom was referred the ac- 
 count of the treasurer of the Missionary Society 
 reported. That they had examined the same, and 
 found it correct, and authenticated by the proper 
 vouchers ; and that the balance in the treasurer's 
 hands on the 16th instant amounted to $60 72. 
 
 On motion, the Convention adjourned until 
 to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 S.4TURDAY, May 19, 1832. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. 
 Wm. F. Lee. 
 
 The Right. Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took 
 the chair. 
 
 The committee on parochial reports made the 
 following report, which was read and accepted, 
 with this exception, that the report of the rector 
 of the Monumental Church, Richmond, was re- 
 stored to its original condition, viz. : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the pa- 
 rochial reports have discharged the task assigned 
 them, and herewith return the same, i-evised and 
 abridged, for insertion on tho journal : — 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re- 
 ports, since the last Convention, one adult and 
 ten infant baptisms, nine marriages, and six fu- 
 nerals. Confirmations fifteen. Of the communi- 
 cants, eight have been lost by removal and one^jy 
 death. At the time of our association in June 
 last and soon after, the church received an acces- 
 sion of fifteen new communicants. Our present 
 number is sixty-five, of whom three are Africans. 
 Our communicants form three fifths of our adult 
 congregation. 
 
 It is proper to add, that a female Bible class has 
 been formed, that our Bible, Prayer- Book, and 
 Tract Society has become auxiliary to the Mis- 
 sionary Society of this diocess, and that we have 
 laid the foundation of a parish library, which con- 
 tains already about one hundred volumes, one 
 half of which is the gift of Mrs. Julia Avery, 
 daughter of Dr. Bracken, former rector of the 
 parish. A. Empie, Rector. 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county. While the 
 rector of this parish could wish that its rehgious 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 273 
 
 state was much better, he is thankful that it is 
 not worse. Since the last Convention twelve 
 have been added to the communion. Within the 
 same period more than $700 have been contribu- 
 ted to the Bible Society, the Education Society, 
 the Greek Mission, and the Colonizing Society. 
 A donation of one thousand dollars in road-stock 
 has been made to the Theological Seminary by 
 one individual. A commodious church, recently 
 erected in Berryville, was consecrated in August 
 last. He hopes to report to the next Convention 
 the completion of another, which is about to be 
 erected at Millwood. The rector, while regretting 
 to state that the Rev. Mr. Rice has resigned his 
 place as assistant minister in this parish, is happy 
 to be able to add, that the Rev. WilUam Jackson, 
 
 1'r. has been chosen to supply the vacancy, and 
 las entered upon his charge with the most flatter- 
 ing prospects. Communicants ninety — baptisms 
 twelve — funerals twelve. 
 
 Wm. Meade, Rector. 
 The rector of Russell parish, Bedford county, 
 in making his report to the Convention, hesitates 
 what account to give of the state of his churches. 
 During a great part of the last year there was 
 manifested a deep and general interest in religion, 
 and he was gratified to perceive a number of 
 pious and valuable members added to the com- 
 munion. But, at present, he is constrained to say 
 that this interest has abated, that many are be- 
 coming more indifferent to the claims of religion, 
 and he fears that notwithstanding a very consider- 
 able accession to the communion, the general 
 prospect before him is rather more discouraging 
 than heretofore. He feels himself bound in this 
 
 Elace gratefully to acknowledge the liberality of 
 is parishioners in having subscribed nearly two 
 thousand dollars for the purchase of a farm, for 
 the benefit of the rector and his family. Besides 
 his services in Bedford county, he labours one 
 fourth of his time in the adjacent county of Bote- 
 tourt, in which there is an interesting and intelli- 
 gent congregation, and in which an active clergy- 
 man would be kindly received and comfortably 
 supported. There is probably no portion of up- 
 per Virginia where there are better materi?ds for 
 the building up of our church. Communicants, 
 removed twelve, withdrawn four, added forty; 
 total number ninety-six — baptisms, of infants 
 twenty-five, adults twelve— marriages seven— one 
 burial— contributions to the episcopal fund $12 
 50. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rector. 
 
 Parochial report from St. Mark's parish, Cul- 
 pepper. Since my last report, there have been 
 out few changes in this parish. I think, however, 
 that the prospect is gradually improving, there 
 being in many persons a greater anxiety to en- 
 courage pure and undefiled religion. The con- 
 gregations are visibly increasing, and, I flatter 
 myself, are more devout when attending divine 
 service. Within the course of the last twelve 
 months, one of our communicants has died and 
 five have been added. Present number of com- 
 municants forty. There have been baptisms, 
 adults three, infants twenty-one — marriages three 
 — funerals five. John Woodville. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. Nothing of 
 especial interest has occurred in this parish du- 
 ring the past year. It still bears marks of a recent 
 origin, and requires the fostering care of the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Of the communicants, one has died, four have 
 removed, eleven have been added, and the present 
 number is fifty-eight. Funerals twelve — mar- 
 riages three— baptisms, of adults one, of infants 
 seven. 
 
 In connexion with the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, I have 
 S 
 
 for a part of the last year maintained a monthly 
 appointment at St. John's Church, Moore parish, 
 Campbell. The prospects of this infant church 
 are highly flattenng, and present an interestmg 
 field of labour for a clergyman who will reckon 
 the consciousness of doing good his highest re- 
 ward. F. G. Smith. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River parish. 
 During the past year there have been thirty-nine 
 baptisms (in three instances of adults) — eleven^ 
 marriages — and twenty-five funerals — twenty- 
 eight have been confirmed. The present number 
 of communicants is two hundred and fifty, of 
 whom forty-eight have been received since the 
 last Convention, that being the largest number 
 ever admitted in the same period of time in this 
 parish. The rector rejoices to inform the Con- 
 vention, that in consequence of the great increase 
 of the congregation of Christ Church, it has be- 
 come necessary to establish another. Measures 
 have already been taken for that purpose ; hberal 
 subscriptions raised, and a vestry chosen ; and it 
 is confidently hoped that a very respectable and 
 encouraging body of worshippers will soon be 
 gathered in the old building formerly occupied by 
 the Episcopalians of Norfolk, and which is now 
 designed and set apart, by the name of St. Paul's 
 Church, for the accommodation of the new con- 
 gregation. In other respects the condition of 
 Christ Church has undergone no change. 
 
 Henry W. Ducachet, Rector. 
 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester. The 
 minister of these parishes reports, that during the 
 past year there have been ten baptisms and eight 
 funerals — two of the communicants have died , and 
 seven new members have been added. The pres-- 
 ent number of communicants is twenty-nine. The 
 Female Education Society continues to contribute 
 its annual aid to the friends of the parent society. 
 
 Jno. Cole. 
 
 Report of Lexington parish, Amherst county, 
 and of Nelson parish, Nelson coiinty. My time, as 
 heretofore, has been devoted to the three churches 
 in Amherst, and to the church in Nelson, with 
 occasional visits to Buckingham- 
 
 The work of the Lord has not prospered so ex- 
 tensively during the last twelve months as in 
 times preceding, and yet there is not wanting evi- 
 dence that souls have been bom to God. The 
 whole number added in the different churches is 
 ten. In addition to the exercises of the Sabbath 
 School, the children in the different congregations 
 have been statedly instructed in the church cate* 
 chism. Besides the auxiliary Education Society, 
 the ladies in the vicinity of New-Glasgow have 
 formed an association to raise funds by their own 
 work for the cause of missions. The good effect 
 of temperance societies- has been observed and 
 acknowledged by all. 
 
 Marriages five — funerals six — baptisms four. 
 The whole number of communicants eighty-one. 
 Charles H. Page. 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county. The 
 rector reports, that since the last Convention the 
 spiritual condition of this parish has been gradual- 
 ly improving. Within the last two months a 
 Missionary Society has been organized. A parish 
 library has been commenced, from which it is 
 hoped much good will result. Eight persons 
 have been added to the communion, and many 
 others are anxiously inquiring what they must do 
 to be saved. Four have removed from the parish 
 during the last year— one died — baptisms eight — 
 one marriage— funerals five — present number of 
 communicants thirty-two. 
 
 Zachariah H. Goldsmith. 
 
 Brunswick parish. There have been no acces. 
 
274 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 sions to the communion in this parish during the 
 last year. At an association recently held, much 
 seriousness pervaded the congregation. Baptisms 
 four — ^funprals six — communicants ten. 
 
 Zachariah H. Goldsmith. 
 
 The rector of the Monumental Church in the 
 city of Richmond reports to the Convention, that 
 the state of his congregation continues to be very 
 encouraging ; that the attendants on divine wor- 
 ship are very numerous, and that since his report 
 the last year a goodly number have been aclded 
 to the communion. The baptisms within the last 
 twelve months amount to forty-nine. Communi- 
 cants one hundred and seventy-two. Owing to 
 the indisposition of the Rev. Leonidas Polk, who 
 was engaged as an assistant minister to the rec- 
 tor, he was under the painful necessity of resign- 
 ing his situation and crossing the Atlantic for the 
 benefit of his health. Mr. Polk evidenced, during 
 his ministry in Richmond, a spirit of the most 
 ardent piety and devotion to his duty ; and it was 
 with regret of no ordinary character that the rec- 
 tor was obliged to accept his resignation. The 
 situation which was filled by Mr. Polk is now oc- 
 cupied by the Rev. Joseph H. Nichols, who has 
 been well received by the congregation ; and from 
 whose filial deportment to the rector he is justi- 
 fied in believing that the interests of the parish 
 will be promoted, and the evening of the rector's 
 life rendered happy, peaceful, and comfortable. 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Rector of the Monumental Church. 
 
 St. John's parish, Brooke county. In this par- 
 ish there are two congregations ; one at Wells- 
 burg, the other in the country, about eight miles 
 distant. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Morse, of Ohio, has for several 
 years rendered most acceptable and efficient ser- 
 vices, though necessarily only occasional, to both 
 congregations. 
 
 Since my resignation of the parish of Wheeling 
 this spring, I have taken charge of that at Wells- 
 burg. Mr. M. now officiates for the country con- 
 gregation more frequently. There are about forty- 
 five communicants. A Sunday School has just 
 been organized. The prospects of the parish 
 generally are encouraging. 
 
 Four communicants have been added to the 
 number at Wheeling this year, making thirty-five 
 in all. 
 
 The Rev. Wm. Armstrong, of Maryland, has 
 been invited to the rectorship ot this parish. He 
 has accepted it upon the condition ol^ a short de- 
 lay in removing, and will probably soon be here. 
 John Thomas Wheat. 
 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county. The church in 
 this parish is gradually increasing. The present 
 number of communicants is thirty-two, of whom 
 twelve have been added since the last Conven- 
 tion. The baptisms during the same time have 
 been eleven, of whom six were adults, and five 
 children. Marriages four — funerals four — Sunday 
 Schools two. Charles Dresser, Rector. 
 
 Camden parish, Pittsylvania county. This par- 
 ish, after the lapse of nearly half a century, has 
 lately been reorganized. Since the last Conven- 
 tion a small church has been completed, which is 
 now ready for consecration. The services of a 
 resident clergyman are still earnestly desired, and 
 in few parts of the diocess, it is believed, would 
 the labours of a faithful and enlightened minister 
 be more useful. The present number of commu- 
 nicants is twelve. Baptisms six — one funeral. 
 Charles Dresser. 
 
 Newport parish, Isle of Wight, and St. John's, 
 Nansemond. The minister would state, that he 
 took charge of these parishes about two months 
 
 since, and has not yet been able to ascertain the 
 exact number of communicants. One baptism — 
 funerals four. 
 
 A catechetical class has been formed, with more 
 than twenty members. It is expected a neat and 
 commodious church will be erected in the town of 
 Smilhfield during the ensuing summer. 
 
 Chaplin S. Hedges. 
 
 Christ Church, Richmond. Baptisms fifteen 
 (two adults)— funerals twenty-three — marriages 
 twelve. Additions to the communion twenty-one. 
 Of the communicants, one has died, and three 
 have removed ; present number sixty. Contri- 
 butions to Missionary Society $30 — to the Epis- 
 copal Fund $11. Wm. F. Lee. 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Albemarle. The rector has 
 the pleasure of making a very favourable report 
 respecting the progress of religion within the 
 limits of his labour during the past year. The 
 church to which allusion was made in the last re- 
 port is nearly finished, and is a very neat and 
 beautiful edifice. Our congregations have in- 
 creased very much, and are more serious and at- 
 tentive. The rector has also officiated once a 
 month at Walker's Church, which belongs to 
 Fredericksville parish. Adult baptisms three, in- 
 fant baptisms ten— marriages two — funerals sev- 
 en. About thirty are ready for confirmation. 
 Zachariah Meade. 
 
 St. John's Church, Henrico parish, Richmond. 
 The rector of this parish reports, that the general 
 condition of his charge is not greatly changed 
 since the last Convention. Death has made seri- 
 ous inroads on the congregation, but others have 
 arisen to stand in the places of the departed. The 
 Bible class, the lectures, and Sunday School are 
 still sustained, as they always have been, although 
 not heretofore noticed in his reports. The num- 
 ber of the communicants has been increased the 
 last year by eight accessions, making thirty in all. 
 There have been twenty-four baptisms, one adult 
 — seven marriages^ — and forty funerals. The con- 
 gregations have been better this spring than at 
 any former period of his residence in the parish. 
 Edward W. Peet. 
 
 Christ Church, Lancaster county, and Wicom- 
 ico Church, Northumberland county. The min- 
 ister of these churches entered upon his duties at 
 the commencement of the present year. He has 
 under his charge three congregations. 
 
 Through the spirited exertions of some of the 
 members of the church, one church has recently 
 been thoroughly repaired, and is now a conveni- 
 ent edifice for public worship. The other twa 
 churches are in a state of decay, and require very 
 considerable repairs to render them commodious 
 for the purposes of public worship. 
 
 A Bible class has been formed in Christ Church 
 parish, and we have in the two parishes four Sun- 
 day Schools, three of wliich have been established 
 during the present season. The number of families 
 belonging to the two congregations in Lancaster 
 county is sixty-three. Baptisms in the two par- 
 ishes nineteen— one marriage. 
 
 Ephraim Adams. 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Carohne county. The 
 lay delegates from this parish report, that it has 
 been for nearly two years deprived of the services 
 of a regular minister, and that those whom they 
 represent are anxious to procure one. 
 
 They feel pleased also in reporting, that, not- 
 withstanding this long vacancy, there is an in- 
 creasing interest felt in the cause of the church. 
 
 Since the last report, respectable members of 
 the congregation and faithful followers of the Lord 
 have departed this life : several have been added. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 275 
 
 leaving the number of communicants about the 
 same as when last reported. 
 
 Geo. F. Thornton. 
 Addison F. Thornton. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. The 
 minister of this church has the happiness of re- 
 porting the prosperous state of his pastoral charge. 
 
 The grace of God has been extended to us in 
 an unusual measure through the past year. 
 
 Subsequent to the period of the Convention in 
 Norfolk, there was a manifest increase of religious 
 sensibility among us. An unusual solemnity per- 
 vaded our places of worship, while the welfare 
 of the soul became the absorbing theme of medi- 
 tation and conversation with an unusual number. 
 The good seed which had long been sown in re- 
 luctant hearts began to spring up. One and an- 
 other evinced deep concern, giving vent to feel- 
 ings which had been long, more or less, restrained. 
 Occasions of religious worship were now eagerly 
 sought, every place of meeting was speedily tilled, 
 presenting often scenes of subdued but deep spirit- 
 ual distress, mingled with those of calm but rap- 
 turous delight and joy in the Holy Ghost. 
 
 The result of this visitation of mercy has been, 
 as we believe, the radical conversion of upwards 
 of eighty individuals. Of these. Bishop Meade 
 confirmed seventy-five in September last— more 
 than fifty of whom united for the first time in com- 
 memorating the death of their Saviour. Since that 
 period about thirty more have been admitted to the 
 holy communion, making the whole amount of 
 increase since the last Convention about eighty- 
 five members. 
 
 A great blessing has this merciful visitation 
 been to us. It has added much to the influence 
 of true religion. Our congregations have in- 
 ci-eased, a fresh impulse has been given to the 
 activity of members, and the fruits of faith have 
 been realized in holy Uving and in all the deeds of 
 practical benevolence and Christian charity. 
 
 The several parochial associations reported to 
 the last Convention still continue in a prosperous 
 state. Our Sunday Schools, Bible classes, Prayer- 
 Book and Tract Society, Education Society, and 
 Missionary Societies, are well sustained and emi- 
 nently useful. Baptisms forty six (thirteen adults) 
 —marriages five — funerals twenty-four — commu- 
 nicants one hundred and eighty-eight— twenty -two 
 lost by death and removal. 
 
 Edward C. M'Guire. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex 
 county. The rector reports a gradual improve- 
 ment of the congregations under his care. The 
 numbers who attend upon the services of the 
 sanctuary are increasing ; some appear to feel the 
 word, and a few have taken upon themselves the 
 vo^vs of the Lord by a public profession of his 
 most holy religion. 
 
 The Bible classes heretofore noticed still exist ; 
 as does the Sunday School, to which has just 
 been added a Saturday School ; something is also 
 being done for the Missionary and Education 
 Societies. 
 
 St. Mary's parish. Port Royal, Caroline county. 
 At this place the rector of St. Anne's and South 
 Farnham has been preaching twice a month for 
 some time past with much encouragement. The 
 congregation is growing, and measures have been 
 taken to erect a church. Communicants removed 
 into another parish two — added eighteen, of whom 
 twelve only were new communicants — present 
 number sixty-three — baptisms, three of which 
 were of adults, thirty-two — marriages ten — burials 
 five. John P. M'Gitire, Rector. 
 
 The rector of Hamilton and Leeds parishes, 
 Fauquier, reports, that no very striking change 
 
 S 3 
 
 has taken place in these parishes since the last 
 Convention. The congregations in both are gen-* 
 erally good, and often, especially in the former, 
 very full. The number of communicants has re. 
 ceived some increase. Communicants in both 
 parishes about sixty — baptisms twenty — funerals 
 eight — marriages nineteen. George Lemon. 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester, The rector re- 
 ports the gradual improvement of the congrega- 
 tion under his charge. All the charitable and be- 
 nevolent objects of the day have received increas- 
 ed attention and support. Upwards of three hun- 
 dred and fifty dollars have been collected for ob- 
 jects connected with religion, exclusive of a very 
 liberal contribution towards building a new church 
 a few miles from Winchester. 
 
 There have been sixteen members added to the 
 communion, two of whom were formerly connect- 
 ed with the church in Winchester, but for some 
 years had separated themselves from her commu- 
 nion. 
 
 One member has died and three have removed^ 
 leaving the present number of communicants 
 ninety-five — baptisms sixteen, of whom six were 
 adults — funerals fourteen — marriages six. 
 
 The church at Mill Creek continues to be well 
 attended, and the congregation appears to be more 
 concerned on the subject of religion than at any 
 former period. The number of communicants is 
 thirty-nine — four added. 
 
 J. E. Jackson, Rector. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Suffolk. No remarkable 
 change has taken place in this church since my 
 last report. One communicant has removed and 
 one has been added to the church ; the preached 
 word is seriously attended to ; the responses are 
 more regular and more animated. Communicants 
 twenty-two — baptisms nine — funerals seven— mar. 
 riages five. Jacob Keeling, 
 
 Portsmouth, Va., May 12th, 1832. Last January 
 I declined my ministerial labours in Lynnhaverj 
 parish : since that time it has been without a min. 
 ister. One gentleman has expressed a willingness 
 to board a clergyman, and, he believes, two or 
 three hundred dollars may be obtained by sub- 
 scription, which would secure the maintenance of 
 one whose demands are not great. The number 
 of communicants I have not been able to ascer* 
 tain exactly. I believe there are about ten, 
 
 I have devv ted more time and attention to Deep 
 Creek this year than I did last, and, although 
 there is no great manifestation of good, yet I per- 
 ceive an increased attention to the word, and have 
 reason to believe that it has had some very good 
 effect. Baptized two — funerals four— one mar^ 
 riage. Ira Parker, 
 
 St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland. In 
 reporting the accession of four members to the 
 communion since the last Convention, the minis- 
 ter of this parish has to regret that in the general 
 aspect of his charge there has been so little to 
 cheer his heart, or to animate his hopes. In ad- 
 dition to the stated services in this ctprch, the 
 minister has officiated regularly one Sunday in 
 the month in Sapony Church, Chesterfield county, 
 and one Sunday in the month in Cartersville, 
 Cumberland county, where there is a growing 
 attachment to the services of our church, and 
 a strong desire manifested to have them continued. 
 Two of the communicants last reported have been 
 removed, one by death, and the other to another 
 diocess. Ten dollars have been contributed in aid 
 of the Bishops' Fund, and ten to the Education 
 Society. Baptisms six, two of whom were adults 
 — funerals two-^marriages three. 
 
 James Doughen. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. I have nothing in* 
 
270 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 teresting to report concerning the state of this 
 parish since last Convention. I cannot conscien- 
 tiously declare that there is any improvement, 
 either in the ordinary attendance of the congrega- 
 tion, or in the participation of the more solemn 
 ordinances of the church ; and yet I would be un- 
 willing to hint that there is a falling off in any of 
 these respects, although appearances are not alto- 
 gaiher- so favourable as might be wished. There 
 have been, since last Convention, eight marriages, 
 thirteen baptisms, and twenty deaths. 
 
 Andrew Syme. 
 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton, Va. Baptisms 
 twenty-five — marriages four — funerals six — com- 
 municants, three added since last report ; present 
 number thirty. A Temperance Society of ninety 
 members. S. S. Gunter, Rector. 
 
 St. John*s Church, Hampton, Elizabeth City 
 parish. Since the last report, four have been ad- 
 ded to the number of communicants and two have 
 removed. There are but few in this parish who 
 are decidedly attached to our communion. Still 
 the prospect is encouraging. At Old Point the 
 congregation has considerably increased, in con- 
 sequence of an augmentation of the military force. 
 There is at this time preparing, under the imme- 
 diate direction of the commandant of the post, a 
 spacious and convenient place for worship, in 
 which the exercises of our church are to be con- 
 ducted. A Bible class of eighteen non-commis- 
 sioned officers and privates assemble once in each 
 week, and the weekly lectures still elicit atten- 
 tion. The Sunday School, conducted upon the 
 principles of the Protestant Episcopal Sunday 
 School Union, numbering ten teachers, forty-four 
 boys, and thirty-two girls, and which is opened 
 twice on each Lord's day, continues to flourish. 
 Marriages nine — baptisms twenty-one — communi- 
 cants twenty-four — burials seventeen. 
 
 Mark L. Chevers, 
 Rector of St. John's, Hampton. 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. The 
 rector of this parish would state, that he took 
 charge of it in October last ; since which time he 
 has preached statedly at St. John's Church and 
 at the courthouse. Within a few miles of the lat- 
 ter place, a neat and commodious brick church is 
 about to be erected. At St. John's a Sunday 
 School and Bible class were established last fall. 
 A few have united in the formation of a Mission- 
 ary Society, auxiliary to the General Missionary 
 Society of the church. Three communicants 
 have been added and two have removed, making 
 the present number twelve — one marriage — funer- 
 als three — infant baptisms three. 
 
 It may be well to mention that the masters of 
 some four or five plantations are in the habit of 
 giving their servants a part of one day in every 
 week to attend preaching. By the trifling loss 
 thus sustained, they prove to their servants that 
 the interest which they profess to feel for their 
 spiritual welfare is real. Much good has already 
 resulted Jrom my labours among them : six or 
 seven give hopeful evidence of conversion. 
 
 Charles C. Taliaferro. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec- 
 tor is happy in being able to report, that the con- 
 gregation under his charge is gradually improving. 
 The attendance at church is more full and regu- 
 lar, and an increasing interest in the services is 
 manifest. The result has been an addition of nine 
 persons to the number of the communicants, three 
 by communing for the first time, and six by re- 
 moving into the parish. One has been suspended, 
 and, in consequence of that act of discipUne, has 
 left the congregation. The societies, as last re- 
 ported, are still in existence, but are far from 
 
 being in that flourishing state in which it is so de- 
 sirable to see all such institutions. 
 
 The pecuniary concerns of the parish are in a 
 somewhat better state than they were at the last 
 Convention. A few ladies of the congregation, 
 by small monthly contributions, have nearly paid 
 a debt for plastering the churchof upwards of $600. 
 
 The present number of families in the congre- 
 gation is sixty. Marriages five — baptisms twelve 
 —communicants thirty-seven— burials twenty-six, 
 J. H. WiNGFiELD, Rector. 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county. The dispersed 
 condition of the members of his flock renders it 
 impracticable to the rector of these parishes to 
 fulfil his pastoral duties in a manner satisfactory 
 to himself. A lamentable coldness at present ex- 
 ists in his congregations ; but he would take en- 
 couragement, from the advancement in spiritual 
 life which some few exhibit, to hope that a bright- 
 er day will soon dawn upon us. The few femalea 
 who have heretofore formed the Auxiliary Edu- 
 cation Society, have persevered with unabated 
 zeal and with encouraging success : and some 
 promising measures are at this time in progress 
 for the formation of a missionary association in 
 each parish. 
 
 The present number of communicants in both 
 parishes is forty-five. Of these, nine have been 
 added within the past year, one of whom is a 
 coloured man ; two have removed, one has depart- 
 ed in peace and triumph to the church above, one 
 has withdrawn, and two have been transferred to 
 an adjoining parish, in which they reside. There 
 have been twelve persons baptized, one of them 
 an adult, five white and six coloured children — 
 funerals nme — marriages four. 
 
 John Grammer, Jr, 
 
 Hanover parish. King George county. There 
 had been no episcopal services in this parish until 
 about two years ago (but for a few months), since 
 the revival of the church in this diocess. A con- 
 gregation has been organized and a vestry elected. 
 At first there was an ignorance of our hturgy, 
 and a prejudice against it; but, by distributing 
 prayer-books, we have been enabled to make the 
 people better acquainted with it, and the prejudi- 
 ces are now gradually subsiding. Baptisms eight 
 — marriages eleven — funerals four, 
 
 J. Clapham, 
 
 The prospects of the church in St. James's par- 
 ish, Mecklenburg, are more promising than when 
 last reported. There have been five additions to 
 our communion, making the whole number of 
 communicants in the parish forty-two. Baptisms 
 twenty — funerals seven — marriages eight. 
 
 William Steel, Rector, 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. No 
 material change has occurred in this parish since 
 our last report. The new church mentioned then 
 as nearly completed, is now ready for consecra- 
 tion. Our several benevolent institutions are still 
 in operation. During the past year the rector ex- 
 tended his labours, as often as practicable, to the 
 congregations in Caroline, Spotsylvania, Louisa, 
 and the lower part of Hanover, all of which are 
 anxious to obtain the regular services of a minis- 
 ter. We have lost by deaths and removals thir- 
 teen communicants, six have been added, total 
 fifty-nine — marriages six — baptisms eight — funer- 
 als eighteen. John Cooke, 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county. The 
 rector reports, that though he perceives many cau- 
 ses for humiliation when considering the state of 
 his parish, he nevertheless is also reminded of 
 some for encouragement and thankfulness. A 
 goodly number of those who were careless and 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 277 
 
 impenitent, especially among the young, have re- 
 cently joined the communion. 
 
 Bible classes and Sunday Schools are attached 
 to both the churches formmg this parish ; so also 
 are Missionary and Education Societies. The 
 whole number of communicants one hundred and 
 fifteen, burials six. Contributions to benevolent 
 objects $153. Alexander Jones. 
 
 Kanawha parish, Kanawha county. This par- 
 ish, previous to last October, had been without a 
 minister for about six years. In Charlestown we 
 have no house of worship ; but, on my arrival, 
 the Methodist church was kindly offered for our 
 accommodation. In the country there is a small 
 brick edifice called Bangor Church. When I 
 came to this place there were twenty-four com- 
 municants. Since that time one has removed, 
 four have come into the parish, and three have 
 been added, making the present number thirty. 
 Marriages two — funerals three — baptisms, one 
 adult and six infants. 
 
 I have visited Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, 
 twice, and baptized one person, an adult. There 
 are in this place several warm friends of the 
 church, and a few are anxious to join the commu- 
 nion. Frederick D. Goodwin. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The rector of 
 this church states, with gratitude to Almighty 
 God, that the anticipation of a blessing on his 
 congregation, expressed in his last report, has been 
 in a great degree realized. As might be expected, 
 an increase of vital godliness has given an impulse 
 to our temporal concerns. During the past year, 
 upwards of eight hundred dollars have been ex- 
 pended on the church edifice. A comfortable par- 
 sonage will soon be completed. Our Sunday 
 Schools, containing two hundred scholars, and 
 our Monday or sewing school, are well supported. 
 One hundred and fifty dollars have been remitted 
 to the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society, 
 and a box of articles, worth about forty dollars, 
 sent to our missionaries in Greece. Thirty dol- 
 lars have been paid to the Education Society, be- 
 sides free contributions to other societies of a gen- 
 eral nature. 
 
 The following statistics show the fruits of the 
 past year, and the present state of his charge, 
 viz. : — Marriages four — funerals twenty-one — bap- 
 tisms, five adults and twenty-two children, total 
 twenty-seven— confirmed forty-seven— added to 
 the communion thirty — ten have been removed by 
 death and change of residence. The whole num- 
 ber of communicants is one hundred and fifty, a 
 less number than was heretofore reported, though 
 the additions have been considerable, which can 
 be accounted for only by mistakes in reports of 
 preceding years. Wm. Jackson, Rector. 
 
 The missionary employed by the Ladies' Mission- 
 ary Society of Richmond would report, that, since 
 he has been engaged in their service, he has officia- 
 ted once in each month at the church in Char- 
 lottesville. And in consequence of a polite invita- 
 tion from the chairman of the faculty, he has also 
 preached as often as his other engagements would 
 permit at the Rotunda of the University. A' 
 prayer-meeting is regularly held and attended by 
 several of the students, and recently, too, a Tem- 
 perance Society has been formed, of which more 
 than sixty have become members. Besides at- 
 tending at these two places, he has performed 
 missionary duties in the counties of Albemarle, 
 Nelson, Amherst, and Buckingham; but to what 
 extent his labours have been blessed is known only 
 to the Lord of the harvest. J. S. Swift. 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish. The 
 rector reports, that forty-three communicants have 
 been added to the list from which the report of the 
 
 last year was drawn out, composed of individuals 
 received from other churches by removals to this 
 city, a few members not before reported, and a 
 much larger number of new communicants. He 
 also reports that his church has, on every Sabbath 
 for some time past, presented a most encouraging 
 appearance. 
 
 It is in contemplation, immediately after the 
 Convention, to repair the church building thor- 
 oughly. Communicants reported last year eighty- 
 seven, received this year forty-three, total one 
 hundred and thirty — baptisms, two adults, eight 
 children, total ten — burials eight — marriages four. 
 Charles Mann. 
 
 The Rev. John P. M'Guire offered the follow- 
 ing resolution, which was adopted by a unan- 
 imous vote. 
 
 Resolved, That the bishop of. this diocess be 
 requested to recommend some early day as a 
 day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, for the 
 purpose of making a public confession of our 
 sins, and of seeking to turn away from us the 
 just judgments of the Almighty. 
 
 Mr. G. W. Bassett, jr. offered the following 
 resolution, which was also adopted by a unan- 
 imous vote. 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
 clergy and laity of this diocess, to make the 
 week previous to the annual meeting of this 
 Convention a special season of thanksgiving 
 and praise to God, for his mercies in times past 
 on such occasions, and of prayer and supplica- 
 tion for the continuance, increase, and efficacious 
 outpouring of his Holy Spirit to the conversion 
 of sinners, edification of Christians, and building 
 up of his holy church. 
 
 The business of the Convention was sus- 
 pended for the purpose of attending divine 
 service. 
 
 After service. Bishop Moore retired, and 
 Bishop Meade took the chair. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Empie, from the committee on 
 the state of the church, made the following re- 
 port, which was read and received :• — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave to report, that it appears from the episcopal 
 and parochial reports presented to this Conven- 
 tion, that the cause of religion in general, and of 
 the church in particular, continues to gather 
 strength in the majority of our parishes, and thus 
 to furnish evidence that the blessing of Almighty 
 God is still vouchsafed to the labours of our min- 
 istry and the ordinances of our Zion. In some 
 of our parishes this blessing seems to have been 
 poured out in a most unusual measure, and to 
 have produced, in turning many, very many sin- 
 ners from darkness to light, rich and abundant 
 fruit indeed. To our God and Father in Christ 
 Jesus be rendered thanksgiving and praise. 
 
 The most efficient means, under the influence 
 of the Holy Ghost, in generating these most de- 
 sirable results, has been the holding of clerical 
 associations, with a view to engage the people of 
 the parishes in which they were held in the pub- 
 lic worship of God, and in solemn and devout 
 meditation on the words of eternal life, for two or 
 more days in succession. With th» character of 
 these associations, as conducted in the Episcopal 
 Church of Virginia, the members of this Conven- 
 tion are familiar; and to such associations our 
 venerable bishop gave, in his address to our last 
 Convention, his full approval and strong recom- 
 
nn 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 tnendation — an approval and recomnaendation 
 which your committee desire to recall and reim- 
 press on this Convention, not doubting that such 
 tneetings, if governed, as in times past, by a sound 
 and enlightened zeal, will be attended and followed 
 by a great and abiding blessing from God. 
 
 And here your committee cannot forbear ex- 
 pressing their earnest hope, with fervent prayer to 
 the Fountain of all wisdom and grace, that such 
 ft zeal may ever characterize the religious exer- 
 cises of our church, and preserve her members, 
 both clerical and lay, from adopting means to pro- 
 duce a spurious excitement, and yielding to its 
 pernicious influence. Any excitement but that 
 which is produced by the word of divine truth, 
 properly expounded and applied to the heart by 
 Uod's Holy Spirit, must be false and deceptive, 
 and eventuate in consequences fatal to the inter- 
 ests of vital godliness. Let then the ministers of 
 ^our church adhere to the great apostolic means 
 of promoting the salvation of men, ever preaching 
 " repentance towards God and faith towards our 
 Lord Jesus Christ," firmly and determinately re- 
 solve to abstain from the adoption of all equivocal 
 expedients for multiplying the number of their 
 communicants, lest, in so doing, a momentary 
 exultation be followed by deep and long-abiding 
 shame and injury to the church ; and lest scof- 
 fers and sinners in general be confirmed in 
 their blindness of mind, hardness of heart, and 
 " contempt of God's word and commandment." 
 In making these cautionary remarks, your com- 
 hiittee are happy in knowing that they are sus- 
 tained in their sentiments by many wise and in- 
 telligent Christians of other denominations, whose 
 warning voice against the excesses and machinery 
 of fanaticism has been already and strongly heard 
 from almost every quarter of our country. Your 
 committee trust their remarks wjU not be misun- 
 jderstood, or considered as proceeding from any 
 .other motive than a sincere desire to preserve un- 
 impaired the faith once delivered to the saints, 
 ^nd advance the spiritual and everlasting welfare 
 of their fellow-men. 
 
 The conamittee beg leave respectfully to remmd 
 the clergy of the importance of a full and frequent 
 exposition of the distinctive features of the Gen- 
 eral Convention, according to the 22d canon of 
 our church, that our members may be able to say 
 why she is worthy of the reverence and love of 
 mankind, and repel the objections so often made 
 against our eccleaastical polity and mode of wor- 
 ship. In too many instances (there is reason to 
 fear), the feeling that retains our members in the 
 bosom of the church, is nothing more than a per- 
 sonal attachment to some one of her ministers, 
 who, as the instrument of their conversion, or for 
 some other cause, is regarded with peculiar love 
 and affection. This ought not so to be. Our 
 members should be bound to the church, not by 
 mere personal regards, but by a deep conviction 
 of her high scriptural character, and the happy 
 adaptation of her ordinances and services to pro- 
 duce and promote a sound, intelligent, and fervent 
 spirit of piety, a conviction which can spring only 
 from a thorough knowledge of the grounds on ' 
 which our polity rests its claims to preference, 
 and the reasons which determine us to adopt a 
 liturgical rather than an extemporaneous mode of 
 worship. 
 
 The committee have taken into consideration 
 Ihe letter of the bishop on the subject of a mis- 
 sionary referred to them by the Convention, but 
 do not find that it contains any thing which falls 
 within their province. They would take occasion, 
 however, to express their regret, that the Mission- 
 ary Society of the diocess, though having in its 
 
 treasury a considerable sum of money, has not 
 been able to obtain the services of missionaries. 
 Were several suitable persons to present them- 
 selves for that purpose at once, they would meet. 
 with immediate employment and a tolerable sup-- 
 port. 
 
 In reference to the circular addressed to the 
 Convention by " the Virginia Society for promo- 
 ting the observance of the Christian Sabbath,** 
 they would remark, that it is presumed no differ- 
 ence of opinion can prevail among Christians as 
 to the excellence of the design of that body ; and 
 that it is one which receives their unanimous and 
 entire approbation. And they would recommend - 
 to all the members of the church, and all the 
 friends of religion and good order, to concur in 
 the promotion of so sacred an object, as the sanc- 
 tification of the day which Almighty God has ap- 
 propriated immediately and wholly to himself. 
 The committee would not, however, be under- 
 stood to approve or recommend the promotion of 
 this object by any other means than argument and 
 example. In this respect, they fully acquiesce in 
 the views of the society whose circular has been 
 referred to them. Nor do they hesitate to recom- 
 mend to the Convention, and to Episcopalians 
 generally, the adoption of the pledge proposed in 
 the circular. It, in their view, clearly and fully 
 expresses the duty of every Christian in this mat- 
 ter, and reads as follows : — " Beheving that all 
 worldly business and travelling on the Christian 
 Sabbath, except for purposes of piety, necessity, 
 and mercy, and all worldly visiting and amuse- 
 ments on that day, are contrary to the divine will, 
 and injurious to the social, civil, and religious in- 
 terests of men ; we agree that we will abstain 
 from all such violations of the Sabbath, and that 
 we will use our influence to persuade our families 
 and others to do the same." 
 
 In conclusion, the conimittee beg leave to call 
 the attention of this Convention to a resolution of 
 the last General Convention, adverting to the 
 \' alarming deficiency in the number of our min- 
 isters, and recommend to the clergy to present to 
 the consideration of their respective congrega- 
 tions the important duty of exercising a prayerful 
 diligence, in endeavouring to increase the number 
 of our ministers, by forming and fostering Educa- 
 tion Societies, for the due instruction of pious 
 youth, and by seeking out and encouraging young 
 rnen of suitable spiritual and mental qualifica- 
 tions to engage in the blessed service of preaching 
 the gospel of Christ to a perishing world." 
 
 Ail vyhich is respectfully submitted. 
 
 A. Empie, Chairman. 
 
 The Rev. E. C. M'Guire, from the commit- 
 tee for examining the accounts of the treasurer 
 of the fund for the reUef of the widows and 
 orphans of deceased clergymen, made the fol- 
 lowing report, which was read and received :-r- 
 
 The committee to whom was referred for ex- 
 amination the account of the treasurer of the fund 
 for the relief of the widows and orphans of de- 
 ceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church of Vir- 
 ginia, beg leave to report, that they have performed 
 the duty assigned them, and find the account to 
 be perfectly correct, and supported by proper 
 vouchers. E. C, M'Guire, Chairman. 
 
 The funds are as follows, viz. : — 
 United States 3 per cents., - - $2,037 78 
 94 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria sto.ck, at par, .- - 4,700 00 
 
 Amount carried forvvar<}, $6,737 79 
 
CONVENTION OF 1832. 
 
 279 
 
 Amount brought forward, $6,737 78 
 
 5 shares Bank of Alexandria, at par, 1,000 00 
 
 1 do. Bank of Virginia, do. - 100 00 
 Robert Andrews's estate, balance of 
 note, with interest from 30th April, 
 
 1829, till paid, - - - - 399 23 
 
 Cash on hand, ... - 157 73 
 
 $8,394 74 
 
 On balloting for delegates to represent this 
 diocess in the next General Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States of America, the following gentlemen 
 were duly elected, viz. : Rev. Nicholas H. 
 Cobbs, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Rev. 
 William Jackson, Rev. John Grammer, Mr. 
 Thomas Marshall, Mr. Edward Colston, Mr. 
 John G. Williams, and Mr. John Nelson. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, Rev. 
 Edward W. Pset, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be a 
 committee to raise by assessment among the 
 xJifFerent parishes, having reference to the num- 
 ber of communicants reported to the Conven- 
 tion, the sum of three hundred dollars, to be paid 
 to Bishop Moore at the next Convention for his 
 episcopal services, and that said committee in- 
 form the clergyman of each parish of the pro- 
 portion required from his parish. And, Resolv- 
 ed, That the clergy be required to raise the 
 sum so assessed, and pay it in at the next Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Resolved, That the president appoint a com- 
 mittee to prepare a report of the state of the 
 church in this diocess for the next General Con- 
 vention. Committee appointed under the fore- 
 going resolution consists of Rev. John Gram- 
 mer and John G. Williams, Esq. 
 
 The minutes of the standing committee of 
 this diocess since the last Convention were read 
 ■and approved. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention are due, and hereby tendered, 
 to the citizens of Alexandria, for their kindness 
 and hospitality to every member of this body. 
 
 Resolved, That 1,200 copies of the minutes 
 of this Convention be printed, and distributed 
 among the parishes of this diocess. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay the ex- 
 penses of the secretary in attending this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay the doorkeeper of this Convention $10. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay the ex- 
 penses of the bishops to the General Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the 
 <jreneral Convention the quota due from this 
 diocess for the contingent expenses of that body. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the treasurer pay 
 to the delegates to the General Convention their 
 expenses, and that fifty dollars be advanced to 
 each on account thereof. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay the Rev. 
 Wm. Jackson twenty dollars, expended by him in 
 securing the episcopal services of Bishop Moore 
 for the church in this town in July last. 
 
 And then, on motion, the Convention ad- 
 
 journed, to meet in the city of Richmond, on the 
 third Wednesday in May next. 
 
 Rich. Channing Moore, Bishop of 
 the Diocess of Virginia. 
 Hilary Baker, Secretary pro tem. 
 
 On Sunday night, the members of the Conven- 
 tion having assembled around the chancel of St. 
 Paul's Church, Bishop Moore delivered the fol- 
 lowing address : — 
 
 My Clerical Brethren, — As we have fin- 
 ished the duties for which we convened in this 
 city, and as life is so uncertain that we cannot all 
 calculate upon meeting on a similar occasion, I 
 should consider myself deficient in duty were I 
 to permit a separation to take place without bring- 
 ing to your view some considerations of vital im- 
 portance to yourselves, to the flocks to whom you 
 minister in sacred things, and also offering some 
 remarks expressive of the gratitude we owe the 
 Almighty for the rich mercies conferred upon us 
 as servants of the altar, and to the church com- 
 mitted to our charge. 
 
 The concourse of people who attend our Con- 
 ventions from every part of the diocess, attest the 
 responsibility of our office ; prove the interest they 
 feel in the concerns of our Zion, and proclaim to 
 us, in language which cannot be misunderstood, 
 the necessity of ministerial fidelity. 
 
 What ambassador of the Saviour can look around 
 him at this moment, without the conviction rest- 
 ing on his mind that he will have to give an ac- 
 count of his stewardship ; that the precious im- 
 mortals who attend on his ministry merit his un- 
 wearied efforts ; that it is his duty to deliver his 
 Master's message with scrupulous fidelity ; in 
 season and out of season to call sinners to repent- 
 ance ; to lead them for salvation to the Lamb of 
 God, and to press on their consciences the neces- 
 sity of that holiness without which no man can 
 see the Lord ? To slumber at our posts at the 
 time in which our parishioners are anxiously in- 
 quiring, " Watchman, what of the night — watch- 
 man, what of the night?" — to be listless and un- 
 impressed when they are asking, in accents of the 
 most thrilhng anxiety, " What shall we do to be 
 saved?" — to be cold and inanimate when the 
 eternal interests of precious immortals are com- 
 mitted to our charge, would constitute criminality 
 of the most flagrant character, and call down on 
 our devoted heads the displeasure of heaven. 
 
 When we cast our eyes around us from the 
 pulpits we occupy on the Sabbath, and witness 
 the assemblies of God's people in the sanctuary, 
 we should remember that they form the objects 
 of the Saviour's compassion ; the beings for whom 
 he shed his precious blood, and for whom he died 
 on the cross. We should recollect that the great 
 Master of assemblies is certainly present in our 
 congregations, waiting to be gracious to the peni- 
 tent ; that the Holy Spirit is also present to give 
 efficacy to our instructions, and is pleading with 
 sinners to awake from their slumbers, and to fol- 
 low Jesus in the way. These considerations 
 should influence us to be in earnest ; to warn our 
 fellow-mortals of the dangers attendant on delay ; 
 to urge them in the deepest solemnity to prepare 
 to meet their God : nay, brethren, to pray them 
 in Christ's stead to be reconciled to their Maker ; 
 immediately to close in with the offers of divine 
 mercy, and to seek by ardent prayer the pardon 
 and forgiveness of their sins. We should permit 
 no considerations of pleasure or indulgence to 
 step in between us and our pastoral duty. We 
 should show the people, by our earnestness and 
 solicitude, that we consider the delay of a moment 
 may be attended with fatal consequences, and that 
 
380 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 the present hour is the accepted time and the day 
 of salvation. My beloved sons in the ministry, 
 we have no time to fold our arms in ease and in- 
 dolence. " "Why stand ye here all the day idle T' 
 forms a question which, if justly applied to us, 
 would excite the most awful alarms in our bosoms, 
 as the next declaration from the throne of heaven 
 would be, " Cast ye the unprofitable servant into 
 outer darkness." However attentive the minister 
 of religion may have been to his duty ; however 
 sleepless may have been his nights ; however 
 abundant may have been his labour ; however 
 favourable may be the opinion formed of his in- 
 dustry, his zeal, and his efforts in the gospel ; yet, 
 when he shall come to the close of his life, he 
 will feel that he has been deficient ; and that con- 
 viction will force from his expiring lips the pene- 
 trating cry of Mercy, oh ! thou Son of David. I 
 speak to you, my sons, as a father to his children ; 
 and it is from an experience of forty-five years as 
 a preacher of the gospel that I call upon you to be 
 faithful. For Jesus Christ's sake, who died for 
 poor sinners, be attentive to the sacred vows 
 which, at the time of your ordination, you volun- 
 tarily made. Labour with diligence in the vine- 
 yard of your Master, work while it is called to- 
 day, and never be weary in well-doing. Be faith- 
 ful unto death, and God will give you a crown of 
 everlasting hfe. Let not the discouragements 
 arising from the lukewarmness of your people 
 paralyze your efforts. Let not any momentary 
 unkindness stay your hand. In proportion to the 
 sterility of the soil you may be called to cultivate, 
 let your diligence be increased. 
 
 My brethren of the laity, accept my sincere 
 thanks for the patronage you have extended to 
 myself and to the clergy. The Episcopal Church 
 
 in Virginia, which was almost breathless and ex- 
 piring a few years since, has not only revived, 
 but, through the goodness of God oh our joint 
 efforts, now exhibits animation and strength. In- 
 stead of five or six efficient clergymen, the Al- 
 mighty has increased our number to between fifty 
 and sixty. " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, 
 but to thy name be the praise, for thy honour and 
 for thy truth's sake." Since my residence in this 
 diocess, the laity belonging to our communion have 
 erected between thirty and forty new churches, 
 and have raised from a state of ruin and dilapida- 
 tion at least thirty of the old places of worship. 
 We have reason to be thankful for what God 
 hath done for us, and to take courage and press 
 forward. 
 
 My brethren of the clergy and laity, I commend 
 you to the care of that Being in whose service 
 you are engaged. May you long live to see our 
 Zion increase in stature, under the ministry of 
 my Right Rev. brother. Bishop Meade. My gray 
 hairs point to the tomb. My frequent and violent 
 attacks of disease remind me of my proximity 
 to the grave, and proclaim to me, in language I 
 perfectly understand, that we must soon shake 
 hands, and bid each other farewell. But let that 
 event take place sooner or later, my heart is com- 
 forted with the hope that 1 shall leave you in safe 
 hands ; in the care of an individual who is in the 
 vigour of life ; who loves you, and will labour 
 hard to promote your present and everlasting hap- 
 piness. My blessing shall rest upon his head, and 
 the welfare of himself, of the clergy and people 
 of the diocess, will form one of the objects of my 
 last earthly supplications. The Lord be with you 
 all! 
 
 RiCHAED ChaNNING MoORE. 
 
 journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia, which assembled in the city of Richmond, on the l5th day of May, 1833. 
 
 This being the day appointed for the annual 
 meeting of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia, 
 the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D. D., 
 bishop, and the Right Rev. William Meade, D. 
 D., assistant bishop of the diocess, with sever- 
 al clergymen and lay delegates, attended divine 
 service in the Monumental Church. 
 
 Morning prayers were read by the Right 
 Rev. Richard Channing Moore, bishop of the di- 
 ocess, and a sermon preached by the Right 
 Rev. William Meade, D. D., assistant bishop of 
 the diocess. 
 
 After divine service, the Right Rev. Richard 
 Channing Moore took the chair as president of 
 the Convention. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 the Convention, appeared, viz. : — 
 
 Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church, Lan- 
 caster county ; Rev. George Adie, Shelbume 
 parish, Loudoun county ; Rev. Parke F. Berke- 
 ley, missionary in the counties of King William, 
 Chesterfield, and Charles City ; Rev. Ebenezer 
 Boyden, St. Paul's Church, Norfolk ; Rev. 
 Mark L. Chevers, St. John's Church, Elizabeth 
 City parish ; Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell 
 parish, Bedford county ; Rev. John Cole, Ware 
 and Abingdon parishes, Gloucester county ; 
 Rev. John Cooke, St. Martin's parish, Hanover 
 and Louisa counties ; Rev. James Doughen, St. 
 
 James's parish, Northam, Goochland county; 
 Rev. Charles Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax ; 
 Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Christ Church, 
 Norfolk ; Rev. Adam Empie, rector of Bruton 
 parish, and President of William and Mary Col- 
 lege ; Rev. WiUiam Friend, St. Margaret's par- 
 ish, Caroline county ; Rev. Frederick D. Good- 
 win ; Rev. John Grammer, St. Andrew's and 
 Bath parishes, Dinwiddle county ; Rev. J. E. 
 Jackson, Christ Church, Winchester ; Rev. Wnj- 
 M. Jackson, Grace Church, Berryville, Freder- 
 ick county ; Rev. G. H. Jones, St. Thomas's 
 parish. Orange county ; Rev. Reuel Keith, D. 
 D., Professor in Theological Seminary ; Rev. 
 William F. Lee, Christ Church, Richmond ; 
 Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Professor in Theologi- 
 cal Seminary; Rev. Charles Mann, Christ 
 Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish ; Rev. Ed- 
 ward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Freder- 
 icksburg ; J. P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South 
 Farnham parishes, Essex ; Rev. Zach. Meade, 
 St. Anne's and Fredericksville parishes, Albe- 
 marle ; Rev. Charles H. Page, Lexington parr 
 ish, Amherst county ; Rev. Edward W. Peet, 
 St. John's Church, Henrico parish, Henrico ; 
 Rev. Franklin G. Smith, St. Paul's Church, 
 Lynchburg ; Rev. Job Sydney Smith, Tillotson 
 parish, Buckingham county ; Rev. Andrew 
 Syme, Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Rev. Charles 
 C. Taliaferro, Cumberland parish, Lunenburg 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 281 
 
 tounty ; Rev. John H. Wingfield, Portsmouth 
 parish, Norfolk county. 
 
 Rev. Charles Mann and Mr. Philip Nelson 
 were appointed a committee to examine the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, who reported 
 as follows : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates have, according 
 to order, examined the same, and report, that 
 the following persons have been duly elected 
 lay delegates to this Convention, and that their 
 certificates are authenticated in the manner 
 prescribed by the canon, viz. : — 
 
 Seth Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg ; 
 Francis C. Fitzhugh, St. Paul's parish. King 
 George county ; Edmund I. Lee, Christ Church, 
 Fairfax parish ; Francis Wicker, St. John's 
 Church, Henrico parish ; P. A. Boiling, St. Pe- 
 ter's Church, Tillotson parish, Buckingham ; 
 Westwood S. Armistead, St. John's Church, 
 Hampton; Alexander Brown,Callaway's Church, 
 Nelson county ; John G. Williams, Monumental 
 Church, Richmond ; Mallory M. Todd and 
 George Wilson, St. Luke's Church, parish of 
 Newport, Isle of Wight county ; William Wal- 
 ler, Lexington parish, Amherst county ; George 
 W. Bassett, St. George's parish, Fredericks- 
 burg; Carter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, 
 Hanover and Louisa counties; WiUiam S. Jones, 
 Christ Church, Winchester ; Rawleigh W. 
 Downraan, Christ Church, Lancaster county ; 
 Wilson C. Selden, Shelburne parish, Leesburg, 
 Loudoun county ; Thomas Withers, Bath par- 
 ish, Dinwiddie county ; George Lynn, jun., 
 Hampshire parish, Hampshire county ; James 
 M. Garnett, Vauter's Church, St. Anne's parish, 
 Essex county ; Thos. L. Latane, South Farnham 
 parish, Essex county ; Hugh Nelson, Freder- 
 icksville parish, Albemarle county ; John Stuart, 
 Lamb's Creek Church, King George county ; 
 Catesby Jones, Ware parish, Gloucester county ; 
 Thomas G. Coleman, Camden parish, Pittsylva- 
 nia county ; John Nelson, St. James's parish, 
 Mecklenburg county ; Richard B. Maury, St. 
 Paul's Church, Norfolk; Mann P. Nelson, Christ 
 Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley ; David 
 Street, Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county ; 
 John Grammer, sen., Bristol parish, Petersburg ; 
 Nathaniel Nelson, Westover parish, Charles 
 City county ; Edmund Berkeley and George 
 Tyler, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania ; George 
 F. Thornton, St. Margaret's parish, Caroline 
 county ; Philip Nelson, Robert Page, and Wash- 
 ington Nelson, Frederick parish, Frederick 
 county ; John T. Clark, Antrim parish, Halifax 
 county ; William D. Young, Trinity Church, 
 Portsmouth ; William G. Jackson and Edward 
 Valentine, Augusta parish, Staunton ; Burwell 
 Passett, Bruton parish, Williamsburg; David 
 M. Walk and Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven 
 parish. Princess Anne county ; Hilary Baker, 
 Christ Church, Richmond ; Walter Coles, St. 
 Anne's parish, Albemarle county ; William H. 
 M'Farland, Christ Church, Norfolk. 
 
 And the committee further report, that the 
 following persons appear to have been duly 
 elected, but their certificates of appointment 
 are not in the form prescribed by the canon, viz; : 
 
 Jeremiah Morton, St. Thomas's parish.Orange 
 county ; William Boiling, St. James's parish, 
 Northam, Goochland county; Thomas Mar- 
 shall, Leeds parish, Fauquier county. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, 
 
 Resolved, That the said report be for the 
 present laid on the table. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund L Lee, 
 
 Resolved, That the following rules of order, 
 adopted by the last Convention for the govern- 
 ment of their proceedings, be the rules of pro- 
 ceeding during the present Convention. 
 
 L The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with prayer. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or 
 be unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds of 
 the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the hous^ 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when rcr 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, 
 it shall be determined upon before any new 
 subject is introduced, except the question of 
 adjournment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjournr 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave the chair. 
 
 13. None of the rules of order shall be sus- 
 pended without the concurrence of two thirds 
 of the members present. 
 
 14. The president shall, in his discretion, se- 
 lect a pew within the limits of those allotted 
 for the use of the members, which pew shall be 
 appropriated for the accommodation of visiting 
 clergymen and students of the Theological 
 School, who may be invited to the same by the 
 president without any special application to 
 the Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, 
 Rev. Adam Empie, Rev. William F. Lee, Rev. 
 Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr. 
 James M. Garnett,^ Mr. William Boiling, and 
 Mr. Thomas Marshall, be a committee to taJte 
 
282 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 into consideration the state of the church in this 
 diocess, and report thereon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Mann, Rev. 
 Charles H. Page, Rev. John P. M'Guire, Rev. 
 E. W. Peet, Mr. Burwell Bassett, and Dr. Wil- 
 son C. Selden, be a committee to examine the 
 parochial reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, 
 Rev. J. E. Jackson, and Mr. William H. M'Far- 
 land, be a committee to examine the treasurer's 
 accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Rawleigh 
 W. Downman, and Mr. Walter Cole, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the accounts of the treasu- 
 rer of the fund for the support of widows and 
 orphans of deceased clergymen. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Rev. 
 George Adie, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the accounts of the treas- 
 urer of the fund for the permanent support of 
 the episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That when the Con- 
 vention adjourns to-day, it adjourn to meet again 
 to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn. 
 
 Thursday, May 16, 1833. 
 
 The Convention met according to adjoum- 
 ■ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Meade took the 
 chair as president of the Convention, upon the 
 request of the Right Rev. Bishop Moore. 
 
 The Rev. Archibald H. Lamon, rector of 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, and 
 Bloomfield parish, Madison county, appeared 
 •and took his se«t 
 
 Mr. Horace Stringfellow, a delegate from 
 Bloomfield parish, Madison county ; Mr. Henry 
 L. Davies, a delegate from Lexington parish, 
 Amherst county ; Mr. William Radford, a del- 
 egate from St. Stephen's Church, Russell par- 
 ish, Bedford county ; and Mr. John L. Wilkins, 
 St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, ap- 
 peared and took their seats. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Dresser offered the following reso- 
 lution : — 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 prepare a revised copy of the constitution and 
 canons of the church in this diocess, with a view 
 to their publication. 
 
 On motion of Rev. Mr. Lee, Resolved, 
 That the said resolution be referred to -the 
 committee on the state of the church. 
 
 Mr. Reuben Maury, a lay delegate from Fred- 
 ericks viUe parish, Albemarle county, appeared 
 '^•nd offered credential of his appointment. 
 I On motion ^f Mr. Hugh Nelson, 
 > Resolved, That Mr. Maury be admitted to a 
 €eat in this Convention. 
 
 The business of the Convention was suspend- 
 ed, for the purpose of attending divine service 
 by the Rev. Mr. Dresser, and a sermon by the 
 Rev. Mr. Cobbs. 
 
 On motion of Mr. William G. Jackson, Re- 
 solved, That the next annual Convention of 
 this diocess be held in the town of Staunton. 
 
 The parochial reports were presented and 
 read, and referred to the committee on paro- 
 chial reports. 
 
 The Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., as- 
 sistant bishop of the diocess, presented the 
 following report. 
 Report of episcopal services during the year ending 
 
 May, 1833, by the Right Rev. William Meade, 
 
 assistant bishop of Virginia, presented to the Cow 
 
 vention held iti Richmond, May 15th, 1833. 
 
 Dear Brethren and Friends, — My last re- 
 port, presented to you at our meetmg at Alexan- 
 dria, closed with an account of some duties per- 
 formed on, my way thither. Being prepared for 
 the commencement of our session, it could not 
 of course embrace the very interesting exercises 
 of the Sabbath which terminated our meeting. 
 Most of you were present on that occasion, and 
 will remember that, in order to prevent an inex- . 
 pedient multiplication of duties at the usual time 
 of divine service, we met at an early hour of the 
 morning, to receive by the rite of confirmation a 
 number of applicants for all the privileges of 
 church membership. That most interestmg of- 
 fice was assigned to myself by our beloved father 
 in Christ, and it was my privilege to lift up my 
 heart in prayer over fifty -eight candidates for this 
 holy rite. 
 
 In a short tinae after the rising of the Conven- 
 tion, I entered upon a visitation of some parts of 
 the diocess. On the 14th and 15th of June I was 
 engaged in the performance of episcopal duty in 
 Fredericksburg, where I preached three times 
 and confirmed fourteen persons. On the 16Lh and 
 17th I was in like manner employed in Caroline 
 county, where I preached twice, administered the 
 communion, and confirmed eleven persons. The 
 19th and 20th I spent in Hanover, where 1 conse- 
 crated a new church, preached twice, administer- 
 ed the communion, baptized one adult and one in- 
 fant, and confirmed fourteen. From Hanover I 
 proceeded to Richmond, where, tarrying only one 
 night, I preached for the Rev. Mr. Lee. On the 
 next morning I left Richmond for Amelia, where 
 I spent the 22d and 23d in company with the Rev. 
 Mr. Grammer, who assisted in the religious ser- 
 vices of the occasion ; I preached twice, adminis- 
 tered the Lord's Supper, and confirmed ten per- 
 sons in this parish ; the parish of Amelia was then 
 and still is, I beUeve, destitute of a minister ; there 
 are a goodly number of pious persons attached to 
 our church in this parish, who, in communion with 
 others in an adjoining county, would rejoice to 
 have frequent services among them. From Ame- 
 lia I bent my course towards Dinwiddie, and 
 preached on the 26th at Sapony, the old church of 
 the venerable D6vereaux Jarratt, now under the 
 care of the Rev. Mr. Grammer ; here I preached 
 once, confirmed nine, and addressed the people 
 in favour of our Seminary, to which they have al- 
 ways been liberal. From Dinwiddie I passed into 
 the adjoining county of Brunswick, where I 
 preached twice at the courthouse, confirming five, 
 and once at Red Oak Church, confirming two ; the 
 prospect at the courthouse appeared quite encour- 
 aging. My next appointments were in Lunen- 
 burg, where, on the 30th June and 1st of July, I 
 performed various services in the new church in 
 that county : on the first day I consecrated the 
 church and preached ; on the second confirmed 
 nine persons, ordained the Rev. Mr. Taliaferro 
 priest, and administered the holy communion. I 
 felt much encouraged by the zeal which seemed 
 to animate the minister and his people in this 
 place ; they have already built one new church, 
 and are engaged in the erection of another, in » 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 ^83 
 
 tli^renl part of the county— what is far better 
 than this, their hearts appear to be earnestly en- 
 
 Saged in promoting the inward and spiritual wis- 
 om of God within them After the above-men- 
 tioned services I proceeded to Mecklenburg, in 
 company with the Rev. Messrs. Dresser and Tal- 
 iaferro, and, in conjunction with them, spent three 
 days in the performance of divine services in this 
 County. During this time I preached three times, 
 administered confirmation twice, and the commu- 
 nion once. The number confirmed amounted to 
 sixteen. The adjoining county of Halifax was 
 visited next. In this county I laboured three 
 days, preaching three times, consecrating a new 
 church at the courthouse, administering the com- 
 munion, confirming twenty-three, baptizing one 
 adult and four children. On Monday, the 9th, I 
 proceeded to Pittsylvania, where I preached 
 twice, administered the communion, baptized one 
 child, confirmed six, and consecrated a new 
 /ihurch. The 11th and 12th of July were spent in 
 Campbell, at St. John's Church,where I preached 
 twice, and confirmed five persons. This church, 
 which is a monument of the disinterested zeal of 
 the Rev. Mr. Osgood, now deceased, is destitute 
 -of a regular minister, but receives with gratitude 
 X)Ccasional supplies from the Rev. Mr. Cobbs and 
 the Rev. Mr. Smith. The following days were 
 devoted to the churches of St. Stephen's and 
 Trinity in Bedford county, which are under the 
 care of the Rev. Mr. Cobbs. In each of these 
 churches I preached twice, in each of them ad- 
 ministered the rite of confirmation, in one of 
 Jthem baptized an adult, and celebrated the Lord's 
 Supper. The whole number confirmed was thir- 
 ,ty-three. The 16th and 17th days of this month 
 were spent in Lynchburg, where I preached three 
 times, administered the communion, and confirm- 
 ed twenty-nine. Crossing the river at this place 
 I entered into Amherst, and preached at St. Mat- 
 thew's Church on the 18th, where I confirmed 
 «ine,at New-Glasgow on the 19ih, where I conse- 
 crated the church, and confirmed five. On the 
 following day, which was the day set apart by our 
 charch for fasting and prayer, on account of the 
 dreadful scourge which was then desolating our 
 land, I preached in Callaway's Church, Nelson 
 county, and confirmed eight persons. On the fol- 
 lowing day I crossed over into Buckingham, and 
 on the 22d consecrated the new church in that 
 county, preached, and confirmed eighteen persons. 
 On the day after I again preached, and administer- 
 ed the communion. On the same evening I at- 
 tended a meeting at Buckingham courthouse, 
 where the Rev. Mr. Swift preached ; I seconded 
 his discourse by an exhortation. On the follow- 
 ing morning I engaged in some religious exercises 
 at a small church on the way to Albemarle, and 
 on that evening preached at Wwren. On the fol- 
 lowing day I preached at North Garden, baptized 
 -one adult, and confirmed nine ; on the 26th preach- 
 ed at Buck Mountain, and confirmed eleven ; on 
 the 27th at Charlottesville, confirming five, and 
 baptizing two adults ; I also preached at night 
 while at Charlottesville. On Saturday and Sun- 
 day, the 28th and 29th, I was engaged in episcopal 
 duty on the Green Mountain : on the first day I 
 preached, consecrated a new church, baptized two 
 -adults and ten children ; on the second day 
 preached, confirmed seventeen persons, and ad- 
 ministered the communion. On Monday I reach- 
 ed Walker's Church, where I preached, and con- 
 •firmed three persons. From Albemarle I proceed- 
 ed to Orange courthouse, where I spent two days 
 in ministering the word and ordinances to large 
 and deeply-impressed assemblies. On the second 
 day I administered the rite of confirmation, which 
 
 had never been witnessed before in that place, to 
 seventeen persons, and the holy communion to 
 more than twice that number. A spirit of earnest 
 inquiry has been awakened among the people of 
 that place, which will, I trust, lead to glorious re- 
 sults to themselves and their posterity. They 
 have secured the services of a faithful minister, 
 and are about erecting a suitable house of wor- 
 ship. From Orange I passed into Madison,where 
 for the first time episcopal services had been very 
 recently introduced. At this place I preached but 
 once, being straitened for time. I have since been 
 gratified by the intelligence that a genuine work 
 of grace has been going on in the hearts of many 
 in that place, and that a goodly number have at- 
 tached themselves to the communion of our 
 church. I had only time to preach once at Cul- 
 pepper courthouse on my way home, which I 
 reached on the 5th of August, after an absence of 
 nearly two months. 
 
 The episcopal duties which were performed 
 during the months of August and September, 
 were confined to my immediate parish or county. 
 In conjunction with one or two brethren, I spent 
 the last day of August and the two first days of 
 September at Wickliffe Church, in the parish of 
 Frederick, when I bautized two adults, and con- 
 firmed six persons. 1 was present also at an as- 
 sociation in Winchester on the 21st, 22d, and 23d 
 of September, at Which time the rite of confirma- 
 tion was administered to twenty-five persons. 
 
 On the 16th of December I also held aconfirm 
 ation at Middletown, when six persons were 
 admitted into full communion with the church. 
 On the same day I baptized one adult, and admin- 
 istered the Lord's Supper. I was invited to an 
 association at Leesburg on the 27th, 28th, and 29th 
 of December, but, on going to the place, was sorry 
 to find myself alone with the worthy minister 
 of the parish. The services of course devolved 
 upon myself, and I was enabled to preach nine 
 times during the three days, to baptize one adult, 
 confirm twenty-three persons, and administer the 
 Lord's Supper. The meetings were large and at- 
 tentive, and if there was only a new, more spa- 
 cious, and comfortable house of worship to receive 
 those who are well disposed to enter it, we have 
 reason to believe the congregation would increase 
 and flourish under its zealous and very acceptable 
 minister. The ability, devoted attachment, and 
 zeal of its friends, will, we trust, ere long, accom- 
 plish this desirable object. 
 
 On Tuesday, the 9th of April, I again set out to 
 visit some of.the churches on my way to the Con- 
 vention. On Wednesday I preached at Warren- 
 ton in Fauquier county ; on Friday, morning and 
 evening, at Fredericksburg; from thence I pro- 
 ceeded to the Northern Neck, and preached on 
 Sunday to a large congregation in Lamb's Creek 
 Church, at which time I administered the rite of 
 confirmation to eight persons, and the Lord's Sup- 
 per to more than sixty. On the two following 
 days I performed divine service at St. Paul's 
 Church, in King George county, preaching twice 
 the first day, and once the second, on the latter 
 occasion confirming four persons. On Wednes- 
 day, the 17th, I preached at Hanover parish, King 
 George, to a congregation under the care of the 
 Rev. Mr. Clapham, and on the following day in 
 Westmoreland, at a church not far from Mattox 
 Bridge. On the 19th f preached in Yocomico 
 Church, situate in the lower end of Westmoreland 
 county. On the 20th and 21 st I engaged in reli- 
 gious services at Richmond courthouse, three 
 times on the first day and twice on the second ; on 
 the latter I administered the rite of confirmatioij 
 to twenty -one pejrsonsj and the I,iOrd's Supper tp 
 
iJ84 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 more than twice the number. I was here met and 
 assisted in the services by the Rev. Mr. Adams 
 and the Rev. Mr. M'Guire ; our congregations 
 were large, attentive, and deeply interested, we 
 hope, in the exercises of the occasion. On the 
 22a I proceeded to Northumberland courthouse, 
 and preached to a large and attentive congrega- 
 tion. On the 2.3d I officiated at Wicomico Church, 
 in Lancaster county, and on the two following 
 days at Christ Church, in the same county, admin- 
 istering the rite of confirmation to seven persons. 
 On the 26th I preached at Lancaster courthouse, 
 and on the 27th and 28th preached, administered 
 confirmation and the Lord's Supper, at White 
 Chapel in the same county. The number of per- 
 sons confirmed on this occasion was eighteen ; I 
 also administered the rite of baptism to one adult 
 and two children. On Monday, the 29th, I preach- 
 ed at a church about six miles from Richmond 
 courthouse ; on the 30th I laid the corner-stone of 
 a new church at Richmond courthouse, making 
 an address on the occasion. On Wednesday and 
 Thursday I was engaged at Rappahannock in Es- 
 sex county, preaching four times, confirming nine 
 persons, and assisting at the communion. 
 
 The 3d, 4th, and 5th of May I spent at Vau- 
 ter's Church, in Essex county, preaching four 
 times, confirming three persons, and assisting at 
 the communion. On the 6th and 7th I was at 
 Port Royal, where I preached twice, confirmed 
 seven persons, and assisted at the communion. 
 On the 8th and 9th I was at the Bowling Green, 
 where I preached twice. On the following Sunday 
 I preached at Trinity Church, in Hanover county, 
 which duty terminated the services of the year 
 which expires with our present meeting. 
 
 As I am called on by the Convention to address 
 a special pastoral letter to the ministers and mem- 
 bers of the church as soon as leisure will admit, 
 I will postpone, until then, some reflections which 
 jotherwise might have been now more briefly pre- 
 sented. 
 
 Commending you to the care of the Great Shep- 
 herd and Bishop of souls, now and for ever, I re- 
 gain your friend and brother in the Lord, 
 
 William Meade. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund L Lee, 
 Resolved, That the said report be referred to 
 Ihe committee on the state of the church. 
 On motion of Rev. John Grammer, 
 Resolved, That the committee on parochial 
 reports be instructed to accompany their report 
 by a tabular statement of the baptisms, confirm- 
 ations, and number of communicants in the 
 diocess, according to the returns from the par- 
 ishes, and also state the names of the parishes 
 from which the reports are defective. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9 
 o'clock. 
 
 Feiday, May 17, 1833. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., who took the chair 
 as president. 
 
 Mr. John Nelson, from the committee for ex- 
 amining the accounts of the treasurer of the 
 fund for the relief of the widows and orphans 
 of deceased clergymen, made the following re- 
 port, which was read and received : — 
 
 The committee appointed to investigate the 
 accounts of the treatsurer of the fund for the sup- 
 
 port of the widows and orphans of deceased 
 clergymen, beg leave to report, that the annex- 
 ed account is the only document furnished them, 
 and that they have no means of ascertaining its 
 correctness. John Nelson, Chairman. 
 
 The Fund for Relief of the Widows and Or- 
 phans of Deceased Clergymen of the Episco- 
 pal Church of Virginia^ in account with John 
 Hooff, Treasurer. Dr. 
 
 1832, May 22. — To cash transmitted 
 Miss Maria Heath per Mr. James 
 Brown, $30 00 
 
 June 1. — To cash paid for four shares 
 of Farmers' Bank of Alexandria 
 stock, 120 00 
 
 1833, March 4.— To cash loaned by 
 order of Standing Committee on a 
 
 good bond, at six percent, interest, 600 00 
 
 April 29.— To do. do. do. 1,600 00 
 
 Balance to new account, - - 107 16 
 
 Cr. 
 
 $2,457 16 
 
 1832, May 16.— By old account for 
 balance in treasurer's hand, - $157 73 
 
 July 3. — Quarter's interest on three 
 
 per cents., - - - - - 15 28 
 
 " 5. — Dividend Bank of Alexandria, 
 
 5 shares, - - - - - 15 00 
 
 Oct. 1. — Do. Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria, 98 shares, - - - 98 00 
 
 " 2. — Quarter's interest on three per 
 cents., 15 28 
 
 " 5.— Cash for two thirds of $2,037 78 
 of three per cent, stock, redeemed 
 by United States, - - - 1,358 52 
 
 1833, Jan. 4. — Cash for balance of 
 
 three per cents., - - - - 679 26 
 " Quarter's interest on do. - - 5 09 
 " Dividend Bank of Alexandria, five 
 
 shares, 15 00 
 
 April 1. — Do. Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria, 98 shares, - - - 98 00 
 
 $2,457 16 
 
 May 9. — By balance in treasurer's 
 
 hands, - - - n$107 16 
 
 E. E. John Hooff, Treasurer. 
 
 The funds are as follows, viz. : — 
 98 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria stock, at par, - - $4,900 00 
 5sharesofBankof Alexandria, at par, 1,000 00 
 1 share of Bank of Virginia, at par, 100 00 
 A good note and bond bearing interest 
 
 at six per cent., - - - 2,200 00 
 
 Robert Andrews's estate, balance of 
 note, with interest from 30th April, 
 1829, till paid, - - - - 399 23 
 Cash in hand, ... - 107 16 
 
 $8,706 39 
 
 Dr. Isaac Winston, a lay delegate from St. 
 Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, appeare4 
 and took his seat. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 285 
 
 On motion of Rev. Mr. Grammer, 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 Rev. Charles Mann, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and 
 Mr John Hooff*, be requested to publish the con- 
 stitution and regulations of the society for the 
 relief of widows and orphans of deceased cler- 
 gymen of this diocess, accompanied by the 
 names of the subscribers, and such a statement 
 of the condition of the society as they may deem 
 proper, and send four copies to each clergyman 
 in this diocess. 
 
 The Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., from 
 the committee on the state of the church, made 
 the following report : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave respectfully to report to the Convention, 
 that, after long and serious deliberation upon a va- 
 riety of matters connected with the interests of the 
 church, they have come to the resolution to pro- 
 
 Eose the following particulars to the notice of this 
 ody : — 
 
 On the subject of the canons of the church in 
 this diocess, referred to them by the vote of this 
 Convention, they would propose that a special com- 
 mittee of seven persons be appointed, to examine 
 and inquire in what respects the present consti- 
 tution and canons may require revision and alter- 
 ation, and what new canons may be needed ; to 
 draught such as may be deemed by them neces- 
 sary ; and that this committee be, and hereby are 
 instructed, to report in full at the next Convention. 
 
 As it regards the important question respecting 
 the representation from the parishes, the commit- 
 tee are of opinion, that the second article of the 
 constitution ought not to be so construed as to 
 give to any parish, church, or congregation, the 
 right of sending to this body more than one dele- 
 gate, unless in the event of its having no clergy- 
 man engaged and occupied as its minister. And 
 by a clergyman engaged and occupied as a min- 
 ister, your committee mean one who has been offi- 
 cially employed by a congregation or a vestry, to 
 officiate among them at stated times. As some 
 doubt has arisen, however, as to the meaning of 
 the said second article, and as it is highly impor- 
 tant that a matter of so much consequence should 
 be definitely settled and clearly understood, your 
 committee propose that, agreeably to the provis- 
 ions of the thirteenth article of the constitution, 
 which provides for the making of changes in that 
 instrument, notice be given to the several vestries 
 within the diocess, that it is proposed, at the next 
 ensuing Convention, so to alter and amend the 
 said second article of the constitution, as that all 
 of it after the words " members ex-officio," in the 
 sixth line of the printed edition of 1828, be stricken 
 out ; and the following words added and inserted 
 in Heu thereof, viz. : " the Convention shall also 
 be composed of lay members, consisting of one del- 
 egate from each parish, church, or congregation, 
 or of two lay delegates from each parish, church, 
 or congregation in which there shall be no clergy- 
 man who has been settled, or otherwise officially 
 employed by the people or the vestry to officiate 
 among them statedly." 
 
 Your committee have taken into consideration 
 the subjects embraced in the discourse delivered 
 at the opening of the session by the Right Rev. the 
 Assistant Bishop ; and, cordially approving the sen- 
 timents expressed in the same, viewing it as pre- 
 senting most important and valuable considera- 
 tions to the notice of the church, and regarding it 
 as an official document, and as in the nature of a 
 charge to the clergy, they would respectfully pro- 
 pose to the Convention that a corrunittee of two 
 
 persons be appointed to wait upon the Right Rev. 
 the Assistant Bishop, to signify to him the wish 
 and request of this body that he will publish the 
 same, or such parts of it as he may thank proper, 
 in such form as he may judge expedient. A nd they 
 further propose, that the treasurer be instructed 
 to defray the expenses of said publication out of 
 the funds of the Convention. 
 
 It has occurred to your committee that there is 
 another subject deserving of the notice and imme- 
 diate action of this body. Our churches are erect- 
 ed, consecrated, and solemnly set apart for the 
 worship and the service of Almighty God. The 
 use of them for any other purposes than those of 
 religious worship, is, then, plainly a deviation from 
 their true design. Your committee therefore ad- 
 vise the adoption of the following resolution, viz. : 
 that it be recommended to the clergy, and vestries, 
 and the congregations in the diocess, to discoun- 
 tenance, to discourage, and to use all their influ- 
 ence to put a stop to the practice of using houses 
 of worship belonging to the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church for miUtary processions, political meet- 
 ings, poUtical orations, and such like things ; and 
 the using of them for any purposes whatever 
 merely secular. 
 
 The imperfect character of many of the paro- 
 chial reports has been long a subject of regret and 
 complaint in the church, and leads to many great 
 inconveniences. By this defect in our returns- 
 we are deprived of the only accurate sources of 
 information as to the true state of the diocess. 
 Your committee would therefore respectfully 
 urge upon the Convention the necessity of taking^ 
 measures to secure more minute and definite re- 
 turns ; and for this purpose would suggest that a 
 form be drawn out by the secretary, and printed 
 as an appendix to the Journal. This form will 
 provide for the statistical matters at least ; and 
 all other matters calculated to throw light upon' 
 the state of the churches can be added by the' 
 respective rectors and ministers at the bottom- 
 of their reports. For a view of the matters 
 that ought to be embraced in the parochial re^ 
 ports, your committee beg leave to refer to the' 
 first section of the fifty-first canon of the Generat 
 Convention, and also to the twenty-ninth canon. 
 
 The great importance of a well-selected library 
 to every clergyman, and to the people of a congre- 
 gation, is so obvious, that your committee will not 
 detain you by any remarks on the subject. All, it 
 is presumed, will acknowledge it to be highly -de- 
 sirable, that every church should possess such a 
 collection of books as are calculated to promote 
 piety, to disseminate religious instruction, and to 
 furnish the people with sound knowledge of the 
 grounds upon which the church rests the pecuhar- 
 ities by which she is distinguished. Convinced 
 that to secure to every congregation such an ac- 
 quisition, there is nothing necessary but some 
 Uttle effort on the part of the clergy, the commit- 
 tee propose to the Convention the following reso- 
 lution, viz. : That it be, and hereby is declared to 
 be, the duty of every minister to use all proper ef- 
 forts to procure a parochial library, for the use of 
 the people of his charge : and that it be respect- 
 fully recommended to the vestries and congrega- 
 tions of the diocess to concur with and to aid their 
 ministers in the accomphshment of so desirable 
 an object. 
 
 Adding merely that the general state of the dio- 
 cess is highly encouraging, and that no further 
 particulars occur to them as necessary to be pre- 
 sented for your consideration at this time, your 
 corrunittee respectfully present their report. 
 Signed by order of the committee. 
 
 Henry W. Ducachet, Chairman. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the said report 
 be laid upon the table until after divine service 
 this morning. 
 
 The secretary received the following contri- 
 butions from sundry parishes in this diocess for 
 the contingent fund, and towards the remunera- 
 tion of Bishop Moore for his episcopal services, 
 viz. : — 
 
 St.' Paul's Church, Lynch- 
 burg, - - - $15 00 
 
 St. Paul's parish. King George 
 
 county, - - - - 9 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 20 00 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, 
 
 Alexandria, - - - 30 00 
 
 St. John's Church, Henrico 
 
 parish, - - - - 15 00 
 
 St. Peter's Church, Tillotson 
 
 parish, Buckingham, - - 12 20 
 
 St. John's Church, Hampton, 6 64 
 
 Calloway and Rockfish Church- 
 es, Nelson, - - - 12 00 
 
 Monumental Church, Rich- 
 mond, - - - - 30 00 
 
 St. Luke's Church, parish of 
 
 Newport, Isle of Wight, - 2 20 
 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia county, 18 60 
 
 Lexington parish, New-Glas- 
 gow Church, Amherst, - 7 00 
 
 St. George's parish, Freder- 
 icksburg, - - - - 20 00 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover 
 
 and Louisa, - - - 20 00 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester, 15 00 
 
 Christ Church, Lancaster co., 30 00 
 
 Shelbume parish, Leesburg, 20 00 
 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle, and \ 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Bruns- V 30 00 
 wick, - - - I 
 
 Vauter's Church, St. Anne's 
 
 parish, Essex county, - 30 00 
 
 South Farnham parish, Essex 
 
 county, - - - - 10 00 
 
 Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle county^ - - ^ - 3 00 
 
 Lamb's Creek Church, King 
 
 George county, - - 6 00 
 
 Ware and Abingdon parishes, 
 
 Gloucester, - - - 28 19 
 
 Camden parish, Pittsylvania co., 15 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklen- 
 burg county, - - - 16 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, ' 10 00 
 
 Christ Church, Norborne par- 
 ish, Berkeley county, - 5 00 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg 
 
 county, - - - - 8 32 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, - 30 00 
 
 Westover parish, Charles City 
 
 county, - - - - 00 
 
 Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania 
 
 county, - - - - 5 00 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline 
 
 county, - - - - 10 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, $489 15 |175 97 
 
 For E. 8er. 
 of Bii-hop 
 Moore. 
 
 $8 12 
 
 4 50 
 
 00 
 
 13 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 2 80 
 
 3 36 
 
 5 60 
 
 24 08 
 
 2 80 
 
 1 40 
 
 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 8 26 
 
 13 30 
 
 1 41 
 
 10 00 
 
 6 30 
 
 00 
 
 4 00 
 
 7 00 
 
 1 45 
 
 4 06 
 2 25 
 
 5 88 
 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 1 68 
 8 60 
 
 1 12 
 
 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 Amount brought forward, $489 
 Frederick parish, Frederick CO., 15 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county, 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth, 
 Augusta parish, Staunton, 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg, 
 Lynnhaven parish. Princess 
 
 Anne county, - - - 
 Christ Church, Richmond, 
 St. Anne's parish, Albemarle 
 
 county, - - . . 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, 
 St. Thomas's parish, Orange 
 
 county, - . - . 
 St. James's parish, Northam, 
 
 Goochland, - . _ 
 Leeds parish, Fauquier county, 15 
 Bloomfield parish, Madison co., 
 Russell parish, Bedford co., 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpep- 
 per county, - _ . 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper 
 
 county, . . - - 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley co.. 
 Dale parish, Chesterfield co., 
 Hungar's parish, Northampton 
 
 county, - - - . 
 Rev. William Crawford, Louisa 
 
 county, - - - . 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier co.. 
 
 m 15 $176 97 
 15 00 12 60 
 19 02 4 48 
 15 00 5 18 
 10 00 00 
 10 00 5 00 
 
 3 60 
 10 00 
 
 1 40 
 
 8 40 
 
 8 60 
 30 00 
 
 1 40 
 35 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 5 OO 
 
 5 20 
 15 00 
 
 5 00 
 30 00 
 
 2 80 
 6 00- 
 
 5 oa 
 
 6 00 
 
 21 24 
 
 4 7Q 
 
 00 
 00 
 00 
 
 5 60 
 
 11 25 
 
 70 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 OO 
 
 00 
 15 00 
 
 10 OO 
 4 20 
 
 $716 81 $315 74 
 
 The business of the Convention was suspend- 
 ed, for the purpose of attending divine service by 
 the Rev. Wm. G. H. Jones, and a sermon by 
 the Rev. John P. M'Guire 
 
 On motion of Rev. John Grammer, the follow- 
 ing preamble and resolution were unanimously 
 adopted : — 
 
 Whereas the managers of the Bible Society of 
 Virginia have adopted measures for raising in this 
 state, during the present year, a considerable sum 
 of money, to be appropriated to the distribution of 
 the Bible in foreign countries, and have directed 
 their agent respectfully to request the expression 
 of the approbation and concurrence of the bishops 
 and Convention of this church in the proposed 
 object — and whereas this Convention is deeply 
 sensible of the obligation which rests upon all the 
 disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to use their best 
 efforts for supplying every creature with the word 
 of life, and is fully impressed with the importance 
 of the proposed measures as being calculated to 
 put honour upon God's holy word, to confer the 
 richest of blessings upon the destitute and benight- 
 ed portions of the world, and to cherish and in^ 
 crease that spirit of zeal for God's glory and of 
 love for the souls of men which we have reason 
 to hope is in a good degree awakened in our 
 churches : — Therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention cordially rec- 
 ommend the object of the Bible Society to the 
 churches in this diocess, and affectionately re- 
 quests the members and friends of the same to 
 co-operate in the accomplishment of the above 
 object by their prayers ana their contributions, and 
 by such assistance as circumstances may enable 
 them to afford to Mr. William M. Atkmson, the 
 general agent of the society, in the prosecution 
 of his agency in their respective parishes. 
 
CONVENTION GF 1833/ 
 
 287 
 
 The report of the committee on the state of 
 the church was taken up ; and a motion was 
 then made by Mr. Hugh Nelson to strike out 
 from the words, "As it regards," &,c., down to 
 the words, " among them statedly," being the 
 third section of the report — pending the discus- 
 sion of which the Convention adjourned, to meet 
 to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 Satukday, May 19, 1833. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, 
 and was opened with prayer by the Right Rev. 
 Bishop Moore. 
 
 The Rev. William Crawford, of Louisa coun- 
 ty, appeared and took his seat. 
 
 On motion, leave of absence for the remain- 
 der of the session was granted to the Rev. Mr. 
 Syme. 
 
 The Convention took up the report of the 
 committee upon the state of the church, and 
 upon the question being taken upon the amend- 
 ment proposed on yesterday by Mr. Hugh Nel- 
 son, to strike out the third section, the same was 
 carried in the affirmative. 
 
 On motion of Mr. M'Farland, the fifth section 
 of the report was amended by striking out the 
 words following: "and the u.sing of them for 
 any purposes whatever merely secular." 
 
 The session of the Convention was then sus- 
 pended, for the purpose of attending divine ser- 
 vice by the Rev. James Doughen, and a sermon 
 by the Rev. Adam Empie. 
 
 After service, the Convention again took up 
 the report of the committee on the state of the 
 church, and on the question being taken on re- 
 ceiving and approving the same, it was carried 
 in the affirmative ; and, as amended, is as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave respectfully to report to the Convention, 
 that, after long and serious dehberation upon a 
 variety of matters connected with the interests of 
 the church, they have come to the resolution to 
 propose the following particulars to the notice of 
 this body ; — 
 
 On the subject of the canons of the church in 
 this diocess, referred to them by the vote of this 
 Convention, they would propose that a special 
 committee of seven persons be appointed, to exam- 
 ine and inquire in what respects the present con- 
 stitution and canons may require revision and 
 alteration, and what new canons may be needed ; 
 to draught such as may be deemed by them neces- 
 sary ; and that this committee be, and hereby are 
 instructed, to report in full at the next Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 Your committee have ^aken into consideration 
 the subjects embraced in the discourse delivered 
 at the opening of the session by the Right Rever- 
 end the Assistant Bishop ; and, cordially approving 
 the sentiments expressed in the same, viewing it 
 as presenting most important and valuable consid- 
 erations to the notice of the church, and regarding 
 it as an official document, and as in the nature of 
 a charge to the clergy, they would respectfully 
 propose to the Convention that a committee of two 
 persons be appointed to wait upon the Right Rev- 
 erend the Assistant Bishop, to signify to him the 
 wish and request of this body that he will publish 
 the same, or such parts of it as he may think 
 proper, in such form as he may judge expedient. 
 And they further propose, that the treasurer be 
 
 instructed to defray the expenses of said publica- 
 tion out of the funds of the Convention. 
 
 It has occurred to your committee that there is 
 another subject deserving of the notice and imme- 
 diate action of this body . Our churches are erect- 
 ed, consecrated, and solemnly set apart for the 
 worship and service of Almighty God. The use 
 of them for any other purposes than those of reli- 
 gious worship, is, then, plainly a deviation from 
 their true design. Your committee therefore ad- 
 vise the adoption of the following resolution, viz. : 
 that it be recommended to the clergy, and vestries, 
 and the congregations in the diocess, to discoun- 
 tenance, to discourage, and to use all their influ- 
 ence to put a stop to the practice of using houses 
 of worship belonging to the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church for military processions, political meet- 
 ings, political orations, and such like things. 
 
 The imperfect character of many of the paro- 
 chial reports has been long a subject of regret and 
 complaint in the church, and leads to many great 
 inconveniences. By this defect in our returns we 
 are deprived of the only accurate sources of infor- 
 mation as to the true state of the diocess. Your 
 committee would therefore respectfully urge upon 
 the Convention the necessity of taking measures 
 to secure more minute and definite returns ; and 
 for this purpose would suggest that a form be 
 drawn out by the secretary, and printed as an ap- 
 pendix to the journal. This form will provide for 
 the statistical matters at least, and all other mat- 
 ters calculated to throw light upon the state of the 
 churches can be added by the respective rectors 
 and ministers at the bottom of their reports. For 
 a view of the matters that ought to be embraced 
 in the parochial reports, your committee beg leave 
 to refer to the first section of the fifty-first canon 
 of the General Convention, and also to the twen- 
 ty-ninth canon. 
 
 The great importance of a well-selected library 
 to every clergyman, and to the people of a congre- 
 gation, is so obvious, that your committee will not 
 detain you by any remarks on the subject. All, it 
 is presumed, will acknowledge it to be highly 
 desirable that every church should possess such 
 a collection of books as are calculated to promote 
 piety, to disseminate religious instruction, and to 
 furnish the people with sound knowledge of the 
 grounds upon which the church rests — the pecu- 
 liarities by which she is distinguished. Convmced 
 that to secure to every congregation such an acqui- 
 sition, there is nothing necessary but some little 
 effort on the part of the clergy, the committee pro- 
 pose to the Convention the following resolution, 
 viz. : That it be, and hereby is declared to be, the 
 duty of every minister to use all proper efforts to 
 procure a parochial library for the use of the peo- 
 ple of his charge : and that it be respectfully rec- 
 ommended to the vestries and congregations of 
 the diocess to concur with and to aid their minis- 
 ters in the accompUshment of so desirable an ob- 
 ject. 
 
 Adding merely that the general state of the dio- 
 cess is highly encouraging, and that no further 
 particulars occur to them as necessary to be pre>- 
 sented for your consideration at this time, your 
 committee respectfully present their report. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to 
 examine and inquire in what respects the pres- 
 ent constitution and canons may require revisiou 
 and alteration, and what new canons may be 
 needed, and to draught such as may be deemed 
 by them necessary, and that the committee report 
 the result of their investifration to the next Con- 
 
m 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 vention ; and farther, that the committee do 
 cause two hundred copies of the same to be 
 printed, and transmit one copy to each clergy- 
 man of the diocess, to be laid before the respec- 
 tive vestries, and the residue of said copies send 
 to the secretary of the Convention, and that the 
 expense of printing and transmitting the report 
 be paid out of the contingent fund of the church. 
 
 The president then appointed the Right Rev. 
 Bishop Meade, (he Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, 
 M. D., the Rev. Charles Mann, the Rev. Ed- 
 ward C. M'Guire, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Mr. 
 Thomas Marshall, and Mr. Washington Bassett, 
 to compose the said committee. 
 
 On motion of Rev. John Grammer, 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer of the Conven- 
 tion pay to the Right Rev. William Meade, as- 
 sistant bishop of this diocess, the sum of three 
 hundred dollars, to defray the expenses incurred 
 by him in performance of his episcopal duties. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Mann, from the committee 
 on parochial reports, made the following report, 
 which was read and accepted : — 
 
 The committee on the parochial reports beg 
 leave to state, that they have performed the duty 
 assigned them so far as they felt themselves au- 
 thorized to go in abridging the reports handed in 
 by the rectors of the several parishes, and have 
 ^Iso prepared a tabular view of the number of com- 
 municants, &c., as required by a resolution of this 
 house ; they would, however, beg leave to state, 
 that, from the absence of all information in regard 
 to the Sunday Schools, Bible classes. Education 
 and other benevolent societies, in many of the 
 reports handed in, and the want of reports from 
 many important parishes not clerically represent- 
 ed in the present Convention, their table presents 
 but an imperfect view of the present state and 
 condition of the Episcopal Church in this diocess. 
 
 They recommend the subject to the clergy, and 
 would suggest the propriety of forwardmg by 
 mail, at the session of all future Conventions, re- 
 ports from such parishes or churches as cannot be 
 represented by either a clerical or lay deputy. 
 
 The committee would further suggest, that a 
 most interesting report might be formed, if, at the 
 next session of this body, each clergyman would 
 istate in his report the period when the parish in 
 which he officiates was reorganized, the number 
 of communicants at that time, and the periods in 
 which the advantages of religious instruction have 
 been enjoyed. 
 
 By order, Charles Mann, Chairman. 
 
 ' PAROCHIAL REPORTS. 
 
 The rector of the Monumental Church reports 
 to the Convention, that the communicants helong- 
 ing to the parish amount to one hundred and sev- 
 enty or one hundred and eighty, and that he has 
 baptized, since our last annual meeting, twenty- 
 three children. The rector also reports, that, 
 though far advanced in years, he opens his church 
 twice on the Sabbath ; that his congregations in 
 the morning are large and attentive; that he is 
 blessed with a very considerable number of mem- 
 bers who are vitally acquainted with the truths of 
 the gospel, and who are ornaments to the Chris- 
 tian profession. 
 
 There is a very respectable Sunday School be- 
 longing to the church, supplied with competent 
 teachers ; and which, from measures lately adopt- 
 ed, he has no doubt will increase in numbers. 
 Several hundred dollars have been raised within 
 
 a few months to assist m the completion of two 
 churches in this diocess, and one in Kentucky, and 
 the yearly stipend for the benefit of the theological 
 •students in Alexandria is now ready to be paid in. 
 Richard Channino Moore. 
 
 Parochial report of the parish of Frederick, 1833. 
 The condition of the parish is considered on the 
 whole as encouragjing. There are four churches, 
 in each of which divine service is performed every 
 other Sabbath. The attendance is generally good, 
 and the deportment of the congregation indicative 
 of seriousness. Besides the regular services at 
 the four churches, there are five other places where 
 occasional religious exercises are performed. Du- 
 ring the last year seventeen have been admitted to 
 the communion, thirty-two have been baptized, of 
 whom five were adults. 
 
 There have been thirteen funerals and two mar- 
 riages. 
 
 Number of communicants one hundred and 
 twenty. 
 
 A new and commodious church has been built 
 at Millwood, which was consecrated to the service 
 of God on Christmas-day. There are three Sun- 
 day Schools in the parish, two Auxihary Educa- 
 tion Societies, and as many Missionary Societies, 
 which are endeavouring to contribute their aid 
 towards the promotion of the interesting objects 
 for which they were formed. The Colonization 
 Society still continues to draw liberal donations 
 from many warm friends in this parish. The at- 
 tention of the ministers of this parish is in some 
 good degree directed towards the reUgious instruc- 
 tion of the servants. On every Sabbath afternoon 
 the different churches are opened for their recep- 
 tion, and those who undertake their instruction 
 are often encouraged by the attendance of consid- 
 erable numbers who appear thankful for the notice 
 shown them. May He who made of one blood all 
 nations upon earth, grant his blessing to every 
 effort in behalf of the poor and ignorant, that they 
 may become rich in faith and wise unto salvation, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. William Meade. 
 
 St. Paul's parish. King George county. The 
 rector reports, that a deep interest is manifested 
 by many under his pastoral care upon the momen- 
 tous subject of religion, and that the power of the 
 Holy Spirit has been displayed in the conversion 
 of souls to God. Since making the last report, 
 death has removed some of our number to that 
 rest which remaineth for the people of God. Du- 
 ring that period three have died, two have removed 
 from the parish, thirteen have been confirmed, ten 
 have been baptized, two marriages have been sol- 
 emnized, and six funerals attended. Through the 
 hberality of the female members of St. Paul's and 
 Brunswick parishes, $32 50 have been raised to 
 constitute their minister a Ufe member of the Ed- 
 ucation Society. A Sunday School has recently 
 been organized, and promises much usefulness. 
 Eight members have been added to the commu- 
 nion since last Convention, leaving the present 
 number thirty-five. 
 
 Zachari^h H. Goldsmith. 
 
 Brunswick parish. King George county. The 
 spiritual condition of this parish has much im^ 
 proved. Since making our last report, one mar- 
 riage has been solemnized, four have been admitted 
 to the apostolic rite of confirmation, two funeral* 
 have been attended, and four persons have been 
 added to the communion, making the present 
 number fourteen. 
 
 Zachariah H. Goldsmith. 
 
 The rector of Hamilton and Leeds parishes^ 
 Fauquier, reports, that there has been some addt- 
 tion to the number of communicants in both par- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 28& 
 
 ishes; but deaths and removals have kept their 
 actual number about the same as reported to the 
 last Convention. Communicants in both parishes 
 about sixty — baptisms nine— marriages eight — 
 funerals nine— Sunday Schools two, one in each 
 parish, and both promising much usefulness. 
 
 Among the tokens for good for which the rector 
 has to be thankful, is an increasing spirit of hber- 
 ahty towards rehgious and charitable institutions, 
 especially in Leeds parish. Geo. Lemon. 
 
 The rector of St. Thomas's Church, Orange 
 courthouse, reports, that he took charge of this 
 congregation in August last, when he met Bishop 
 Meade, who preached, held a confirmation, and 
 admitted several to the Lord's Supper. Since 
 that time a vestry has been formed, and materials 
 are in a considerable state of forwardness for the 
 erection of a commodious church. The rector 
 has regularly performed service here every alter- 
 nate Lord's day, and lectured once a week ; he 
 also preaches once a month for the special benefit 
 of the coloured people, and hopes to be able to do 
 still more for this neglected race of his fellow- 
 creatures. There is a Sabbath School, but as yet 
 not well organized. 
 
 The number of communicants added by the 
 bishop five, by the rector twelve, total number 
 twenty-six. 
 
 Baptisms thirty-five, two of which were cases 
 of adults, and four were cases of coloured children 
 — marriages five. 
 
 The rector of St. Thomas's also reports, that 
 he has under his care Walker's Church in Albe- 
 marle, where he preaches once a month, and that 
 he also preaches at a place in Louisa county, call- 
 ed Free Union, sufficiently near for the people of 
 Walker's congregation to attend, and thus avail 
 themselves of two services in the month. 
 
 William G. H. Jones. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, It gives me much 
 satisfaction to state, that the attendance on public 
 worship in this parish is better ow than probably 
 it has ever been, and great hopes are entertained 
 that the good effects thence resulting will, in due 
 time, be made manifest. In other respects, no 
 great change has taken place since last Conven- 
 tion. A very few only have been added to the 
 number of communicants. Andrew Syme. 
 
 Parish of St. James, Northam, Goochland. 
 There has been but little change in the condition 
 or prospects of this parish since it was last report- 
 ed to the Convention, Two members have been 
 added to the communion — baptisms five, one adult 
 and four children— one marriage. 
 
 J. DOUGHEN. 
 
 Not being prepared to take the whole charge of 
 a parish, with the approbation of our bishop I 
 have been residing in Richmond, as the most cen- 
 tral position with regard to three neighbouring 
 counties, Chesterfield, Charles City, and King 
 William ; in which, once a month in each, I have 
 been preaching since the first of January. It gives 
 me pleasure to mention the exertions of a few 
 friends of the Episcopal Church, through the in- 
 strumentality of whom it has been sustained for 
 some time, under many difficulties, in the two first 
 named counties. Within a few years past an old 
 church in each of these has been repaired. Resi- 
 dent ministers among these people would do 
 much for the cause of Christ. Our congregations 
 increase. They hear the gospel apparently with 
 much attention. Parke F. Berkeley. 
 
 Christ Church, Richmond. The rector of this 
 chur<!h states, that the number of communicants 
 reported by him to the last Convention was sixty ; 
 since that time there have been eleven added, six 
 have removed or withdrawn, and two have died, 
 
 T 
 
 making the present number sixty-three— mar- 
 riages nine— baptisms eight, two adults— funerals 
 fourteen — confirmed twelve. The number of his 
 hearers has increased, and while in many points 
 the prospects of his church are pleasing, he re- 
 grets that he cannot advert to any very manifest 
 spiritual advancement. 
 
 William F. Lee, Rector. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River par- 
 ish. Since the last report to the Convention^ 
 there have been eighty-four baptisms, in five 
 cases of adults ; there have been confirmed thir- 
 ty-three persons; there have been fifteen mar- 
 riages; there have been forty-four funerals, in 
 twenty cases of children under fourteen years 
 of age ; and twenty-six persons have been added 
 to the communion, making the present number 
 two hundred and thirty-eight ; of communicants, 
 eight have died, six have removed, and ten have 
 withdrawn. These are all the changes, except 
 the reorganization and great increase of the 
 Sunday School. The congregation continues to 
 flourish, and, through God's blessing, to enjoy 
 great temporal, and some spiritual prosperity. 
 Henry W. Ducachet, Rector. 
 
 Report of Lexington parish, Amherst county, 
 and of Nelson parish. Inquiring for the materials 
 of a report, they are not found of such an interest, 
 ing character as the minister would delight to 
 bring before the Convention. While the house 
 of God has been generally well attended, there 
 has not been observed that deep and serious con- 
 sideration of the truth as coming from God to 
 man, which is so ardently to be desired by those 
 who believe in the worth and duration of the soul. 
 
 In New -Glasgow there is discovered no im- 
 provement in spiritual things. Attendance upon 
 church is sometimes good, but it has to be 
 lamented that there are many more hearers than 
 doers of the word. 
 
 The congregation which worships at Callaway's 
 is believed to be improving in knowledge and at- 
 tachment to the church. There is here mani- 
 fested a wilhngness to give to all objects which 
 are intended to promote the glory of God upon 
 earth. Besides some contributions to the Theo- 
 logical Seminary, it is expected to raise a scholar, 
 ship upon Bedell's plan. Two have been added 
 to the communion. Instruction in the catechism 
 has not been withheld from children. The colour- 
 ed people attend numerously, and it is hoped with 
 benefit to their souls. The church edifice has 
 been rendered comfortable, as well in winter as 
 summer. Not a few who belong to this church 
 could respond to the interrogation, Lovest thoii 
 me '{ Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. 
 
 An effort has been made to reorganize the 
 church located upon Rockfish river. A vestry 
 has been elected, and the old Episcopal church 
 is either to be repaired, or else removed to a more 
 convenient site. The number of communicants 
 is twelve, four added, and two, who had been 
 warmly attached to the church during her most 
 forlorn state, have died. 
 
 A church which will cost about twelve hundred 
 dollars is to be built this summer in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Lovingston, the county seat of Nelson, 
 upon land given by Mr. Robert Rives, sen., to be 
 under the control of the Episcopal denomination. 
 
 From the ladies of New-Glasgow there has 
 been paid something to the cause of missions, and 
 from those of Callaway's Church to aid in studies 
 preparatory for the mniistry. The other two 
 churches in Amherst, which, until the past year, 
 have been under my care, are now destitute of 
 the regular ministration of the word, to the sefi- 
 ous regret of many. 
 
390 
 
 CONVENTION OF 183a 
 
 To a young man of proper qualifications, a 
 rtioderate support, but a kind reception, would be 
 extended. The whole number of communicants 
 thirty-nine, six added — funerals twelve — baptisms 
 eight — marriages eight. Charles H. Page. 
 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, D.-C. Rev. Charles 
 Mann, rector. Since the last Convention, the 
 church building occupied by this congregation has 
 been entirely repaired, and the interior fitted up 
 in a very neat and handsome manner, at an ex- 
 pense of several hundred dollars. A missionary 
 association has been formed, auxiliary to the Do- 
 mestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church, which comprises 
 every member of the communion, and is intended 
 to embrace, if possible, every member of the con- 
 gregation : its prospects of a liberal support are 
 very flattering indeed. There is also connected 
 with this church an Auxiliary Education Society, 
 which has contributed about sixty dollars to the 
 funds of the parent society during the past year. 
 A Benevolent Society, sustained by the untiring 
 efforts of several valuable ladies in the congrega- 
 tion, disburses annually about one hundred dollars 
 in clothing the poorer children of the Sunday 
 School, and in administering to the wants of the 
 indigent generally. There are two Bible cleisses, 
 one under the care of the rector, and the other of 
 a member of the Theological Seminary. The 
 Sunday School is in a very flourishing and inter- 
 esting state, the number of scholars being only 
 limited by the accommodations afforded in the lec- 
 ture-room. To the persevering and judicious ef- 
 forts of many gentlemen connected with the Theo- 
 logical Seminary, our Sunday Schools and other 
 benevolent institutions are indebted for much of 
 the success which attends upon their exertions ; 
 and justice to that institution requires us to say, 
 that the zeal of its members to promote the best 
 interests of the community for many miles around 
 the spot on which it is located, renders it a rich 
 blessing indeed. 
 
 There have been nineteen additions to the com- 
 munion in Christ Church during the past year, 
 six males and thirteen females — five have with- 
 drawn. The number reported last year was one 
 hundred and thirty, added nineteen, total one 
 hundred and forty-nine ; withdrawn five ; one hun- 
 dred and thirty-one whites, thirteen coloured, 
 total one hundred and forty-four. Baptisms, two 
 white adults and twenty -nine infants, and five col- 
 oured, total thirty-six — confirmed (belonging to 
 congregation) twelve — marriages five — funerals 
 nine. Charles Mann, Rector. 
 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county. The present 
 aspect of this parish is in some respects less 
 cheering than formerly. In many instances anxi- 
 ety has given place to indifference, and power to 
 lukewarmness. Only seven communicants have 
 been added, and of these one has removed, ma- 
 king the present number thirty-eight — confirma- 
 tions twenty-eight — baptisms, adults four, infants 
 nine — marriages two — funerals five. 
 
 Since the last Convention a glebe has been 
 purchased, and a pM-sonage fitted up for the use 
 of the rector. Liberal contributions have been 
 made by individuals to the Missionary Society of 
 our church, and to the Theological School of the 
 diocess. Charles Dresser. 
 
 St. Andrew's Church, Camden parish, Pittsyl- 
 vania county. Since January, 1 have devoted 
 one Sunday a month to this infant parish. When 
 the weather would permit, the congregation has 
 been large and attentive. There is a flourishing 
 Sunday School taught in the church, and could 
 the services of a resident clergyman be enjoyed, 
 few parishes, it is believed, would be more flour- 
 
 iishing. One communicant has been added the 
 last year, one has removed, and one died, leaving 
 the present number eleven — confirmations six — 
 infant baptisms two — marriages two — one funeral. 
 Charles Dresser. 
 St. Margaret's Church, Caroline county. The 
 rector reports that, during the past year, fifteen 
 have been added to the communion, present num- 
 ber of communicants forty-five — baptisms eleven 
 (one adult)— funerals nine— one marriage — con- 
 firmed eleven. He also reports that the prospects 
 in this parish are encouraging — subscriptions are 
 now raising for the erection of two cwiimotlious 
 brick churches, and for repairing the old building 
 — it is expected they will be completed the pres- 
 ent year. 
 
 He would further report, that he has preached 
 occasionally in Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania, 
 where a vestry has lately been elected, and sub- 
 scriptions commenced for the erection of a church. 
 The labours of a pious and active missionary are 
 much needed in this parish and the adjoining 
 county Louisa. W. Friend. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. The 
 minister of this church has nothing of espeeial in- 
 terest to report concerning its present state. If 
 he should say that the religious sensibility of the 
 congregation is not so great as at some former 
 periods, it is what all would be prepared to hear 
 who know any thing of the history of religion in 
 this unfriendly world. There is, however, noth- 
 ing of which we can seriously complain, but, on 
 the contrary, much to inspire confidence and 
 awaken gratitude to God. However unfaithful 
 we may have been, there is still continued cause 
 for recording the loving kindness and tender mer- 
 cies of the Lord. 
 
 Religious institutions command, a general re- 
 spect among us. The numbers fiUing the sanc- 
 tuary proclaim the influence and ascendency of 
 divine truth. We do what we can to prevent the 
 people from mistaking the " form" for the power 
 of religion. 
 
 There has been no abatement of active zeal in 
 the cause of Christian benevolence. Much has 
 been done in this way through the past year. The 
 people do not only love in word, but in deed, and 
 in truth. 
 
 The congregation has erected since the last 
 Convention a commodious vestry-room. One 
 scholarship in the Theological Seminary of Vir- 
 ginia has been endowed for five years, and a 
 second is in a fair way of being soon completed. 
 A promising youth, taken from the Sunday School, 
 has been sent to college by the liberality of a 
 few, in order to his ultimate preparation for the 
 ministry. 
 
 Our Sunday Schools (male, female, and infant) 
 contain about two hundred and fifty children, in- 
 structed by upwards of fifty teachers. Our Bible 
 classes contain from sixty to seventy persons. 
 The rest of our societies continue to receive their 
 share of patronage, and to exercise a salutary in- 
 fluence on. the interests of the church. 
 
 It may here be proper to mention the favour 
 which has been recently shown our Female 
 Charity School — a legacy amounting to $10,000 
 having been left it by the late Miss Sophia Carter, 
 of Prince William county. 
 
 Baptisms eighteen^ one adult— confirmed four- 
 teen — communicants one hundred and eighty-five 
 — marriages nine — funerals seventeen — families 
 about one hundred. 
 
 Edward C. M'Guire. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The number 
 of communicants reported last year was fifty 
 eight, deceased and removed since that time four, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 291 
 
 Rflded eight, present number sixty-two — baptisms, 
 of infants two — one marriage — funerals five. 
 
 A small society of female communicants have 
 testified their interest in the prosperity of our be- 
 loved Zion, by raising the sum of seventy-five dol- 
 lars for the use of our Education Society. 
 
 F. G. Smith. 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester. In taking a review 
 of the past year, the rector has abundant cause of 
 thankfulness. There is in the congregation more 
 apparent religious feeling, and more devout at- 
 tachment to the church, than at any former 
 period ; but the Almighty has laid his hand heavi- 
 ly upon the congregation, having removed by 
 aeath six of our oldest and most highly esteemed 
 members. The public ministrations and social 
 exercises continue to be well attended. The 
 Sunday School has never been in a more prosper- 
 ous state. There is in the congregation a Mis- 
 sionary Society, a Female Education Society, 
 a Society of Industry, a Mite Society, and three 
 Bible classes ; all of which receive efficient atten- 
 tion. Since the last Convention six respectable 
 families, from a conviction of the excellence of 
 our apostolic church, have been united to our 
 congregation; nineteen have been added to the 
 communion ; six members have died ; one re- 
 mains suspended ; and two have removed — leav- 
 ing the present number of communicants one 
 hundred and five — baptisms twenty-two — marria- 
 ges four — deaths ten — confirmed twenty-one. 
 
 The congregation at Mill Creek continues very 
 flourishing ; the rector deeply regrets his visits to 
 the parish can only be monthly. There are forty- 
 one communicants, after deducting four deceased 
 and two removed — marriages two — baptisms nine. 
 J. E. Jackson, Rector. 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, St. Mark's parish, Cul- 
 pepper. The rector would report, that since he 
 took charge of this church in June last, eight 
 persons have been added to the communion, three 
 have died, four removed — present number of com- 
 municants forty-five — baptisms eight, of children 
 — marriages four. 
 
 There are some cases of seriousness, but abun- 
 dant cause for deep humiliation. 
 . Nearly one half of his time has been devoted to 
 the interests of the church in Bloomfield parish, 
 Madison county. There he found but six indi- 
 viduals who were attached to our communion. 
 
 Since he has been labouring among them, the 
 Lord has added twenty-four to their number, 
 fourteen of whom are gentlemen — present number 
 of communicants thirty— baptisms fifteen, adults 
 seven, children eight. 
 
 A contract has been made for the erection of a 
 church, which will cost f 1,800 or $2,000 : $1,400 
 have been subscribed. "The Lord has done 
 great things for us, whereof we are glad." 
 
 Archibald H. Lamon. 
 
 Christ Church, Lancaster county. The rector 
 reports, that during the past year he has devoted 
 his time almost exclusively to the two congrega- 
 tions in this parish, except during a necessary ab- 
 sence of more than three months. We have great 
 reason to be thankful to the great Head of the 
 church, for the blessings he has been pleased to 
 bestow upon this portion of our Zion. 
 
 When the rector entered upon his duties, about 
 sixteen months ago, the Episcopal Church in this 
 section of the state was nearly extinct. But 
 thirteen communicants could be found in the two 
 counties of Lancaster and Northumberland. A 
 Bible class has been in operation during a part of 
 the year past, consisting in all of twenty-four 
 members, six of whom have united with the 
 church. Communicants thirteen, died two, ad- 
 T2 
 
 ded twenty-five, present number thirty-six — bap* 
 tisms, adults five, children forty-nine, total fifty- 
 four — funerals five — number of persons confirmed 
 twenty-seven. Ephraim Adams, Rector. 
 
 St. James's Church, Shelburne parish, Lees* 
 burg. The present minister took charge of this 
 parish the first of June ; since which time, he has 
 reason to hope that the great Head of the church 
 has not been unmindful of us. 
 
 The good seed which has been sown by his 
 pious and faithful predecessors, he has reason to 
 hope, is springing up, and that his own labours 
 have not been altogether in vain. Eighteen have 
 been added to the communion — twenty-three con- 
 firmed—eleven baptized — deaths eight — one mar- 
 riage — whole number of communicants sixty -five. 
 Efforts have been made either to enlarge the pres- 
 ent church building, or to erect a new and more 
 commodious one; which we are encouraged to 
 hope will be done at no distant period. The pres- 
 ent state of the congregation is encouraging ; the 
 Sabbath School flourishing ; the Bible -class 
 hitherto well attended. There is also a Mission- 
 ary Society, and Sewing Society, the proceeds 
 of which are appropriated to benevolent purposes. 
 We have, however, deeply to lament that there is 
 so little of that interest manifested on the part of 
 the congregation generally, that the Infinitely im- 
 portant concerns of eternity demand. 
 
 The church is closed one Sabbath in the 
 month, the minister oflSciating on that day at Al- 
 die and Middleburg,in which two places there are 
 nine comrmunicants. Geo. A die. 
 
 St. Anne's and Fredericksville parishes, Albe- 
 marle. In making a report of his labours for the 
 past year, the rector cannot avoid expressing his 
 gratitude to the great Head of the church, that he 
 has been made the instrument, he trusts, of some 
 little good to the people among whom he has been 
 called to preach the gospel. Some of the encour- 
 aging circumstances to which he feels bound to 
 allude are these : the completion and consecration 
 of one new church at an expense of not less than 
 $1,800— the commencement of another, which will 
 be completed some time during the present year^ 
 and which, with the others, will make four com- 
 fortable churches in this county — the commence- 
 ment also of five scholarships on the plan of a 
 gentleman of Virginia — the favourable disposi- 
 tion manifested towards our church by those who 
 are not of her communion, in admitting the puri- 
 ty of her doctrines, the excellence of her forms, 
 and the piety of her members — and last, but not 
 least, the great liberality and punctuality of some 
 of his people in contributing to the temporal sup- 
 port of their minister. 
 
 He has, however, to lament with great sorrow^ 
 that he has met with not a few embarrassments 
 to his usefulness. Among which may be reckon- 
 ed the great extent of his charge — a want of 
 spirituality and zeal among his people — the exist- 
 ence of too much worldly-mindedness— a back- 
 wardness in confessing Christ before men — an ap' 
 parent indifference by them in the support of their 
 Sunday Schools, their Education and Tract So- 
 cieties, &c. 
 
 In St. Anne's parish there have been during the 
 past year twenty-four persons confirmed — two 
 adult baptisms, twelve infant baptisms — two mar- 
 riages — three funerals — number of communicants 
 thirty-one. 
 
 In Fredericksville parish there have been twen- 
 ty-five confirmed — three adult baptisms, five in- 
 fant baptisms — two funerals — three marriages — 
 number of communicants fifty-one. 
 
 Whole number in both parishes, forty-nine con- 
 firmed—five adult baptisms, seventeen infant bapr 
 
292 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 tisms— five marriages— five funerals^eighty-six 
 communicants. Zacharuh Mead. 
 
 The rector of Cumberland parish, in giving to 
 the Convention an account of his stewardship, 
 presents the following as the state of the church 
 under his care : — Comtrtunicants in all seventeen, 
 additions five, lost by death one — funerals ten, 
 three are whites, seven are blacks— marriages 
 three— one baptism. The church spoken of in 
 his last report was finished, all to lathing and 
 plastering, before the close of the last year, and is 
 now about to be completed. Siiite the last Con- 
 vention his labours have been considerably inter- 
 rupted by ill health, particularly durmg the last 
 three or four months. The prejudices against our 
 church seem to be fleeing before the light of truth, 
 and the people begin to prize her excellence. 
 Though the attendance on our services has gen- 
 erally been very good, it is humiliating to ac- 
 knowledge, that the state of vital religion is quite 
 low. We have much need to pray that the Lord 
 would raise us higher in the scale of true godli- 
 ness, and make us more abundant in the fruits 
 thereof. A moderate degree of interest, however, 
 19 felt in all the benevolent operations of the day. 
 Charles C.Taliaferro. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Famham parishes, Essex 
 county. The pastor has nothing of much interest 
 to report. He does not think that the state of 
 religion has very visibly improved since the last 
 Convention. The attendance upon the services 
 of the sanctuary is not greater ; the condition of 
 the Bible classes and Sunday Schools more dis- 
 couraging. But there are still some gracious 
 evidences of the continued presence and blessing 
 (rf the exalted Head of the church. Among these, 
 one of the most important is the increase of a mis- 
 sionary spirit, giving, as it ever does, sure indica- 
 tions of growth in that divine charity which leads 
 to every good work. 
 
 St. Mary's parish, Port Royal, Caroline county. 
 The pastor of St. Anne's and South Famham 
 still continues his labours at this place, and has 
 gathered in some fruit to the glory of God's grace. 
 It was reported to the last Convention that meas- 
 ures had been taken to erect a church. Though 
 circumstances not necessary to be mentioned 
 have delayed this work, preparations for it have 
 gradually progressed, and it is confidently be- 
 lieved that another Convention will not meet be- 
 fore its completion. The congregation is an in- 
 teresting one ; a good work seems to be going on 
 among its members. 
 
 Lunenburg parish, Warsaw, Richmond county. 
 Since June last, the pastor of St. Anne's and South 
 Famham has preached at this place twice a month, 
 and found much cause to thank the Lord for en- 
 abling him to do so. Here, as in the surrounding 
 region, considerable religious excitement has ex- 
 isted during the past year, and our labours have 
 been mercifully blessed to save precious souls. 
 A brick church, forty-eigTit feet by thirty-five, hav- 
 ing a vestibule and one end gallery, has been 
 recently commenced. Its corner-stone was laid 
 by Bishop Meade during his late episcopal visit 
 to the Northern Neck, and the walls are now 
 going up with a promising prospect of the house 
 being speedily finished. 
 
 Immediately connected with Lunenburg is 
 Famham parish, containing an old and venerable 
 church, which was within a few years in a toler- 
 able state of preservation, but is now so ruined 
 that scarcely any thing remains save the walls, 
 which are still sound. At this time there is an 
 effort making to repair it thoroughly. The most 
 costly part of the work is already under contract, 
 and it is hoped that another for the remaipder will 
 
 soon be made. Of the communicants belonging 
 to this parish several are connected with the con- 
 gregation in Lunenburg, but would, of course, if 
 there was any shepherd to gather them, belong to 
 one established within their own limits. And 
 then these two, with perhaps another neighbour- 
 ing church, will form a large and important field 
 for the labours of any suitable minister of God's 
 word, willing to spend and be spent in his Master's 
 service. 
 
 During a part of the last and present month, 
 Bishop Meade visited these parishes. In the four 
 first mentioned forty persons were confirmed, and 
 a most salutary impression made upon the com- 
 munity. It is very evident, both from their words 
 and deeds, and we think it important to record it 
 as a fact connected with the present condition of 
 the people under our pastoral care, that, becoming 
 gradually better acquainted with the primitive and 
 scriptural character of the church, their attach- 
 ment to it grows, and their gratitude to God for 
 bringing and keeping them within its pale abounds 
 more and more. 
 
 St. Anne's parish. Communicants thirty-one — 
 one death, coloured — baptisms fifteen, thirteen 
 coloured — burials two — marriages five, two col- 
 oured. 
 
 South Famham. Communicants twenty-two 
 —one removed — baptisms two — one burial. 
 
 St. Mary's. Conmiunicants thirteen — baptisms 
 six — buried one. 
 
 Lunenburg. Communicants twenty-seven — one 
 death — baptized eight, one adult, four coloured — 
 burials three — married three. 
 
 Jno. p. M'Guire, Rector. 
 
 The late minister of St. Peter's, Tillotson, re- 
 ports, that during the past year he has preached 
 alternately at this church and Caira, Cumberland. 
 Circumstances have compelled him to leave this 
 highly interesting and most eligible field, but he 
 hopes that it is only to make room for a more 
 faithful labourer. Such a one would receive a 
 cordial welcome, and, it is believed, a support 
 fully adequate to his individual wants. Confirmed 
 eighteen — communicants thirty-six — added five — 
 baptisms eight, four adults and four infants — mar- 
 riages two— one death. J. S. Swift. 
 
 Trinity Church, Augusta parish, Staunton. 
 Communicants added twelve, total number fifty 
 —baptisms (ten aidults) thirty— deaths nine — mar- 
 riages twelve. W. G. Jackson. 
 
 Edward Valentine. 
 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester. In 
 these parishes there have been six baptisms and 
 three funerals— ten members have been added to 
 our communion, total thirty-eight — two marriages 
 have been solemnized in an adjoining parish. 
 
 Jno. Cole. 
 
 St. John's Church, Henrico parish. Nine mar- 
 riages — nine baptisms — fourteen funerals — thirty 
 communicants. Edward W. Peet. 
 
 St. John's Church, Hampton. During the past 
 year two communicants have been removed by 
 death — three heretofore reported are now residing 
 in other parts of the diocess, and three have been 
 added to our communion— present number twelve. 
 
 Old Point Comfort. Three communicants have 
 removed, and six have been added — present num- 
 ber thirteen. In the Sunday School we have seven 
 teachers — thirty-eight scholars — marriages four — 
 baptisms eighteen — burials twenty-one. 
 
 Mark L. Chevers. 
 
 The rector of Russell parish, Bedford county^ 
 reports to the Convention, that but little has been 
 done in his parish during the past year towards the 
 extension of the church. Throughout all the 
 region in which he labours, there has been a gen- 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 293 
 
 cral indifference towards religion. The houses of 
 public worship are thinly and irregularly attended ; 
 the zeal of rnultitudes has abated ; and many who 
 gave fair promise of being faithful servants of the 
 cross, have returned to the world. The rector is 
 pained to say, that his congregations have been 
 affected by the prevailing spirit of lukewarmness ; 
 and he has had the mortification to see some of 
 the communicants apostatize from the faith, and 
 bring upon themselves the necessity of being sep- 
 arated from the communion of the saints. Yet, 
 amid these discouragements, there are causes for 
 gratitude to God. Some valuable additions have 
 been made to the communion ; the members gen- 
 erally are becoming more decidedly attached to 
 the distinctive principles and doctrines of the 
 church. In obedience to a resolution of the last 
 Convention, the rector has endeavoured, by the 
 circulation of Episcopal books and tracts, to in- 
 struct the people in the true principles of the 
 church : a duty the importance and necessity of 
 which he has been taught by painful experience. 
 There is also another cause for encouragement in 
 the proofs of an increasing confidence in the sound- 
 ness of our doctrines and the piety of our mem- 
 bers. Plainly many are beginning to see in these 
 perilous times, when dangerous heresies are boldly 
 propagated, and when contention and strife, with 
 many other fruits of the flesh, are encouraged by 
 the divisions of new sects continually multiplying, 
 that our ancient church presents to the humble and 
 honest inquirer after truth a place of quiet and 
 an ark of safety. Baptisms, of adults five, of in- 
 fants twenty-six — burials two — marriages ten — 
 communicants, removed four, died two, added 
 fourteen ; present number one hundred. 
 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs. 
 
 St. Paul's, Norfolk. The venerable parish 
 church of Norfolk borough, built near a century 
 ago, has, during the last year, been entirely and 
 very neatly renewed in its interior, and consecra- 
 ted under the name of St. Paul's. 
 
 Two or three months since I entered on the 
 duties of its rectorship. The pews were soon dis- 
 posed of by sale and rent, and in want of more 
 room we proceeded to erect galleries, which are 
 now very nearly finished. An organ has been 
 lately ordered. A flourishing Sunday School is 
 in operation, for which a good library has been 
 obtained. Four or five new communicants were 
 lately added — total number about twenty-five. 
 The prospects of the congregation, on the whole, 
 seem greatly encouraging. 
 
 Ebenezer Boyden. 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley county. When the 
 
 firesent rector took charge of this parish in June 
 ast, it was under discouraging circumstances. 
 For some time previous it had been destitute of 
 regular services, and consequently the usual zeal 
 and interest of EpiscopaUans in the prosperity of 
 the church had in a measure abated. But, with 
 gratitude to Almighty God, he is now happy to 
 report a more favourable state of things. Since 
 his assumption of the pastoral charge of this 
 parish, the Lord has been graciously pleased to 
 visit it in mercy. At an association held in Sep- 
 tember last, thirty-three persons were added to 
 the communion ; many more are still in an inqui- 
 ring state of mind ; but, owing to the difficulty of 
 procuring regular communion, have been pre- 
 vented from making a public profession of religion. 
 We have a flourishing Sunday School, and two 
 Bible classes. The Education and Missionary 
 Societies are in a way of receiving liberal encour- 
 agement. Of the communicants, four have been 
 lost, three by removal and one by death — pres- 
 emi number of communicants one hundred and 
 
 eighteen— marriages ten— baptisms ten, two adults 
 and eight infants. 
 
 W. P. C. Johnson. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rector 
 reports, with gratitude to the great Head of the 
 church, that there have been added to the com- 
 municants in his parish during the past year eight 
 persons. But must with sorrow add, that he has 
 been compelled to expel from the communion one 
 of his members ; and has performed the burial- 
 services for thirty persons, more than hall' of whom 
 died of the cholera. 
 
 The societies in connexion with this congrega- 
 tion he believes to be about in the same state as 
 when last reported. One or two families have 
 joined the congregation, and as many have left. 
 The general attendance upon the services of the 
 sanctuary, he thinks, has somewhat improved ; and, 
 upon the whole, he is encouraged to hope that his 
 labours have not been altogether in vzdn. Mar- 
 riages eleven — baptisms, nineteen children and one 
 adult, twenty — communicants, eight added, five 
 removed, one expelled ; present number thirty- 
 nine — burials thirty. 
 
 J. H. WiNGFIELD. 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county. The condition 
 of these parishes is apparently the same a,s when 
 last reported ; and it is a subject of deep regtet 
 and humiliation to the rector, that helias no cheei:- 
 ing account to render, either of the enlargemenl 
 of our Zion, or of the increase of spiritual life 
 among its members, in the region of country com- 
 mitted to his charge. There have been baptized 
 in the two parishes thirteen, three adults and ten 
 children — confirmed sixteen — four have been ad- 
 mitted to the communion — two communicants 
 have removed, and the present number is forty- 
 seven— marriages eight — funerals five, aU of chil- 
 dren. 
 
 The difference of religious views and practices 
 which prevails throughout the country, renders it 
 impracticable to comply strictly with that part of 
 the 29th canon of the General Convention which 
 requires that a register should be kept by the 
 clergyman of the families within his cure. Many 
 families contain members of several different 
 denominations ; those of which the rector of 
 these parishes is exclusively the pastor amount to 
 twenty-four. 
 
 John Grammer, Jr. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. But 
 little requiring special notice has occurred in this 
 parish during the past year. Since our last report, 
 the new church then mentioned as being com- 
 pleted has been consecrated to the service of 
 God. Thirteen persons have been confirmed. 
 Seven children and one adult have been received 
 in baptism. A few have been added to the com- 
 munion, and some have removed, leaving the 
 present number sixty-four. About $500 have been 
 contributed to the various benevolent institutions 
 connected with the church, and probably as much 
 more subscribed to the Theological Seminary. 
 In speaking of these contributions, i should do 
 injustice to the individuals concerned were I not 
 to take special notice of $270 contributed to the 
 Education Society, by the indefatigable zeal and 
 industry of a Working Society, consisting of a 
 few young ladies. Owing to the continued in- 
 disposition of the rector, he has been unable during 
 the past year to extend his labour as usual much 
 beyond the limits of his own parish. He has, 
 however, occasionally visited those of St. Paul's 
 and Trinity, in both of which they are anxious 
 to obtain the services of an Episcopal minister. 
 In the latter they are now building a place for 
 
294 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1653. 
 
 public worship, with the hope of getting their 
 wants speedily supplied, and are, I believe, ready 
 to commence one in the former, so soon as they 
 see a probability of having a minister to preach 
 in it, John Cooke. 
 
 Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania. This parish ha^ 
 for some years been without a regular ministry. 
 Within, the last three years it has occasionally 
 been visited by the Rev. John Cooke, the Rev. 
 Caleb J. Cood, and the Rev. William Friend. 
 There exists an increasing interest in the cause 
 of the church. A vestry has lately been organized, 
 and a subscription for an Episcopal church com- 
 pienced. We believe that the sum of ^200 dollars 
 could be raised for the support of a minister, m- 
 dependent of his board. 
 
 Within the period above mentioned, there have 
 been several baptisms, marriages, and funerals ; 
 but the precise number not known — communi- 
 pants about eight. E. Berkeley. 
 
 Geo. Tylek. 
 
 Bruton paxish, Williamsburg. Baptisms, one 
 white and three coloured children, in all four — 
 marriages, three of white and five of coloured 
 persons, in all eight — funerals, two parishioners 
 and six not of the parish, in all eighth— communi- 
 cants, two have died, three removed, and three 
 been added ; total at present sixty -three, of whom 
 two are coloured persons. 
 
 The number oi famihes belonging to the con- 
 gregation at present is forty-one — the number of 
 adults is one hundred and three, and of children 
 .eighty-two. The number reported four years ago 
 was one hundred and twelve adults, and one 
 hundred children ; but, besides those who have 
 died, we have lost in the meantime by removal 
 eighteen adults and twenty-two cliildren. 
 
 Our Sunday School, however, has not dimin- 
 ished. It still numbers about forty scholars, while 
 our parish hbrary has advanced from a hundred 
 to a hundred and forty -seven volumes. In other 
 respects, the congregation is statistically the same 
 as when last reported ; but whether true religion 
 has been advancing in the hearts and characters 
 pi our people, must be left to their own con- 
 sciences, arid to the Searcher of hearts. 
 
 An arrangement has been made this spring for 
 me to preach once a month in James City, and I 
 have twice officiated at Hickory Neck Church to 
 full and attentive congregations. 
 
 ^, Empie, Rectoy. 
 
 The report of the board of trustees of the 
 Theological School of Virginia, together with 
 that of their treasurer, were presented and read 
 by the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, and received. 
 
 JReport of the Board of Trustees of the Theological 
 School of Virginia. 
 
 In presenting the twelfth annual report of their 
 proceedings to the Convention, the trustees would 
 not be unmindful, but gratefully acknowledge that 
 good Providence which has hitherto worked with 
 them, and graciously prospered their humble en- 
 deavours in behalf of the important institution 
 with the promotion of Ayhose mterests they have 
 been charged. 
 
 By the last annual report, you were informed, 
 that in consequence of increasing applications for 
 admission into the seminary, the speedy erection 
 pf an additional building had become indispensa- 
 bly necessary. The existing edifice could accom- 
 toodate but twenty students, while thirty were 
 actually connected with the institution. Of these, 
 several had been under the necessity of seeking 
 abodes in the neighbourhood, and one was com- 
 
 pelled to withdraw altogether, from the impossi- 
 oility of procuring accommodations. Under these 
 circumstances, the board felt constrained to obey 
 the manifest mtmiations of Providence, and pro- 
 ceed at once, in reliance on the tried hberality of 
 the friends of the church, to make arrangements 
 for the erection of another building. 
 
 That there might be no delay m ascertaining 
 the support which would be given to such a meas- 
 ure, a meeting was held during the Convention, 
 as many of you remember, with express reference 
 to the above object. With the gratifying and un- 
 expected success which crowned that effort, the 
 most of you are acquainted. More than $7,000 in 
 subscriptions were added on that occasion to the 
 funds of the institution. Thus encouraged, the 
 trustees proceeded forthwith to provide for the 
 erection of a house corresponding in style and 
 dimensions with the one already in use. The 
 superintendence and execution of the undertaking 
 were confided to competent individuals, and the 
 house was completed m time for the reception of 
 students at the commencement of the session be- 
 ginning in 
 
 The necessities of the institution, arising from 
 the inadequacy of its general fund, demanded the 
 adoption Of still additional means of augmenting 
 its resources. For this end an agent was ap>- 
 pointed (Mr. George W. Nelson, a student in the 
 seminary) with authority to make applications for 
 funds throughout the diocess. This duty was 
 faithfully discharged by Mr. Nelson during the 
 last summer. Though straitened in regard to 
 time by his connexion with the seminary, and of 
 course unable to extend his efforts beyond a lim- 
 ited portion of the state, he yet procured subscrii>- 
 tions to the amount of $3,500, of which sum $1,257 
 Were received in hand, and duly remitted by him 
 to the treasurer of the seminary. 
 
 It is with pleasure we announce the internal 
 prosperity which has marked the progress of the 
 institution through the past year. The number of 
 students has exceeded that of any previous pe- 
 riod. Thirty-three young men have shared its 
 signal advantages. Nor have any of them failed 
 to make the very best improvement of their privi- 
 leges. The professors bear unquahfied testimony 
 to their punctuality and industry, as well as to 
 their satisfactory and creditable progress in the 
 acquisition of useful knowledge. The course of 
 study has been the same as heretofore pursued, 
 being that prescribed by the statutes, and so often 
 staled to this body as to render repetition unne- 
 cessary. 
 
 Since the last report, and on the Sunday succeed- 
 ing the Convention, seven of the students were ad- 
 mitted to the ministry, and five more are expected 
 to undergo examination for orders during the pres- 
 ent session. Our diocess has shared the zealous 
 and edifying services of a portion of those advanced 
 to the holy office at the time above specified, and 
 many waste places bear witness to the efficacy of 
 their pious and active labours. Sohtary places 
 have been made glad, and the desert to blossom as 
 the rose. The beneficence which endowed and 
 sustained in vigorous action this important estab- 
 lishment, has thus, in the economy of Providence, 
 been, as it were, exhaled and diffiised over our 
 land, and, descending in refreshing showers on 
 many a dry and barren spot, is already yielding a 
 rich and precious harvest of spiritual good to man 
 and glory to God. Duly estimating the impor- 
 tance of these objects, what surprising value must 
 be attached to this sacred charity. Who that feels 
 at all the glow of religious aft'ection, does not find 
 his heart burn within him at the contemplation 
 of such fruits of Christian love and liberality. Aie 
 
CONVENTION OF 1833. 
 
 29^ 
 
 they not worth all the sacrifices which may have 
 been made for them. 
 
 At the hazard of a seeming importunity, we 
 must, in closing, refer to the continued necessities 
 of the institution, and beg your prayers and other 
 benefactions in its behalf. It is the offspring of 
 your past liberality, and has been the cherished 
 object of your nursing care. You will not then 
 desert it now, and give it up to premature decay 
 and final dissolution. There is yet need of another 
 edifice, which, connecting the two existing struc- 
 tures, shall give increased beauty to the whole, and 
 more ample accommodations to the increasing 
 number of students. The endowment of another 
 professorship is also a desideratum. The board, 
 at a large meeting, adopted some measures for its 
 accomplishment, not doubting of the hearty con- 
 currence of Christian friends, and of the prosper- 
 ing smile of God. Agents have been appointed 
 principally with a view to the assistance expected 
 from other diocesses, yet trusting to the continued 
 zeal and munificence of our own. 
 
 The treasurer's account, appended hereto, will 
 show the. state of our funds, how they are invested, 
 .and how well secured. 
 
 The Trustees. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lee, from the executive com- 
 mittee of the Missionary Society, presented the 
 following report, accompanied with the treasu- 
 rer's account, which were read and approved: — 
 
 The executive committee of the Missionary 
 Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 Virginia, in making the annual report required of 
 them, regret that it is not in their power to present 
 a more encouraging account of their operations 
 during the past year. 
 
 They still have to deplore the paucity of min- 
 isters in our church, which has compelled them 
 to disregard the frequently-repeated calls for help 
 which are made to them. They have not been 
 enabled to procure the services of a single mis- 
 sionary for any length of time during the last 
 year. The president was authorized to engage, 
 during the summer months, the services of one of 
 the parochial clergy, whose health required a tem- 
 porary absence from his charge, to officiate at an 
 important parish in the county of Greenbrier, but 
 they are not now able to state to what extent he 
 was enabled to perform the services to which >he 
 was appointed. 
 
 The Rev. Annerley Stewart was furnished with 
 a horse at the expense of $100, to enable him to 
 .do missionary duty in the counties of Louisa and 
 -Spotsylvania ; but having afterward declined that 
 sphere of labour, the horse is now in the posses- 
 sion of the treasurer of the society. 
 
 The treasurer's account, herewith exhibited, 
 shows that he has received the sum of $155 72 
 during the past year, and expended $102 50. 
 And the funds of the society at this time amount 
 to $933 22. 
 
 Although the Missionary Society of Virginia 
 has been enabled as yet to do but little towards 
 supplying the vast destitution of the ministrations 
 of our church in this diocess, they still feel dis- 
 posed to exhort the members of the church to aid in 
 the accumulation of a fund which may be employed 
 in some future day, when, through the blessing of 
 God upon our Education Societies and Theological 
 Seminaries, there shall arise up those who, filled 
 with the zeal of Christian ministers, and burning 
 with love for Christ and his church, shall pre- 
 sent themselves as labourers in the ripening har- 
 vest. With the prayer that that day may soon 
 arrive, your committee respectfully submit this re- 
 port. 
 
 Kind and amount of funds, viz. : — 
 5 shares of Virginia Bank stock, sup- 
 posed to be Worth $110 per share, - $550 00 
 3 shares of Farmers' Bank stock of 
 
 Virginia, worth $110 per share, - 330 00 
 Cash in bank to the credit of the treas- 
 urer, - - - - - - 53 22 
 
 Total amount, - - . . $933 23 
 E. E. Thomas Nelson, Treasurer. 
 
 Dr. Jacqueline A. Marshall, a lay delegate of 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, appeared arid 
 took his seat. 
 
 Mr. Edmund 1. Lee, from the committee ap- 
 pointed to examine the state of the fund for the 
 permanent support of the episcopate in this 
 diocess, presented the following report : — 
 
 The committee upon the episcopal fund report, 
 there are eighty-one shares of the stock of the 
 Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, and nine shares 
 of the stock of the Bank of Alexandria, and $125 
 in the hands of the trustees to be invested, of 
 which $10 were contributed since the last Conven- 
 tion by the Rev. Mr. Crawford. That during the 
 present Convention, the Rev. Mr. Cobbs has paid 
 $10 from Russell parish, Bedford county. 
 
 Stocks, $6,100 00 
 
 Cash, 135 00 
 
 $6,235 00 
 On motion of Rev. Wm. G. H. Jones, 
 Resolved, That the committee appointed to 
 revise the constitution and canons of the church, 
 be instructed to take into special consideration 
 whether it comports with the interests of the 
 church that any one should be elected as a dele- 
 gate who is not a regular communicant of the 
 church. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until 5 o'clock this afternooa, 
 Saturday Afternoon. 
 The proceedings of the standing committee 
 during the last year were presented and read. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Franklin G. Smith, from the 
 committee on the treasurer's account, made the 
 following report :— - 
 
 The committee on the treasurer's accounts re- 
 spectfully report, that they have examined the 
 same, and find them correct — the various items be- 
 ing ascertained by proper vouchers. The balance 
 of the contingent fund at this time remaining in 
 the hands of the treasurer is $655 75, and the 
 balance for the support of the bishop is $32, as 
 appears by the accompanying accounts. 
 
 F. G. Smith, Chairman, 
 On motion of Mr. George W. Nelson, 
 Resolved, That the Convention do recon- 
 sider the vote adopting the resolution instruct- 
 ing the committee appointed to revise the con- 
 stitution and canons of the church to take into 
 special consideration whether it comports with 
 the interests of the church that any one should 
 be elected as a delegate who is not a regular 
 communicant of the church. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Burwell Bassett, 
 Resolved, That the said resolution be laid 
 upon the table. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the elec- 
 tioDi by ballot^ of a 'standing committee of the 
 
m6 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1833, 
 
 church in this diocess for the ensuing year ; 
 tvhereupon the following gentlemen were duly 
 elected, viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the 
 Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. Charles 
 Mann, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Mr. John Hooff, and 
 Mr. John Gray. 
 
 On mption of Mr. Hugh Nelson, 
 Resolved, That the clergy of this diocess be 
 Requested to take up a collection at their re- 
 spective churches on the Sunday preceding the 
 4th of July, in behalf of the Colonization So- 
 ciety, and, by a short address at the time, to call 
 the attention of their respective congregations to 
 this important subject. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the elec- 
 tion, by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent 
 this diocess in the next General Convention of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
 States of America ; whereupon the following 
 gentlemen were duly elected, viz : Rev. Henry 
 W. Ducachet, M. D., Rev. N. H, Cobbs, Rev. 
 John Grammer, Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. 
 Thomas Marshall, Mr. James M. Garnett, Mr. 
 John G. Williams, and Mr. John Nelson. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion are due, and hereby tendered, to the citizens 
 of Richmond, for their kindness and hospitality 
 to the members of this Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to pay 
 to the doorkeeper of the Convention ten dollars. 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay the expen- 
 ses of the bishops and the delegates to the Gen- 
 eral Convention, in case of a meeting of the 
 same before the next Convention of this diocess. 
 The bishops having retired, Mr. Burwell Bas- 
 sett was called to the chair. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, Rev. 
 E. W. Peet, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be a com- 
 mittee to raise by assessment among the diflferent 
 parishes, having reference to the number of com- 
 municants reported to the Convention, the sum 
 of three hundred dollars, to be paid to Bishop 
 Moore at the next Convention for his episcopal 
 services, and that said committee inform the 
 clergyman of each parish of the proportion re- 
 quired from his parish. And, Resolved, That 
 the clergy be required to raise the sum so as- 
 sessed, and pay it in at the next Convention. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the choice 
 of the executive committee of the Missionary 
 Society, which resulted in the election of Mr. 
 John G. WiUiams, secretary, and Mr. Thos. Nel- 
 son, treasurer, and Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev. Nicholas H. 
 Cobbs, Rev JohnGrammer> Rev. Adam Empie, 
 Rev. Wm. P. Lee, Rev. E. W. Peet, Mr. John 
 Nelson, Mr. George M. Carrington, and Mr. 
 Samuel C. Nichols, as members of the execu- 
 tive committee. 
 
 Resolved, That 1,200 copies of the minutes 
 t)f this Convention be printed, and distributed 
 among the parishes of this diocess. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn, to meet in the town of Staun- 
 lOn, on the third Wednesday in May next. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore, 
 Bishop of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary. 
 
 APPENDJX. 
 
 On Sunday night, the members of the Conven* 
 tion having assembled around the altar, in the Mon- 
 umental Church, Bishop Moore delivered the fol" 
 lowing address : — 
 
 Brethren op the Clergy and Laity, — It 
 has been mv constant practice to convene you 
 around the altar, at the close of our Conventional 
 labours, in order to bid you an affectionate farewell 
 prior to your departure to your respective parishes, 
 and to assure you of the deep interest I feel in 
 your welfare and personal happiness. 
 
 To the neighbourhoods and distant congregations 
 I once visited with great delight, I have bidden, 
 through the effects of local infirmities, a final 
 adieu : and it is only upon the return of our Con- 
 ventional meetings that I am blessed with the 
 sight of my old friends, and am permitted to shake 
 by the hand a family of clergymen, who have been 
 set apart to the ministry of the gospel by myself. 
 In examining the record of the clergy of the 
 diocess this afternoon, I discovered that in a list of 
 fifty -six individuals, forty-four of the number have 
 received the imposition of my own hands, and have 
 been clothed with ministerial authority by myself. 
 The satisfaction I derive from such a consideration 
 is increased by the knowledge I have of their useful- 
 ness, and the hope I entertam of their continuance 
 in well-doing. The success which has hitherto 
 attended your labours should excite in your minds 
 the greatest gratitude to God, and stimulate you 
 to the most unwearied efforts in the cause of the 
 gospel. Be determined, I beseech you, to make 
 full proof of your ministry. Preach Jesus Christ 
 and him crucified. Confine your attention to the 
 sacred duties of your office. Avoid all interfe- 
 rence in political matters, and that Being who has 
 so signally crowned your labours with success, will 
 never leave you nor forsake you. 
 
 We, my clerical brethren, may never meet again 
 on a similar occasion. Two years, from the lo- 
 cation of the next Convention, must necessarily 
 pass away before we shall see each other again. 
 Death, in the meantime, may step in and thin our 
 ranks, and our Divine Master may summon some 
 of you or myself into eternity. Living in the 
 faithful discharge of our sacerdotal obligations, 
 Death, remember, will be deprived of his ter- 
 rors, and a crown of rejoicing be given to us by 
 that Jesus who is appointed judge of both the 
 quick and the dead. The salutation of "Well 
 done, good and faithful servants," will greet our 
 ears, as the portals of heaven expand for our re- 
 ception, and that rest provided for the people of 
 God be our final reward. In all your trials, my 
 beloved sons, may the Almighty be your refuge, 
 and underneath you may he ^lace the everlasting 
 arms of his love. 
 
 My brethren of the laity, accept, I entreat you, 
 my best wishes for your present and eternal hap- 
 piness. Some of you whom I have seen around 
 me during our present session, were members of 
 the first Convention I ever attended in this diocess. 
 The clergy were then a small band ; but small as 
 that number was, you gave us your support, and 
 united your efforts with us in the resuscitation of 
 the church of our fathers. The Almighty has 
 blessed our labours with such success as the most 
 sanguine mind could not have anticipated. Our 
 congregations, which then amounted to little more 
 than twenty, have increased to upwards of one 
 hundred ; and our clergy, which then consisted of 
 six or eight effective men, now number about 
 sixty. You, my brethren, have been co-workers 
 with us. You merit our thanks, and deservedly 
 enjoy our united confidence and regard. We 
 
CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 297 
 
 have but one interest, and that interest is the 
 glory of God and the salvation of souls. 
 
 My labours the last year have been confined to 
 a small circle. Few, however, as have been the 
 duties I have discharged, 1 now mention them for 
 your satisfaction. After the last Convention had 
 adjourned, I admitted, in Alexandria, eight candi- 
 dates to deacons' orders, and three deacons to 
 the order of priesthood. In July I visited Smith- 
 field, in company with the Rev, Wm. F. Lee, and 
 preached and administered the Lord's Supper in 
 the old church, to a very large and deeply-im- 
 pressed congregation. On Good Friday, which 
 occurred the 5th of April, I administered the rite 
 of confirmation in Christ Church, in this city, to 
 thirteen persons. After which I was called to 
 
 Norfolk, in which place I preached, and conse- 
 crated St. Paul's Church, and also instituted the 
 Rev. Mr. Boyden rector of the same. In Christ 
 Church, which is under the care of the Ilev. Dr. 
 Ducachet, I preached, and confirmed thirty-three 
 persons ; and on the Monday following I visited 
 Mr. Wingfield's parish in Portsmouth, preached to 
 a large congregation, and confirmed three individ- 
 uals. Six candidates were admitted by myself 
 this morning in the Monumental Church to dea- 
 cons' orders, and two deacons were at the same 
 time advanced to the priesthood, by my worthy 
 friend the assistant bishop of this diocess. 
 
 Brethren, I now bid you farewell, and may the 
 Lord be with you all — Amen. 
 
 RiCHAKD ChANNING MoOBE. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia, which assembled in the town of Staunton, on the ilst of May, 1834, 
 
 This being the day appointed for the annual 
 meeting of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia, 
 the Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., assist- 
 ant bishop of the diocess, with several clergy- 
 men and lay delegates, attended divine service 
 in Trinity Church. • 
 
 After the consecration of the church to the 
 worship of Almighty God, morning prayers 
 were read by the Rev. Dr. Empie, and a sermon 
 preached by the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 
 
 The Right Rev. William Meade took the 
 chair as president of the Convention, and Hilary 
 Baker, of Richmond, was appointed secretary 
 of the meeting. 
 
 The following clergymen, entitled to seats in 
 the Convention, appeared, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church, 
 Lancaster county ; the Rev. George Adie, Shel- 
 burne parish, Loudoun county; the Rev. C. W. 
 Andrews, Frederick parish, Frederick county ; 
 the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell parish, 
 Bedford county ; the Rev. John Cole, Ware and 
 Abingdon parishes, Gloucester county ; the Rev. 
 Charles Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax county ; 
 the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Christ 
 Church, Norfolk borough ; the Rev. Adam Em- 
 pie, D. D., reclor of Bruton parish, and Presi- 
 dent of William and Mary College ; the Rev. 
 John Grammer, St. Andrew's and Bath parishes, 
 Dinwiddle county ; the Rev. Thomas Jackson, 
 assistant minister of Monumental Church, Rich- 
 mond ; the Rev. J. E. Jackson, Christ Church, 
 Winchester ; the Rev. William M. Jackson, 
 Grace Church, Berry ville, Frederick county ; the 
 Rev. Wm. G. Jackson, Trinity Church, Staun- 
 ton; the Rev. Wm. P. C. Johnson, Norborne 
 parish, Berkeley county ; the Rev. William G. 
 H. Jones, St. Thomas Church, Orange court- 
 house ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Professor 
 in Theological Seminary ; the Rev. Archibald 
 H. Lamon, St. Stephen's Church, St. Mark's 
 parish, Culpepper county ; the Rev. George 
 Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier 
 county ; the Rev. Charles Mann, Professor in 
 Theological Seminary ; the Rev. Edward C. 
 M'Guire, St. George's Church, Fredericksburg ; 
 the Rev. J. P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South 
 
 Farnham parishes, Essex county ; the Rev. Geo. 
 W. Nelson ; the Rev. Chas. H. Page, Lexington 
 parish, Amherst county ; the Rev. Franklin G. 
 Smith, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg ; the Rev. 
 Job Sydney Swift ; the Rev. John H. Wing- 
 field, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county; the 
 Rev. George Woodbridge, Christ Church, Rich- 
 mond. 
 
 The Rev. John Grammer and Mr. John T. 
 Clarke were appointed a committee to examine 
 the certificates of the lay delegates. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until this afternoon, at 4 o'cloclc, 
 
 Wednesday Afternoon. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 certificates of the lay delegates, reported as 
 follows : — 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the cer*- 
 tificates of lay delegates report, that the certifir 
 cates of the following persons are conformable 
 to the canon, to wit :— 
 
 Charles C. Pinckney, churches at Wickliflfe 
 and Berry ville ; Edmund Berkeley and Lewis 
 K. Boggs, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania coun- 
 ty ; Thomas L. Robertson, Christ Church, Nor- 
 folk borough; J. C. Sheldon, Bruton parish, 
 Williamsburg ; A. Forbes, St. Paul's Church, 
 Norfolk borough ; Bartholomew C. Chinn, Farn- 
 ham parish, Richmond county ; Mr. Dangerfield, 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county ; Junius A. 
 Clay, Tillotson parish, Buckingham county ; 
 Benjamin F. Taliaferro, St. Mary's parish, 
 Caroline county ; Mann A. Page, St. Thomas 
 parish, Orange county ; Rawleigh W. Downman, 
 Christ Church parish, Lancaster county ; Seth 
 Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg ; William 
 B. Whitten, Russell parish, Bedford county ; 
 James L. Woodville and Thomas N. Burwell, 
 Botetourt parish, Botetourt county ; John F. 
 Conway, Broomfield parish, Madison county ; 
 John B. Branham, Lunenburg parish, Richmond 
 county ; John Gray, St. George's parish, Fred- 
 ericksburg ; William M, Waller, Lexington par- 
 ish, Amherst county; William F. Alexander, 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; R. 
 G. Montgomery, Shelburne parish, St. James's 
 
298 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 Church, Leesburg ; John H. Peyton, Augusta 
 parish, Augusta county ; Joseph F. Montgomery, 
 Nelson parish. Nelson county ; Hilary Baker, 
 Christ Church, Richmond ; Robert Rose, Kan- 
 awha parish, Kanawha county ; Joseph Mur- 
 den, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ; John 
 T. Clarke, Antrim parish, Halifax county. 
 
 And that a certificate of the appointment of 
 Carter H. Harrison as the delegate from the 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, was presented, 
 which not being according to the canon, is here- 
 with submitted to the Convention — which report 
 and document were, on motion of the Rev. Dr. 
 Empie, laid upon the table. 
 
 On motion of Rev. John Grammer, seconded 
 by the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Hilary 
 Baker, of Richmond, was elected secretary of 
 the Convention. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That the following 
 rules of order, adopted by the last Convention 
 for the government of their proceedings, be the 
 rules of proceeding during the present Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 duced with prayer. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or be 
 unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more than twice 
 an the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 .6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of two thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 ?ind shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 .when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined upon before any new subject 
 is introduced, except the question of adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 out debate. 
 
 18. When the house is about to rise, every 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave the chair. 
 
 13. None of the rules of order shall be sus- 
 pended without the concurrence of two thirds 
 of the members present. 
 
 14. The president shall, in his discretion, se- 
 lect a pew within the limits of those allotted for 
 
 the use of the members, which pew shall be ap- 
 propriated for the accommodation of visiting cler- 
 gymen and students of the Theological School, 
 who may be invited to the same by the president 
 without any special application to the Conven- 
 tion. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Dr. Empie, Rev. 
 George Lemon, Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Rev. H. W. 
 Ducachet, Rev. John Grammer, Rev. Nicholas 
 H. Cobbs, Mr. John Gray, Mr. Mann Page, Mr. 
 Thomas L. Robertson, and Mr. Seth Ward, be 
 a committee to take into consideration the state 
 of the church in this diocess, and report thereon 
 to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Dresser, 
 Rev. Franklin G. Smith, and Mr. John T. 
 Clarke, be a committee to examine the parochial 
 reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Thomas Jackson and 
 Mr. Carter H. Harrison be a committee to ex- 
 amine the treasurer's accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Mann, Rev. 
 Dr. Keith, and Mr. John Gray, be a committee 
 to examine the fund for the support of widows 
 and orphans of deceased clergymen. 
 
 Ordered, That Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Rev, 
 Geo. Adie, and Rev. John P. M'Guire, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the accounts of the treasurer 
 of the fund for the permanent support of the 
 episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. C. W. Andrews, 
 Rev. G. W. Nelson, and Mr. Thomas N. Bur- 
 well, be a committee on the treasurer's accounts 
 of the Missionary Society. 
 
 The secretary received the following contri- 
 butions from sundry parishes in this diocess for 
 the contingent fund, and towards the remunera- 
 tion of Bishop Moore for his episcopal services, 
 
 Contingent 
 Fund. 
 
 For E. ier. 
 
 °Li^- 
 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia coun- 
 
 
 
 ty, - - - - -$10 00 
 
 $0 00 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst 
 
 
 
 county, - 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 Rtissell parish, Bedford county, 
 
 30 00 
 
 000 
 
 Martinsburg and Zion church- 
 
 
 
 es, Berkeley county. 
 
 14 00 
 
 000 
 
 Botetourt parish, Botetourt 
 
 
 
 county, - - - - 
 
 12 00 
 
 00 
 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county, 
 
 9 50 
 
 3 50 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Bruns- 
 
 
 
 wick county, - 
 
 15 00 
 
 3 50 
 
 Sapony Church, Chesterfield 
 
 
 
 county, - - - - 
 
 15 00 
 
 00 
 
 St. Luke's Church, parish of 
 Newport, Isle of Wight, - 
 
 
 
 5 00 
 
 000 
 
 St. Peter's Church, Tillotson 
 
 
 
 parish, Buckingham county. 
 
 17 00 
 
 3 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, 
 
 15 00 
 
 8 12i 
 
 St, Margaret's parish, Caroline 
 
 
 
 county, - - - - 
 
 9 50 
 
 00 
 
 St. Mary'p parish, Caroline 
 
 
 
 county, - - - 
 
 8 00 
 
 3 00 
 
 Broomfield parish, Madison 
 
 
 
 county, - - 
 
 5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, $170 00 $31 12^ 
 
CONVENTION OP 1834. 
 
 299 
 
 Amount brought forward, $170 00 $31 12 J 
 Christ Church, Winchester, 15 00 13 30 
 Frederick parish, Frederick 
 
 county, - - - - 10 00 7 35 
 Ware and Abingdon parishes, 
 
 Gloucester, - - - 20 30^ 5 32 
 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county, 20 00 6 00 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg, 15 00 6 00 
 Christ Church, Lancaster 
 
 county, - - - - 30 00 5 06^ 
 St. James's Church, Lees^ 
 
 burg, - - - - 26 50 10 00 
 Christ Church, Norfolk bor- 
 ough, - - - - 30 00 35 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Norfolk 
 
 borough, - - - - 10 00 00 00 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth, 15 00 5 18| 
 St. Thomas's parish, Orange 
 
 county, - - - - 10 00 5 00 
 Camden parish, Pittsylvania 
 
 county, - - - - 1 00 00 00 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg, 30 GO 10 00 
 St. George's parish, Freder- 
 icksburg, - - - 20 00 20 00 
 Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania 
 
 county, - - - - 3 87i 1 12i 
 Christ Church, Mill Creek, 
 
 Berkeley county, - - 5 00 5 00 
 Nelson parish, Nelson county, 5 00 5 00 
 North Farnham parish, Rich- 
 mond county, - - - 5 00 00 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexan- 
 dria, - - - - 25 00 00 00 
 Monumental Church, Rich- 
 mond, - - - - 30 00 24 08 
 Christ Church, Richmond, 15 00 10 92 
 St. John's Church, Hampton, 
 
 Elizabeth City parish, - 5 00 2 00 
 Church at Old Point Comfort, 00 00 5 00 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover 
 
 and Louisa counties, - 20 00 8 00 
 
 Westover parish, Charles City 
 
 county, - - - - 7 48 2 52 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, - 30 00 10 50 
 Trinity Church, Staunton, - 5 20 9 80 
 Hamilton parish, Fauquier 
 
 county. - - - - 15 00 5 00 
 Leedsparish, Fauquier county, 15 00 5 00 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex 
 
 county, - - - - 16 00 10 00 
 South Farnham parish, Essex 
 
 county, - - - - 8 00 2 00 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper 
 
 county, - - - - 1? 86 7 14 
 St. John's Church, Henrico 
 
 parish, Henrico county, - 15 00 5 00 
 St. Stephen's parish, Culpep- 
 per county, - - - 12 86 7 14 
 fJumberland parish, Lunen- 
 burg county, - - - 6 36 3 64 
 
 Gain in change, 
 
 $679 44 $287 21 
 5 
 
 $287 26 
 On motion, Resolved, That the Convention 
 do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9 
 o'clock. 
 
 Thursday, May 22, 1834. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Meade, who took the chair as 
 president. 
 
 The Rev. John Cooke, rector of St. Martin's 
 parish, Hanover and Louisa counties ; Rev. 
 Charles C. Taliaferro, rector of Cumberland 
 parish, Lunenburg county ; and Rev. Alexander 
 Norris, rector of Westover parish, Charles City 
 county ; and Mr, George M. Carrington, a dele- 
 gate from St. John's Church, Henrico parish ; 
 Mr. Jacob Fackler, a delegate from Christ 
 Church, Winchester ; Mr. Joseph Arthur, a 
 delegate from Christ Church, Norborne parish, 
 Berkeley county ; and Mr. Edward Valentine, 
 a delegate from St. John's Church, Hampton, 
 appeared and took their seats. 
 
 The president read the following report of 
 episcopal services during the year ending May, 
 1834, by the Right Rev. Richard Channing 
 Moore, D. D., Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 Richmond, Mny 17, 1834. " " 
 
 Dear Brethren, — Enfeebled by age and local 
 infirmities, I am obliged to confine my episcopal 
 services within a narrow compass ; and am pre- 
 vented from travelling, except by water, or in 
 those parts of the diocess which furnish me with 
 smooth and easy roads. Had I the ability of 
 moving at large that I formerly possessed, I should 
 have made an effort to attend the present Conven- 
 tion, and to assist in the council of the church. 
 My heart, brethren, is with you; and you have 
 my fervent prayers for the blessing of God upon 
 your labours. 
 
 In the month of October last I visited Alexan- 
 dria, and attended a meeting of the trustees of the 
 Theological Seminary ; at which time the con- . 
 cerns of that institution were particularly consid- 
 ered, and measures were adopted to secure it a 
 certain and permanent support. For that purpose, 
 the Rev. Charles Mann was appointed to raise 
 funds to carry into effect the benevolent design of 
 its patrons ; and as it will be impossible to proceed 
 successfully without further pecunwry aid, L most 
 earnestly hope that the application of the agent of 
 the seminary may meet with a cordial reception 
 from our friends, and the assistance for which he 
 may apply be freely and cheerfully contributed. 
 During my visit in Alexandria I preached in both 
 churches, to full and attentive congregations ; and 
 it is with great pleasure I inform the Convention, 
 that the vestry of St. Paul's Church, in that city, 
 have tilled the vacancy occasioned by the resigna- 
 tion and removal of the Rev. William Jackson, 
 with the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Johnston 
 as their rector. On my return from Alexandria, 
 I officiated both in Norfolk and Portsmouth. 
 
 In December I admitted, in Christ Church, city 
 of Richmond, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge to the 
 priesthood. He was presented by the Rev. Thomas 
 Jackson ; the serrnon wras delivered by the Rev. 
 Robert B. Croes, ai;id the Lord's Supper adminis- 
 tered by myself and the clergy who were present. 
 
 In the month of March I rode to the county of 
 Hanover, at which time I ordained Mr. George 
 W. Nelson a deacon, who was presented by the 
 Rev. John Cooke ; the sermon was delivered by 
 myself, and the Lord's Supper also administered. 
 
 On Good Friday, March 28, I held a confirma- 
 tion in Christ Church in this city ; upon which 
 occasion I preached, and confirmed t\yelye pejr 
 sons. 
 
500 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 In the month of April I visited ^he county .of 
 Essex, attended by the Rev. Mr. Croes, who 
 preached on the 23d of the month in Vauter's 
 Church ; and on the 24th 1 preached in the same 
 place, and administered the Lord's Supper. 
 
 On the 25th of the same month I proceeded to 
 Port Royal, in the county of Caroline, at which 
 place I preached to a large and attentive congre- 
 gation ; and in the evening of the same day, an 
 excellent discourse • was delivered in a private 
 house by the Rev. J. P. M 'Guire. It is with pleas- 
 ure I inform the Convention, that in Port Royal a 
 church is to be immediately erected. 
 
 My next visit was to Fredericksburg, being 
 Snnday, the 27th, in which town I preached in the 
 morning and at candle-light, to large and attentive 
 congregations. 
 
 From Fredericksburg I proceeded, in company 
 with the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, to the county of 
 Caroline ; consecrated a handsome new church ; 
 confirmed a number of adults ; preached to a large 
 and attentive congregation, and administered the 
 Lord's Supper. 
 
 From Grace Church I rode, in company with 
 the Rev. Mr. Friend, to Mr. Dickenson's, who re- 
 sides near the courthouse in Caroline county; 
 and on Tuesday, the 29th, 1 preached to a very 
 respectable and attentive congregation. It is with 
 great pleasure I inform the Convention, that a new 
 church will be erected in that place the present 
 year. 
 
 On the 6th of May I fulfilled an appointment in 
 Charles City county, in company with the Rev. 
 Thomas Jackson and Mr. Croes ; and, assisted by 
 the above-named clergymen, I admitted the Rev. 
 Mr. Norris to the priesthood. Prayers were read 
 by the Rev. Mr. Croes, and an appropriate dis- 
 course delivered by the Rev. Thomas Jackson. I 
 expect to consecrate a new church in that county 
 this autumn. 
 
 On the 11th instant I confirmed in St. John's 
 Church, in this city, twelve persons ; upon which 
 .occasion the discourse was delivered by the Rev. 
 Mr., Croes, who officiates in that church. 
 
 I remain, dear brethren, your sincere friend and 
 pastor, 
 
 Rlohard Channino Moore, 
 
 The Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., As- 
 45istant Bishop Of Virginia, presented the follow- 
 ing report : — 
 
 Dear Brethren, — Through the merciful prov- 
 idence of God we are permitted to meet together 
 once more, for the purpose of rendering an ac- 
 count of our labours and success in the ministry 
 during the past year, and of deliberating on the 
 best measures for promoting the spiritual interests 
 of our Zion. My account must commence with 
 the concluding services of our last Convention, 
 when I united with the beloved father (whose age 
 and infirmity prevent his being with us at this 
 time) in the ordination of eight persons,— six of 
 whom were admitted to the order of deacons, 
 and two to that of priests. After the duties of the 
 Convention were over, 1 returned home by the 
 way of Fredericksburg, where I preached on Wed- 
 nesday evening, and administered the rite of con- 
 firmation to five persons. During the month of 
 June I spent two days in Winchester, preaching 
 several times in that place. In the month of July 
 I visited Alexandria, with the view of attending 
 the annual examination of the students of our 
 seminary. This took place on the 10th. I was 
 much gratified by the exercises on that occasion, 
 and more deeply impressed than ever with the im- 
 portance of the institution, and the duty of a punc- 
 tual attention to its public examinations. To my 
 
 brethren of the clergy especially, and to the trus- 
 tees, I would present this as an interesting and 
 important occasion worthy of their attention. It 
 will be rendered particularly interesting oh the 
 approaching anniversary, by the ordination oif a 
 large number of young candidates for the minis- 
 try. On the Sunday following the examination I 
 preached twice in Alexandria, and confirmed thir- 
 teen persons. On leaving Alexandria I visited 
 Haymarket, Aldie, and Middleburg, rieacbing at 
 each of those places. On the two last days of 
 July and the first of August, I was engaged, in 
 company with my brethren, Mr. Lemon, Mr. 
 A die, and Mr. Andrews, in rehgious services at 
 Upperville, a flourishing village in Fauquier, on 
 the border of Loudoun county. We spent an 
 agreeable, and, we hope, useful time, in frequent 
 services, beginning with the rising sun, ahd hav- 
 ing also mid-day, afternoon, and evening exercises. 
 On Sunday, for the first time, we administered the 
 communion in this place to a little band of believ- 
 ers. I confirmed also seven persons at the same 
 time. I am happy to state, that the zeal of our 
 friends in and about this place has led them to 
 undeitake the erection of a neat church, which 
 will be finished in the course of the coming year. 
 After the servicies at Upperville I was enabled to 
 have an association in my own parish, by the help 
 of the Rev. Mr. Mann, Mr. Brooke, and Mr. Adie, 
 who, during three days, preached to highly grati- 
 fied, and, I hope, edified congregations. At the 
 close of our services we were equally surprised 
 and delighted by the arrival of my brother, the 
 Bishop of North Carolina, who concluded the 
 meeting by a very appropriate and impressive dis- 
 course. On this occasion two were confirmed. 
 On the 7th of August I set out on a tour through 
 the counties of Berkeley and Jeflisrson, preaching 
 the first day at Bunker's Hill. On the 8th and 
 9th I ofl!iciated, in conjunction with the Rev. Mr. 
 Jones of Jefferson, at Hedge's Chapel, where I 
 confirmed twenty-six, baptized two infants, and 
 administered the communion. Here, as usual, 
 the congregations were large and attentive, as- 
 sembling at the hour of eleven o'clock, engaging 
 in holy exercises during the customary period, 
 leaving the house of God for a short time, then 
 re-assembling for the afternoon service, and again 
 filling the house at night. A large portion of the 
 evening congregations, I am told, consisted of 
 those who remained at home during the two first 
 services. This example is worthy of imitation. 
 On the 10th we repaired to Martinsburg, about 
 seven miles distant, where we met with the Rev. 
 Mr. Drane, from Hagerstown, who preached on 
 the occasion of the ordination of Mr. Johnson, 
 who was then clothed with the authority of a 
 priest. I preached twice in Martinsburg, baptized 
 two infants, confirmed seven, and administered 
 the communion. From Martinsburg I went to 
 Smith field, where I officiated on the 12th and 
 13th, in conjunction with Mr. Jones, W. M. Jack- 
 son, and Mr. Johnson. On the evening of the 
 13th and the morning of the 14th I was in Charles- 
 town, and on the latter day confirmed nine per- 
 sons. The 15th, 16th, and 17th were spent at 
 Harper's Ferry, where I was aided in ministerial 
 duties by Wm. M. Jackson. On the morning of 
 the 18th I proceeded to Shepherdstown, and found 
 the inhabitants of the place in the utmost conster- 
 nation by reason of the cholera, which had made 
 its appearance a few days before, and hurried 
 some of its citizens into eternity. Not wishing to 
 be or seem to be either rash or cowardly in duty, 
 I submitted it to the proper guardians of the 
 health of the place, whether I should proceed 
 with the previously-appointed services. By theix 
 
CONVENTION OF. 1834. 
 
 301 
 
 advice I omitted all night services, and only con- 
 vened those who were disposed to attend on the 
 morning and afternoon on one day, and on the 
 morning of the following. One of these services 
 was held, by particular request, in the Lutheran 
 Church, whose minister was absent. Mr. Jones 
 and myself endeavoured, by suitable discourses, to 
 improve the afflictive season. 
 
 After remaining at home a short time, I Com- 
 menced a tour of preaching through some of the 
 counties lying under the Blue Ridge. 1 left home 
 on the 2d of September; on the 4th, preached at 
 the. Fork's Church to a large congregation, bap- 
 tized one child, and confirmed eight persons. 
 
 The congregation was then and had long been 
 under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Woodville. 
 At this place had he most conscientiously and 
 punctually met with his people for many years ; 
 here had 1 often met him in my travels through 
 that region of country during the last twenty-two 
 y«ars, and here it was that I saw him for the last 
 time, on the occasion just mentioned. Provi- 
 dence has removed him from a scene of sincere 
 obedience on earth, to one of glorious enjoyment 
 in heaven. He has left an affectionate family to 
 mourn the loss of a kind husband and tender fa- 
 ther, and many friends to cherish, with sincere re- 
 spect, the memory of a conscientious Christian 
 minister. 
 
 Oh the 5th and 6th of September I was en- 
 gaged in duty at Culpepper courthouse, where I 
 preached three times, confirmed twelve persons, 
 and administered the communion. The 7th, 8th, 
 and 9th were spent in like manner at Orange 
 courthouse, where I preached to a large and at- 
 tentive congregation three times, confirmed six- 
 teen persons, and administered the communion. 
 In this place, where we never had at any time 
 very regular services, and of late years scarce any, 
 God has been very gracious to us, in sending a 
 pastor who found favour in the eyes of the people, 
 and who has been the instrument of awakening a 
 good number to a lively sense of eternal things. 
 I found the members of our church in that place 
 engaged in the erection of an excellent house for 
 public worship, which I presume is now comple- 
 ted. May it be well filled with devout worshippers. 
 On the 10th I proceeded, in company with Mr. 
 Jones and Wm. M. Jackson, to Stanardsville, 
 where, during the morning and afternoon, we sev- 
 erally addressed, in a private house, a large, atten- 
 tive, and deeply-impressed congregation. We all 
 felt as if God indeed was among us. On the 11th 
 and 12th we were engaged in like manner at Trin- 
 ity Church, between Stanardsville and Madison 
 courthouse. Here I preached twice, confirmed 
 three, and administered the communion. One of 
 the persons Confirmed was an old soldier of the 
 revolution, who had lived to his 83d year before 
 he became a soldier of the cross. I was aware, 
 before he rose up and approached the place where 
 he was to make his vows, that he was a comrade 
 of my father's under Washington. He, however, 
 was not aware that I was the son of his old fellow- 
 soldier, nor had I opportunity to inform him until 
 I was engaged in administering the holy rite ; and 
 then when I announced the fact, that here was an 
 old soldier who had served under Washington with 
 my father, now come to enlist under the banner 
 of one greater than Washington, he was entirely 
 overcome — burst into tears, and melted the whole 
 assembly. I trust there were, on that occasion, 
 other tears than those of mere human sympathy. 
 We thought that it was plainly to be seen that 
 some hearts were touched from above with a feel- 
 ing above all earthly feeljngs. May the event, 
 prove that we were not mistaken. Our next ser- 
 
 vices were at Madison courthouse, on the 13th, 
 14th» and 15th. They were renewed four times 
 each day, when we closed them. 
 
 It was indeed a joyful season for rehgion and 
 the church at Madison. Fifteen months before, 
 and I scarcely knew a place in our state which 
 promised less to the labours of a minister of our 
 church ; and at this time I confirmed twenty-three 
 warm-hearted disciples of Christ, and zealous 
 friends of our church, and saw a neat and durable 
 brick edifice rising out of the ground to be a place 
 for the worship of God. God had visited this 
 place with the abundance of his grace. He had 
 most signally blessed the faithful preaching of his 
 word by ministers of different denominations. He. 
 had sent to those who were inchned to our com- 
 munion an humble and faithful man, who, la- 
 bouring in season and out of season, and going 
 from house to house, was Ihe instri^ment of gath- 
 ering together an interesting little band, with 
 whom I spent some of the happiest days of my 
 ministry. While I- was there, besides the above- 
 mentioned exercises, in which I was greatly as- 
 sisted by the Rev. Mr. Jones and Mr. Wm. G. 
 Jackson from Staunton, I also admitted the Rev. 
 Mr. Lamon, their minister, to priests' orders. 
 After parting with our dear friends at Madison, I 
 turned my steps towards the new county of Rap- 
 pahannock. On the 16th. I reached the residence 
 of Dr. Thornton, and in the afternoon, according 
 to appointment, preached a funeral sermon on the 
 occasion of the death of the amiable and esteemed 
 Dr. Hawes. This gentleman was for many years 
 a member of congress, and was highly esteemed, 
 by all who knew him. His benevolence was of 
 no ordinary character, and his testimony to tho- 
 truth and excellence of Christianity was very de- 
 cided. In his will he has made generous provis-' 
 ion for more than a hundred slaves, whom he' 
 has directed to be colonized in Africa. On the- 
 following day I went for the first time to visit an 
 old and venerable mother in Israel, who for a Jongt 
 time had been deprived of the services of tho- 
 church which she loved, except when, on spe- 
 cial occasion, the Rev. Mr. Woodville, who lived 
 at a great distance from her, brought them to her 
 house. Mrs. Thornton had turned her house into 
 a church on this occasion, and invited her neigh- 
 bours and relations to unite in the solemn services. 
 She wished once more to partake of the Holy 
 Supper. It had been a long time since she had 
 enjoyed this privilege, and it might be the last op- 
 portunity,' for she was far advanced, in the vale of 
 tears, though then as well as usual. But she de- 
 sired to perform another duty also. In her infan- 
 cy, Christian parents had made a promise in her 
 behalf which she had never had an opportunity of 
 fulfilling. She had never ratified her baptismal 
 engagement in the rite of confirmation, and now, 
 even in her old age, begged leave with all humility 
 tofulfil this act of righteousness. It was according- 
 ly performed, and it is hoped that those present 
 did not regard it as an idle and unnecessary cere- 
 mony even in her. 
 
 After this, together with some pious neighbours 
 and relations, she partook of the Lord's Supper. 
 Her whole character was calculated to impress 
 upon the minds of all who knew her the truth of 
 the Saviour's words, that we must enter the king 
 dom of heaven as little children. On the follow- 
 ing day I left this neighbourhood, but let it be re- 
 membered, as evidence of the uncertainty of life, 
 and to show how mysterious are the ways of 
 Providence, that in five days after I left the man- 
 sion of this venerable lady, God was pleased sud- 
 denly and unexpectedly to call her to himself. 
 Sh6 seemed to have obtained that which she had 
 
302 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 long J>een seeking for, and then had leave to de- 
 part in peace. On the day after my leaving Rap- 
 pahannock I preached at Port Royal, and the 
 next day reached home. In the course of three 
 weeks I again set out, with a view to yisit certain 
 places in the lower part of the state on the eastern 
 shore. I determined, however, to take this oppor- 
 tunity of visiting some other places which lay in 
 the roqte. On Friday, the 11th of October, I left 
 home and preached that day at Upperville. Sat- 
 urday and Sunday I spent at Haymarket. The 
 Weather was so inclement and the house so open, 
 that the congregation on the first day was small. 
 On the day following the Lord's day the weather 
 was good, and the congregation was large and at- 
 tentive, Theliouse in which I preached was an 
 old deserted courthouse, which, nevertheless, was 
 capable of being converted into a comfortable 
 church, at a very moderate expense. At the con- 
 clusion of the services I addressed them on the 
 condition of the neighbourhood and the house in 
 which we were assembled, and promised that if 
 they would convert the house into a becoming 
 place of worship, I wOuld visit them again in the 
 month of July, and dedicate it to God, and perform 
 all the hoVy ordinances of the church ih it. As I 
 canie down from the pulpit, two gentlemen assured 
 me it should be done ; and I am happy to learn that 
 their promise has already been sacredly fulfilled. 
 If God spare my life I will endeavour to fulfil my 
 part, and hope that some of my brethren will be 
 there to aid in the good work. 
 
 On the afternoon of the Sabbath just mentioned 
 I rode to Brenfcsville, where I preached in the 
 courthouse to a full assembly of attentive hearers. 
 I am happy to inform the Convention, that these 
 two places are now enjoying the regular though 
 too unfrequent services of the church. The Rev. 
 Mr. Berkeley, though engaged in completing his 
 studies at the seminary, finds time to visit each 
 of them once in four weeks. We hope the time 
 is not far distant when more frequent services will 
 be rendered. I next visited Dumfries, where I 
 
 E reached on Moriday, and was followed by an ex- 
 ortation from Mr. Adie. I then proceeded to 
 Alexandria, in order to meet the managers of the 
 Education Society, and the trustees of our semi- 
 nary, I also preached on Friday night in Alexan- 
 dria. On Saturday I reached Fredericksburg, 
 and preached there on Sunday, administering the 
 rite of confirmation. On Monday I proceeded to 
 Richmond, and preached on Tuesday night in the 
 Monuniental Church. On Wednealay morning 
 I left Richmond in the steamboat, and reached 
 Shirley, the seat of Mr. Hill Carter, in time to 
 meet a congregation ^t the old Westover Church 
 by 12 o'clock. This excellent building has been 
 neatly fitted up, and is now a decent and comfort- 
 able house of worship. A goodly number of fami- 
 Kes, attached to our communion, assemble in the 
 church of their ancestors every other Sabbath, 
 under the ministry of one of the Alumni of our 
 seminary. On the following day I preached at the 
 Lower Church, which is a new building, erected 
 within the last two years. The friends of our 
 church in Charles City are able, and I believe 
 willing, henceforth to support a minister, and I 
 therefore regard this parish as one permanently 
 established. On Friday morning I again got into 
 the steamboat, and went as far as James City, 
 landing where Mr. Bassett's carriage was ready to 
 convey me to Williamsburg. I tarried four days 
 in Wilhamsburg, and preached or lectured eight 
 times, assisting also in the communion. My next 
 field of labour was Gloucester county, where I 
 preached five days in succession, twice at Abing- 
 d6n Church, and three times at Ware Church, ad- 
 
 ministering the communion and confirmation at 
 the latter place. On one of these occasions I was 
 called upon to perform the funeral rites over the 
 remains of one of the most pure and pious of the 
 saints of God on earth, Mrs. Dr. Nelson of that 
 parish, who, from early youth, had been a hvely 
 specimen of the beauty of holiness. On the even- 
 ing of Saturday I preached to the servants at Dr. 
 Taliaferro's, and on the next evening lectured at 
 Mr. Roy's, in Matthews county. On Monday 
 morning, through the great kindness and generos- 
 ity of Mr. Tompkins of that county, a packet wna 
 ready to carry myself and Mr. Cole to the eastern 
 shore, which we reached in the course of the af- 
 ternoon, and were enabled to have a service at the 
 house of Mrs. Parker, in Eastville, the same night.' 
 On the next day we had divine service, morn- 
 ing and evening, in the new church at Eastville. 
 On Wednesday morning I preached at Hungar's 
 Church, an old and venerable edifice. In the af- 
 ternoon at Bellhaven, and at night, in conjunction 
 with Mr. Cole, at Mr. Wyatt's. On Thursday we 
 passed into Accomack county, when I preached 
 at Pongoteague church, another venerable build- 
 ing, more than 130 years old, but still firm and in 
 good repair. Here I baptized four children, two 
 whites and two coloured. In the afternoon I dis- 
 coursed on confirmation, after a sermon from Mr. 
 Cole, and at night I preached at Onancock, some 
 miles distant. On the following day I preached 
 again at Pongoteague, baptized one adult, confirm- 
 ed five, and administered the communion. At night 
 I preached again to a full house at Mr. Bayne's. X 
 preached again on Saturday morning at the same 
 church, organized an Education Society, and in 
 the afternoon proceeded to Judge Upshur's, in the 
 neighbourhood of Hungar's Church, where 1 again 
 preached on the following day, being the Sabbath, 
 and administered the communion. On the even- 
 ing of the same day I exhorted after Mr. Cole, at 
 Eastville, preached there the next day, and con- 
 firmed six persons. I was much encouraged by 
 the zeal of a goodly number of our remaining 
 friends in Northampton and Accomack, who de- 
 termined, by uniting their contributions, to secure 
 to themselves the services of a missionary, in ad- 
 dition to those which they already enjoy. I have 
 been pleased to hear that they have obtained the 
 object of their wishes. Having concluded my du- 
 ties on the eastern shore, I crossed the bay, and 
 reached Norfolk on Wednesday evening. On 
 Thursday I went to Suffolk, and preached there 
 that night, exhorted also the following night after 
 Mr. Boyden, who accompanied me to that place. 
 On Saturday I returned to Norfolk, and lectured at 
 the house of Mr. Pollard in the evening. In the 
 morning, which was th^ Sabbath, I preached for 
 Dr. Ducachet ; in the afternoon, for Mr. Wingfield,. 
 at Portsmouth ; and at night, returning to Norfolk, 
 at St. Paul's, for Mr. Boyden. On Monday night 
 I again preached for Mr. Boyden, and leaving Nor- 
 folk the following day, spent the night at Old 
 Point, and preached to the officers and soldiers 
 stationed at that place. After this I returned 
 without delay, and reached home by the following 
 Sabbath. Since then I have taken no long journey, 
 nor performed much episcopal duty. I visited the 
 District during the winter, chiefly with the view 
 of attending the annual meeting of the American 
 Colonization Society. I spent one Sabbath in 
 Washington and Georgetown, and one in Alex- 
 andria. I have also visited Winchester twice,' and 
 confirmed six persons ; Wickliffe once, confirming 
 two persons ; and Cool Spring, in Fauquier coun 
 ty, once, confirming five. On each of these occa- 
 sions (with one exception), I spent two days in 
 preaching and administering the Lord's Supper, 
 
CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 303 
 
 I have only to annex to this rapid narrative of my 
 episcopal labours, the few particulars occurring on 
 my journey to this place. I reached Luray, in 
 company with Mr. "Wm. M. Jackson, on Tuesday, 
 the 13th, and preached there on the afternoon of 
 the day ; on the same evening I baptized a child 
 at the house of Mr. Blackford, and united in reli- 
 gious services with Mr. Jackson, at a schoolhouse, 
 where worship is often held, for the benefit of the 
 workmen who are employed about the iron works 
 of Mr. Blackford. 
 
 On the following morning, before leaving that 
 place, I administered the rite of confirmation to 
 Mrs. Blackford, whose age and infirmity prevented 
 her attendance on any public place where that 
 office was performed. On the evening of the same 
 day we reached Col. Lewis's, in the neighbourhood 
 of Port Republic, and on the following morning 
 preached at that place. 
 
 On Saturday, the Hth, we reached the place in 
 which we are now assembled. On the following 
 day I accompanied the pastor of this congregation 
 to a new church about seven miles distant, when 
 I consecrated to the service of God a neat brick 
 edifice, which was not large enough to hold the 
 numbers which desired admission. I preached 
 twice on that day to large assemblies of attentive 
 hearers. On the evening of the same I preached 
 to the servants at the house of Mr. Churchman. 
 On Monday morning, according to notice, I again 
 attended at the same interesting spot, when, after 
 a sermon from Mr. William Jackson, of Frederick 
 parish, I addressed them at some length on the 
 subject of confirmation ; and then, after an inter- 
 val of an hour, the house was again filled, when I 
 first preached, and then administered the rite of 
 confirmation to seventeen persons. This congre- 
 gation has been the child of many prayers and 
 much anxiety to its present and former pastor, and 
 may it realize all their fondest hopes and expecta- 
 tions. 
 
 Having thus rendered an account of my joumey- 
 ings and public ministrations, it may not be im- 
 proper to mention two humble efforts made during 
 the interval of the above-mentioned visitation, to 
 promote the cause of religion in our church and 
 our land. In compliance with your request at our 
 last Convention, I have written and circulated a 
 pastoral letter on the very important duty of giving 
 religious instruction to our servants. I know the 
 difficulties of the task, but I know that both min- 
 isters and people are far too ready to magnify these 
 difficulties, and satisfy themselves with very insuf- 
 ficient excuses for its neglect. If the love of im- 
 mortal souls, which is the true spirit of Christ, did 
 but reign in our hearts as it ought to do, we should 
 be more apt to teach these our poor ignorant fel- 
 low-creatures, and less apt at finding out excuses 
 for ou r neglect of them. I commit the feeble effort 
 in their behalf to God and your consciences, ho- 
 ping that it may not be altogether in vain. 
 
 I have also just completed the publication of a 
 small book of family prayers, which I trust may 
 be an acceptable offering to God and to the Chris- 
 tian families under our charge. If the work shall 
 only induce one family to worship God which has 
 hitherto neglected it, or shall assist to the better 
 performance of this duty one which may already 
 nave lived in the performance of this godly prac- 
 tice, I shall be abundantly rewarded for any labour 
 expended on the collection. If my brethren, after 
 examination, shall approve the collection, they 
 will of course recommend its use to their congre- 
 gations. 
 
 And now, commending these my feeble endeav- 
 ours to the favour of Him without whom nothing 
 is holy, nothing is strong, I submit this record of 
 
 the same to my brethren and firiends, and assure 
 them of my continued and increasing affection for 
 them all. W, Meapr, 
 
 Assistant Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Carter H. Harrison, 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary enter upon the 
 journal of this Convention the death of its late 
 secretary, John G. Williams. 
 
 Resolved, That while we bow with humility 
 to this afflictive dispensation of God, we cannot 
 but deplore it as one that has deprived the Con- 
 vention of the services of a faithful officer, the 
 church of a useful and devoted friend, and so- 
 ciety at large of a valuable member. 
 
 Resolved, lastly, That, in token of the sym- 
 pathy of this Convention in the bereavement 
 which the family of the deceased has sustained, 
 a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to them 
 by the secretary. 
 
 On motion of the Rev.Wm. G. H. Jones, Mr. 
 Alexander Garret was admitted to a seat in this 
 Convention as delegate from Frederick syille par- 
 ish, Albemarle county. 
 
 The business of the Convention was suspend- 
 ed, for the purpose of attending divine service 
 by the Rev. Mr. Smith, and a sermon by the 
 Rev. Mr. Cobbs. 
 
 After divine service Bishop Meade took the 
 chair. The parochial reports were received, 
 read, and referred to the committee on parochial 
 reports. 
 
 A petition was presented by the Rev. Will- 
 iam M. Jackson, from certain members and- 
 friends of the Episcopal Church residing in 
 Berryville and its vicinity, to divide the parish, 
 of Frederick so as to form another distinct one 
 therein, to be called " Wickliffe parish, Freder- 
 ick county." 
 
 On motion. 
 
 Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners 
 be granted. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William G. H. Jones^ 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention continues to 
 feel a hvely interest in the temperance reforma- 
 tion. 
 
 Resolved, That each clergyman of this church 
 be, and is hereby requested, to insert in his re- 
 port to the next Convention such facts in refer- 
 ence to the temperance cause as he shall think 
 promotive of such cause. 
 
 The Rev. Franklin G. Smith presented a 
 memorial from the vestry of St. Paul's Church, 
 which was read, and referred to the committee 
 on the state of the church. 
 
 And the Convention adjourned till to-morrow 
 morning, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 Friday, May 23, 1834. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by Bishop 
 Meade, who took the chair as president. 
 
 Mr. Philip Slaughter, a delegate from St. 
 Stephen's Church, Culpepper; Mr. Walter Coles, 
 from Abingdon parish, Gloucester county ; and 
 Mr. J. B. Breckenridge, from Ware parish, 
 Gloucester county, appeared and took their 
 
 The president read a letter from one of the 
 
304 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 professors of the University of Virginia : where- 
 upon the Rev. William G. H. Jones offered the 
 following preamble and resolution, which were 
 adopted, viz. : — 
 
 Whereas a letter, addressed to a niember of 
 this Convention by onfe of the professors of the 
 university, has been read to the same, in which 
 an earnest desire- is expressed that a minister 
 ofv our communion may be obtained for the 
 purpose of performing religious services for the 
 benefit of tne professors and students during 
 the ensuing session : — therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention does highly 
 approve the determination of the professors and 
 students to supply the university with ministe- 
 rial services by their own liberal contributions, 
 and wishes them the most' abundant success. 
 
 Resolved, alsd. That this Convention would 
 take pleasure in seeing any of our ministers who 
 may be called to this station, taking part in so 
 praiseworthy an undertaking. 
 
 The president of the Convention called the 
 Rev. George Lemon to the chait, and refired. 
 
 On motion of the Rev! H. W. Ducachet, the 
 revised constitution and canons was made the 
 order of the day for the session immediately after 
 divine service. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Mann, from the committee 
 for examining the accounts of the treasurer of 
 the fund for the relief of the widows and or- 
 phans of deceased clergymen, made the follow- 
 ing report, which was read and accepted :— 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the ac- 
 counts of the treasurer of the society for the sup- 
 port of the widows and orphans of deceased cler- 
 gymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church, beg 
 leave to report, that they have examined the same, 
 and find them correct. 
 
 At the last session of this body, a committee was 
 formed with directions to pubUsh and distribute 
 the constitution of this society, in connexion with 
 any information they might be able to obtain as to 
 its present state and future prospects. The chair- 
 man of this was also chairman of that committee, 
 and states, that the duty assigned them has been 
 performed, and the constitution of the society is 
 here for distribution among the clergy. The so- 
 ciety, it will be seen, is an association of individu- 
 als for their own benefit or that of their families, 
 ""and in no other way connected with the Conven- 
 tion than through the interest this body feels in 
 the welfare of the clergy and their families. The 
 conuiiittee would recommend to the clergy to be- 
 come ^subscribers at once to this institution, and 
 to sustain it with a systematic exertion such as its 
 importance demands, Deducting the amount of 
 stock in the Bank of Alexandria, the whole of 
 which the committee fear will be lost, there will 
 . be the very important sura of $7,761 46. If this 
 ,8um of $7,000 was yearly added to by a subscrip- 
 tion oSf only five dollars by each clergyman, it 
 might be shown, from the operations of societies 
 of this kind elsewhere, that a perfect security 
 would be afforded to each member that his family, 
 in the event of his death, would have some small 
 provision made for their wants : a subscription of 
 fifteen or twenty dollars might and would secure 
 at least the necessaries of life for those who would 
 be otherwise destitute. The experience of other 
 diocesses should furnish an important lesson to 
 the clergy of this. In many of them, a subscriber 
 for a few years to an institution like this, may rest 
 
 assured that a provision, much more ample than 
 he could make m any other way, has been secured 
 to his family. In Maryland many cases have oc- 
 curred where an annuity of $160 per annum has 
 been secured, with an equal sum from the dispo- 
 sable funds of the society. In Pennsylvania and 
 New- York still more important provisions have 
 been made for the families of clergymen, and by 
 their own exertions ; and all these societies were . 
 once as feeble as this. The committee trust the 
 clergy will no longer neglect this, but determine 
 hereafter to give it the attention it deserves. 
 
 C. Mann, Chairman. 
 The fumis are a^ follows : — 
 106 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex- 
 andria stock, at par, ' - - J5,300 00 
 Five shares of Alexandria Bank stock, 
 
 at par, - - - - 1,000 00 
 
 One share of Bank of Virginia stock, 100 00 
 Note and bond bearing interest of six 
 
 per cent., - * - - 2,200 00 
 
 Cash on hand^ - - - - 16r 46 
 
 $8,761 46 
 
 A claim against the estate of Robert 
 Andrews, not in the hands of the 
 treasurer, with interest from 30th 
 April, 1829, - - - . $399 23 
 
 Whereupon it was 
 
 Resolved, That the clergy be requested to 
 meet in the lecture-room of this church to-mor- 
 row morning, at 8 o'clock, to reorganize the 
 society, and to take such measures as they deem 
 expedient to promote its interests. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, the follow- 
 ing preamble and resolution were adopted : — 
 
 Whereas the assistant bishop of this diocess, 
 in consequence of his frequent and long journeys 
 in discharge of the duties of the episcopate, is 
 under the necessity of employing an assistant in 
 his parish, to whom the half of his salary as 
 rector is appropriated : — therefore. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay annually to the assistant bishop, out of the 
 contingent fund, the sum of three hundred dol- 
 lars, besides paying the necessary expenses in- 
 curred in the discharge of his episcopal duties. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Jackson, from the commit- 
 tee for examining the treasurer's account, pre- 
 sented the following report, which was read and 
 accepted : — 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the treas- 
 urer's account beg leave respectfully to report, that 
 they have performed that duty, and, upon a com- 
 parison of the several items with the accompany- 
 mg vouchers, find all correct. Among the exhibits 
 they find two $5 notes returned as counterfeit, 
 which are submitted to the Convention to be dis- 
 posed of. The balance on hand, as per account, 
 is $689 74^, of whicli sum $15 74 is the balance 
 remaining in the hands of the treasurer of the fund 
 for the support of the bishop, leaving $674 for the 
 contingent fund. Thomas Jackson. 
 
 The Rev. C. W. Andrews, from the com- 
 mittee to whom was referred the account of the 
 treasurer of the Protestant Episcopal Mission- 
 ary Society of Virginia^ reported the same cor- 
 rect. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 305 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do now pro- 
 ceed to consider and determine where the next 
 Convention of the church in this diocess shall 
 be held. 
 
 A discussion of this subject ensued, which 
 continued till the business of the Convention 
 was suspended, for the purpose of attending di- 
 vine service by the Rev. Dr. Keith, and a ser- 
 mon by the Right Rev. Bishop Meade. 
 
 After divine service the president took the 
 chair ; when, on motion, the Convention adjourn- 
 ed until 4 o'clock this afternoon. 
 
 Friday afternoon. — The Convention met 
 pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Edward C. Mar- 
 shall, a delegate from Leeds parish, Fauquier 
 county, appeared and took his seat. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, 
 the order of the day was suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of taking up and disposing of the unfinished 
 business. The discussion having continued for 
 some time, it was, on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That the next annual Convention 
 of this diocess be held in the town of Lynch- 
 burg, on the third Wednesday in May, 1835. 
 
 Mr. James K. Marshall, a delegate from St. 
 James's Church, Warrenton, Fauquier county, 
 appeared and took his seat. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to the order 
 of the day. The Right Rev. Bishop Meade, 
 from the committee appointed at the last Con- 
 vention to revise and alter the constitution and 
 canons of the church of this diocess, laid their 
 report before the Convention. 
 
 Upon motion made and seconded, the reading 
 of the report, article by article, was commenced ; 
 when, upon motion of Rev. Dr. Empie, the or- 
 der of the day was again suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of receiving a memorial upon the subject 
 of the order of the day from Bruton parish. 
 The said memorial having been read and laid 
 upon the table, the consideration of the order 
 of the day was resumed, and, after a short debate, 
 the Convention adjourned until to-morrow morn- 
 ing, at 9 o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, May 24, 1834. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right 
 Rev. Bishop Meade, who took the chair as pres- 
 ident. 
 
 The committee on parochial reports made the 
 following report, which was read and accepted : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the pa- 
 rochial reports, herewith return the same, abridged 
 and condensed, to be entered on the journal. They 
 have also prepared an abstract, exhibiting at one 
 view the state of the church, so far as the defect- 
 ive character of many reports will permit. From 
 many parishes enjoying the stated services of the 
 church, no reports have been received ; and of 
 those referred to them, many appear to have been 
 drawn up without any reference to the prescribed 
 form. They would therefore respectfully recom- 
 mend that a similar form be again published, and 
 that in future the names of those clergymen who 
 neglect to fulfil the requisitions of the first section 
 of the fifty-first canon of the General Convention, 
 be spread upon the journals. 
 By order of the committee, 
 
 Charles Dresser, Chairman. 
 U 
 
 Christ Church, Lancaster county. Ephraim 
 Adams, rector. Communicants, added two, died 
 three, suspended one, present number thirty-three 
 —baptisms, infants (principally coloured), thirty- 
 five — funerals six. Amount collected for the dif- 
 ferent institutions connected with the church, 
 $206 61. 
 
 Shelburne parish, Leesburg, Loudoun county* 
 George Adie, rector. Communicants, added six, 
 removed four, died two, total seventy-one— bap- 
 tisms, white infants twelve, coloured infants four, 
 total sixteen — marriages five — funerals six — fami- 
 lies about forty. 
 
 Connected with this church there is a flourish- 
 ing Sunday School, numbering about one hundred 
 and twenty white scholars, and about thirty col- 
 oured; the coloured scholars being taught orally. 
 Also a Bible class, the members of which are all 
 Sunday School teachers. Also a Missionary So- 
 ciety, Mite Society, and Sewing Society, which 
 are doing much for the cause of religion and be- 
 nevolence. The present rector officiates every 
 Sunday in St. James's, except the second in the 
 month. He preaches also once a fortnight to a 
 large and attentive coloured congregation, who 
 occupy the church in the afternoon ; and has 
 reason to hope his labours have been blessed 
 among them. 
 
 Upperville. Communicants, added five, total 
 fourteen — confirmations ten— families fourteen. 
 
 The congregation here are engaged in building 
 a handsome little church, in the Gothic orders 
 Prospects seem to be encouraging. The present 
 minister has been officiating here on the morning 
 of the second Sunday in the month. There is a 
 Sunday School here also. 
 
 Middleburg and Aldie. Communicants, added 
 two, total twelve— baptisms, white mfants four^ 
 coloured twelve, total sixteen — one marriage — 
 famihes ten. There is a Sunday School at each 
 of these places. 
 
 The present rector officiates in the afternoon of 
 the second Sunday in the month in the former 
 place, and in the evening at the latter. 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick county. There are 
 four churches in this parish, and two ministers, 
 besides the assistant bishop. 
 
 Communicants one hundred and twenty-five, 
 seven added during the last year. 
 
 Baptisms seventeen — burials three — marriages 
 four— Sunday Schools three— scholars one hun- 
 dred and twenty. One parish Ubrary, one hundred 
 and twenty volumes. Regular places of preach- 
 ing five. Contributions to the Virginia Bible So- 
 ciety last year about $550 ; contributions to the 
 Education Society about $250 ; to the Coloni- 
 zation Society, $350; to the Greek Mission, 
 $100. There are also in the parish two flourish- 
 ing Temperance Societies. 
 
 To the above statement it may be added, that 
 each of the ministers preaches regularly to the 
 coloured persons, sometimes in the churches, and 
 at other times in private houses. The attendance 
 of our congregations is generally good, and the 
 state of religion, if not so warm and zealous as 
 could be desired, yet such as to give encourage- 
 ment to the ministers to hope that their labour is 
 not in vain in the Lord. 
 
 In addition to the statement above, it may be 
 proper to state, that one of the Education Socie- 
 ties has established a scholarship in the Theologi- 
 cal Seminary, called the Wickliffe scholarship. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. N. H. Cobbs, 
 rector. Communicants, added seven, removed 
 seven, died four, total ninety-six— baptisms, of 
 adults three, of white children thirteen, of colour- 
 ed children seven, total twenty-three— marriagee 
 
306 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 ten — ^burials ten. The number of Episcopal fami- 
 lies about sixty. 
 
 Although the parish has sustained a severe loss 
 by deaths and removals, and although during the 
 
 East year the additions to the communion have 
 een few in number, yet the rector cherishes the 
 belief that the general interests of the church are 
 not discouraging. The preaching of the gospel 
 is uniformly listened to with devout attention, and 
 the distinctive principles of the church are becom- 
 ing more generally knowTi and more cordially 
 adopted. The rector is also encouraged by the 
 prospect of being useful in his preaching to the 
 coloured people, for whose benefit he holds a 
 second service on each Sunday. When he com- 
 menced his labours, a few years ago, among this 
 too much neglected people, he doubted whether 
 they could ever be brought to be interested in the 
 liturgy ; but he now finds from experience, that, 
 ignorant and uneducated as they are, they may be 
 taught to unite in a considerable portion of the 
 worship of the church, particularly in the general 
 confession, the Lord's prayer, the creed, and the 
 ante-communion service. And he is now fully 
 convinced that one of the most direct and efficient 
 means of building them up in the pure faith of the 
 gospel, will be to instruct them in the forms and 
 services of the church. Indeed, the rector can 
 Iruly say, that he never duly appreciated the value 
 and importance of forms of prayer till he began 
 his feeble labours among the coloured people. 
 
 Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester coun- 
 ty. John Cole, rector. Communicants, added 
 two, removed one, died three, total thirty-six — 
 baptisms, infants ten, viz., white eight, coloured 
 two — confirmations ten — marriages six, one col- 
 oured — funerals nine — number of famihes thirty- 
 seven. 
 
 Antrim parish, Halifax county. Charles Dres- 
 ser, rector. Communicants, added five, total forty- 
 three — baptisms, of adults four, of children ten, 
 total fourteen — marriages four — funerals seven, 
 of these four were of coloured persons — Sunday 
 Schools two, containing together upwards of one 
 hundred scholars — famihes attached to the church 
 thirty-five, containing about one hundred and fifty 
 persons, though not all baptized. During the 
 greater part of the year a second service has been 
 held on Sunday, chiefly for the benefit of the col- 
 oured population. A growing interest in the reli- 
 gious improvement of this part of the community 
 18 manifest. One gentleman designs building a 
 chapel exclusively for the benefit of his servants. 
 
 Camden parish, Pittsylvania county. Commu- 
 nicants, added one, died one, total eleven — bap- 
 tisms, of adults one, of children six, total seven — 
 one funeral. 
 
 The number of families attached to the church 
 in this county is small. By the labours of a zeal- 
 ous and active missionary, it is believed they would 
 soon be increased. Few parts of the state can 
 more properly be considered missionary ground. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, EUzabeth River parish. 
 Henry W. Ducachet, rector. Communicants, 
 added fifteen, removed four, died seven, with- 
 drawn one, present total two hundred and thirty- 
 five — baptisms, adults five, viz., white four, col- 
 oured one ; infants forty-nine, viz., white forty-six, 
 coloured three, total fifty-four— marriages thirteen 
 — funerals, adults thirteen, children eleven, total 
 twenty-four. The number of famihes in so large 
 a congregation cannot be accurately ascertained, 
 but they are estimated at about three hundred. 
 The amount of money collected for various reh- 
 gious and charitable objects is about ^1,500. A 
 parish library has been begun, agreeably to the 
 recommendation of the last Convention. 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. A. Empie, rec- 
 tor. Communicants, removed one, died two, ad- 
 ded three; vvhites sixty-one, coloured two; total 
 sixty-three— baptisms, white infants seven, col- 
 oured four, total eleven — marriages, white four, 
 coloured two, total six — funerals, parishioners 
 eight, strangers five, total thirteen— famihes forty- 
 eight, adults one hundred and three, children 
 eighty-two, total one hundred and eighty -five — 
 catechumens twenty — scholars in Sunday School 
 forty, teachers in the same six— members in 
 the Female Bible class thirty-one— cont'ributtons, 
 Contingent Fund, ?^15 ; episcopal services, $5 ; 
 Church Missionary Society of this state, $20 ; 
 Virginia Bible Society, ^217 91. Benevolent so- 
 cieties, Bible, Tract, and Missionary Society, La- 
 dies' Working Society. 
 
 By means of fairs and subscriptiorts, about $700 
 have been raised towards procuring an organ. 
 The parish library has increased from one hun- 
 dred and forty-seven to one hundred and seventy- 
 one volumes, and there are about two hundred 
 volumes in the Sunday School library. There 
 are only two coloured persons belonging to the- 
 congregation, and these two are communicants. 
 When Dr. Wilmer took charge of the congrega- 
 tion in 1826, he found but twenty communicants. 
 His successor in 1827 found thirty, and for two 
 years past the number has been sixty-three. The 
 rector officiated regularly once a month at Hick- 
 ory Neck Church, in James City, until last Sep- 
 tember, since which time, owing to the condition 
 of his health and eyes, that service has been dis- 
 continued. God willing, it shall soon be resumed. 
 
 St. Andrew's, Brunswick county, and Bath, 
 Dinwiddle county. John Grammer, jr., rector. 
 Communicants added, two white and one colour- 
 ed, three, died one, total forty-nine — baptisms, in- 
 fants, eight white, three coloured, total eleven — 
 marriages eight— funerals, white six, coloured 
 twelve, total eighteen— number of families about 
 twenty-four. 
 
 Collected for different institutions connected 
 with the church, viz. : — Missionary Society, $70 ; 
 Theological Seminary, $76 ; Education Society, 
 $40 ; assessment for bishop, $7 ; Convention Funa, 
 $23 50 ; donation for indigent students, $50 ; total, 
 $266 50. 
 
 The spiritual condition of these parishes pre- 
 sents nothing particularly worthy of report. But 
 while the rector mourns over the slow progress 
 which Scripture piety, enhghtened zeal, and 
 Christian love are making among the members of 
 his flock, he is constrained with shame to fear 
 that the cause may be found in the languor of his 
 own zeal, and the inadequacy of his own exer- 
 tions. For the convenience of many members of 
 each congregation, an effort is making for provi- 
 ding a place of worship nearly central to the pres- 
 ent churches ; and it is hoped, that when greater 
 facilities are afforded for attendance upon the ordi- 
 nances of the gospel, their administration will be 
 accompanied by effects more sanctifying and per- 
 ceptible. 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county. A. 
 H. Lamon, rector. Communicants, added eight, 
 removed two, present number fifty-one — baptisms, 
 adults one, children five— confirmations ten — one 
 marriage — funerals five. 
 
 No material change has taken place in the 
 spiritual condition of this congregation since the 
 last Convention. There is connected with the 
 church a Sunday School of about thirty scholars. 
 
 A scholarship has been established in the Sem- 
 inary of Virginia, and the first payment made. The 
 vestry are making arrangements for the purchase 
 of a parsonage, and the permanent location of a 
 
CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 307 
 
 minister among them. There is preaching once 
 a month to a large and attentive congregation of 
 coloured persons. 
 
 Broomtield parish, Madison county. Commu- 
 nicants, atMed eleven, removed two, present num- 
 ber thirty-nine, one of whom is a coloured person 
 — baptisms, ten children — marriages two — con- 
 firmed twenty-two. 
 
 In this parish the prospects for extending the 
 church are becoming better. The prejudices ex- 
 isting against us where the church was known 
 only through evil report, have been in a great de- 
 gree removed, and now our ministrations are at- 
 tended with greater interest. 
 
 We have a Sunday School of about twenty 
 scholars, in connexion with the church. Contri- 
 butions have been made to the Education and 
 Missionary Societies. Preaching once a month 
 for the special benefit of the coloured population. 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester. J. E. Jackson, 
 rector. But few changes have occurred in this 
 congregation during the past year. The benevo- 
 lent societies have received more attention and 
 better support than for many previous years. The 
 Ladies' Society of Industry have made their pas- 
 tor a patron of the Domestic and Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society, and of the Education Society. 
 There have been also liberal contributions from 
 the other societies of the congregation to the 
 General Missionary Society of our church, Infant 
 Schools in Greece, the Education Society, Sun- 
 day Schools, and for erecting an Episcopal church 
 in Monrovia. 
 
 During the past year there have been eleven 
 added to the communion ; one member has died, 
 seven have removed, and one remains suspended, 
 leaving the present number of communicants one 
 hundred and eight— baptisms five, coloured two, 
 total seven — marriages six — deaths five — confirm- 
 ed six. The congregation at Mill Creek contin- 
 ues very interesting ; there are forty-two communi- 
 cants — one marriage — baptisms five — deaths two. 
 
 Trinity Church and Trinity Chapel, Augusta 
 parish. W. G. Jackson, rector. Communicants, 
 added twenty-five, removed three, total seventy — 
 baptisms, adults two, children twenty-eight, 
 white, total thirty — confirmations seventeen — 
 marriages, seven white and three coloured, total 
 ten— funerals three — number of families sixty, 
 adults one hundred and eighty, infants two hun- 
 dred and forty. The rector would state that, 
 owing to the peculiar state of this infant church, 
 his people have done but little for those- various 
 benevolent institutions which call for the prayers 
 and pecuniary assistance of all. During the past 
 year the chapel has been neatly finished by the 
 commendable zeal of its members and friends, at 
 an expense of upwards of ^700. The ladies of 
 Trinity Church, by their untiring perseverance 
 and industry, have raised during the pa«t year 
 $500 towards liquidating the debt of this church. 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley county. W. P. C. 
 Johnson, rector. Communicants, died one, re- 
 moved five, added one, total one hundred and 
 nineteen — baptisms, four adults and thirty-three 
 children, total thirty-seven — confirmed thirty-two 
 — marriages eleven — funerals five — contributions 
 to benevolent objects during the past year, $103 
 75. 
 
 St. Thomas's Church, Orange courthouse. 
 Wm. G. H. Jones, rector. The rector takes 
 pleasure in informing this Convention that his 
 congregation have erected a new and very neat 
 church, which, it is hoped and believed, will be 
 ready for consecration about the last of July or 
 the first of August. The expense of the house 
 will be about ^,000. The Sunday School is in a 
 
 U2 
 
 better condition than when last reported, and 
 numbers thirty scholars. The coloured popu- 
 lation still continue to receive regular atten- 
 tion from the rector. The ladies have nearly 
 completed a subscription for one scholarship at 
 the Theological Seminary of Virginia. There is 
 no doubt of its speedy completion. There is a 
 Temperance Society in this parish, numbering 
 about three hundred members. Confirmed fif- 
 teen. This congregation may be considered as 
 having been reorganized last year, when the rec- 
 tor found nine communicants. Reported to the 
 last Convention twenty-six, present number 
 thirty-four, one dead, one removed — baptisms, in- 
 fant, seven — marriages six — funerals eleven — 
 Episcopal families thirty-two. 
 
 Walker's Church, Albemarle and Free Union, 
 Louisa. (Combined.) These churches receive 
 services once a month. They are sufliciently 
 near for mutual attendance. Present number of 
 communicants in both nineteen, two dead— bap- 
 tisms, infant, six— families twelve. 
 
 The rector of Hamilton and Leeds parishes, 
 Fauquier, reports the addition of five to the num- 
 ber of communicants ; the whole number of com- 
 municants is between sixty and seventy — con- 
 firmations five — baptisms about ten — marriages 
 fourteen — funerals eight. There is a Female 
 Education Society and a Female Colonization 
 Society in Hamilton parish, which continue to 
 contribute something to their respective objects. 
 From Leeds parish about $200 are contributed 
 annually to religious and charitable objects. It 
 is hoped that a new church will be begun, if not 
 finished, during the present year, in this parish. 
 There is a Temperance Society in each parish. 
 Geo. Lemon. 
 The late rector of Christ Church, Alexandria, 
 Fairfax parish, having been induced to resign it, 
 under a conviction that he could better promote 
 the interests of religion by endeavouring to sus- 
 tain the " Society for Educating pious Young Men 
 for the Ministry of the Episcopal Church," and to 
 complete the plans of the church in reference to 
 the Theological Seminaiy of the diocess, would 
 now report to the Convention that the past year 
 has not been so productive of those fruits which a 
 Christian minister and a Christian people would 
 desire, as the former years of his labours among 
 them. In July past the assistant bishop held a 
 confirmation in Alexandria, at which time seven 
 persons of this congregation were confirmed, five 
 of whom were subsequently admitted to the com- 
 munion, two having been previously admitted to 
 that ordinance ; two of the communicants have 
 died, two have removed to another congregation 
 — one adult has been baptized, and thirty-five in- 
 fants, of whom twenty-three were white, and 
 twelve coloured — there have been four marriages, 
 and twelve funerals. The Sunday School con- 
 tains about the same number of scholars as was 
 reported last year, and some hundred volumes of 
 valuable books have been added to its library. 
 Two Bible classes, one male and one female, are 
 still maintained, through the kindness of gentle- 
 men belonging to the Theological Seminary, and 
 the benevolent societies have been supported as 
 usual. And a Bishop Moore's scholarship is about 
 being established, a part of the fund having been 
 already received. Soon after the last Convention, 
 the rector established a meeting for coloured per- 
 sons on one evening of each week, which was 
 tolerably well attended, until his engagements 
 with the Education Society and Theological Semi- 
 nary, added to the duties of the parish, made it 
 impossible for him to carry it on. The state of 
 religion in the Episcopal and all other churches in 
 
308 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 the town seems much less cheering than for 
 years past furnishing a subject of deep regret to 
 the pious part of the community. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. Edward 
 e. M'Guire, rector. From various causes, the 
 number of communicants has diminished, though 
 it is not believed that the piety or zeal of the peo- 
 ple has declined. Our religious and benevolent 
 societies received their usual share of attention. 
 Through our Sunday Schools and Bible classes, 
 we endeavour faithfully to sow the good seed of the 
 divine word, while our Auxiliary Missionary and 
 Education Societies are labouring to advance the 
 mportant interests contemplated in their forma- 
 tion. The Prayer and Tract Society is yet highly 
 useful in its operations. Our Female Missionary 
 Society is alone inefficient, and that altogether from 
 the extreme difficulty of procuring missionaries. 
 Something has been done of late for the spiritual 
 improvement of our coloured population. The 
 time seems to have arrived with us for successful 
 efforts in their behalf Recent endeavours to in- 
 struct them by preaching have been attended by 
 the most encouragmg indications of usefulness. 
 The word preached has been most gladly re- 
 ceived, and much gratitude expressed for the sym- 
 pathy of the church, and her care for them in their 
 destitute and neglected condition. 
 
 Baptisms twenty-five — communicants one hun- 
 dred and sixty — marriages eight — funerals twelve. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex 
 county. John P. M'Guire, rector. St. Anne's, 
 communicants, one coloured, total thirty-four — 
 baptisms, white infants nine, coloured one, total 
 ten— marriages three — funerals six. 
 
 South Farnham. Communicants twenty — bap- 
 tisms, white infants three, coloured fifteen, total 
 eighteen — marriages three — funerals two. 
 
 St. Mary's parish, Caroline county. Communi- 
 cants fifteen. 
 
 Lunenburg parish, Richmond county. Com- 
 municants twenty-nine — baptisms, white adults 
 one, white infants four, coloured one, total six — 
 funerals four. 
 
 The number of families cannot, for several 
 causes, be now stated with any degree of accuracy. 
 
 Amount collected for the different institutions 
 connected with the church, part of which was re- 
 ceived immediately previous to the last Conven- 
 tion, but not before reported, 5^319 20. 
 
 Amount collected and subscribed in St. Anne's 
 parish for the Virginia Bible Society, after a ser- 
 mon by the Rev. Wm. M. Atkinson, its general 
 agent, ■'^144 97. 
 
 Since the last Convention, " Associations for 
 the promotion of Christianity" through the insti- 
 tutions of the church have been formed in all the 
 above parishes ; those in the two first are perfectly 
 organized. There is also in St. Anne's a " Fe- 
 male Association," designed to co-operate with 
 the more general one. The services heretofore 
 performed in St. Mary's parish, CaroUne county, 
 are still, by God's help, continued. The church 
 at Port Royal is now under contract, and to be 
 finished during the current year. Lunenburg 
 parish, with two others in its immediate neighbour- 
 hood, have secured the services of the Rev. G. W. 
 Nelson. The new church now being erected, and 
 the old one in Farnham parish which is repairing, 
 will probably be finished this year. 
 
 Lunenburg and Farnham parishes, Richmond 
 county. The rector has so recently taken charge 
 of these parishes, that he can only report that they 
 present an interesting and encouraging field of 
 labour ; and that he humbly trusts, should he be 
 spared to another Convention, to be able, through 
 the blessing of Providence, to present a mbre par- 
 
 ticular and interesting report. In addition to thcee 
 two parishes, he has under his charge the Ycomico 
 Church, in tlae county of Westmoreland. 
 
 G. W. Nelson. 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. C. C, 
 Taliaferro, rector. Communicants twenty-six, 
 added ten, died one — baptisms, infant, four — mar- 
 riages two— funerals four. Notwithstanding my 
 labours have been somewhat interrupted by sick- 
 ness, &c., the state of the church gives just cause 
 of gratitude to its friends, 1 have Bible class 
 and Sunday School instructions going on in both 
 ends of my parish, by which there is a promise of 
 much good. The spirit of missions and of general 
 benevolence is on the increase. The ladies are 
 doing what they can for the support of missionary 
 operations, by their Working Society, &lc. We 
 have formed a scholarship at $75 for three years, 
 for the education of some young men for the min- 
 istry. The Colonization Society has some well- 
 wishers and supporters among us. I have nearly 
 completed a subscription, on Gerrit Smith's plan, 
 of raising $100 for ten years, by twenty persons 
 paying five each year. St. John's Church has 
 made me life member of the A. T. Society, by pay- 
 ing $20. The cause of temperance also finds sup- 
 porters from our communion. For the last six 
 months I have paid renewed attention to the col- 
 oured people 01 my neighbourhood, preaching on 
 the afternoon of every other Wednesday and Sun- 
 day, with the most pleasing prospect of success. 
 The masters of the servants feel the duty of provi- 
 ding for their spiritual welfare so great, that they 
 contemplate building a church expressly for them. 
 
 Westover parish, Charles City county. Alex. 
 Norris, rector. The reorganization of this parish 
 commences with the present year. Communi- 
 cants eighteen — baptisms, infants, three white and 
 five coloured, total eight— confirmations four — mar- 
 riages two — funerals six — families about nineteen. 
 Collected for the Colonization Society $36— for 
 the Missionary Society $10— Bible Society $5 — 
 Education Society $5, total $56. 
 
 Smce May last, with the exception of about six 
 weeks' absence on a visit to North Carolina, I have 
 regularly officiated in two churches in this parish, 
 preaching alternately at each on Sundays in the 
 morning, and preaching to the servants, sometimes 
 in the morning before going to church, and in the 
 afternoon, either at church or on their estates. I 
 have also preached to a free coloured congregation 
 every other Saturday. What good has been done, 
 time and eternity will show. 
 
 While present appearances are such as to call 
 for much humility and prayer, it is just to say, that 
 we have been occasionally relieved from feelings 
 of despair, and have been incited to hope that good 
 has been and may be done in this parish. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Norfolk parish. Ebenezer 
 Boyden, rector. Communicants, added twenty- 
 eight — removed three— died five, total forty-five 
 baptisms, adults three, infants thirteen, total six- 
 teen—marriages four — funerals ten — contributions 
 to missions and other benevolent objects, $200. 
 
 The rector has met the servants of the congre- 
 gation weekly on the Sabbath, to instruct them in 
 religion, and has felt encouraged by their attend- 
 ance and seriousness. A good organ has been ob- 
 tained for the church, and the prospects of the 
 congregation are generally encouraging 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. F. G. Smith, 
 rector. A parish association has been organized 
 during the past year to raise and appropriate 
 funds for Domestic Missions, Foreign Missions, 
 the Sunday School, and parochial library. This 
 association promises to be highly useful. 
 
 Communicants, removed oinei-— deceased thiee^ 
 
CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 309 
 
 added fourteen, present number sixty-four — mar- 
 riages three — baptisms, of adults three, of infants 
 thirteen — funerals seven. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk 
 county. Jno. H.Wingfield, rector. Marriages nine 
 — baptisms, of infants sixteen — communicants, ad- 
 ded two, removed one, died four, total thirty-seven 
 — funerals sixteen — families sixty— adults one 
 hundred and seventy — children one hundred and 
 ten — Sunday School teachers eight — scholars 
 forty. 
 
 A parish library has been commenced, which 
 contains at present more than one hundred vol- 
 umes ; and a class formed for the study of Jack- 
 son's Lessons on the Morning Services of the 
 Church. 
 
 There is a Temperance Society in this parish 
 numbering about two hundred members, and con- 
 tinually increasing. 
 
 Christ Church, Richmond. Geo. Woodbridge, 
 rector. Communicants, added twenty-five, remo- 
 ved seven, died three, total seventy-eight — bap- 
 tisms, of adults eight, of infants ten. 
 
 There have been twelve confirmations, four 
 marriages, and seven funerals. 
 
 There have been transmitted during the past 
 year cSlOO to the Domestic and Foreign Mission- 
 ary Society of our church, and $50 to the Amer- 
 ican Tract Society, to be appropriated to the Epis- 
 copal Mission in Greece. 
 
 There have been collected $159 for the support 
 of the Sunday Schools connected with Christ 
 Church, and a small sum for the purpose of forming 
 a parish library. 
 
 The Sunday Schools connected with the church 
 are in a flourishing condition. Besides the school 
 at the church, which has been divided into a male 
 and female department, there has been one estab- 
 lished in connexion with the church at a distance 
 from it, which promises to be a useful auxiliary. 
 
 During the last year I preached to the coloured 
 people a few times, but circumstances occurred to 
 prevent regular services. Arrangements have, 
 however, now been made by the Episcopal Church 
 of Richmond, to preach regularly to them in the 
 lecture-room of the Monumental Church. 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, and Nelson 
 parish, Nelson county. C. H. Page, rector. 
 Communicants, added six, died one, total number 
 sixty-eight — baptisms about twenty, viz.: eight 
 whites, twelve coloured — marriages six — funerals 
 eleven. Sunday Schools are established in the 
 neighbourhood of all the churches except one. 
 
 A society for the promotion of temperance and 
 a Female Bible Society have been organized in 
 New-Glasgow. Contributions have been made to 
 the Colonization Society, to the Foreign and Do- 
 mestic Missionary Society, and to the Education 
 Society. 
 
 Preachmg at long intervals to the different con- 
 gregations of my charge, and leading the life of a 
 missionary rather than of a pastor, I am often de- 
 prived of the opportunity of nurturing good im- 
 pressions, which, with the aid of private counsel 
 and exhortation, might become fixed and perma- 
 nent. 
 
 A comnjodious brick church has been built in 
 the neighbourhood of Lovingston, in which it is 
 hoped and prayed that many souls may be born to 
 glory and to God. There are some in the congre- 
 gations serious, but they are not fully satisfied 
 that they ought to confess Christ publicly. For 
 the benefit of the coloured population, regular ser- 
 vices are held in the churches upon the Lord's 
 day, and occasional services in private houses. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun- 
 lies. John Cook, rector. Communicants, re- 
 
 moved four, died one, total fifty-eight — ^baptisms, 
 of white infants three, coloured three, total six — 
 marriages two — funerals seven — families forty — 
 adults one hundred and twenty-five, infants one 
 hundred— collected for benevolent objects, $300. 
 
 This parish was reorganized about the year 1812, 
 but never enjoyed the advantages of a settled 
 ministry until about 1816, since which time 
 it has had almost uninterrupted services to the 
 present. The present rector has no means of as- 
 certaining the number of communicants at that 
 time, but presumes they were very few. Whea 
 he took charge of it, in 1825, there were forty-one, 
 since which time fifty have been added. The sev- 
 eral benevolent societies heretofore reported are 
 still in operation, but, I regret to add, some of them 
 are not so active as formerly. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. J. T. Johnson, 
 rector. Communicants, added six, removed four, 
 died four, total one hundred and forty — baptisms, 
 one white adult and thirty-three infanis. total thir- 
 ty-four — marriages three — funerals eight — amount 
 collected for the different institutions of the church, 
 exclusive of $560 in part payment of a new organ, 
 $172 50. For general fund, now transmitted, $25. 
 
 The rector has been in charge of this church 
 since the 20th of October last. He has every 
 reason, however, to rejoice in its present state 
 and prospects. Thus far the congregation has 
 been increasing. The institutions connected with 
 the church are flourishing, particularly the Sun- 
 day School, which numbers on its list two hun- 
 dred and four scholars, eleven male and seventeen 
 female teachers, and two male superintendents. 
 The average attendance is about one hundred 
 and fifty. 
 
 Although but few communicants have been 
 added, yet the rector has assurance that the work 
 of grace is going on. Many who have not yet 
 made an open profession, have been led by the 
 Spirit to a serious communing with their own 
 hearts, which, he trusts and prays, will ultimately 
 result in the conviction, that " Christ is the power 
 of God to salvation." 
 
 St. John's Church, Hampton. Mark L. Che- 
 vers, rector. Communicants, removed one, died 
 one, total ten— marriages six — baptisms, six in- 
 fants — funerals seven — collected for the contin- 
 gent fund, $5 — bishop's episcopal services, $2. 
 
 The church at Old Point Comfort. Communi- 
 cants, added five, removed two, died one, total 
 fifteen— marriages nine— baptisms, eight infants — 
 funerals fourteen — Sunday School teachers five — 
 scholars about forty — collected for the bishop's 
 episcopal services, $5. 
 
 A regular weekly service is held at this place, 
 for the particular benefit of coloured persons, 
 which is not only numerously attended, but ap- 
 pears to be highly appreciated. Some who a 
 short time since seemed to be careless and indif- 
 ferent spectators, now take a lively interest in re- 
 ligious exercises. And of some few we believe it 
 may be said, with gratitude to God, " they have 
 found peace" in believing in Jesus Christ. 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county. Zacha- 
 riah H. Goldsmith, rector. Baptisms seven — 
 marriages four — funerals five — communicants thir- 
 ty-four. 
 
 Brunswick parish. Baptisms eleven — marria- 
 ges three — funerals two — one communicant with- 
 drawn, one removed, total eleven. 
 
 St. Margaret's parish, and Grace Church, St. 
 Mary's parish. William Friend, rector. Commu- 
 nicants, added six, removed two, died one, total 
 forty-eight — baptisms two — confirmations five — 
 marriages two — funerals, white six, coloured 
 twelve. 
 
310 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834. 
 
 The rector finds it difficult to report precisely 
 the number of families under his pastoral charge, 
 for many contain members of tlifferent denomina- 
 tions. Those of which he is exclusively the pas- 
 tor amount to about thirty. There are two Sun- 
 day Schools, one Bible class, one Temperance 
 Society, containing about seventy members, one 
 Bible Society, auxiliary to the " Bible Society of 
 "Virginia." 
 
 The rector reports that a brick church has been 
 built during the past year, in St. Mary's parish, 
 which was cunsecraied in April last by the Right 
 Rev, Bishop Moore. A vestry has been chosen, 
 and the church is now organized in this parish. 
 In St. Margaret's parish the old church has been 
 thoroughly repaired during the past year. At the 
 Bowling Green the materials are provided and 
 contracts are made for the erection of a brick 
 church the present year. Systematic efibrts are 
 now being made for the religious instruction of the 
 slaves. 
 
 Bristol parish, Petersburg. Andrew Syme, rec- 
 tor. The number of conamunicants of this parish 
 is seventy, ten of whom have been added since 
 last Convention, seven have removed, four have 
 died ; there have been seven baptisms, all white ; 
 there have been no confirmations for more than 
 three years ; there have been six marriages, four- 
 teen funerals. The number of families is about 
 eighty; the number of children not ascertained. 
 The female association, denominated the "Wil- 
 jner Education Society," have transmitted to 
 Alexandria the sum of ^140, the produce of their 
 labour since last Convention ; nineteen dollars 
 have been collected for the Colonization Society. 
 The Sunday School is in a prosperous condition, 
 there being some excellent teachers engaged in 
 promoting its success. The prospects of the 
 church are encouraging ; the attendance on the 
 ordinary ministrations on the Lord's day is gener- 
 ally very good. The incumbent being far ad- 
 vanced in life, the congregation, with great liberal- 
 ity, have adopted measures to support an assistant. 
 A young clergyman from New-york has been en- 
 gaged for that purpose. He is very acceptable to 
 the people, and it is hoped, by the blessing of God, 
 much good will redound to all concerned. 
 
 Berkeley parish, Louisa county. There have 
 been no additions to the number of communicants 
 the last year. The few families attached to our 
 communion are anxious to obtain the services of a 
 minister. A small church, we hope, will be ready 
 for consecration in a few weeks. Collected for 
 bishop's assistant fund, $1 12 ; contingent fund, 
 $3 88. Ed. Berkeley, Delegate. 
 
 Botetourt parish, Botetourt county. Communi- 
 cants, added three, removed two, died three, total 
 thirteen ; the number of Episcopal families can 
 hardly be positively stated. 
 
 The delegate reports to the Convention that 
 this parish is at present without a clergyman. He 
 is, however, gratified to say, that one is confident- 
 ly expected in a few months to reside in the par- 
 ish as a regular pastor, for whose comfortable sup- 
 port an adequate provision has already been made. 
 The delegate thinks that in no part of the diocess 
 jire there better materials for the building up of 
 the church than in Botetourt county ; evidently 
 within a few years a kind feeling towards the 
 church has been steadily increasing and strength- 
 ening among a large portion of the community. 
 Thomas N. Burwell, Delegate. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the 
 state of the fund for the permanent support of 
 the episcopate of this diocess, presented the fol- 
 lowing report, which was read and accepted, viz. : 
 
 Since the last Convention, there has been 
 added to the shares of the stock of the Farmers' 
 Bank seven shares, so that there is in stocks of 
 the Farmers' and Alexandria Banks, at the par 
 value of the shares, - - - f6,200 00 
 Cash in hand, waiting for an oppor- 
 tunity to invest it in stocks of 
 either the Farmers' or Potomac 
 Bank, 112 00 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 $6,312 00 
 Edmund J. Lee. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the election, 
 by ballot, of a standing committee of the church 
 in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where- 
 upon the following gentlemen were duly elect- 
 ed, viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Rev. 
 Charles Mann, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., 
 Mr. John Gray, Mr. R. W. Downman, and Mr. 
 Alexander Garrett. 
 
 And to an election, by ballot, of eight delegates 
 to represent this diocess in the next General 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the United States of America: whereupon 
 the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz. : 
 Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Rev. N. H. 
 Cobbs, Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Rev. Adam 
 Empie, D. D., Mr. Thomas Marshall, Mr. Wm. 
 H. M'Farland, Mr. Edward Colston, and Mr. 
 John Nelson. 
 
 On motion of Mr. John H. Peyton, 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven- 
 tion be presented to the Right Rpv. Assistant 
 Bishop, for his very impressive ^nd appropriate 
 sermon upon the subject of temperance, deliv- 
 ered on yesterday, and that he be respectfully 
 requested to furnish a copy thereof for publica- 
 tion. 
 
 The report of the board of trustees of the Theo- 
 logical School of Virginia, together with that of 
 their treasurer, were read and accepted, viz. : — 
 
 In submitting their annual report to the Con- 
 vention, the board of trustees of the Theological 
 School of Virginia would gratefully acknowledge 
 that the institution still continues to enjoy the fa- 
 vour and blessing of Almightv God, and to realize, 
 and more than realize, the hopes entertained by 
 its patrons and friends, of its usefulness in furnish- 
 ing the church with a regular supply of pious, en- 
 lightened, and efficient ministers. 
 
 From the reports of the professors, it appears 
 that the number of students during the present 
 session has been as high as thirty-nine, viz. : — 
 thirteen in the junior, fourteen in the middle, and 
 twelve in the senior class. They have been uni- 
 formly correct in their deportment and conduct, 
 and diligent in preparing for the great work to 
 which they expect to be devoted; are actuated, 
 as the professors hope and believe, by the best and 
 purest motives, and promise to become, by the 
 help of Him " without whom nothing is strong, 
 nothing is holy," able and successful ministers of 
 the New Testament. The course of study in 
 which they have been engaged is that prescribed 
 in the rules for the government of the seminary, 
 and their progress has been as great as could be 
 reasonably expected. The number sent forth 
 from the seminary the present session, it is ex- 
 pected, will be fourteen, a larger proportion of 
 whom than usual will remain in the diocess of 
 Virginia. 
 
CONVENTION* OF 1834. 
 
 311 
 
 The treasurer's report, herewith presented, will 
 show the state of the funds. 
 
 At a meeting of the trustees in Alexandria, in 
 October last, the Rev. Charles Mann was appoint- 
 ed Professor of Pastoral Theology, and general 
 agent for the seminary and the Education- Socie- 
 ty, one half of his salary to be paid by the latter. 
 He has recently resigned his parish, and entered 
 upon the duties of his appointment. The board 
 regard the connexion of this gentleman with the 
 institution as an important measure, and expect 
 much benefit to result from it. At their meeting 
 in October, finding the present buildings already 
 filled, and unwilling that any of those who might 
 be desirous of entering our institution should be 
 excluded by the impossibility of getting accommo- 
 dated theYe, they resolved to make arrangements 
 for the speedy erection of the centre building, to 
 ■connect the two wings, according to the original 
 plan. They regret, however, to find, that the 
 funds of the seminary have shared in the general 
 pecuniary embarrassment to such an extent as to 
 render it impracticable to accomplish this impor- 
 tant measure during the present year. The 
 growth of the institution, therefore, which has 
 hitherto been regularly increasing since it com- 
 menced, a few years since, without funds, and 
 with but one professor and one pupil, must now, 
 for the first time, receive a check. We have no 
 accommodations for more than forty students. 
 And here the interesting inquiry arises, whether 
 our seminary has reached the full dimensions 
 which it was destined by the providence of God 
 to attain ? When we reflect on the many signal 
 proofs of the divine approbation it has experienced, 
 and the great amount of good it has already ac- 
 complished — when we call to mind the great and 
 glorious object of that ministry which it provides, 
 how important it is to the world, how beneficial 
 to society, how essential to the prosperity of our 
 own beloved church — when we think of the waste 
 places of Zion, the loud and numerous calls for 
 ministers within our own borders, the deplora- 
 ble condition in heathen lands of so many of that 
 race of intelligent and immortal beings, to every 
 individual of whom the great Redeemer has com- 
 manded us to preach his gospel — in a word, when 
 we reflect that the Saviour's declaration, " truly 
 the harvest is great, but the labourers are few," is 
 almost as applicable to our times as his own, and 
 the command to pray the Lord of the harvest that 
 he would send forth more labourers into his har- 
 vest, quite as binding upon us as upon those who 
 heard it from his own lips, it becomes a question 
 of the deepest interest and solemnity, whether the 
 friends of God and of man within the diocess of 
 Virginia will compel us to deny the privileges of 
 our institution to any of those young servants of 
 Christ who feel constrained by his love to devote 
 themselves to the arduous and self-denying la- 
 bours and duties of the gospel ministry ? Shall 
 the number of our students, which may be almost 
 indefinitely enlarged, henceforth be fixed at forty ? 
 Shall an institution which might, by the blessing 
 of God, in a few years, send forth annually, at a 
 moderate computation, fifty well-educated and 
 well-qualified labourers, be contented with send- 
 ing forth only a dozen ? with supplying only a fee- 
 ble rill instead of an abundant stream to refresh 
 and gladden a thirsty and dying world with the 
 waters of life ? Shall such be the destiny of the 
 Theological School of Virginia. ? We trust not. 
 We believe it to be the work of God. We hope 
 he will put it into the hearts of those whom his 
 bountiful providence has supplied with the means, 
 to contribute whatever funds may be required to 
 furnish accommodations for all who may seek ad- 
 
 mission within its walls ; will raise up to enjoy its 
 advantages as many pious and intelligent candi- 
 dates for the ministry as can profitably pursue 
 their studies at our institution ; will provide them 
 with a suflScient number of professors, who shall 
 be men in all respects qualified for their station ; 
 with an ample library ; in short, with every oppor- 
 tunity and every means of becoming burning and 
 shining lights in the church. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted by the trus- 
 tees. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. George Wood- 
 bridge, Mr. Hilary Baker, and Mr. George M. 
 Carrington, be a committee to raise by assess- 
 ment among the different parishes, having refer- 
 ence to the number of communicants reported 
 to the Convention, the sum of three hundred 
 dollars, to be paid to Bishop Moore, at the next 
 Convention, for his episcopal services ; and 
 that said committee inform the clergyman of 
 each parish of the proportion required from his 
 parish : and, 
 
 Resolved, That the clergy be required to 
 raise the sum so assessed, and pay it at the 
 next Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Empie, from the committee on 
 the state of the church, made the following re- 
 port, viz. :-r- 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave respectfully to present the following report ; 
 a report in every item and clause of which they 
 have unanimously concurred : — 
 
 In reference, first of all, to the memorial referred 
 to them from the wardens, vestrymen, and laymen 
 of St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, they would 
 commence by observing, that the spirit which 
 prompted and breathes through that memorial is 
 worthy of all commendation. It evinces pecuhar- 
 ly and emphatically the spirit of our church and 
 the spirit of the gospel, inasmuch as it manifests 
 an anxiety to unite, in one holy system, the piety 
 of the heart with all the vital truths of our blessed 
 religion, and as it proposes to extend the hallowed 
 influence of each of these, through the medium 
 of the divinely-appointed institutions of the church. 
 And with all the plenitude of this spirit, may the 
 great Head of the church endue every member of 
 our Zion. 
 
 But your committee are not prepared to adopt 
 or to recommend the plan suggested by your me. 
 morialists. Fixed and stated quarterly associations 
 throughout the diocess could not accommodate 
 themselves to the circumstances of our clergy and 
 churches ; and by the adoption of a fixed and un- 
 bending system, we should render them often im- 
 practicable, and thus defeat the very purposes 
 they are designed to subserve. The rule adopted 
 and recommended by the Convention of 1831, ap- 
 pears, upon the whole, by far the best, since ex- 
 perience has not raised a single objection against 
 it. That rule leaves associations voluntary, and 
 dependant upon previous concert as to time and 
 place, and the clergy who shall be members of 
 them ; because this appears the best mode of 
 adapting them to the ever-varying circumstances 
 of the church and the clergy. 
 
 Before passing from this topic, your committee 
 think it important to add two remarks, which 
 have upon it an immediate bearing. Although it 
 be eminently advisable and important that we 
 should endeavour to explain and inculcate ali the 
 distinctive principles of our church, and to remove 
 every popular objection and prejudice against our 
 communion, yet we hold this to be the peculiar 
 
312 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1834, 
 
 duty of the clergy individually, in their respective 
 parishes, and not the appropriate business of asso- 
 ciations, as the memorialists suppose. Associa- 
 tions should be designed not so much for instruc- 
 tion, as for the purpose of exciting the lukewarm 
 and the formalist, and of carrying the most stirring 
 appeal to the hearts of the impenitent. 
 
 There is to this rule but one exception, and that 
 suggests an important distinction which we deem 
 it necessary to state. 
 
 Associations are the most important, the most 
 desirable, arid the most likely to be useful, when 
 they are held in new and in destitute parishes, or 
 in those which enjoy only occasionally or irregular- 
 ly the services of our church. Here they are the 
 most wanted and the most loudly called for — 
 here they will be sure to do the most good. To 
 these the clergy are most earnestly advised to 
 give their leisure time. And here familiar instruc- 
 tions, as well as warm and earnest exhortations, 
 may be peculiarly appropriate. 
 
 Next to these, it is certainly most desirable that 
 associations should be holden in parishes where 
 religion is in a state of deep declension, and where 
 the zeal, and energy, and persevering efforts of the 
 associated clergy may probably be instrumental, 
 through divine grace, in effecting a revival. And 
 though we would not be understood to discourage 
 the holding of associations in parishes where re- 
 ligion is more flourishing, yet we think that par- 
 ishes which are new, destitute, or only occasion- 
 ally served, and parishes which are siitfering un- 
 der the palsy of a spiritual slumber, call upon us 
 most loudly for this kind of help, have the first 
 claim to our attention, and furnish occasions 
 where associations are most likely to be useful, 
 and the very occasions for which Providence originally 
 appohited and intended them. 
 
 Your committee, however, cannot take leave of 
 this subject without repeating, with all the energy 
 they possess, the solemn caution that is spread 
 out on the Journal of 1832. The errors and extrav- 
 agances of a false zeal and a bewildering fanati- 
 cism are multiplying all around us, in spite even 
 of the loudest censures and opposition of the most 
 prudent and pious of all the different denomina- 
 tions. And the deepest anxiety is felt lest any mem- 
 ber of our beloved communion should be drawn 
 into the approbation or adoption of any one of 
 what are termed " the new-light measures," all of 
 vyhich we would be understood most explicitly to 
 disclaim and to condemn, as tending to produce 
 only a spurious and pernicious excitement, and as 
 constituting, not simply an equivocal system of 
 expedients, but the merest machinery and excess- 
 es of fanaticism. 
 
 Among the subjects that call upon us, not only 
 for congratulations, but also for ardent gratitude 
 to the great Head of the church, your committee 
 would mention the steady progress of religion 
 throughout the diocess, and the decided improve- 
 ment that seems to have taken place in attach- 
 ment to the distinctive principles of our church. 
 In bringing these principles before their congrega- 
 tions, many of the clergy seem to have taken the 
 most laudable pains. And it is earnestly hoped 
 that this praiseworthy example will be universally 
 followed, and as earnestly recommended ; that, as 
 far as circumstances permit, an increased atten- 
 tion may be paid to our rubrics and our canons. 
 
 Your committee feel impelled, by the impor- 
 tance of this topic, to urge it with peculiar ear- 
 nestness, inasmuch as, from their own experience 
 and observation, they feel the most unbounded as- 
 surance, that the most efficacious, and, under the 
 divine blessing, the only infallible security against 
 the fanatical " inventions of men in the worship 
 
 of God," and against the deplorable and soul- 
 wasting disorders and heresies which follow in 
 their train, has ever been and ever will be found 
 to be a strict and conscientious adherence to the 
 rubrics and canons, to the ordinances and institu- 
 tions of the church. God himself has joined the 
 leading truths and duties, the rich promises and 
 blessings, with the ordinary institutions and ordi- 
 nances of religion ; and what God has joined to- 
 gether let not man put asunder. 
 
 In conclusion, your committee would most ear- 
 nestly urge upon the clergy the rehgious instruc- 
 tion of young and old among that portion of " the 
 degraded race of man" with which an inscrutable 
 Providence has been pleased to afflict our coun- 
 try. For their moral and spiritual wants we are 
 as imperatively bound to provide as for their tem- 
 poral ; and if the myriads under bondage which 
 have " perished for lack of knowledge" shall one 
 day be required at our hands, it may well curdle 
 the warm blood at the fountain to look forward to 
 the tremendous account that must hereafter be 
 rendered in by ministers and by masters. 
 
 God, in his mercy, dispose every one to lay thi» 
 solemn subject to heart, and to act, habitually 
 and daily, under the persuasion, that, by the ap- 
 pointment of high Heaven, the souls of his ser- 
 vants as well as of his children are intrusted to 
 his care. 
 
 All this is now most respectfully submitted. 
 A. Empie, Chairman. 
 
 The Rev. George W. Nelson offered the fol- 
 lowing resolution, which was unanimously 
 adopted : — 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention 
 be and are hereby presented to Mr. John Gray, 
 treasurer of the Theological Seminary of Vir- 
 ginia, for the disinterested zeal with which he 
 has gratuitously devoted his time and labour to 
 the discharge of the duties of that office ; and 
 that the skill he has displayed in the manage- 
 ment of its funds merits their highest confi- 
 dence. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the choice of 
 the executive committee of the Missionary So- 
 ciety, which resulted in the election of Mr. 
 Hilary Baker as secretary, Mr. Thomas Nelson 
 as treasurer, and the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Rev. 
 H. W. Ducachet, M. D., Rev. Nicholas H. 
 Cobbs, Rev. John Grammer, Rev. Adam Emr 
 pie, D. D., Rev. George Woodbridge, Rev. 
 Thomas Jackson, Mr. John Nelson, Mr. George 
 M. Carrington, and Mr. Orrin Williams, as 
 members of the executive committee. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. H. W. Ducachet, 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of two persons 
 be appointed to examine the journals of this 
 Convention, from the first organization of the 
 church in this diocess, to ascertain and report 
 what resolutions have at various times been 
 passed by this body, and still remain in force ; 
 and which of such resolutions, if any, ought to 
 be rescinded and abolished, and which ought to 
 stand as the judgment and declarations of this 
 body ; and that they report to the next Conven- 
 tion. And the president appointed the Rev. H. 
 W. Ducachet, M. D., and the Rev. John H. 
 Wingfield, said committee. 
 
 Resolved, That the assistant bishop of this 
 diocess, with the aid of any of the clergy or laity 
 whom he may call to his assistance, be and axp 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 313 
 
 hereby requested to prepare, from time to time, 
 such tracts or sermons as they may deem suita- 
 ble for the religious instruction of servants. 
 
 The Rev. H. W. Ducachet, Mr. R. W. 
 Downman, and Mr. Alexander Garrett, having 
 resigned as members of the standing committee, 
 the Convention proceeded to an election, by bal- 
 lot, to fill the vacancies, which resulted in the 
 choice of the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Mr. Ed- 
 mund J. Lee, and Mr. John Hooff. 
 
 Resolved, That the further consideration of 
 the constitution and canons of the church be 
 postponed till the next annual meeting of the 
 Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this body are 
 due, and are hereby tendered, to the inhabitants 
 of Staunton, for their kindness and hospitahty 
 to the members of this Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 
 f)ay the doorkeeper of the Convention ten dol- 
 ars. 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary be requested to 
 transmit a copy of the Journal of this Conven- 
 tion to the secretaries of the several Conven- 
 tions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and 
 of the General Convention, with a request that 
 copies of their journals, constitutions, and canons 
 shall be transmitted to him for the use of the 
 members of the Convention in Virginia. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 
 pay the expenses of the secretary in attending 
 this Convention. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Thomas Jackson, 
 
 Resolved, That the 7th canon be amended by 
 adding to the words, " as the offence may de- 
 serve,'^ ^^ provided it be not a heavier penalty 
 than that which the council of presbyters shall 
 recommend," so that the said clause of the canon 
 may read thus : — The bishop shall proceed to 
 reprove, suspend, or degrade him, as the offence 
 may deserve : provided it be not a heavier pen- 
 alty than that which the council of presbyters 
 shall recommend. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of 
 this Convention be tendered, through the rector 
 of this church, to the minister and congregation 
 of the Presbyterian church in this place, for 
 their liberal and kind offer of their church for 
 the use of the Convention. 
 
 The proceedings of the standing committee 
 during the last year were presented and read. 
 
 Resolved, That 1,500 copies of the minutes 
 of this Convention be printed, and distributed 
 among the parishes of this diocess. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention now adjourn, 
 after the singing of the 133d Psalm, and prayer, 
 with the benediction of the bishop. 
 
 William Meade, 
 Assistant Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 Hilary Baker, Secretary. 
 
 Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of 
 Virginia, which assembled in the town of Lynchburg, on the 20/^ day of May, 1835. 
 
 This being the day appointed for the annual 
 meeting of the Convention of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virgina, the 
 Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., assistant 
 bishop of the diocess, with a number of the 
 clergy a^d laity, assembled at eleven o'clock 
 A. M., in St. Paul's Church. 
 
 Morning prayers were read by the Right Rev. 
 Bishop Meade, and a sermon was preached by 
 the Rev. William G. H. Jones, rector of St. 
 Thomas's Church, Orange county. 
 
 The Right Rev. William Meade took the 
 chair as president of the Convention. 
 
 A list of the clergy entitled to seats was called 
 over by the secretary, and the following an- 
 swered to their names and took their seats : — 
 
 Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church, Lan- 
 caster ; Rev. George Adie, Shelburne parish, 
 Loudoun ; Rev. Parke F. Berkeley, Raleigh 
 parish, Amelia ; Rev. William V. Bowers, St. 
 Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa ; Rev. 
 Hobart M. Bartlett, assistant minister of Bristol 
 parish, Petersburg; Rev. Nicholas H.'Cobbs, 
 University of Virginia ; Rev. Charles Dresser, 
 Antrim parish, Halifax ; Rev. William Friend, 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caroline ; Rev. John 
 Grammer, Bath parish, Dinwiddie, and St. An- 
 drew's, Brunswick ; Rev. Thomas Jackson, as- 
 sistant minister of Monumental Church, Rich- 
 mond ; Rev. William G. Jackson, Augusta par- 
 ish, Augusta ; Rev. William G. H. Jones, St. 
 Thomas's Church, Orange ; Rev. Archibald H. 
 Lamon, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper and 
 
 Bloomfield parish, Madison ; Rev. William F. 
 Lee, Richmond ; Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton 
 and Leeds parishes, Fauquier ; Rev. Charles 
 Mann, Professor in the Theological Seminary 
 of Va. ; Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's 
 parish, Fredericksburg ; Rev. John P. M'Guire, 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex j 
 Rev. William H. Mitchell, St. George's parish, 
 Accomack, and Christ Church, Eastville ; Rev. 
 Alexander Norris, Westover parish, Charles 
 City ; Rev. George W. Nelson, Lunenburg and 
 Farnham parishes, Richmond county ; Rev. C. 
 H. Page, Amherst and Lexington parishes, Am- 
 herst, and Calloway Church, Nelson ; Rev. 
 Frankhn G. Smith, St. Paul's Church, Lynchr 
 burg ; Rev. W. Steele, St. James's parish, Meck- 
 lenburg ; Rev. Philip Slaughter, Dettingen and 
 Leeds parishes. Prince William ; Rev. Charles 
 
 C. Taliaferro, Cumberland parish, Lunenburg ; 
 Rev. Joseph B. Wilmer, St. Anne's parish, Al- 
 bemarle ; Rev. John H. Wingfield, Trinity 
 Church, Portsmouth ; Rev. William N. Ward, 
 Clarksburg, Harrison county ; Rev. John W. 
 Woodville, St. Mark's parish, Culpepper ; Rev. 
 
 D. M. Wharton, officiating in Russell parish, 
 Bedford, and Fincastle, Botetourt. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Jackson and the Hon. 
 Hugh Nelson, who were appointed a committee 
 to examine the certificates of the lay delegates, 
 reported the following individuals entitled to 
 seats in the Convention, and the Convention 
 concurred in their report, viz. : — 
 
 Upton Beall, Grace Church, Caroline ; Thur- 
 
314 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1836. 
 
 mer Hoggard, Trinity Church, Portsmouth ; 
 Henry B. Streshley, St. Anne's parish, Essex ; 
 Samuel H. Lewis, Augusta parish, Staunton ; 
 Daniel Garland, Lunenburg parish, Richmond 
 county ; John Gray, St. George's parish, Fred- 
 ericksburg ; Nelson Sale, Russell parish, Bed- 
 ford ; Abram B. Hooe, St. Paul's and Bruns- 
 wick parishes, King George ; Richard Walke, 
 St. Paul's Church, Norfolk ; David M. Walke, 
 Christ Church, Norfolk ; Thomas Atkinson, 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg ; B. Harrison 
 Randolph, Monumental Church, Richmond ; 
 Seth Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg; 
 Col. Alexander Brown, Calloway's Church, 
 Nelson parish. Nelson ; Charles R. Gibbs, 
 Bloomfield parish, Madison ; Junius A. Clay, 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham ; Thomas N. Bur- 
 well and Thomas Shanks, Fincastle and Union 
 Churches, Botetourt parish ; Thomas G. Cole- 
 man, St. Mark's Church, Antrim parish, Halifax ; 
 John Nelson, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; 
 "Thomas L. Latane, South Farnham, Essex ; 
 William M. Waller, Lexington parish, Amherst ; 
 Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle ; Philip Nelson, Frederick parish, Fred- 
 erick ; Hilary Baker, Christ Church, Richmond. 
 On motion of the Rev. William F. Lee, 
 Resolved, ^hat the following rules of order, 
 adopted by the last Convention for the govern- 
 ment of their proceedings, be the rules of pro- 
 .ceeding during the present Convention. 
 
 1. The business of every day shall be intro- 
 -duced with prayer. 
 
 2. When the president takes the chair, no 
 member shall continue standing, or shall after- 
 ward stand up, except to address the chair. 
 
 3. No member shall absent himself from the 
 service of the house unless he have leave, or be 
 unable to attend. 
 
 4. When any member is about to speak in 
 debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he 
 shall, with due respect, address himself to the 
 president, confining himself strictly to the point 
 in debate. 
 
 5. No member shall speak more thaij twice 
 in the same debate without leave of the house. 
 
 6. A question being once determined shall 
 stand as the judgment of the house, and shall 
 not be again drawn into debate during the same 
 session, unless with the consent of twx) thirds 
 of the house. 
 
 7. While the president is putting any ques- 
 tion, the members shall continue in their seats, 
 and shall not hold any private discourse. 
 
 8. Every member who shall be in the house 
 when any question is put, shall, on a division, 
 be counted, unless he be personally interested 
 in the decision. 
 
 9. No motion shall be considered as before 
 the house unless it be seconded, and, when re- 
 quired, reduced to writing. 
 
 10. When any question is before the house, it 
 shall be determined upon before any new subject 
 is introduced, except the question of adjournment. 
 
 11. The question on a motion of adjourn- 
 ment shall be taken before any other, and with- 
 put debate. 
 
 12. When the house is about to rise, every 
 
 member shall keep his seat until the president 
 shall leave the chair. 
 
 13. None of the rules of order shall be sus- 
 pended without the concurrence of two thirds 
 of the members present. 
 
 14. The president shall, in his discretion, 
 select a pew within the limits of those allotted 
 for the use of the members, which pew shall be 
 appropriated for the accommodation of visiting 
 clergymen and students of the Theological 
 School, who may be invited to the same by the 
 president without any special application to the 
 Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, 
 Rev. John Grapimer, Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, 
 Rev. George Lemon, Rev. Thomas Jackson, 
 Messrs. Thomas N. Burwell, Hugh Nelson, and 
 Walter Coles, be a committee to take into con- 
 sideration the state of the church in this diocess, 
 and report thereon to this Convention. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. John H. Wingfield, 
 Rev. Charles Dresser, and the Rev. George W. 
 Nelson, be a committee to examine the parochial 
 reports. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. P. F. Berkeley, 
 Messrs. Sale, Atkinson, and Hoggard, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the treasurers accounts. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Mann, Rev. 
 John P. M'Guire, and Mr. John Gray, be a com- 
 mittee to examine the fund for the support of 
 widows and orphans of deceased clergymen. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. Charles H. Page, 
 Rev. George Adie, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be 
 a committee to examine the accounts of the 
 treasurer of the fund for the permanent support 
 of the episcopate in this diocess. 
 
 Ordered, That the Rev. William V. Bowers, 
 Rev. William G. Jackson, Rev. William F. Lee, 
 and the Rev. Hobart M. Bartlett, be a commit- 
 tee on the treasurer's accounts of the Mission- 
 ary Society. 
 
 On motion. Resolved, That this Convention 
 will meet daily at 9 o'clock A. M. 
 
 Resolved, That the consideration of the pro- 
 posed revision of the constitution and canons 
 of the church be made the order of the day for 
 each day of the Convention, at 10 o'clock A. M., 
 until the subject be fully disposed of. 
 And the Convention adjourned. 
 
 Thursday, May 21, 1835. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 The minutes of the preceding meeting were 
 read and approved. 
 
 The following members p{ the Convention, 
 not present before, appeared and took their 
 seats, viz. : — 
 
 Rev. Reuel Keith, D. J)., Professor in Theo- 
 logical Seminary of Virginia ; Rev. George 
 Woodbridge, rector of Christ Church, Rich- 
 mond ; Rev. Charles B. Dana, rector of Christ 
 Church, Fairfax parish ; Mr. James M. Bell, jr., 
 lay <lelegate from St. Stephen's Church, Cul- 
 pepper ; Mr. Walter Coles, lay delegate from 
 Christ Church, St. Anne's parish, Albemarle ; 
 Mr. Edmund Fontaine, lay delegate from St. 
 Martin's, Hanover and Louisa ; IVIr. Thomas T. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835 
 
 315 
 
 Bouldin, lay delegate from St. Thomas's Church, 
 Orange. 
 
 On motion, Resolved, That the order of the 
 day be postponed until to-morrow. 
 
 The secretary received the following contri- 
 butions for the Contingent Fund, and towards 
 the remuneration of Bishop Moore for his epis- 
 copal services, viz. : — 
 
 Christ Church, Lancaster, - 
 Shelburne parish, Loudoun, - 
 Raleigh parish, Amelia, and 
 Dale parish, Chesterfield, - 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover 
 and Louisa, - - - 
 Fredericksville parish, Albe- 
 marle, - - - - 
 Antrim parish, Halifax, 
 Camden parish, Pittsylvania, 
 St. Margaret's parish, Caro- 
 line, and Grace Church, 
 Spotsylvania, 
 St. Andrew's pari.sh, Bruns- 
 
 Fund. 
 
 $20 00 
 20 00 
 
 Bp. Fund. 
 
 $ 5 00 
 14 25 
 
 30 00 
 
 3 58 
 
 20 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 20 00 
 20 00 
 00 00 
 
 10 00 
 7 00 
 1 50 
 
 - 10 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 wick, - - - - 
 
 14 57) 
 6 32': 
 
 6 86 
 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddie, 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond, 30 00 ' 
 
 00 00 
 
 Augusta parish, Augusta, - 
 
 20 00 
 
 12 00 
 
 St. Thomas's parish. Orange, 
 
 10 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 Ploomfield parish, Madison, 
 
 5 50 
 
 4 50 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Cul- 
 
 
 
 pepper, 
 
 8 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes, 
 
 
 
 Fauquier, - - - 
 
 30 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 St. George's parish, Fred- 
 
 
 
 ericksburg, - - - 
 
 20 00 
 
 20 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Essex, - 
 
 20 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 South Farrjham parish, Essex, 
 
 8 00 
 
 2 25 
 
 St. George's parish, Acco- 
 
 
 
 mack, and Christ Church, 
 
 
 
 Eastville, _ _ _ 
 
 2 52 
 
 10 08 
 
 Westover parish, Charles City, 
 
 8 04 
 
 2 60 
 
 Lunenburg parish, Richmond 
 
 
 
 county, - - - - 
 
 00 00 
 
 6 50 
 
 Amherst parish and Lexington 
 
 
 
 parish, - - - - 
 
 10 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, 
 
 15 00 
 
 9 00 
 
 Calloway Church, Nelson, - 
 
 12 00 
 
 3 00 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklen- 
 
 
 
 burg, . - - - 
 
 10 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunen- 
 
 
 
 burg, - - 
 
 10 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 St. Anne's parish, Albemarle, 
 
 10 00 
 
 3 00 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth, 
 
 15 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 St. Mark's parish, Culpepper, 
 
 10 00 
 
 2 00 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford, 
 
 30 00 
 
 00 00 
 
 Botetourt parish, Botetourt, 
 
 16 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 Christ Church, Fairfax parish. 
 
 30 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 St. Paul's Chujch, King George 
 
 , 10 GO 
 
 2 75 
 
 Tillotson parish, Buckingham, 
 
 7 00 
 
 3 00 
 
 Brunswick parish, King George 
 
 , 1 25 
 
 00 00 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, 
 
 10 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, 
 
 35 00 
 
 30 00 
 
 Newport parish. Isle of Wight 
 
 5 00 
 
 00 00 
 
 Frederick parish, Frederick, 
 
 15 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley, - 
 
 8 00 
 
 17 00 
 
 Amount carried forward, $582 20 $289 77 
 
 C«Btiiij;ent 
 
 Fund. Bp. Fund. 
 
 Amount brought forward, $582 20 $289 77 
 St. John's Church, Henrico, 15 00 5 00 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 25 00 
 Bruton parish, Wilhamsburg, 15 00 
 Christ Church, Richmond, - 25 00 
 Contributed by some ladies 
 
 from Albemarle, - - 00 00 
 
 00 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 00 00 
 
 2 00 
 
 $662 20 $301 77 
 
 The president read the following address and 
 report of episcopal services during the year 
 ending May, 1835, by the Right Rev. Richard 
 Channing Moore, D. D., Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 To the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of the Diocess of Virginia, assembled in 
 Convention in the town of Lynchburg, May 20th, 
 18.35. 
 
 Dear Brethren, — It would have afforded me 
 great satisfaction to have formed one of your num- 
 ber in the council of the church now assembled in 
 Convention ; but the recollection of the sufferings 
 to which a long journey, over rough roads, always 
 subjects me, has deprived me of the gratification, 
 and obliged me to submit to the painful necessity 
 of remaining at home. 
 
 Among those circumstances connected with the 
 promotion of the church of which we are mem- 
 bers, the duty of making some standing provision 
 for the aid of our newly-formed congregations, 
 and the support of the clergy who minister in 
 sacred things, has deeply impressed my mind, and 
 influenced me to address you on this subject. 
 
 The inadequate support received by the clergy 
 thus situated gives them a just claim to our at- 
 tention, and calls upon us for a vigorous and united 
 effort to sustain them and their congregations in 
 their religious exertions. The removal of the 
 clergy from Virginia, and sometimes from one 
 parish to another in the diocess — removals fre- 
 quently attended with results injurious to the 
 former, and always to the congregations left in a 
 destitute state — arises, I am confident, more gen- 
 erally from necessity than from the love of change. 
 The want of support cannot fail of producing un- 
 easiness in the mind of a clergyman, and of para- 
 lyzing his exertions ; and, as a natural conse- 
 quence, gives rise to dissatisfaction in the breasts 
 of the people of his charge. To remove these dif- 
 ficulties, and to produce a state of things more 
 stable and permanent, forms a subject of most in- 
 tense interest ; and as the measure I am now to 
 propose has been successfully adopted by the 
 authority of the church in several of our sister 
 diocesses, I indulge the hope that my suggestion 
 will meet with your approbation, and thus lead to 
 the most happy results. 
 
 The plan, my beloved brethren, to which I al- 
 lude, and would now recommend to your atten- 
 tion, is in accordance with the system recom- 
 mended to the Corinthian Christians by the Apos- 
 tle Paul, when pleading in behalf of the afflicted 
 and empoverished churches of Judea. " Now, 
 concerning the collection for the saints, as I have 
 given orders to the churches of Galatia, even so 
 do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every 
 one of you lay by him in store, as God hath pros- 
 pered him." 
 
 The course thus proposed by St. Paul, embraces 
 in its view a perfect knowledge of human nature. 
 He knew that it was more convenient to lay by 
 in store a small weekly sum, than to subscribe at 
 once a large amount ; and that, however small the 
 
316 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 gift thus regularly bestowed may be, that at the 
 end of the year it would amount to something 
 considerable ; and that when collectively gathered 
 into the treasury of the Lord, it would furnish 
 a supply adequate to relieve the necessities of the 
 church, and to remove the suff'enngs contemplated 
 in his benevolent design. Let each individual, 
 then, attached to the church in Virginia, pursue 
 the same course. Let him, on every Lord's day, 
 lay by in store some small sum for the relief of our 
 newly-formed parishes, and the partial support of 
 the clergy othciating in them. Let that sum thus 
 deposited be considered sacred to the purposes 
 for which it was laid by ; and, at the end of the 
 year, the church will find itself in possession of a 
 fund equal to our wants — a fund which will enable 
 us not only to contribute to the ease and comfort 
 of the clergy now engaged in ministerial duty in 
 the parishes alluded to, but which will inspire 
 those neighbourhoods which are at present desti- 
 tute of public worship to form themselves into 
 congregations, and to enjoy those privileges to 
 which they were accustomed in early life, which 
 were so dear to their departed parents and friends. 
 
 The Convention must be sensible, that in the 
 plea which I now offer in behalf of the clergy, I 
 am not pleading for a support unreasonable and. 
 extravagant. I ask only for a sufficiency to enable 
 them to live in comfort. I ask not for any of the 
 luxuries of life ; 1 am only soliciting for a pro- 
 vision which will render them above want, and 
 which will enable their children to appear in the 
 society in which they move decently habited, and 
 properly instructed. 
 
 Should the mmds of any of the people of our 
 .charge be impressed with the idea that this is al- 
 ready the situation of the clergy embraced in the 
 proposal, a journey through some of our parishes 
 would convince them of their mistake. On a late 
 tour through an extensive district of this diocess, 
 I met with an instance of extreme penury in the 
 ,case of a truly pious, well-educated, and excellent 
 .clergyman belonging to our communion. Patient 
 under his sufferings, humble as a little child, he 
 poured no complaint whatever in my ears ; but 
 being told by a wealthy and humane neighbour 
 .of his wants, I was surprised at the fortitude he 
 manifested and the silence he had observed ; and 
 when, returning to my home, I mentioned his sit- 
 iiation to some ladies of my congregation, they, 
 moved by those feeUngs of compassion pecuhar to 
 their sex, promptly sent him some temporary as- 
 sistance. 
 
 As a proof of the benefits which may be reason- 
 ably expected from the adoption and prosecution 
 of the measure submitted to your consideration, I 
 ihink it my duty to present to your view the for- 
 mer low condition and the present prosperous 
 state of the church in my native diocess. 
 
 At my admission to deacons' orders, forty-eight 
 years ago, I constituted the sixth or seventh cler- 
 gyman in that diocess — a diocess which now num- 
 bers two hundred labourers in the vineyard of the 
 Lord. The means to which that astonishing in- 
 crease may be chiefly attributed, is the unremitting 
 attention they have paid to the sustenance of the 
 clergy in their new parishes, by relief from their 
 missionary fund. 
 
 By pursuing, my brethren, the same course, we 
 may expect similar results ; and should my valued 
 assistant in the episcopate live to my present age, 
 he may look for a similar increase in the clergy 
 of this diocess, and behold, in congregations now 
 in a state of infancy, assemblies both strong and 
 numerous; and in others which I trust will be 
 planted by his hand, he will, with joy of heart, 
 Behold them growing into manhood, worshipping 
 
 the God of their fathers with the same form of 
 sound words with which they worshipped him, 
 and training up their children in the use of that 
 liturgy which distinguishes our Zion — a liturgy 
 which will defend her from heresy and schism, 
 and secure obedience to the faith once delivered 
 to the saints. 
 
 Yes, brethren, the church within whose pale 
 we were received in baptism, forms a plant which 
 God's right hand hath planted. Let us, then, re- 
 member her in all our prayers, and assist her with 
 all our energies, and we shall soon see the wil- 
 derness and the sohtary places made glad, and 
 behold the desert rejoicing and blossoming as the 
 rose. 
 
 Another topic which requires my attention, is 
 the Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society in 
 this city — a concern which the members of that 
 association have pressed upon my recollection as 
 one of the most leading importance to the interest 
 of the church. It is their wish that I should sug- 
 gest and recommend to the congregations of our 
 communion in this diocess the formation of socie- 
 ties similar to their own, for the more general dif- 
 fusion of our excellent and much-loved liturgy. 
 As an encouragement to comply with their desire, 
 they have requested me to present to the view of 
 the Convention a resolution adopted by them at 
 a late meeting of their board of managers— a reso- 
 lution which will furnish every auxiliary society 
 with the prayer-book at the reduced price of half 
 the former cost. The following is the resolution 
 referred to : — 
 
 " On motion of the Rev. Thomas Jackson, it 
 was 
 
 " Resolved, That the prayer-books which have 
 been heretofore sold at twenty-five cents, shall, in 
 future, be supplied to all congregations and mem- 
 bers thereof who take up an annual collection in 
 aid of the funds of the society, or who are individ- 
 ually members of it, at the price of twelve and a 
 half cents, and that the large plain-bound copies 
 of the same be furnished at fifty cents each." 
 
 The above resolution, brethren, appears so lib- 
 eral, and is so well calculated to render the circu- 
 lation of our prayer-book so general throughout 
 the church, that I most cordially recommend it to 
 tile notice of the Convention, and most earnestly 
 request the adoption of the measure. 
 
 I must also beg leave to call the attention of the 
 Convention to the Southern Churchman, edit- 
 ed by the Rev. William F. Lee, in this city. The 
 Southern Churchman has been hitherto conducted 
 with so much moderation and respect for the opin- 
 ions of other Christian societies, that I can cheer- 
 fully recommend it to the members of the church 
 throughout the diocess. It is true that the Rev. 
 editor will feel himself bound to inculcate and 
 faithfully to guard the distinctive principles of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church. Although such will 
 be the case, I am sure that his own good sense 
 will always influence him to avoid controversy, 
 when controversy can possibly be avoided, and 
 never wantonly to attack the opinions held dear 
 by other churches. 
 
 Having thus touched on those topics considered 
 of leading importance, I shall now proceed to fur- 
 nish you with a concise view of my episcopal 
 labours since the last Convention. 
 
 In the month of July, 1834, I visited Alexan- 
 dria, preached in both churches, and admitted the 
 following persons to deacons' orders : — J. Dela- 
 plane, George E. Winslow, William C. Russell, 
 D. M. Wharton, William F. Bowers, John Martin, 
 Chester Newell, Edward Christian, Joseph P. 
 Wilmer, I. Woart, and William N. Ward. In the 
 month of October 1 again left Richmopd in CQmi' 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 317 
 
 pany with the Rev. Mr. Mann and the Rev. John 
 Cooke, and commenced my labours in Fredericks- 
 burg. On Sunday, October 18lh, 1 preached, ad- 
 mitted to deacons' orders Mr. Richard Johnson 
 and Mr. William Johnson, and to the priesthood 
 Rev. Charles B. Dana, rector of Christ Church, 
 Alexandria. On Monday 1 preached in Lamb's 
 Creek Church, baptized one child, and confirmed 
 its mother. On I'uesday 1 preached in St. Paul's 
 Church, King George county. On Wednesday 1 
 preached at Mattox Bridge; on Thursday at Rich- 
 mond courthouse, where I held a confirmation. 
 On Friday I preached in Farnham Church. On 
 Saturday, at White Chapel, Lancaster county, Mr. 
 Mann preached, and I administered the Lord's 
 Supper and confirmed eight persons; and on Sun- 
 day, in Christ Church, I preached and administer- 
 ed the Lord's Supper. The Monday following we 
 rode to Ycomico Church, Northumberland coun- 
 ty, at which place the Rev. Mr. Cooke preached, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Mann and myself followed with 
 addresses. On Tuesday I preached in the Meth- 
 odist Church at the courthouse, and confirmed one 
 lady. On Wednesday I preached at Wicomico 
 Church, Westmoreland county, administered the 
 Lord's Supper, and confirmed one person. On 
 Thursday we crossed the river to the town of Rap- 
 pahannock, where the Rev. G. W. Nelson preach- 
 ed in the morning, Mr. Adams in the afternoon, 
 and Mr. Mann in the evening. On Friday morn- 
 ing I preached, administered the Lord's Supper, 
 and then rode to Mr. Waring's, in Essex county. 
 On Saturday the services were conducted by the 
 clergy who were in company with me, and on 
 Sunday I preached and administered the Lord's 
 Supper. On Monday Mr. Cooke and myself bade 
 the clergy farewell, and returned to our respective 
 homes. In November I visited Charles City coun- 
 ty, preached, consecrated a new church, and ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper. On the 17th of 
 April I held a confirmation in Christ Church, Rich- 
 mond. On the 21st of April 1 admitted Mr. John 
 W. Woodville to deacons' orders, on which occa- 
 sion the Rev. Mr. Croes preached. On the 4th of 
 May I admitted to the priesthood the Rev. Charles 
 Andrews, of Frederick county, when the Rev. 
 William F. Lee preached. On the 22d of April I 
 visited Norfolk, preached in Portsmouth on Sun- 
 day, the 26th, and in the afternoon in Norfolk. I 
 admitted to deacons' orders in Portsmouth Mr. 
 Cameron F. M'Rae, when Bishop Meade preach- 
 ed, and on the 30th went to Smithfield and conse- 
 crated a new church, and on the 1st of May or- 
 dained Mr. Harvy Stanly a deacon, and adminis- 
 tered the Lord's Supper, on both which occasions 
 Bishop Meade preached. The two last mentioned 
 deacons belong to the diocess of North Carolina, 
 and were ordained at the request of Bishop Ives, 
 who has sailed for Europe. 
 
 Richard Channing Moore. 
 
 The Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., assist- 
 ant bishop of Virginia, delivered the following 
 address ; — 
 
 To the Clergy and Laity of the Episcopal Church 
 of Virginia, assembled at Lynchburg, May 2Qth, 
 1835. 
 
 Dear brethren and friends, — Allow me to 
 add to the report of our much respected and be- 
 loved father in Christ, an account of such acts as 
 I have been able to perform during the past year. 
 Most of you were present when, after the adjourn- 
 ment of our last Convention in the town of Staun- 
 ton, and at an early hour of the Sabbath, I admin- 
 istered the rite of confirmation to forty persons, 
 and at a subsequent hour admitted to the order ot 
 
 priesthood the Rev. W. G. Jackson, and to tha* 
 of deacon Messrs. Philip Slaughter and John F. 
 Clark. On the following morning I left Staunton 
 on my way to the west, and reached Lewisburg 
 on the third day. There I remained nearly three 
 days, preached four times, and confirmed three 
 persons. Our friends in this place are few but 
 zealous, and appeared very anxious to have the 
 regular services of the church there. It would be 
 very desirable to have a missionary in that region 
 of country. On leaving Lewisburg I proceeded 
 to Kanawha, and reached Charlestown on Tuesday 
 morning. I remained here two days, and perform- 
 ed service four times, confirmed one, baptized 
 seven, and administered the communion. On 
 Tuesday morning I left Charlestown for Coals- 
 mouth, about twelve miles distant, where we have 
 a small church and congregation. There I preach- 
 ed twice, confirmed one person, administered the 
 communion, and baptized seven children. The 
 prospects of the church in Kanawha are brighten- 
 ing. A zealous and acceptable minister is now 
 labouring there. A church will soon be erected 
 in Charlestown, and a larger one built at Coals' 
 mouth. It is hoped that ere long the services of 
 two ministers may be required. On the evening 
 of the second day which I spent at Coalsmouth, 1 
 descended the Kanawha in a steamboat, and as- 
 cending the Ohio, reached Parkersburg on the 29th,- 
 and spent three days in that place, preached five 
 times, baptized one child, confirmed four persons, 
 and administered the communion. We had na 
 place of public worship in Parkersburg, but I re- 
 ceived assurances that this deficiency should not 
 long continue. The Rev. Mr. Wheat, of Marietta, 
 has charge of our little flock in this place, and of- 
 ficiates every other Sabbath. I tarried one day 
 with him at Marietta, and preached once in that 
 place. On Monday night I proceeded to Wheel- 
 ing, reached there the following day, and spenfe 
 the 4th and 5th days of June in religious services.. 
 On the 6th I proceeded to Steubenville, in Ohio,, 
 where I spent a day with the Rev. I. Morse, and 
 preached once for him. Mr. Morse has for many 
 years rendered very effectual services to two of 
 our congregations in Brooke county — the one at 
 Wellsburg and the other at St. John's. He ac-' 
 coinpanied me to Wellsburg, where we spent the 
 Sabbath, and each of us preached. We spenfe 
 Monday and Tuesday at St. Johns, about seven- 
 miles distant, where I preached twice, confirmed- 
 seven, and administered the communion. On the 
 following day I preached again at Wellsburg, and 
 confirmed seven. I then returned, in company 
 with Mr. Morse, to Wheeling, where we spent 
 several days in frequent services. During my stay 
 at Wheeling I preached or lectured twelve times, 
 administered the communion, and confirmed thir- 
 ty-six persons. I now turned my steps home- 
 ward, and, passing through a part of Pennsylvania, 
 reached Union town on the 23d, and from thence 
 went to Morgantown, where I preached on the 
 evening of the 24th, and also the next morning. 
 On Thursday I reached Clarksburg, which is in 
 the heart of western Virginia. There I spent three 
 days, preached five times, baptized one adult and 
 twelve children, confirmed five persons, and ad- 
 ministered the communion. 
 
 The people of Clarksburg and Morgantown ex- 
 pressed a strong desire to have a minister sent to 
 them, and I was truly happy to be able to grat- 
 ify their request in a manner well calculated to 
 promote the interests of religion and the church 
 in that region. The Rev. Mr. Ward, who was 
 ordained in Alexandria in July last, went to 
 Clarksburg in the fall, and has since been faith- 
 fully and acceptably labouring in those two places. 
 
318 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 On Monday following, after the services at Clarks- 
 burg, I preached a funeral sermon at Mrs. Wat- 
 son's, about thirty miles from Clarksburg, in which 
 neighbourhood Mr. Ward has since established 
 regular services. On Tuesday night I reached 
 Uniontown, Pa., again, and preached in that place. 
 On Wednesday morning 1 set out in the stage, and 
 came to Alexandria by the way of Hagerstown, 
 Fredericktown, and Baltimore. In Alexandria, 
 with Bishop Moore, I attended the examination 
 of the students of our seminary for three succes- 
 sive days, at the conclusion of which eleven young 
 men were ordained deacons. I then returned 
 home, and, after spending a few weeks there, set 
 out in a short visitation to Prince William county. 
 I was much gratified in being able to set apart to 
 the exclusive worship of Almighty God a most 
 excellent building at Haymarket, which was Origi- 
 nally a courthouse, and had been, without altera- 
 tion, used for many years for religious meetings. 
 It has been recently secured by the friends of the 
 church, and very neatly and comfortably fitted up 
 for public worship. In this place I was engaged, 
 together with the Rev. Mr. Adie, in the perform- 
 ance of religious services during the 8th, 9th, and 
 10th of August. Our meetings were long and in- 
 teresting, and calculated to encourage our hopes 
 that good was done. The sacrament was admin- 
 istered, and thirteen persons confirmed. In the 
 afternoon of the Sabbath, as on another occasion 
 at a private house, I preached to the coloured per- 
 sons, who appeared attentive and thankful. On 
 the two following days we were engaged in simi- 
 lar services at Brentsville, where four persons 
 were confirmed. These two places afford a fine 
 field of labour to a minister of the gospel ; the Rev. 
 Mr. Slaughter is now employed in it. Oii the 23d 
 of September I was called upon to perform epis- 
 copal duty in the church at Berryville, where I 
 admitted four persons to the rite of confirmation ; 
 and on the 3d of October I was called on to per- 
 form the same duty in Port Royal, where I con- 
 firmed two persons. On the 23d of October I again 
 left home, in order to attend a general meeting of 
 the friends of the temperance reformation in Vir- 
 ginia, to be held at Charlottesville on the 30th. 
 On the first evening I reached Fauquier court- 
 house, and preached that night. On the following 
 evening I preached at Culpepper courthouse, and 
 proceeded the next day to Madison courthouse. 
 Here, in company with the Rev. Mr. Slaughter, 
 Mr. Lemon, and Mr. Jones, I spent two days, and 
 consecrated the new church at that place. On 
 Monday I proceeded to Orange courthouse, where 
 I consecrated a new, handsome, and most conve- 
 nient church, and preached and administered the 
 communion. Thence I proceeded to Walker's 
 Church, where I preached on the 29th, and on the 
 next day reached Charlottesville in time to attend 
 the very large and respectable assemblage of dele- 
 gates from all parts of the state, who came together 
 in order to consult how they might best promote 
 an object which I know to be dear to your hearts. 
 I was happy to meet with a goodly number of the 
 clergy and laity of all denominations on this inter- 
 esting occasion, and also with gentlemen of emi- 
 nence from distant parts of our land, who came to 
 encourage us to more zeal in this good cause. I 
 feel confident that our aeliberations and resolu- 
 tions resulted in much good, and that the temper- 
 ance reformation in Virginia received no slight 
 impulse from that convention. On the following 
 Sunday I preached at Charlottesville to a very full 
 assembly; on the next day at Walker's Church, 
 where seven were confirmed. On Tuesday night 
 1 preached again at Orange courthouse, and on 
 Thursday night at Warrenton. After this I re- 
 
 mained at home in the discharge of parochial 
 duties until the middle of January, when, in obe- 
 dience to what appeared to my mind a call from 
 Providence, I felt it to be my duty to accept the 
 invitation of the large and interesting congregation 
 of Christ Church, Norfolk, to become its pastor. 
 In so doing I distinctly stated to the same, that I 
 could not for a moment think of neglecting any 
 previous and higher obligation to the diocess, and 
 that time and trial only could decide whether it 
 be practicable to perform my duties to the diocess 
 and to that congregation so as to satisfy the rea- 
 sonable expectation of both. As to my prospects 
 of usefulness in this new charge, I must refer you 
 to my parochial report. As one evidence, how- 
 ever, that I am not a little encouraged to believe 
 that the gracious smiles of our Emmanuel are 
 vouchsafed to the people of this charge, let me 
 mention that on Easter-Sunday twenty-four per- 
 sons were added to the communion, and on the 
 second Monday in this month ten others were 
 confirmed, with a view to the communion when it 
 shall next be administered. Since I have been in 
 Norfolk I have preached three times in Ports- 
 mouth, and also visited the churches in Princess 
 Anne, in each of which I preached once. I have 
 also visited Smithfield in company with Bishop 
 Moore and Mr. Wingfield, where I preached twice, 
 once at the consecration of the new church in that 
 place, and again at the ordination of Mr. Stanly, 
 from the diocess of North Carolina. In the month 
 of March I accompanied the Rev. Mr. Mann, the 
 agent of our Theological Seminary, and our breth- 
 ren, the Rev. Messrs. Henshaw and Johns, from 
 Maryland to Petersburg and Richmond, chiefly 
 with the view of recommending the cause of our 
 beloved seminary to the churches in those places. 
 While in Petersburg I preached three times. On 
 the latter occasion, by particular request, I pre- 
 sented to a respectable congregation in the Epis- 
 copal Church, the very interesting subject of the 
 temperance reformation. While in Richmond I 
 preached three times, once in each of the churches, 
 and confirmed three persons in St. John's Church. 
 I also took a very humble part in the interesting 
 meetings which were held in the Monumental 
 Church for the benefit of our seminary, and in the 
 celebration of the anniversary of the Virginia Bible 
 Society. I cannot omit here to express my grate- 
 ful recollection of the very signal service rendered 
 to the cause of piety in general, and especially to 
 the Theological Seminary of our diocess and the 
 Bible Society of Virginia, by the zeal and ability 
 of the two brethren already mentioned, from the 
 diocess of Maryland. Their labours in Norfolk, 
 Petersburg, and Richmond, will long be remem- 
 bered, and their beneficial effects, I trust, be per- 
 manently felt. On my way to the Convention I 
 passed through Charles City, where I preached in 
 both of the churches, administering the Lord's 
 Supper each time, and baptizing one child. On 
 the last Sabbath I preached twice in Richmond. 
 I have only to add, that I have not been unmindful 
 of the requests made by the last Convention in 
 relation to the tracts for the benefit of servants, 
 and the discourse on the subject of temperance. 
 As the Rev. Mr. Lee was about to commence a 
 weekly religious paper in Richmond, I thought it 
 best to present the tracts to the public, in the first 
 place, through the medium of that paper, and af- 
 terward to republish such as might be deemed 
 most suitable in another form. I have already 
 published a considerable number of pieces for this 
 purpose, and hope they have been used by the 
 subscribers to that paper in the manner recom- 
 mended. But let me here remind my brethren of 
 the clergy and laity, that, with such a pressure of 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 319 
 
 duty resting upon me, and such long absence from 
 the place of my residence, it is impossible that I 
 can execute so important a trust as this without 
 much assistance from them. It is a common 
 concern, and will, I. hope, interest many hearts 
 and engage many hands. I have published, ac- 
 cording to request, the sermon on temperance, 
 the one half of the edition for the benefit of the 
 Convention of the diocess, and the other half for 
 the use of others who have called for its publica- 
 tion. 
 
 In these and all other labours of love, it is most 
 gratifying to me to know that 1 have the hearty 
 co-operation of so many beloved brethren and es- 
 teemed laymen of our church. 
 
 May the Master whom we serve accept and 
 bless our poor efforts, and make them instrumen- 
 tal to his glory, is the prayer of your friend and 
 brother, W. Meade, 
 
 Assistant Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 The session was then suspended, for the pur- 
 pose of attending divine service by the Rev. Mr. 
 Wilmer, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Bart- 
 lett, after which the session was resumed. 
 
 The parochial reports having been received 
 and read, were referred to the committee on pa- 
 rochial reports. 
 
 A petition from certain members of Kanawha 
 parish, praying for a division of the same and the 
 organization of a new parish, to be called St. 
 Mark's parish, Kanawha, was received and re- 
 ferred to a committee consisting of the Rev. 
 Mr. Mann, Rev. Mr. Lemon, and Mr. Philip 
 Nelson. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 above petition reported, that the prayer of the 
 petitioners is reasonable, and that they have 
 complied with the requisitions of the canon in 
 such cases made and provided. Whereupon, 
 
 Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners 
 be granted. 
 
 And then the Convention adjourned. 
 
 Friday, May 22, 1835. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment. 
 
 The minutes of the preceding day were read 
 and approved. 
 
 The following members of the Convention, 
 not present before, appeared and took their 
 seats, viz. : — 
 
 The Rev. Adam Empie, D. D., rector of 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. 
 
 Doctor J. F. Montgomery, lay delegate from 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. 
 
 Thomas Smith, Esq., lay delegate from Christ 
 Church, Fairfax parish. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, the Con- 
 vention went into the election of a standing 
 committee, and the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., 
 Rev. Charles Mann, Rev. Charles H. Page, John 
 Gray, Hugh Nelson, and Thomas N. Burwell, 
 Esqrs., were duly elected. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William G. Jackson, 
 Resolved, That in future the Convention will 
 discourage the informal method of electing a 
 standing committee pro tem. 
 
 The Rev. John P. M'Guire, from the board 
 of managers of the Theological School, made 
 the following report, which was accepted. 
 
 ■ Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological 
 School of Virginia. 
 
 In presenting their report to the Conveiition, the 
 trustees have again to begin with grateful ac- 
 knowledgments to the God of all mercy, for the 
 kind providence and fostering care still so gra- 
 ciously extended to the institution whose interests 
 have been committed to their trust. This is the 
 fourteenth anniversary on which it has been their 
 duty to report their proceedings, with the condi- 
 tion and prospects of this invaluable institution ; 
 and from year to year, both justice and gratitude 
 have urged them to confess that our God is good, 
 and his mercy endureth for ever. Nothing but his 
 special favour could have brought );our seminary 
 to its present condition of increasing prosperity 
 and usefulness. From the beginning it was a 
 work of faith, as well as a labour of love. With- 
 out funds or other worldly resources bearing any 
 comparison to its wants, the commencement of its 
 career was indeed a day of small things, and we 
 may truly say it lived by faith. If its friends had 
 acted upon human principles, or been governed by 
 human probabilities, long since would the whole 
 scheme have been given up. But by God's grace 
 their faith failed not, and now, though there re- 
 mains much to be done, yet it has certainly real- 
 ized the fondest anticipations of its most devoted 
 advocates. Already has it been the means of im- 
 parting the necessary theological education to 
 about eighty-seven young men, who have been 
 clothed with the ministerial office, and through 
 whose labours we have good reason to believa 
 that there will be gathered into the kingdom of 
 God many precious souls — souls more precious,, 
 far more valuable, than the whole material uni- 
 verse. On the seminary hill there is an establish- 
 ment sufficient to accommodate two professors- 
 and their families, with rooms for sixty students, 
 and a library. There is likewise an invested 
 fund amounting to upwards of twenty thousand 
 dollars ; and of subscriptions yet to be collected, 
 part in two and three years, and the balance in 
 four and five, from twelve to fourteen thousand 
 dollars. All which we desire to record to the glory 
 of God's grace. 
 
 Much as we had been before favoured, the peri- 
 od embraced by the present report has been not 
 less distinguished by the divine blessing. On the 
 Sunday after the last Convention, one of the stu- 
 dents was ordained in Trinity Church, Staunton, 
 by the Right Reverend the Assistant Bishop. In 
 the month of July last, the public examination of 
 the students of the seminary took place. The 
 duties of that occasion commenced on Monday, 
 the 7th, and continued through three days, one 
 being allowed for the examination of each class, 
 and the whole terminating much to the satisfac- 
 tion of the examiners. On Thursday, the 10th, 
 eleven of those examined having finished the ap- 
 pointed course, were admitted to the order of dea- 
 cons by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., in 
 Christ Church, Alexandria. At a subsequent pe- 
 riod three others were admitted to the ministry, 
 making, since the last report, fifteen ordinations. 
 A goodly proportion of these are now labouring in 
 this diocess, and the rest have either returned to 
 the diocesses from which they came, or settled in 
 such other places as the interests of religion and 
 the church seemed to require. 
 
 In the past year our funds have considerably 
 increased, and are now in a more prosperous con- 
 dition than they have ever been. As greatly con- 
 tributing to this important result, we must refer 
 to the very useful labours of our general agent, 
 the Rev. Charles Mann, who has exerted himself 
 to raise a fund for the establishment of a xiew 
 
320 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 professorship, and also obtained the efficient aid 
 of other gentlemen friendly to the institution. To 
 these, one and all, but particularly the Rev. 
 Drs. Henshaw and Johns, of the diocess of Ma- 
 ryland, this board presents its cordial thanks, be- 
 lieving, at the same time, that it expresses the 
 feelings of the Convention. The amount of sub- 
 scriptions obtained by the general agent, with the 
 aid just named, exceeds twelve thousand dollars, 
 and a part of it has been already collected. 
 
 Since the last report the centre building has 
 been erected, at a cost of about $5,000, and is of 
 great convenience and value. Besides giving a 
 finish to the whole edifice, which adds greatly to 
 its beauty, it furnishes a large dining-room, very 
 much needed, and twelve rooms for students. 
 
 During the present session thirty-two young 
 men have been connected with the seminary. Of 
 this number six have left it, three to be ordained, 
 and three at their own request. Two of these last 
 will probably return again, and the third pursue 
 his studies in private. Of their conduct and prog- 
 ress generally, the professors speak in the most 
 favourable terms. The usual course of study has 
 been attended to, and also the various plans for 
 spiritual improvement heretofore mentioned. It 
 is worthy of notice, that a Bible Society has been 
 formed in the institution, and a Charity School 
 for the benefit of the neighbouring poor. And it 
 is worthy of special notice, as well as of gratitude 
 to God, that an admirable and growing missionary 
 spirit now exists among the young men. The 
 claims of a dying world seem to be in a measure 
 appreciated, and we trust that the great Head of 
 the church is breathing into their hearts some- 
 thing of that love which brought him on his mis- 
 sion of mercy to our ruined race. One has al- 
 ready offered himself to the General Missionary 
 Society for foreign service, and others have deter- 
 mined to follow his example at an early day. 
 
 Upon the whole, your Theological Seminary 
 presents an aspect well calculated to fill the heart 
 with joy for the present, and cheer it with bright 
 hopes for the future. Past experience with re- 
 gard to it clearly teaches us what the church of 
 God has learned in every age ; that the work of 
 faith is never in vain in the Lord. At the same 
 time it urges us to attempt much more. We do 
 not desire great things for ourselves, and shall not 
 attempt great things upon the principles of this 
 world. There is certahily ground for other simi- 
 lar establishments to occupy a Umit beyond which 
 ours may not extend. But equally certain is it 
 that we have not reached that point : nay, it is 
 still far out of sight, and a vast labour remains for 
 us to perform. We are not yet prepared to sup- 
 port a third professor at all comfortably : indeed, 
 we could not support even two, without the pow- 
 erful aid of that faithful friend, " The Society for 
 Educating Young Men for the ministry of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church." Our library is yet 
 very imperfect : we require more buildings, and 
 many other things are needed to meet all our 
 wants. Other institutions, founded for the same 
 all-important and blessed purposes with our own, 
 have been richly endowed at one single effort of 
 some noble, generous, and Christian spirit ; hun- 
 dreds of thousands of dollars have from time to 
 time been given to them ; buildings, finished and 
 furnished complete, have been provided for their 
 use ; very frequently some individual, largely pos- 
 sessed of this world's goods, remembers them in 
 the final disposition of his property ; so invest- 
 ing for their benefit a large amount, that through 
 them it may for many generations be a blessing 
 to man ; and not, as too many do, leaving thou- 
 sands to be spent by the hand of folly and vice, a 
 
 curse to those who spend them, and a blightingf 
 mildew to whole families and neighbourhoods. 
 And shall we, strongly pressed by many wants as 
 we still are, be charged with extravagant de- 
 mands, if we say there are yet many thousands 
 needed for this school of the prophets ? It can- 
 not be : we are not disposed to reflect so deeply 
 upon the sound sense and charity of the Christian 
 community, as to think this possible. With great 
 confidence, therefore, we again appeal to our tried 
 friends, and all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in 
 sincerity, for their continued prayers in our behalf, 
 and such pecuniary aid as, by God's blessing, they 
 may be enabled to afford. We do not fear for the 
 future, having so largely experienced the favour 
 of our covenant God, and verily believing that 
 whatever the church is bound to do she is able to 
 do. But each of her members should recollect 
 that in her responsibilities and duties he is neces- 
 sarily concerned, and must discharge his own in- 
 dividual obligations, or answer for it in the " great 
 and dreadful day." Let those, then, who have 
 much, give accordingly ; and those who have lit- 
 tle, remember the poor widow's two mites, and 
 follow her example. In all let there be a willing 
 mind, and the day may soon arrive when their 
 overflowing liberality must be arrested, as that of 
 the Jews was : " The people bring much more than 
 enough for the service of the work which the 
 Lord commanded." Do not permit the success 
 of the past year to make upon any the impression 
 that the work is finished, and their aid no longer 
 required. A few more vigorous exertions, and the 
 work will be finished. May our God hasten this 
 blessed consummation. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted by the trus- 
 tees. 
 
 The house proceeded to the order of the day, 
 which was the consideration of the proposed 
 amendments to the constitution and canons of 
 the church. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Mann, the follow- 
 ing amendment to the first article of the con- 
 stitution, which was proposed and adopted at the 
 last Convention, and laid over for the ratifica- 
 tion or rejection of this Convention, was taken 
 up, viz. : the addition to the end of the article of 
 the following words : " And in the event of the 
 existence of an epidemic disease, or any other 
 good cause rendering it necessary or expedient 
 to alter the place fixed on for any meeting of 
 the Convention, the bishop may change the 
 place or the time, or both, at his discretion." 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Dresser, Resolv- 
 ed, That the further consideration of this article 
 be postponed until after the consideration of the 
 remaining articles of the amended constitution. 
 
 A recess of the Convention then occurred, to 
 attend divine service by the Rev. Mr. Bartlett, 
 and a sermon by the Rev. Adam Empie, D D. 
 
 After service, on motion of the Rev. Dr. 
 Keith, the foHawing additional rule of order was 
 adopted. " All questions of order shall be de- 
 cided in the first instance by the chair without 
 debate ; an appeal, however, may be made from 
 his decision to the Convention, by any member 
 of the same." 
 
 The Convention then resumed the considera- 
 tion of the amendments to the constitution and 
 canons. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Mann, the second 
 article of the Constitution, as reported by th» 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 321 
 
 committee to whom the subject of the revision 
 of the constitution and canons had been refer- 
 red by a previous Convention, was amended by 
 striking out the words, " or if there be no ves- 
 try, by at least twelve persons who may with 
 propriety be considered as members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church duly notified : and the 
 election shall be certified by at least five mem- 
 bers of this church." 
 
 On motion of the Rev. William F. Lee, the 
 same article was farther amended, by adding 
 after the words *' e.Y-ofRcio," — " no person un- 
 der ecclesiastical censure or process shall be en- 
 titled to a seat in the Convention." 
 
 It was moved by the Hon. Hugh Nelson, that 
 the second article of the constitution terminate 
 with the word "ministers," in the third line 
 from the end of the same, which was decided in 
 the negative. 
 
 It was then moved by the same, and second- 
 ed by the Rev. Dr. Empie, to strike out the 
 last proviso of the second article of the consti- 
 tution — in these words, " provided also, that in 
 every case, the delegate or delegates shall be 
 communicants in the church." 
 
 Mr. Thomas Smith proposed to amend the 
 amendment by inserting the word " practicable" 
 before the word " case" in the last Unebut one. 
 
 But, before these propositions were acted 
 upon, the Convention adjourned until 4 o'clock 
 P.M. 
 
 Friday Afternoon. 
 
 The consideration of the amendment proposed 
 by Mr. Smith to the second article of the revi- 
 sed constitution was resumed and contmued. 
 
 The question being taken on concurring in 
 said amendment, it was decided in the negative. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer, the 
 further consideration of the other amendment 
 was postponed until to-morrow morning, at 9 
 o'clock ; to which hour the Convention, on mo- 
 tion, then adjourned. 
 
 Saturday, May 23, 1835. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- 
 ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rt. 
 Rev. Bishop Meade. 
 
 The minutes of the preceding day were read 
 and approved. 
 
 The Convention resumed the consideration 
 of the amendment to the second article of the 
 revised constitution, which proposed to strike 
 out the last proviso in the same. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. John Grammer, Re- 
 solved, That the question be taken by orders, 
 and that the ayes and noes be recorded. 
 
 The Rev. William G. H. Jones moved a call 
 of the house, which was ordered. 
 
 Col. Samuel H. Lewis and Mr. Daniel Gar- 
 land were excused from voting on this ques- 
 tion ; and Dr. J. F. Montgomery explained 
 the vote which he should give as in accordance 
 with the views of the parish which he represent- 
 ed, but not with his own. 
 
 The question was then taken upon the prop- 
 osition to strike out as above, and decided in 
 the negative by the following vote : — 
 
 Ayes — Rev. Hobart M. Bartlett, Adam Empie, 
 
 D. D., Thomas Jackson, William G. Jackson, 
 William H. Mitchell, Alexander Norris, George 
 W. Nelson, Charles H. Page, F. G. Smith, J. 
 P. B. Wilmer, and John H. Wingfield— II. 
 
 Noes— Rt. Rev. William Meade, D. D., Rev. 
 Ephraim Adams, George Adie, P. F. Berkeley, 
 William V. Bowers, Nicholas H. Cobbs, Charles 
 B. Dana, Charles Dresser, William Friend, John 
 Grammer, William G. H. Jones, Reuel Keith, 
 D. D., Archibald H. Lamon, William F. Lee, 
 George Lemon, Charles Mann, Edward C. 
 M'Guire, John P. M'Guire, William Steele, 
 Philip Slaughter, Charles C. Taliaferro, Will- 
 iam N. Ward, D. M. Wharton, George Wood- 
 bridge, and John W. Woodville — 25. 
 
 Ayes — Messrs. Walter Coles, Edmund Fon- 
 taine, John Gray, J. F. Montgomery, Hugh 
 Nelson, B. H. Randolph, and Thomas Smith — 7. 
 
 Noes — Messrs. Thomas Atkinson, Hilary Ba- 
 ker, Upton Beall, James M. Bell, jun., Thomas 
 T. Bouldin, Alexander Brown, Thomas N. Bur- 
 well, Junius A. Clay, Thomas G. Coleman, 
 Charles R. Gibbs, Thurmer Hoggard, Abram B. 
 Hooe, Thomas L. Latane, Philip Nelson, John 
 Nelson, Nelson Sale, Henry B. Streshly, Rich- 
 ard Walke, David M. Walke, William M. Wal- 
 ler, and Seth Ward— 21. 
 
 The second article, as amended, was then 
 adopted. 
 
 The third article was, on motion of the Rev. 
 Mr. Grammer, amended, by changing the word 
 " six" into the word " twelve" in both instances 
 in which it occurs, and then adopted. 
 
 The fourth and fifth articles were adopted, 
 without amendment. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Lee, the sixth 
 article was amended by inserting after the word 
 " necessary," in the fifth line, " or when requi- 
 red by the standing committee." The same 
 article was, on motion of the Rev. Dr. Empie, 
 further amended, by striking out the words, " as 
 often as he may think expedient," and inserting 
 in lieu of them the word " annually." 
 
 And, on motion of the Rev. Mr. Dresser, the 
 same article was further amended, by striking 
 out the last sentence, as follows : " Whenever it 
 shall be necessary for the bishop to visit any 
 part of this diocess, he shall be authorized to 
 call a clergyman from any part of the diocess to 
 supply his place in the duties of his parochial 
 charge, for not more than two Sundays," and, 
 as thus amended, was adopted. 
 
 The seventh article was, on motion of the 
 Rev. Mr. Lee, amended, by inserting after the 
 word *' next," in the fourth line, the words, " an- 
 nual Convention or until the next," so as to read, 
 " who shall continue in office until the next an- 
 nual Convention, or until the next election of a 
 president," and, as thus amended, was adopted. 
 
 The eighth and ninth articles were adopted 
 without amendment. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Lee, the tenth 
 article was amended by inserting in the third 
 line the words, " who shall be communicants 
 of the church in the diocess," after the words 
 " lay order," and, as thus amended, was adopted. 
 
 The eleventh article was adopted without 
 amendment. 
 
322 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 The twelfth article reported by the commit- 
 tee in the following words — " This constitution 
 shall be unalterable, except in the following 
 manner : a proposition for any change shall be 
 introduced in writing, and considered in Con- 
 vention, and, if approved of by a majority of two 
 thirds of the next ensuing Convention, the 
 change shall then take place ; and the consti- 
 tution, so altered, shall be valid and obligatory" 
 — was amended, by substituting in lieu of the 
 same the thirteenth article of the present con- 
 stitution. 
 
 The first article, as approved of by the last 
 Convention, was adopted. 
 
 On motion, it was Resolved, That the consti- 
 tution, as above amended, be transmitted to the 
 several vestries for their action thereon. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Mann, the con- 
 sideration of the revised canons was postponed 
 until the next Convention. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Page, from the committee on 
 the episcopal fund, made the following report : — 
 
 The chairman of the committee upon the state 
 of the episcopal fund reports, from the only doc- 
 ument to which they have had access, that since 
 the last report there have been added to the bank- 
 — stock in the Farmers' Bank two shares of that 
 bank, and one share of the Bank of Potomac. 
 The number of shares held in the Farmers' Bank 
 is ninety. He also further reports, that the trus- 
 tees have to their credit in the Farmers' Bank 
 one hundred and fourteen dollars, which they ex- 
 pect to invest in the stock of this bank. 
 
 Charles H. Page. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, the fol- 
 lowing preamble and resolutions were adopt- 
 ed : — 
 
 Whereas this Convention have heard with 
 great pleasure of the exertions now making by 
 the Virginia Bible Society to rouse the whole 
 Christian world to an effort (in deppndance on 
 Divine assistance) to place the Bible in every 
 accessible readmg family on earth within a 
 definite period ; and have witnessed with equal 
 satisfaction the general acceptance with which 
 this enterprise has been received, and the cor- 
 diality with which it has been thus far sustain- 
 ed by the churches under their care : 
 
 Resolved, That they do most heartily renew 
 the recommendation given by them in 1833, of 
 the objects of the society, to all the churches 
 under their care; recommending to them to 
 sustain those objects by the prayer of faith, by 
 generous contribution, and by every proper ex- 
 ertion of their influence. 
 
 Resolved, That they recommend the Rev. 
 Wm. M. Atkinson, the general agent of the 
 society, to the support of the churches of this 
 diocess, in the execution of the important duties 
 with which he is charged. 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention do most cor- 
 dially recommend the objects of the Virginia 
 Bible Society, referred to in the preamble, to 
 the support of all Protestant Episcopalians in 
 the United States, and throughout the world. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Mann, from the committee on 
 the accounts of the treasurer of the society for 
 the relief of widows and orphans of clergymen 
 
 in the Protestant Episcopal Church, made the 
 following report, which was accepted. 
 
 The cx)mmittee on the accounts of the treas- 
 urer of the society for the rehef of the widows and 
 orphans of clergymen in the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church, beg leave to report, that they have 
 examined the same, and find it in all respects 
 correct, and renew the thanks which have here- 
 tofore been given to the amiable and benevolent 
 geiitleman who has so long gratuitously fulfilled 
 the oflfice of treasurer and secretary. By his re- 
 port it appears, that $1,100 of the capital of the 
 society has been lost by the failure of the Bank of 
 Alexandria ; and that there remains the very im- 
 portant sum of §8,104 96, yielding an annual in- 
 come of about $400. There are but two annui- 
 tants, whose claims together do not amount to 
 more than $48 per annum, leaving a balance in 
 favour of the society's annual income of upwards 
 of $350. Could the annual contributions of even 
 a majority of the clergy be received, in addition 
 to this surplus increase, there would soon be ac- 
 cumulated a fund amply sufficient to secure the 
 ends of this benevolent -association, and to assist 
 materially in the support of the indigent families 
 of deceased ministers. But, in the present state 
 of the society, few of the clergy can be induced 
 to connect themselves with it, from a conviction 
 that no funds can be sufficiently secure which 
 are left in the hands of an individual, however 
 trustworthy, who is responsible to no body capa- 
 ble in law of enforcing a claim against him. The 
 fact of this unwillingness led the chairman of this 
 committee, at the last meeting of the Convention, 
 to recommend a correspondence with the society 
 incorporated in Maryland for similar objects, with 
 a view of ascertaining whether, through their 
 agency, greater security could be given to the 
 funds, and greater confidence in their permanen- 
 cy. This correspondence has been entered into, 
 and there is reason to believe all the object it had 
 in view may be secured. The committee would, 
 however, recommend an application to the legisla- 
 ture of Virginia for an act of incorporation, and, in 
 the event of its failure, then an application to the 
 society in Maryland. The views of the commit- 
 tee are expressed in the following resolution. 
 Charles Mann, Chairman. 
 
 Resolved, That the standing committee of 
 this diocess be requested to inquire into the ex- 
 pediency of obtaining an act of incorporation 
 from the legislature of Virginia, and, in the 
 event of failing in that object, of connecting the 
 society of this diocess for the relief of widows 
 and orphans of deceased clergymen of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church, with the society, in- 
 corporated for the same purpose, in the diocess 
 of Maryland. And if the terms oflfered by that 
 society be such as said committee approve, that 
 they be authorized to transfer the funds of this 
 society to the treasurer of that institution, to 
 be held in trust for the purposes set forth in the 
 constitution of the society of this diocess for the 
 relief of widows and orphans of deceased clergy- 
 men of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 The funds arc as follows : — 
 
 113 shares of Farmers' Bank, Alex- 
 andria, stock, at par, - - $5,6.50 00 
 5 shares of Alexandria Bank stock, 
 
 Carried forward, $5,650 00 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 323 
 
 Brought forward, $5,650 00 
 
 1 share Bank of Virginia stock, at 
 
 par, - - - - - 100 00 
 
 Note and bond, bearing interest of 6 
 
 percent., ... - 2,200 00 
 
 Cash on hand, - - - - 154 96 
 
 $8,104 ye 
 
 The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, from the com- 
 mittee on the state of the church, made the fol- 
 lowing report : — 
 
 The committee on the state of the church beg 
 leave to present the following report : — 
 
 Having availed themselves of all the sources of 
 information within their reach, the committee 
 feel themselves authorized in congratulating their 
 brethren on the favourable aspect presented by 
 the church in this diocess. The zealous devo- 
 tion to their duties evinced by the clergy, and 
 hearty co-operation of the laity in every good work, 
 furnish pleasing topics of grateful contemplation, 
 and the sure pledges of increasmg strength and 
 abounding prosperity to our Zion. The religion 
 of the Saviour is one of means; and in their 
 faithful employment the most excellent results 
 may be expected as the heaven-ordained fruit. 
 As he who sows his fields may fairly calculate 
 that his labour will not be in vain, so the efforts 
 expended on the vineyard of the Lord will surely 
 be crowned in the end with the richest success. 
 
 In this allusion to encouraging appearances in 
 the state of the diocess, the progress of the in- 
 visible church is not specially contemplated, for, 
 we must say, there is not before us the evidence 
 of any very signal increase in this respect. We 
 refer more particularly to the general growth of 
 the church — the extension of her borders— the 
 erection of church edifices — the appearances of 
 energy among her members — all indicating a 
 healthy action throughout the whole system. In 
 these things we see the ordained means of pre- 
 serving the faith in its purity, and of securing to 
 the church that divinely-promised blessing which 
 shall keep alive upon her altars the vestal fires of 
 true religion, and perpetuate her, as its consecra- 
 ted nursery, to the remotest periods of time. 
 
 The general attention which is given to the 
 religious tuition of youth by Sunday Schools 
 and Bible classes, connecting information on the 
 distinctive principles of the church with the 
 higher illuminations of scriptural knowledge, sup- 
 plies a ground of pleasing reflection in anticipation 
 of those substantial fruits which have, in every 
 age of the church, attended well directed and 
 sustained catechetical instruction. 
 
 There is much to gratify the Christian bosom 
 in the increased regard which has been recently 
 extended by the church to the spiritual necessities 
 of our coloured population. Of late years, they 
 have shared more largely the pastoral attentions 
 of the clergy than at any former period. In more 
 frequent ministerial labours among them, the best 
 influences have been exerted in their behalf- 
 such as have already been marked by decidedly 
 salutary results. It is hoped that ministers and 
 masters will foster a growing sense of their re- 
 sponsibilities on this point, and duly consider the 
 words of Christ, in all their comprehensiveness 
 and divine authority, when he said, " Feed my 
 sheep." 
 
 Your committee concur in the recommendation 
 emanating from the venerable senior bishop, re- 
 specting the system of " weekly oftierings" in aid 
 of a fund for the relief of our infant and weaker 
 X2 
 
 parishes. Regarding this measure as one of tried 
 excellence, we commend it as evidently calcula- 
 ted to produce important practical results to the 
 church, vvithout proving a sensible inconvenience 
 to her friends. A small weekly sum given by 
 many individuals, will in the aggregate form an 
 imposing revenue, not felt by the contributors, 
 while immense good is effected by its ultimate 
 judicious appropriation. 
 
 The Convention recollect the recommendation 
 of the Virginia Prayer-Book and Tract Society, 
 by the same respected authority. Your commit- 
 tee would add their efforts to bring this matter 
 distinctly before the church. The importance of 
 circulating the prayer-book and suitable reli- 
 gious tracts through the diocess is well under- 
 stood, and we know of no plan better calculated 
 to effect this desirable end than the one just re- 
 ferred to. This society invites the formation of 
 auxiliaries, and offers important advantages to 
 them. A resolution of the society proposing to 
 furnish the prayer-book at half price to all those 
 congregations in which collections might be 
 taken up in aid of its funds, is imbodied in the 
 bishop's address, and certainly presents induce- 
 ments which are entitled to the consideration of 
 the church. 
 
 The committee have concurred in recommend- 
 ing a measure to the Convention, whose adoption 
 they deem of considerable importance. The refer- 
 ence is to a principle regulating the annual Con- 
 ventions, in regard to the place of meeting. Much 
 inconvenience has been experienced under pres- 
 ent circumstances in unnecessary consumption 
 of time, by protracted and sometimes unedifying 
 debate, growing out of various and conflicting 
 views and wishes on this point. By fixing per- 
 manently the places of meeting, with a due regard 
 to the reasonable claims of all sections of the dio- 
 cess, and to a proper alternation between the up- 
 per and lower districts of the state, it is believed 
 that much would be done towards satisfying the 
 minds of individuals, and removing temptations to 
 undue anxiety and unseemly exertions in diverting 
 the Convention from its proper routine of impar- 
 tial annual migration. In conformity with these 
 views, the following towns are named as suitable 
 places for the future meetings of the Convention, 
 and in the order of their enumeration, viz. : — 
 Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Winchester, Rich- 
 mond, Charlottesville, Alexandria, Staunton, Nor- 
 folk, and Lynchburg. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Edward C. M'Guire, Chairman. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Dresser, the 
 names of Richmond and Norfolk, in the last 
 paragraph, were transposed, and the report was 
 accepted. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Wingfield, from the committee 
 on parochial reports, made the following report, 
 which was accepted : — 
 
 The committee to whom were referred the 
 parochial reports, having discharged the duty as- 
 signed them, herewith return the same, to be en- 
 tered on the journal. They have also prepared 
 an abstract, showing at one view the state of the . 
 church in those parishes from which reports have 
 been received. It is, however, very imperfect, in 
 consequence of the neglect of clergymen to draw 
 up their reports according to the prescribed form. 
 In compliance with a resolution of the last Con- 
 vention, they herewith furnish a list of those 
 clergymen, having care of souls, from whom no 
 reports have been received, viz. :— Rev. C. W. 
 Andrews, William Armstrong, Ebenezer Boyden» 
 
324 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 Mark L. Chevers, Josias Clapham, John Cole, 
 William M. Jackson, A. Jones, and Jacob Keel- 
 ing. Signed by order of the committee. 
 
 J. H. Wing FIELD, Chairman. 
 
 Monumental Church, Richmond. R. C. Moore, 
 rector — communicants one hundred and eighty — 
 baptisms, three adults, forty-four children, total 
 forty-seven, Sunday School is in a very promis- 
 ing condition, and every pew on the ground floor 
 is rented. 
 
 At a general meeting in the Monumental Church, 
 upwards of $4,000 were subscribed, chiefly by that 
 congregation, for the Theological Seminary. Two 
 scholarships have been formed by sundry individ- 
 uals for eaucating young men for the holy minis- 
 try ; and $100 contributed by the auxiliary society 
 for the same. 
 
 A collection has been taken up to aid the funds 
 of the Prayer-Book and Tract Society ; and an- 
 other in favour of the Virginia Bible Society. 
 Collections also have been made to promote the 
 interests of the Sunday School, and the Saturday 
 Sewing School, the last of which has recently 
 been estabHshed for the benefit of poor children. 
 
 There has been this year an increase in the con- 
 tribution to the Missionary Society. Three classes 
 have been formed for Biblical instruction, which 
 together number about one hundred. 
 
 Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River parish. 
 The rector entered upon his charge the middle of 
 January last, and was soon encouraged to hope 
 that an unusual seriousness was taking possession 
 of the minds of a considerable number of his hear- 
 ers. This was greatly increased, and in many in- 
 stances brought to a happy conclusion, by some 
 deeply-interesting services, which were performed 
 during five or six successive days in the latter 
 part of March. At that time the Rev. Mr. Mann, 
 accompanied by two esteemed brethren from 
 Baltimore, the Rev. Messrs. Henshaw and Johns, 
 paid a visit to Norfolk, with the view of making 
 collections for our Theological Seminary at Alex- 
 andria. The reptor availed himself of this oppor- 
 tunity to have frequent religious services, with a 
 view to the spiritual interests of his congregation. 
 In this he was cordially supported by the Rev. Mr. 
 Boyden, minister of St. Paul's Church, and the 
 Rev. Mr. Wingfield, of Portsmouth, whose congre- 
 gations shared in the services. 
 
 Bishop Moore also came down from Richmond, 
 and lent us much affectionate aid. Our services 
 were continued for six successive days, and divi- 
 ded between the three congregations. At an early 
 hour of the morning a goodly number met togeth- 
 er with the ministers in one of the churches, and, 
 by suitable exercises, were prepared for the large 
 assemblies at the hour of eleven, and at night. At 
 these meetings, besides the prayers and hymns, 
 several short addresses were delivered, well cal- 
 culated to make them interesting and profitable. 
 The sermons, also, in the after part of the day, 
 were usually followed by short and touching ex- 
 hortations. An interest proportioned to the zeal 
 and sound judgment whiqh were put forth on the 
 occasion was soon awakened, and continued to 
 increase to the conclusion of the services. All 
 who were present at those exercises expressed 
 themselves well pleased, and hoped for the fre- 
 quent return of tnem. The fruits thereof have 
 been such as to gratily the hearts of all the friends 
 of the church. Concerning thirty persons, who 
 have since made a public profession of religion, 
 the minister, after much intercourse with most of 
 them, entertains the pleasing' hope that they have 
 l)assed from death unto life. They appear deter- 
 mined to answer the description of God's people, 
 that is, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good 
 
 works. The most happy effect seems also to have 
 been produced upon the old professors of religion. 
 They have been stirred up to more zeal, and been 
 made to remember the time of their first love, and 
 to do their first vvorks. 
 
 One evidence of an awakened interest in behalf 
 of the kingdom of Christ was furnished before the 
 close of our services, in the liberal subscriptions 
 of four thousand dollars to our seminary. 
 
 The rector has seen other evidences, in the 
 readiness manifested by the congregation to en- 
 gage in every good work recommended by him. 
 
 The Sunday School has increased considerably, 
 numbering thirty teachers, and one hundred and 
 eighty scholars. The instructions in the cate- 
 chism, delivered every Saturday afternoon in Lent, 
 were well attended by parents and children. 
 
 The little children have formed themselves into 
 a Missionary Society on the plan of weekly offer- 
 ings, of one, two, or three cents each — and in a 
 short time have raised nearly twenty-five dollars. 
 
 Shortly before the rector left Norfolk for the 
 Convention, he presented the wants of the Mis- 
 sionary Society to the congregation, and express- 
 ed a hope thai the adults would adopt the plan al- 
 ready so happily pursued by the young catechu- 
 mens. Between forty and fifty names were im- 
 mediately sent in, and an assurance given that a 
 regular Missionary Society would be formed 
 among the gentlemen, and the good work prose- 
 cuted during his absence. He is happy, also, to 
 state to the Convention, that the cause of the Tem- 
 perance Society finds increasing favour among the 
 members of our church in Norfolk. During the 
 association above mentioned, a meeting was ap 
 pointed in Christ Church for addresses on this sub- 
 ject ; but in consequence of rain, which prevented 
 a full assembly, it was postponed. Subsequent 
 meetings have been held in the town since that 
 time, at which he was gratified to see a consider 
 able number of those belonging to our commu- 
 nion to enrol their names. 
 
 Upon the whole, the rector, in considering the 
 state of the congregation, has reason to thank God 
 and take courage. According to the requisition 
 of the canon he states, that on the list furnished 
 by his predecessor there were t*vo hundred and 
 sixteen communicants when he took charge of 
 the congregation — to these twenty-four have been 
 added, and six are ready to unite on the first op- 
 portunity. There have been nineteen baptisms, 
 one of which was an adult. Thirty have been 
 confirmed. There have been seven funerals and 
 five marriages. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted by the rector, 
 William Meade, 
 Assistant Bishop of Virginia. 
 
 Christ Church, Lancaster county. Ephraim Ad- 
 ams, rector. Communicants, added eleven (two 
 of whom are from another parish), removed three, 
 excommunicated two (one of whom is a coloured 
 person), present number forty — baptisms, adults 
 two, infants thirty-five, viz., white seventeen, col- 
 oured eighteen, total thirty-seven — confirmed 
 eight — one marriage — funerals eleven, viz., white 
 six, coloured five. The amount of money collect- 
 ed for the different institutions connected with the 
 church is $443 25. 
 
 Two societies were formed in the course of the 
 last year, which have contributed much towards 
 strengthening the bonds of union among the mem- 
 bers of the church, and, we trust, towards the ad- 
 vancement of the cause of religion generally — a 
 " Protestant Episcopal Female Society for the 
 spread of the gospel," and a " Protestant Episco- 
 pal Prayer-Book and Tract Society," formed by 
 the gentlemen of the parish. 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 325 
 
 The Bible class is in the same state of prosper- 
 ity as at the period of the last Convention. The 
 cause of temperance is prosperous — many mem- 
 bers have been added to the society during the 
 last year. 
 
 Shelburn parish, Leesburg, Loudoun county. 
 George Adie, rector. Communicants, added five, 
 removed four, died two, whole number seventy. 
 The circumstances of the congregation nearly as 
 last reported. Baptisms twenty-two — marriages 
 ten— funerals seven. 
 
 Upperville. No material change since the last 
 report. The completion of the church has been 
 delayed, in consequence of the unfaithfulness of 
 some of the contractors ; but we hope measures 
 will be adopted by the friends of our Zion in that 
 neighbourhood to secure its speedy completion. 
 
 Middleburg and Aldie. Nearly as last reported. 
 The rector continues to preach frequently to a 
 large and attentive coloured congregation in Lees- 
 burg, and hopes, from the increased attention and 
 good order uniformly observed, that his labours in 
 that department have not been altogether in vain. 
 Raleigh and Dale parishes, Amelia and Ches- 
 terfield counties. P. F. Berkeley, rector. Com- 
 municants, removed two, died one, present number 
 twenty-seven — baptisms, infants three — marriages 
 four — funerals, white one, coloured five, total six 
 — families twenty-six, adults seventy-seven, chil- 
 dren forty-six. Collected for the dift'erent institu- 
 tions connected with the church, ^233 25. 
 
 The rector took charge of these parishes the 
 first of February. To them his whole time is 
 given, with the exception of one Sunday in the 
 month, on which he preaches at Genito, in Pow- 
 hatan. In two of these counties the services of 
 the afternoon of Sunday are in behalf of the ser- 
 vants. The Education and Missionary Societies 
 are in active operation.^ There is also a voluntary 
 association of eight of ten little girls, members 
 of a private school, in behalf of the support of their 
 minister ; to whose comfort, as well as gratifica- 
 tion, the results have added much. Considerable 
 interest is manifested by a few in the exercises of 
 a Bible class, and of a monthly prayer-meeting for 
 missions. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun- 
 ties. William V. Bowers, Rector. Communi- 
 cants, added eight, removed tour, died three, total 
 fifty-seven — baptisms, adults two, infants eight, 
 total ten — marriages two — funerals twelve — num- 
 ber of families forty. Amount collected for benev- 
 olent purposes upwards of $250. 
 
 The present rector has had charge of this par- 
 ish htile more than nine months, since 1st of last 
 August. How far the truth, through his instru- 
 mentality, has been felt upon the hearts of his 
 hearers, he is unable to say, but he sincerely hopes 
 that in some degree it has been with sanctifying and 
 saving power. There are two Sunday Schools, 
 one of which has been formed this spring. No. 
 1 contains ten teachers and fifty -two scholars ; 
 No. 2 fifteen teachers and forty scholars ; attend- 
 ance in both about ninety pupils. Meetings have 
 been held on Sunday afternoons for the coloured 
 population : from fifty to one hundred have attend- 
 ed in good weather. There are several benevolent 
 societies, and the missionary concert of prayer is 
 held every month. 
 
 St. John's Church, Henrico parish. Robert B. 
 Croes, oihciating minister. Communicants, added 
 fourteen, removed six, present number thirty- 
 seven — baptisms, two of adults, and sixteen of 
 children, total eighteen — fourteen marriages, and 
 twenty-eight burials. Fifteen persons have been 
 confirmed. 
 The Sunday School at the present time cannot 
 
 be considered as flourishing. There are twelve 
 teachers, nine of whom are generally diligent and 
 punctual. The number of scholars registered is 
 about one hundred and ten. A brick building has 
 been erected in the churchyard, which is used 
 both for the Sunday School and a week-day 
 school ; dimensions, 37 feet by 25 ; cost, $750. In 
 the spring of 1833 more than $900 were raised by 
 the members of the female association of this par- 
 ish, by means of a fair. Of this sum $800 will be 
 appropriated towards the erection of a tower, and 
 $100 towards the purchase of a bell. -$64 have 
 been contributed by the pew-holders of the church 
 for the General Episcopal Sunday School Union. 
 As to " spiritual things," the officiating nainister 
 has thus far met with very little to encourage his 
 heart. 
 
 Hanover, May 15, 1835. Owing to the situation 
 of my health, and the destitute condition of many 
 congregations around me which have been long 
 soliciting my services, I determined, shortly after 
 the last Convention, to resign my charge of St. 
 Martin's parish, which I had held for ten years, 
 and to devote my time, as far as I should be able, 
 to their service. Having procured during the last 
 summer the services of the Rev. Mr. Bowers to 
 supply my place, I have since been endeavouring 
 to supply the wants of the destitute in some of the 
 surrounding counties. But, owing to the extreme 
 severity of the winter, and other causes not under 
 my control, I have as yet been able to accomplish 
 nothing worth reporting, but to discover an ex- 
 tensive field of labour, and the earnest solicitude 
 of many to have the regular services of our church. 
 John Cooke. 
 Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish. 
 Charles B. Dana, rector. Communicants, added 
 eight, died one, total one hundred and twenty, of 
 whom twelve are coloured — baptisms, children, 
 white eighteen, coloured four, total twenty-two — 
 confirmations three — marriages three — funerals 
 thirteen — number of families seventy. Amount 
 contributed for different institutions connected 
 with the church about $270. With this church 
 are connected a very flourishing Sunday School, 
 which is furnished with a library of nearly five 
 hundred volumes ; two Bible classes, and several 
 benevolent societies. 
 
 The rector took the charge of this church the 
 first of July, 1834 ; and, although nothing of very 
 special interest has marked its reUgious character 
 since that time, still there have some things oc- 
 curred which call for gratitude on the part of the 
 minister, and for the prayers of those whose 
 hearts are interested in the advancement of the 
 Redeemer's cause. The congregation has been 
 gradually increasing; lectures during the week 
 have generally been well attended, and the appa- 
 rent interest with which divine truth has been 
 heard, inspires the hope that the gospel is not 
 preached in vain. 
 
 Mount Laurel Church, Antrim parish, Halifax 
 county. John T. Clark, minister. Communi- 
 cants, added one, total eleven— baptisms, adult 
 one, children three— faraihes attached to the 
 church nine— a small Sunday School is kept up, 
 chiefly by the zeal and diUgence of one female. 
 During a greater part of the year, a second ser- 
 vice has been held in the church lor the benefit of 
 the coloured population, and a third service at 
 private houses in the neighbourhood, A few 
 friends of the church have procured a deserted 
 meeting-house, at a place called Rock Spring, 
 which they are repairing for an Episcopal church, 
 St. John's Church, Moore parish, Campbell 
 county. This church has been without any regu- 
 lar services since the departure from this diocess 
 
326 
 
 CONVENTION ^OF 1836. 
 
 of the Rev. Mr. Osgood. The congregation, 
 which had become entirely dispersed, has not yet 
 been all collected again. It is, however, increas 
 ing, and there is promise of some additions to the 
 communion. Communicants, known, seven — one 
 funeral— catechumens fourteen. 
 
 St. Mark's Church, Antrim parish, Halifax 
 county. Charles Dresser, minister. Communi- 
 cants, added three, died one, removed one, total 
 thirty-three— baptisms, adult one, children five, 
 total six — marriages seven— funerals six, twro of 
 coloured persons. Connected with this congre- 
 gation are a small Sunday School and Bible class. 
 Measures have been taken for the erection of a 
 church in the village of Meadsville, about nine 
 miles from the courthouse. The Education and 
 Missionary Societies in this parish having been 
 found less efficient than was desirable, the plan 
 of " weekly oflFerings" to these charities has been 
 adopted, and the result promises to be a much 
 larger incohie than formerly. 
 
 St. Andrew's Church, Camden parish, Pittsyl- 
 vania. Communicants, added two, total thirteen 
 — baptisms, adult one, children four, total five — 
 marriages four — funerals four. At the courthouse 
 in this county, where I have preached several 
 times during the spring, a favourable disposition 
 has been manifested towards the church. Could 
 they have more preaching, much good would no 
 doubt result. 
 
 St. Margaret's and Grace Churches, Caroline 
 county. William Friend, rector. Communicants 
 fifty— baptisms, two white, six coloured, total 
 eight— one marriage— funerals, two white, eight 
 coloured, total ten. 
 
 The rector has but little of interest to report 
 respecting the churches under his care. The 
 congregations are usually large and attentive, and 
 there is exhibited much apparent interest in the 
 concerns of religion. 
 
 The Temperance Society has received several 
 accessions during the past year ; but there is 
 reason to fear that this cause, so conducive to the 
 interests of religion and the welfare of society, is 
 rapidly declining among us. 
 
 St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and 
 Bath parish, Dinwiddle county. John Grammer, 
 rector. Communicants, added three, removed 
 two, died one, total three, present number forty- 
 nine — baptisms, white adults three, infants nine, 
 coloured infants six, total eighteen — marriages, 
 white five, coloured one, total six — funerals, 
 white twelve, coloured eight, total twenty — the 
 number of families is about twenty. Of the indi- 
 viduals who could be properly reported as belong- 
 ing to the congregations, the number cannot be 
 ascertained. The collections for different institu- 
 tions connected with the church have amounted 
 to $328 89. 
 
 The Sunday School at Bath parish still con- 
 tihues its operations ; and although the number of 
 scholars is and always has been small, and the 
 school sustained almost entirely by the efforts of 
 one family, yet the moral and spiritual benefit 
 that has evidently resulted from it furnishes a 
 strong motive to increased zeal and diligence. 
 
 The condition of these parishes is much the 
 same that it was at the time of the last report ; 
 
 S resenting but little to encourage, but much to be 
 eplored. 
 
 Hungar's Church, Hungar's parish, Northamp- 
 ton county. S. S. Gunter, rector. Communi- 
 cants, added six, removed one, died one, total 
 thirty-three — baptisms thirty-five — confirmations 
 six— marriages twenty-four — funerals twenty-five. 
 Within the last year, that part of the rector's tune 
 formerly given to the new church, Eastville, has 
 
 been transferred to the Union Chapel, where 
 there are large and attentive congregations. 
 
 Trinity Church and Trinity Chapel, Augusta 
 parish. William G. Jackson, rector. Communi- 
 cants, added sixteen, removed three, died one, 
 total eighty-two — funerals four — marriages, white 
 seven, coloured three, total ten — baptisms, white 
 children twenty-seven, coloured three, white 
 adults two, total thirty-two. Families about sixty- 
 five. 
 
 There are three Bible classes under the care of 
 the rector. The Sunday School is well sustain- 
 ed. It numbers about eighty-five scholars, who 
 are instructed by thirteen teachers. 
 
 It may be well to state, that one of my most 
 valued and beloved parishioners expects to em- 
 bark for Greece early in the ensuing fall. While 
 the parish will deeply feel the loss which it will 
 sustain in the removal of Miss Baldwin, yet it 
 cannot but rejoice in being privileged to add so 
 important a re-enforcement to that missionary sta- 
 tion. 
 
 A scholarship has been established in the Theo- 
 logical Seminary of Virginia, and the first pay- 
 ment (S7.5) made, and $185 contributed to the 
 funds of the same institution. 
 
 The Bible, the Temperance, and other Socie- 
 ties, have not been forgotten in our prayers and 
 alms, and a fund is now raising, by monthly con- 
 tributions, for Domestic and Foreign Missions. 
 
 A plan has been matured for a weekly collec- 
 tion of the charities of the church. 
 
 Norborne parish, Berkeley county. W. P. C. 
 Johnson, rector. Communicants, removed six, 
 present number one hundred and fifteen — bap- 
 tisms, infants, nine — marriages fifteen — funerals 
 four. 
 
 There have been no material changes in this 
 parish since my last report. The- various benevo- 
 lent institutions connected with the church still 
 continue to receive encouragement. There is a 
 large and interesting congregation of coloured 
 persons, to whom I officiate once a month. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. J. T. John- 
 son, rector. Communicants, added eight, remo- 
 ved six, died four, total one hundred and thirty- 
 seven — baptisms, white adults three, white in- 
 fants twenty -one, coloured infants six, total thirty 
 — confirmed twelve — marriages three — funerals 
 twenty-two. Number of families not exactly 
 known. 
 
 Amount collected for different institutions con- 
 nected with the church, $185 65, exclusive of 
 $500, balance due on a new organ. For the gen- 
 eral fund, enclosed, $25. 
 
 The institutions connected with the church 
 are all in a flourishing condition, viz. :— Sunday 
 School, Missionary, and Tract Societies. The 
 number of scholars actually belonging to the 
 Sunday School amount to two hundred and four, 
 sixty-seven in the male department, one hundred 
 and thirty-seven in the female — under the charge 
 of nine male and sixteen female teachers, and 
 two superintendents. Of those added to the 
 communion during the past year, five were teach- 
 ers in the school at the time of their connexion 
 with the church. 
 
 The congregation has been and is steadily in- 
 creasing : the services of the sanctuary are re- 
 markably well attended, and harmony prevails. 
 God grant that all may " hold the faith in unity 
 of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteous- 
 ness of Ufe." 
 
 St. Thomas's Church, Orange county. W. G. 
 H. Jones, rector. Communicants, added one, re- 
 moved three, total thirtv-two — baptisms, adult 
 one, childrea eleven, total twelve — confirmations 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 327 
 
 three — marriages eight — funerals five. Families 
 thirty-two. 
 
 Walker's Church, Albemarle. Communicants, 
 added three, died one, total fifteen — one funeral — 
 confirmations seven. Families ten. 
 
 The new church at Orange courthouse has 
 been completed, and is neat and commodious. 
 Expense about $3,500, about $1,000 of which is 
 still unpaid ; arrangements, however, are making 
 for the removal of the debt, and the rector relies 
 much upon the zeal and self-denial of the ladies 
 of his charge to effect this object. The Orange 
 Female scholarship at the Theological Seminary 
 of Virginia has been completed. There is a Sun- 
 day School of twenty-five or thirty scholars, and a 
 small Bible class of young ladies. The temper- 
 ance cause continues to progress — the number of 
 members in the county not exactly known. The 
 coloured population both in Orange and at Walk- 
 er's Church receive stated services, and the pros- 
 pects in both congregations, upon the whole, are 
 encouraging. 
 
 St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper and Bloom- 
 field parish, Madison oounty. A. H. Lamon, rec- 
 tor. Communicants, added three, removed four- 
 teen, died two, total seventy-seven — baptisms, 
 adult one, children, twenty-one white, two col- 
 oured, total twenty-four — marriages nine— funer- 
 als eight. Amount collected for different institu- 
 tions connected with the church about $120. 
 
 Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier county. 
 Communicants, added seven, two of which are 
 accessions from other parishes, whole number 
 about seventy — baptisms six — marriages nineteen 
 — funerals three. The number of families up- 
 wards of forty. 
 
 The congregation in Hamilton parish is gener- 
 ally good, and frequently very large ,- that in Leeds, 
 comparatively small. There is a Temperance 
 Society within the limits of each parish. 
 
 Kanawha parish. John Martin, rector. Com- 
 municants, Charlestown fourteen ; Coal fourteen ; 
 Saline's three ; total thirty-one — one funeral— one 
 marriage— baptisms seven, adults two. $42 have 
 been collected for the missionary objects of the 
 church, and $1,500 subscribed towards the erec- 
 tion of a church, and the hope is indulged that the 
 building will be commenced during this summer. 
 
 St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. E. C. 
 M'Guire, rector. Communicants, added nine, re- 
 moved six, died three, total one hundred and sixty 
 — baptisms, adults two, infants fourteen, total 
 sixteen — marriages twelve — funerals seventeen. 
 Number of families one hundred. Adults and in- 
 fants five hundred. Sunday School teachers 
 thirty-five, scholars two hundred. Members of 
 Bible class fifty. 
 
 Amount contributed to various institutions, 
 charitable and religious, $1,000, besides $1,040 
 subscribed in April to the Theological Seminary 
 of Virginia. 
 
 In the state of the congregation there is nothing 
 worthy of special notice. Our condition is very 
 much what it was at the period of our last report. 
 
 There is an encouraging amount of zeal and 
 activity with us in behalf of our religious and be- 
 nevolent institutions. 
 
 The Prayer-Book and Tract Society is opera- 
 ting advantageously to the church in our section 
 of the country. The Female Missionary Society 
 have had a useful missionary in their employ for 
 the last five months. 
 
 The temperance reformation has many friends 
 with us. Monthly meetings are held by its mem- 
 bers for the public discussion of subjects connect- 
 ed with this important cause, and a growing inter- 
 est in its behalf seems to prevail. The claims of 
 
 the coloured population have been regarded by us 
 to some extent. 
 
 St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex 
 county. John P. M'Guire, rector. 
 
 St. Anne's. Communicants, added two, total 
 thirty-six, one coloured— baptisms, infants three — 
 confirmations six — marriages two— funerals two. 
 
 South Farnham. Communicants, added eight, 
 formerly omitted three, total thirty-one — baptisms, 
 infants eight— one marriage — funerals four. 
 
 St. Mary's parish, Carolme county. Congrega- 
 tion at Port Royal. Communicants, added one, 
 total sixteen — baptisms, infants two. 
 
 In these parishes, our efforts in behalf of the 
 Missionary Society, and other associations con- 
 nected with the church, are continued. 'I'he pros- 
 pects of the temperance reformation are irupro- 
 ving. The church in Port Royal will soon be 
 ready for consecration. 
 
 The spiritual condition of our congregations has 
 not much improved, except in South Farnham. 
 There more religious feeling has been manifested 
 than at any previous period. 
 
 St. George's and St. James's Churches, Acco- 
 mack county. William H. Mitchel, minister. 
 
 St. George's Church. Communicants, added 
 four, total twenty — famihes tweiity-eight — bap- 
 tisms three — marriages two — funerals two. 
 
 A Bible class has been formed in this con- 
 gregation, which meets once a fortnight in the 
 summer and spring, the number of members vary- 
 ing from ten to twenty. 
 
 St. James's Church. Communicants twenty- 
 two — families forty-five — baptisms, five children, 
 one adi/lt, total six— one funeral. 
 
 A Bible class has been in operation at Drum- 
 mondtown, and another at Onancock, during the 
 past summer and spring. The minister is encour- 
 aged to believe and hope that a greater serious- 
 ness pervades the congregations of which he has 
 the charge, and a greater interest is manifested in 
 the solemn services of the liturgy. An Education 
 Society, established by the ladies of this parish, 
 contributed since the present minister has been 
 officiating there $20. 
 
 Christ Church, Eastville, Northampton county. 
 Eastern shore, Virginia. William H. Mitchell, 
 minister. Communicants, added two, total thirty 
 — families twenty-five — baptisms four — marriages 
 two — funerals three. 
 
 A Bible class has been formed in this congre- 
 gation, numbering twenty, which meets once a 
 fortnight during the spring and summer, when a 
 chapter out of the New Testament is explained, 
 and remarks made by the minister. 
 
 During the summer and spring, a large number 
 of the black population attend a lecture in this 
 church on every other Sunday afternoon. They 
 are taught to unite in the responses of our liturgy, 
 and appear to feel its evangelical power, by the 
 earnestness and solemnity with which they utter 
 devout aspirations. The Female Education So- 
 ciety of this church contributed the last spring 
 $30, and the present spring $35. 
 
 VVestover parish, Charles City county. Alex- 
 ander Norris, rector. Communicants, added four, 
 removed one, died three, total eighteen — bap- 
 tisms, adult one, white infants three, coloured 
 four, total eight — one marriage — funerals sixteen 
 — families about twenty, adults about forty, chil- 
 dren about fifty. 
 
 Amount collected for the different institutions 
 connected with the church, $290 56. 
 
 Though the general aspect of this parish is as 
 good as, under existing circumstances, could rea- 
 sonably be expected, yet it is far from being alto- 
 gether such as we desire. The vacant seats <m 
 
328 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 church days, the feeble response in our public wor- 
 ship, the number of children unbaptized, the want 
 of interest in the church and her institutions, are 
 intimations, too plain lo be misunderstood, that 
 there is much room for improvement. 
 
 Lunenburg and Farnham parishes, Richmond 
 county, and Ycomico Church, Westmoreland. 
 G. W. Nelson, rector. Confirmations seven — 
 communicants, added eight, total thirty-eight— 
 baptisms ten, one adult— one funeral— one mar- 
 riage. 
 
 A Sunday School has been recently established 
 at Lunenburg, and one also at Vcomico. There 
 is a flourishing Temperance Society in each 
 county ; and the cause of temperance is mani- 
 festly gaining ground. Services in the afternoon 
 of the Sabbath have been held in each of the 
 churches for the coloured people, which have gen- 
 erally been well attended. A Female Society, for 
 general religious purposes, has recently been or- 
 ganized in Lunenburg and Ycomico. 
 
 Lexington parish, Amherst county, and Nelson 
 parish. Nelson county. Communicants, added 
 twelve, died one, total seventy-nine— baptisms, 
 one coloured adult, infants nine — marriages nine 
 —funerals eleven. 
 
 The benevolent institutions of the church and 
 country have not been overlooked. The Bible 
 Society, the Education Society, the Domestic 
 and Foreign Missionary Society, the Colonization 
 Society, and the Society for the promotion of 
 Temperance, have received from the friends and 
 members of the church a support, not large, but, 
 like the widow's mite, blessed of heaven. 
 
 The coloured people have shared a portion of the 
 minister's care; in return for which they seem 
 thankful, and it is hoped may be built up in the faith. 
 
 In the death of the Rev. Mr. Black, the churches 
 in Amherst were deprived of a minister, who was 
 zealously employed in the service of his parishion- 
 ers. " But death to him has been gain." " Bles- 
 sed are the dead who die in the Lord." 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. F. G. Smith, 
 rector. Communicants, added five, removed two, 
 deceased two, total sixty-five — baptisms, of white 
 infants five — marriages four — funerals four. 
 
 In behalf of the charities of the church, nothing 
 has been done at all commensurate with their just 
 demands. The attendance on the public services 
 of the church has increased. 
 
 St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county. Will- 
 iam Steel, rector. There is a greater prospect of 
 good resulting from our ministration at present, 
 than at any former time since our removal to this 
 parish. The congregations are greatly increased. 
 Several interesting cases have come to our knowl- 
 edge, of persons who will join the church when 
 opportunity is offered. Communicants, deaths 
 five, removed four, additions four, total thirty- 
 €ight— baptisms fifteen — funerals ten. A new 
 church has been built at Abbyville, and St. 
 James's Church has been removed during the last 
 winter, for the convenience of members, four miles 
 lower down the country. 
 
 Charlotte county. I have attended in this 
 county the two last years, one Sabbath in the 
 month, except in the winter ; and in October last, 
 had the assistance of the Rev. Messrs. Dresser 
 and Clark, at an association. A church is now 
 building, thirty-two by forty-four feet, which will 
 be ready, it is expected, by July. Much interest 
 is felt for the prosperity of our Zion, and the im- 
 pression made on the public mind, so far as we 
 nave heard, is of the most favourable kind. 
 
 I have regularly preached to the coloured peo- 
 ple at Abbvville on my stated days, in the after- 
 noon, for three years past, and am often called to 
 
 officiate at their funerals. The congregations 
 have uniformly been large and attentive. 
 
 Hamilton and Dettingen parishes. Prince Will- 
 iam county. P. Slaughter, jr., rector. Commu- 
 nicants twenty-two — families thirty-five. 
 
 There has been an obvious increase of prayer, 
 and faith, and exertion among the communicants 
 of these parishes ; and some souls have, I trust, 
 passed from darkness to light, who will attach 
 themselves to the communion on the first favour- 
 able opportunity. 
 
 Bristol parish, Dinwiddle county. Andrew 
 Syme, rector. Communicants, added five, died 
 two, total seventy-five — baptisms, adults one, in- 
 fants sixteen, total seventeen— marriages six — 
 deaths nineteen. Amount of collection made for 
 the Education Society, $70. 
 
 Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. C. 
 C. Taliaferro, rector. Communicants, added 
 thirteen, died one, total thirty-nine— funerals 
 two — baptisms, children twelve — three Sunday 
 Schools, and two Bible classes. We have one 
 male and two female Education Societies. Col- 
 lected for objects connected with the church, 
 about $220. 
 
 A mite Missionary Society was formed in Jan- 
 uary, which promises to do much good. 
 
 The African chapel, referred to in my last re- 
 port, has not been built, but arrangements are now 
 making to have it erected early in the summer. 
 I still continue my attention to the poor sons of 
 Africa around me, and believe my preaching to 
 them is not in vain. Of the beneficial influence 
 of Bible classes and prayer-meetings, I have had 
 abundant evidence the past year. Of twelve or fif- 
 teen persons who were members, or who con- 
 stantly attended our Bible class meetings, every 
 one has professed to be converted, and become 
 united lo some church in credible profession. 
 Thus the word of God, though sown in much 
 weakness, was blessed of Him who alone can 
 make it efficacious. But for providential circum- 
 stances, others would have been added to the 
 communion and reported now. 
 
 Harrison and Monongaha counties. WiUiam 
 Norvell Ward, missionary. Communicants sev- 
 en—baptisms, one adult, infants four— one mar- 
 riage — funerals two~a Sunday School at Clarks- 
 burg promising much good, number of scholars 
 sixty. 
 
 Christ Church and North Garden Church, Al- 
 bemarle county, and Rockfish Church, Nelson 
 county. Communicants, added seven, total fifty- 
 two— baptisms, white infants five — one marriage 
 — funerals two. 
 
 The officiating minister reports that he first un- 
 dertook this charge in October last. Provision 
 has since been made for the erection of two 
 churches, and for the completion of a third, all of 
 which are now in progress. Sunday Schools and 
 services for the blacks have recently been estab- 
 lished. The system of weekly charily is com- 
 manding some attention, and the hope is fondly 
 cherished that these churches will acquit them- 
 selves of their obligations to the various institu- 
 tions of benevolence. J. P. B. Wilmer. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk 
 county. John H. Wingfield, rector. Marriages 
 eleven— baptisms, one adult, infants twenty-two, 
 total twenty-three— confirmed four— communi- 
 cants, removed five, died one, total thirty-four — 
 funerals fifteen — families (containing 150 adults 
 and 100 children) fifty-seven— Sunday School, 
 teachers eight, scholars thirty-five— Bible class 
 twelve. Amount collected for religious purposes 
 about $75. 
 
 Since the last Convention, by the exertions of 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 329 
 
 the ladies of the congregation, the debt due for 
 the rebuilding of the church has been fully dis- 
 charged ; an«l the state of the parish now, in out- 
 ward things, is more prosperous than it has ever 
 been since 1 took charge of it in 1822. 1 regret 
 that I cannot say as much respecting its spiritual 
 condition. Though religious services are as 
 abundant and more so than ever, yet there is a 
 general indifference on the subject of personal 
 piety, which prevails to a lamentable extent. 
 " All seek too much their own, not the things 
 which are Jesus Christ's." 
 
 During the last summer and fall, I preached reg- 
 ularly once a fortnight, on a week day, in Prmcess 
 Anne county, to a few members of the church in 
 that parish ; but the prospect of doing good there 
 by such labours is not at all encouraging. 
 
 Christ Church, Richmond. George Wood- 
 bridge, rector. Communicants, added seven, re- 
 moved five, died two, total seventy-eight — bap- 
 tisms, one adult, infants three. There have been 
 five confirmations, two marriages, and six funer- 
 als. Amount collected for institutions connected 
 with the church, about $360. The ladies have, 
 during the present year, raised about $800 by 
 means of a fair, for the erection of a lecture and 
 Sunday School room, which is now nearly com- 
 pleted. The Sunday School numbers seventy- 
 five scholars and twenty teachers. 
 
 St. Martin's parish, Culpepper county. John 
 W. Woodville, minister. The congregations in 
 this parish are large and attentive, and there is 
 an increasing interest on the all-important subject 
 of religion. Episcopal families twenty — commu- 
 nicants twenty-six. 
 
 Russell parish, Bedford county. D. M. Whar- 
 ton, minister. Number of Episcopal families 
 about sixty. Regular places of preaching four. 
 Contributed to benevolent objects, near $300. 
 
 I have been in the temporary charge of the 
 churches in Russell parish since September last. 
 Three fourths of my time have been devoted to 
 this parish, and one fourth to Botetourt parish, Bo- 
 tetourt county. While the general state of reli- 
 gion throughout the scene of his labours is a 
 cause of humiliation rather than rejoicing on 
 the part of the rector, yet he humbly indulges the 
 hope that his imperi'ect ministrations have not 
 been wholly unprofitable. 
 
 Botetourt parish, Botetourt county. Commu- 
 nicants, added three, removed one, total sixteen— 
 baptisms, children two. 
 
 The rector has no material change to report in 
 the state of this parish. He has been able to 
 preach once a month regularly at two places. 
 The desire manifested on the part of the few 
 friends of the church here to have the services of 
 a minister, encourages the belief that the church 
 must increase when they shall be blessed with the 
 faithful, constant labours of a servant of Christ. 
 
 Bruton parish, Williamsburg. A. Empie, rec- 
 tor. Communicants, added three, removed three, 
 died three, present total sixty-one, including two 
 coloured persons— baptisms, white infants seven, 
 coloured three, total ten — marriages three, all 
 white — funerals eleven, of whom four only belong- 
 ed to the parish, viz., three adults and one child ; 
 of the rest, two were coloured and two children — 
 number of families about fifty-two ; of adults one 
 hundred and twenty-six ; of children eighty ; cate- 
 chumens twenty ; scholars in the Sunday School 
 forty ; teachers do. six ; members of the female Bi- 
 ble class twenty — amount of collections for the dif- 
 ferent religious institutions of the church, $40. 
 
 Through the spirited and persevering exertions 
 of one lady in the congregation, aided by the ef- 
 forts and contributions of many other parishioners, 
 
 the church has been furnished with a very neat 
 and suitable organ. 
 
 Christ Church, Winchester. J. E. Jackson, 
 rector. Communicants, added eight, removed 
 nine, died one, suspended one, total one hundred 
 and six— baptisms, one white adult, infants thir- 
 teen—marriages four — funerals six. 
 
 The congregation at Mill Creek continue large 
 and attentive ; there are forty -two communicants 
 — one marriage— baptisms two. 
 
 St. Paul's parish, King George county. Com- 
 municants, removed three, died two, total twenty- 
 five — baptisms three — marriages two — funerals 
 five. 
 
 No visible improvement in the temporal or spir- 
 itual condition of this parish since the last report. 
 Zachariah H. Goldsmith, Rector. 
 
 Brunswick parish Communicants, removed 
 three, added one, total nine— baptisms two — one 
 confirmation — one funeral. An evident decline 
 in the temporal and spiritual condition of this 
 parish. Zachariah H. Goldsmith, Rector. 
 
 University of Virginia. The undersigned re- 
 ports, that in compliance with the wishes of the 
 Convention, as expressed at its last session in 
 Staunton, he removed, in the month of Septem- 
 ber, to the University of Virginia, at which place 
 he has been officiating during the present session. 
 While he cannot say that his labours have been 
 greatly blessed, he is yet persuaded that they have 
 not been altogether in vain. He is confident that 
 a religious influence is decidedly gaining ground, 
 and he looks forward, with pleasing anticipations, 
 to the time when that institution will send forth 
 many champions in the cause of the gospel. 
 
 There is manifested a great regard for religion 
 and its ordinances ; and the undersigned can truly 
 say, that he never preached to a more orderly and 
 attentive congregation than at the University of 
 Virginia. He has been uniformly treated with 
 respect and kindness by the faculty and the stu- 
 dents ; indeed, he should feel himself ungrateful 
 if he did not bear this public testimony to the 
 kindness and liberality manifested towards him, as 
 well by the students as by the different families 
 connected with the institution. Among the stu- 
 dents are some ten or twelve who are members of 
 different churches ; these young men have been 9, 
 great comfort and support to the officiating minis- 
 ter, and though of different churches, have been 
 literally a band of brothers. For several sessions 
 they have kept up among themselves a weekly 
 prayer-meeting, in which the cause of religion at 
 that institution is a special subject of supplication. 
 If ever the undersigned has heard earnest and fer- 
 vent prayers, it has been while listening to those 
 pious young men praying for a spiritual blessing 
 on the University of Virginia. 
 
 There is now in operation, and has been for 
 several sessions, a Sunday School, under the su- 
 pervision of the young men ; this school, thoug;h 
 necessarily small, is admirably conducted, and is 
 in a most flourishing state. A Bible Society has 
 also been formed, of which about ninety of the 
 students are members. N. H. Cobbs. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Edward C. M Guire, 
 
 Resolved, That when this Convention shall 
 adjourn, it do so to meet in Fredericksburg, on 
 the third Wednesday in May next. 
 
 And then the house adjourned to 4 o'clock 
 this afternoon. 
 
 Saturday Afternoon. 
 
 The Rev. Charles H. Page, Hugh Nelson, 
 and Thomas N. Burwell, Esqrs., resigned as 
 members of the standing committee. 
 
330 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 On motion of the Rev. Dr. Empie, 
 Resolved^ That this Convention, in accord- 
 ance with the suggestion contained in the re- 
 port of the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, do warm- 
 ly recommend the Southern Churchman, edited 
 by the Rev. WiiUam F. Lee, to the support and 
 patronage of this diocess, and that the clergy 
 and laity be requested to use all their influence 
 to extend its circulation. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Berkeley, from the committee 
 on the treasurer's account, made the following 
 report, which was accepted : — 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the treas- 
 urer's account for examination, ask leave respect- 
 fully to report, that they have performed the duty 
 assigned them, and, comparing the several items 
 with the accompanying vouchers, find all correct. 
 The balance in the hands of the treasurer, .as per 
 account, is $508 84. 
 
 The Rev. William V. Bowers made the fol- 
 lowing report, which was accepted. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the 
 treasurer's account, &c., of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Missionary Society of Virginia, beg 
 leave to present the following as the treasurer's 
 report, which appears to be correct. 
 
 The Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society 
 of the Diocess of Virginia, in account with 
 G. M. Carrington, treasurer, Dr. 
 
 1834, May 17.— To cash paid Rev. P. 
 
 F. Berkeley, $50 00 
 
 1835, May 15. — To balance in hand this 
 
 day, 36 97 
 
 $86 97 
 
 1834. Cr. 
 
 May 15. — By balance on hand per state- 
 ment of the former treasurer, - - $61 97 
 May 30. — Amount received from the 
 Prayer-Book and Tract Society of 
 Williamsburg, per Dr. Empie, - 20 00 
 
 Amount received from Miss M. W 
 
 Harrison, per the Rev. Mr. Norris, 5 00 
 
 $86 97 
 
 In addition to the above balance of thirty-six 
 dollars and ninety-seven cents, there is in the 
 hands of the treasurer the scrip for four shares 
 of the stock Of the Bank of Virginia, and for 
 three shares of the stock of the Farmers' Bank 
 of Virginia, on which there is an undrawn divi- 
 dend due for the last twelve months, amounting 
 to about $40. The Virginia Bank stock is 
 worth at this time about $110, and that of the 
 Farmers' Bank about $108 per share. 
 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 G. M. Carrington, Treasurer. 
 
 The Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Edmund I. 
 Lee, and John Hooff, Esqrs., were elected mem- 
 bers of the standing committee, in the place of 
 the Rev. Charles H. Page, Hugh Nelson, and 
 Thomas N. Burwell, Esqrs., resigned. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of 
 this Convention be tendered, through the rector 
 of this church, to the ministers and congrega- 
 tions of the several churches in this town, for 
 the liberal and kind olTer of their churches for 
 
 public worship during the sitting of this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this body are 
 due, and are hereby tendered, to the inhabitants 
 of Lynchburg, for their kindness and hospitality 
 to the members of this Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay the expenses of the secretary in attending 
 this Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to 
 pay the doorkeeper of the Convention ten dol- 
 lars. 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary be requested to 
 transmit annually a copy of the Journal of this 
 Convention to the secretary of the several Con- 
 ventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 and of the General Convention, with a request 
 for an exchange. 
 
 Resolved, That fifteen hundred copies of the 
 minutes of this Convention be printed, and dis- 
 tributed among the parishes of this diocess. 
 
 Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec- 
 retary of the General Convention $60, as the 
 quota of this diocess, to defray the expenses of 
 the last General Convention. 
 
 Resolved, That the funds collected by week- 
 ly contributions on the plan suggested by Bishop 
 Moore, be paid into the hands of the treasurer 
 of the Missionary Society, to be appropriated by 
 that society as they shall deem expedient. 
 
 The following additional canon was adopted : 
 
 The election of deputies to the General Con- 
 vention shall be held triennially, at the meeting 
 of the Convention next preceding the General 
 Convention, and the delegates elected shall 
 hold their oflfice until a new election take place. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. George Woodbridge, 
 Mr. Hilary Baker, and Mr. George M. Carring- 
 ton, be a committee to raise by assessment 
 among the different parishes, having reference 
 to the number of communicants reported to the 
 Convention, the sum of $300, to be paid to 
 Bishop Moore, at the next Convention, for his 
 episcopal services ; and that said committee 
 inform the clergyman of each parish of the pro- 
 portion required from his parish ; and. 
 
 Resolved, That the clergy be required to raise 
 the sum so assessed, and pay it at the next Con- 
 vention. 
 
 The Convention proceeded to the choice of 
 the executive committee of the Missionary So- 
 ciety, which resulted in the election of Mr. 
 Hilary Baker as secretary, Mr. George M. Car- 
 rington as treasurer, and the Rev. Edward C. 
 M'Guire, William F. Lee, Nicholas H. Cobbs, 
 John Grammer, Adam Empie, D. D., George 
 Woodbridge, Thomas Jackson, and Messrs. John 
 Nelson, Joseph Gill, and Orrin Williams, as 
 members of the executive committee. 
 
 The following eight delegates were duly elect- 
 ed to represent this diocess in the next General 
 Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
 in the United States of America, viz. : — the Rev. 
 Nicholas H. Cobbs, Thomas Jackson, William 
 F. Lee, E. C. M'Guire, and John Nelson, Ed- 
 ward C. Colston, Wm. H. M'Farland, and Hugh 
 Nelson, Esqrs. 
 
 Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Wingfield and 
 
CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 331 
 
 the Rev. Mr. Lee be a committee to examine 
 the Journals of this Convention from the first 
 organization of the church in this diocess, to 
 ascertam and report what resolutions have at 
 various times been passed by this body, and 
 still remain in force ; and which of such resolu- 
 tions, if any, ought to be rescinded and abolish- 
 ed, and which ought to stand as the judgment 
 and declarations of this body; and that they 
 report to the next Convention. 
 
 The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, the Rev. Mr. 
 Thomas Jackson, and the Rev. Mr. Lee, were 
 appointed a committee to prepare a report of the 
 state of the church in this diocess for the next 
 General Convention. 
 
 Resolved, Th;it the treasurer pay to the del- 
 egates to the General Convention their ex- 
 penses in attending the same. 
 
 Resolved, That the Convention do now ad- 
 journ, after the singing of the 133d Psalm and 
 prayer, with the benediction by the bishop. 
 William Meade, 
 Assistant Bishop of the Diocess of Virginia. 
 
 Hilary Bakkr, Secretary. 
 
 Revised Constitution, 
 
 As adopted at the Convention in Lynchhurgy in 
 May, 1835. 
 
 Art. L There shall be a Convention of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this state on the 
 third Wednesday in May every year : but the 
 Convention which meets in the year previous to 
 the meeting of the General Convention, may 
 Rave power to appoint the time and place of 
 meeting for the next annual session; and in the 
 event of the existence of an epidemic disease, 
 or any other good cause, rendering it necessary 
 or expedient to alter the place fixed on for any 
 meeting of the Convention, the bishop may 
 change the place or the time, or both, at his 
 discretion. 
 
 Art. n. The Convention shall be composed 
 of the officiating ministers who have been reg- 
 ularly and canonically elected in parishes and 
 churches within this slate, and within that part 
 of the territory of Columbia formerly part of this 
 state ; professors of the Theological Seminary 
 of Virginia ; missionaries acting under the au- 
 thority of the bishop and within the diocess ; and 
 of those whom age or infirmity prevents from 
 exercising their clerical functions, who shall be 
 considered members ex-njfficio. No person un- 
 der ecclesiastical censure or process shall be 
 entitled to a seat in the Convention. The Con- 
 vention shall also be composed of lay members, 
 consisting of one delegate from each parish, 
 chosen by the vestry thereof. Every parish, 
 having more than one officiating minister who 
 hath been regularly and canonically elected, 
 shall be entitled to send as many lay delegates 
 as it has ministers, and in every case the dele- 
 gate or delegates shall be communicants in the 
 church. 
 
 Art. in. Twelve members of the clerical, 
 and twelve of the lay order, shall constitute a 
 quorum for the transaction of business ; but a 
 smaller number may adjourn. 
 
 Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be- 
 fore the Convention, the clergy and laiiy shall 
 deliberate in one body, and the concurrence of 
 a majority shall give validity lo any measure ; 
 but, when three members require it, there shall 
 be a vote by orders. 
 
 Art. V. The election of a bishop of this 
 church shall be made in Convention, in the fol- 
 lowing manner : — The order of the clergy shall 
 nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and 
 qualified clergyrnan for that office, and the votes 
 of a majority of that order shall be requisite to 
 constitute a choice ; and thereupon such ap- 
 pointment shall be presented to the order of the 
 lay delegates, and be considered by them ; and 
 if, on a ballot, it shall appear that the person so 
 nominated is approved of by a majority of the 
 lay order, he shall be then declared to be duly 
 elected. 
 
 Art. VI. The bishop shall be president of 
 the Convention ; in which character it shall be 
 his duty to give to the Convention, annually, a 
 general view of the state of the church ; to call 
 special Conventions at whatever time and place 
 he shall think necessary, or when required by 
 the standing committee ; to preserve order du- 
 ring the time of session ; to put the question, 
 collect the votes, and declare the decision ; and 
 he may deliver his sentiments on any subject 
 after it has been discussed, before a vote thereon. 
 
 Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis- 
 copal office, the Convention, immediately upon 
 their assembhng, shall choose, by joint ballot, a 
 president from among the order of priests, who 
 shall remain in office until the next annual Con- 
 vention, or until the next election of a president. 
 He shall perform all duties and possess all the 
 privileges above specified ; but he shall not call 
 special meetings of the Convention, unless ap- 
 plied to for that purpose by a majority of the 
 standing committee ; and if, while there is a 
 bishop in this church, he shall not be present at 
 any meeting of the Convention, they shall elect, 
 in the manner aforesaid, a president pro tem- 
 pore. 
 
 Art. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed by 
 the Convention, who shall continue in office 
 during good behaviour. His duty shall be to 
 make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve 
 their journals and records, to attest the public 
 acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into 
 the hands of his successor all books and papers, 
 relative to the concerns of the Convention, 
 which may be in his possession. It shall be his 
 duty to notify, through the channel of the public 
 papers, as he may think proper, the time and 
 place for the meeting of the succeeding Con- 
 vention. The secretary shall annex to the jour- 
 nals of every succeeding Convention a list of the 
 clergy, with all alterations therein produced in 
 the preceding year by ordinations, deaths, re- 
 movals, suspensions, and degradations. 
 
 Art. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by 
 the Convention, who shall continue m office 
 during good behaviour, and who shall discbarge 
 the duties usually appertaining to that offic«. 
 
 Art. X. Before the adjournment of each an- 
 nual Convention, a standing committee, consist- 
 
332 
 
 CONVENTION OF 1835. 
 
 ing of SIX members, three clerical and three of 
 the lay order, who shall be communicants of the 
 church in the diocess, shall be chosen by a bal- 
 lot of the clergy and laity. 
 
 Art. XI. Every parish within this diocess 
 shall be entitled to the entire benefit of this 
 constitution, as soon as it shall have signified 
 its ratification thereof, either in writing or by 
 sending a lay delegate to the Convention ; and 
 such parish shall thereafter be benefited and 
 bound, equally with the other parishes in this 
 diocess, by every rule and canon which shall be 
 framed, by any Convention acting under this 
 
 constitution, for the government of this church 
 in ecclesiastical concerns. 
 
 Art. XII. This constitution shall be unalter- 
 able, except in the following manner : — A prop- 
 osition for any change shall be introduced in 
 writing, and considered in Convention ; and, if 
 approved of, the same shall be transmitted to 
 the several vestries of the parishes which shall 
 have ratified this constitution ; and, if again 
 approved of in the next ensuing Convention by 
 a majority, the change shall then take place, 
 and the constitution, so altered, shall be valid 
 and obligatory. 
 
 THE END. 
 
I'His 
 
 ^^os: IS 
 
 
 .T«'s eooi^f ^sseo 
 
 ^INB 
 
 OF 26 
 
 
.IT*". 
 
 YC 45191 
 
 fis' 
 
 v./ 
 
 <:^ «#•