to a large and orderly congregation, administered confirmation to a number, and heard the catechumens examined by the Rev. Mr. Hall, its minister. The Rev. Mr. Morehouse also assisted in the divine service. This congregation have made some convenient alterations and improvements in the interior of their church. Neither in this church, nor in the church of Salem, had confirmation ever been administered previously to this visit. From Colestown I proceeded, in company with Mr. Morehouse, to Mount-Holly, and on Friday evening, the 13th instant, I officiated in St. Andrew's church in that place. On the following Sunday I preached twice in the same church, and also heard its rector, the Rev. Mr. Morehouse, examine the children and young persons in the catechism. This congregation appear to be increas. ing, and have lately purchased a handsome organ for their church, by which their sacred music is already improved. On Thursday, the 19th instant, I attended in the city of Philadelphia, as a mem ber, the stated annual meeting of the board of directors of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Church in the United States. From the report of the executive committee of that body, it appears that several missionaries are successfully employed in the remote parts of our country, as well among some of the Indian tribes as among the white inhabitants of our communion who have emigrated thither. Before I conclude the account of my visitations, I cannot but take notice of the handsome improvements which I perceived were made in this church on my arrival here yesterday. The exterior of the building has been so completely repaired, that it exhibits, in fact, an entire new and handsome edifice. Great credit is certainly due to the members of this church, so comparatively few in number, for their zeal and liberality in effecting these improve. ments. The number of persons confirmed since the convention in August last, has been 67. I have ordained within that period five persons-two to the order of priests, and three to the order of deacons; one of which only for this diocese, the others for the diocese of New-York. The institutions, in the same time, have been three. The Rev. John Croes, jun. resigned the rectorship of Christ church, Shrewsbury, and Christ church, Middletown, early in September last; and since that time, has been performing missionary duties to the vacant churches in the diocese. He has lately, however, accepted an invitation from the Episcopalians at Paterson, one of his missionary stations, to become their minister, and has accordingly taken up his residence among them. The Rev. Eli Wheeler, lately of the diocese of New-York, has removed to this diocese, and taken charge, as rector-elect, of Christ church, Shrewsbury, and Christ church, Middletown. The Rev. Robert B. Croes, a deacon of this diocese, has, by a letter dimissory to the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, bishop of the diocese of Virginia, been transferred to that diocese. The Rev. R. D. Hall has, in addition to his other cures, taken charge of St. John's church, Chew's Landing. The Rev. Charles Smith has resigned his charge of the churches at Salem and Penn's Neck, and is now engaged as a missionary to the vacant churches in the diocese. The Rev. John Grigg has resigned his charge of Christ chapel, Belleville. The Rev. Matthew Matthews, late a deacon in the diocese of Pennsylvania, has, by a letter dimissory from the Right Rev. Dr. White, been transferred to this diocese, and is now officiating, by direction, in Christ chapel, Belleville. I am happy to state to you, in conclusion, that the church in this diocese, through the blessing of its Divine Head, has not been suffered to decline, either in its spiritual or temporal circumstances, since last we assembled to be made acquainted with its welfare and progress, and to consult for its best interests. On the contrary, it has continued to ad-` vance with the same-slow indeed-but uniform and steady progress, which has marked its steps for several of the preceding years. Two more of the vacant churches are now supplied with the stated services of clergymen, than was mentioned in my address at the last convention. The several funds created for its benefit are still increasing, and continue to promise the most happy effects. Under the impression of these distinguished favours, can we do less than offer our most grateful acknowledgments to their divine source, Gon, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and give renewed evidences of our endeavours to please and serve him, and thus promote his glory. I now offer the parochial reports, which have been presented to me by the proper officers of the several congregations in the diocese, that they may be read for the information of the convention, and inserted in the journal. JOHN CROES. Perth-Amboy, May 25, 1825. The parochial reports furnish the following aggregate:Baptisms (adults 29, children 106, not specified 42) 177 Marriages 44-Funerals 75-Cate chumens 172--Sunday Scholars 359Communicants 641. : The following sums were reported 68 60 The proposition offered by A. O. Dayton, Esq. at the last convention, in the following words, viz. "That the first article of the constitution be altered, by the insertion of the word Salem, between the words Perth-Amboy and Burlington," was also called up and unanimously adopted. The following appointments were made: Standing Committee - The Rev. Charles H. Wharton, D. D., the Rev. John C. Rudd, D. D., the Rev. James Chapman, the Rev. John Croes, jun.; Robert Boggs, William P. Deare, Peter Kean, and James Parker, Esqrs, Delegates to the General Convention The Rev. Charles H. Wharton, D. D., the Rev. John C. Rudd, D. D., the Rev. James Chapman, the Rev. John Croes, jun.; Peter Kean, James Parker, Joseph V. Clark, Esq., and Dr. P. F. Glentworth. On motion of the Rev. Dr. Rudd, resolved, That this convention perceive with pleasure the formation of societies in several congregations, for the purpose of increasing the Missionary Fund; and while they consider the exertions of the ladies of Christ church, New. Brunswick, St. John's church, Salem, St. Mary's church, Burlington, and St. Peter's church, Perth-Amboy, as deserving much commendation, they indulge the hope, that the other congregations of the diocese will soon be able to make similar efforts, **The next annual convention will be held at Salem, on the last Wednes day in May, 1826. The following is an appendix to the journal of the above convention : The board of directors to whom is confided the appropriation of the Missionary Fund, beg leave to make the following re. port to the convention :→ That after the sitting of the last convention, they engaged the Rev. John Croes, jun. who had resigned his charge as rector of Christ church, Shrewsbury, to act as a missionary to the vacant churches, at a salary of $400 per annum; that Mr. Croes continued to perform his duty faithfully for the space of six months, viz. from 1st September to the 1st March ensuing, when taking charge of the Episcopal association he resigned his office, in consequence of at Paterson, now St. Paul's church. The report of his mission is annexed. J. Croes, jun. reports, that he entered sionary on the 1st of September, 1824, and upon the discharge of his duties as miscontinued the same six months. During that period he officiated every third Sunday to the congregation at Paterson, with the exception of one, on which he exchanged duties with the Rev. Dr. Rudd. Two services were performed each time, making the whole number, on Sundays, 18. He also attended one funeral, and preached on a week day; and baptized, at different times, seven children. He officiated twelve times on Sundays to the Episcopalians at Morristown, six times on Sundays, and once on a week day, at Trinity church, Woodbridge; the same number of times on Sundays in St. James's church, days. These two places not being far disPiscataway, and several times on week tant, he always preached at both on the same Sunday. In St. Thomas's, Alexandria, he officiated only four times, being prevented once from attending by the badness of the roads, and at another time when he attended, no part of the congregation appearing in consequence of the inclemency of the weather. He also administered the communion at this place and at Morristown. At the house of Mr. Robert Sharp in Amwell he officiated twice. His missionary engagement expired on the 1st of March; he however continued to officiate at Paterson every third Sunday till the last of April, when, in consequence of an intheir minister, he removed thither, and vitation from the Episcopalians to become took charge of that congregation. He made collections only at Piscataway and Woodbridge, the other congregations hav ing been required by the president of the board of directors to give a specified sum instead of the usual collections. In the former place he collected four dollars fifty cents, in the latter four dollars. The prospects at Paterson and Morristown he considers as encouraging. At Paterson, as will be seen from his parochial report, efforts are making to build a church; and in Morristown it is very probable the same thing might be accomplished, if a clergyman could be settled there. In all the congregations that he visited, he was very kindly received, and was gratified in finding among Episcopalians generally, an unabated attachment to their church, The board further report, that they had allowed the Rev. Mr. Ward, acting in part as a missionary to the churches at Spots. wood and Freehold, the sum of $25 for All which is respectfully submitted. JOHN CROES, President. From the report of the treasurer of the convention, it appears that the receipts of the past year were $1003 734, and the expenditures $746 25; and that the present amount of the fund is $3898 34. The receipts into the Episcopal Fund were $676 40; and the expenses therefrom $650. The whole amount of the Episcopal Fund is $1606 7. The fund for the Bishop Croes Scholarship in the General Theological Seminary had increased $161 80; and amounted in the aggregate to $959 80. The clergy of the diocese of NewJersey are, the bishop, 15 presbyters, and 1 deacon. Total 17. For the Christian Journal. perceived that there is a vitality in religious matters such as might be wished. Still may the work, under Providence, be advancing; though I must assure you there is great difficulty even in keeping much to religion in the conversation resulting from our visits. On this point I have some fears of failing, as the tempter is apt to assume so many flattering and various shapes. There are many of this congregation still unbaptized, who are quite regular in their attendance, but have not any just idea whatever of the necessity of that ordinance: it must, therefore, be a work of time and opportunity to set this matter before them in a proper point of view: to fail in an attempt of this sort would be impolitic in the outset, as well as prejudicial to the interest of the cause. The catechism business is all that can now be set on foot; even this required some perseverance, for it was said there were none, or but very few children; and indeed I had seen but some five or six ever at church. The truth turned out to be as I expected; for children ward. We met a few, however, at their were not properly urged to come forhomes, who seemed pleased at the idea of saying catechism: so it was given out from the desk, and the first day after there appeared nine baptized children, for none others had been invited. This measure has given an additional incentive to our labours, as it has press advantages of urging their children to attend the church services, and exciting a laudable ambition, which cannot be excited so well by private as by public catechism. Interiour of a Parish.-No. II. It is not intended in these communications to make any exposure of either doctrines or sects, nor a close ap-ed upon the minds of parents the great plication to individual feeling or interest; but a representation generally of those religious impressions, duties, and incidents, which, in the "interiour of a parish," may reasonably be presumed to transpire. In our walks there is need of much circumspection, and holy conversation, and prayer, that we may be directed aright; but the Lord has promised to bless those that seek him diligently. Let us, therefore, strive to persevere in all things in the way which is pointed out to us, that we may be spiritually blessed in our journey through life. Since my last communication I must confess that my interest has increased each Sunday, on beholding an additional number of people in church. Notwithstanding this, it cannot yet be And besides, there has another material benefit resulted from this exercise; and that is, an inculcation of the necessity of placing children, as early as possible, under the care of the church. This matter, of children not being properly the care of the church until baptized, had not been previously viewed in a proper light; but, in consequence of the arrangements here adopted, a more mature consideration has taken place. Since my last communication, I have had an opportunity of witnessing one of the most gratifying and interesting offices which can be afforded the gospel minister. The wife of one of this congregation, being a member but not a communicant, and the husband being of another denomination, had seven children unbaptized. They had for a long time neglected this solemn rite, instituted by the great Head of our church, by which her members were to be introduced; but now began to weigh this matter more seriously. They were both disposed that their children should be baptized, verily be lieving the Scriptures to be the word, and Jesus Christ to be the Son of God. There was no hesitation therefore, on the part of the minister, to comply with their wishes. This I very humbly conceive to be the meaning of the command, nor can it easily be imagined how any religious denomination can undertake to restrict the import of the words, "Go into all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The day was accordingly appointed, and an assemblage of about thirty people present at a private house. They were composed chiefly of the relatives and a few neighbours, one of whom also brought forward an infant to participate in the ordinance. Seven children, from fourteen to three years of age, and the infant, were baptized, ranged according to birthright, and forming an exceedingly interesting scene. The ceremony was solemn and imposing. May the Lord bless this work which he has already commenced. Q. E. D. The Death-bed of Eliza. From the parish journal of a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church. ELIZA was formed by the hand of nature, to exhibit to the world a fine specimen of the cheerful and cheering gaiety of innocence, in the spring season of female loveliness "When life, like a sunny stream, is stealing her much-loved parents. The once-happy family was broken up and separated; and Eliza never smiled more. During my ac ful brow was constantly adorned with the quaintance with her, however, her beautibeams of a devout and resigned spirit: though pale, they were not altogether cheerless. The severely trying circumstance above named, drove Eliza from her no longer comfortable home. She could not endure to stay even in the neighbourhood where she had witnessed, and would be constantly reminded of the ruin and degradation of her late respectable family. She left the beautiful and romantic shores of the Hudson, to reside with a kind and worthy aunt in the city. While there, her needle and her book too much engrossed her time, to allow her that portion of exercise which her former habits and present health required. Her retiring and sedentary habit gave a predominant advantage to the cor had faded on her cheek, and the diamond roding operations of memory. The rose brilliancy of her eye was rapidly softening into common brightness, when her friends perceived that she was loudly threatened with an attack of consumption, that voracious monster whose wide extended jaws annually devour so many thousands of the fair and lovely part of the creation. She was persuaded to return, but with a sad and sickening reluctance, to her nastoration of her former health. Her much tive plains, in hopes to find there the reinjured, forsaken mother, was drawing out her unhappy existence in my parish. I had never before seen her lovely, heartbroken Eliza. She was yet young, and still beautiful. The bloom of youth, how. ever, though early, had begun to fade away, and the brightness of her beauty to grow dim; for the relentless enemy that had seized her, had already plunged his deadly fangs into the very core of her constitution. But that fading bloom had in it something far more heavenly and heartsearching, than even the most perfect tints that Hygeia's pencil could ever produce. And though the shafts of her beauty were could never more easily find access to the less bright and keen than formerly, they feeling heart, nor more copiously make its blood to flow. It seemed impossible to look upon Eliza, and not deeply to feel an interest for her. In every word, and look, and gesture, she seemed endowed with an irresistible power to increase that interest. She neither said nor did aught that you were not compelled to approve; and while the tear of sympathy would steal into your eye, and half hide her from your sight, you were fancying that her thoughts were ascending as sweet incense to approving heaven. But, with poor Eliza this joyous season soon passed away. Gladsome mirth was early exchanged for sorrowing and sadness. In the form of a "meaner angel" of her own sex, a demon of discord was introduced into her hitherto peaceful habi- Her native air seemed to revive her tation, and for ever severed the hearts of wasting health and life. But the revival was of short duration. She was lifted up, but to accelerate her fall. It was soon seen, that she was going down rapidly to the grave. We hoped her passage might be smooth and easy. Alas! it was otherwise determined, in the inscrutable councils of heaven. For many weeks previous to her departure, she suffered almost constant and excruciating pain Shall I at tempt to describe, with what patience, with what resignation, nay, with what cheerfulness, and even thankfulness, she endured the cross thus laid upon her? No, I will not dwell on this circumstance; for there are few that can comprehendfew who will believe, that cheerfulness and comfort of mind can dwell with a body agonized by pains and sufferings, to which death alone can offer relief-which death alone can assuage. From the time of her confinement to her room, until her soul returned to God who gave it, I visited her almost daily: for I felt, that to converse and to pray with her, conduced both to happiness and to holiness. On these occasions, from her heavenly appearance, and more heavenly remarks-together with the blessed influences of religious services, performed in sincerity and love-I always found myself -my thoughts and affections-by some unearthly impulse, disposed to leave this tenement of clay, and to ascend "to fairer worlds on high." For, in Eliza's dying chamber, it was impossible to doubt the existence of another and a better world than this; or that it was made for such spirits as the one which was about to leave her emaciated body, to be perfected there. The sun had not ascended far above the horizon, one calm and lovely morning in June, when I left my study to walk to the humble home of Eliza's forlorn and afflict ed mother. Every thing around me-all nature seemed an unspotted mirror, reflecting the benignant smile of the Creator. The varied colours of the rainbow of the west, "bending its blue and crimson arch in heaven," gave a celestial, unusual lustre to the beauteous scenery; and the birds, as if in acknowledgment of its charms, sung as they beheld it, with unwonted sweetness and animation. The earth had put on her "robe of summer green"-it looked fresh and new; and the sun seemed pleased with the employment of reluming the pearls that garnished her. I had never seen such a morning; nor had I ever, to the full, enjoyed such feelings as it inspired. It seemed to my heaven-delighted fancy, that an angel had been commissioned to develop, in the works of nature, an illustrious and a brilliant exemplification of the divine goodness; and that, to confirm the heavenly impression that per fect beauty was intended to stamp on the heart, he had painted that beautiful bow of hope and peace on a silken cloud, pre pared in the laboratory of the skies for that exclusive purpose. I stopped-looked around me-and in the ecstacy of my admiration, forgot every attribute of the Deity but his goodnessforgot that there was any such thing as evil in the world. The thought of poor Eliza, languishing on her bed of sickness, pain, and death, crossed my recollection and the too-delightful vision fled. The surprising beauty and loveliness of the morning was contemplated as a phenomenon ; and the world and its Maker appeared to my recovered senses, in the awful majesty of the truth of nature and of revelation. I hastened on my way, endeavouring to call to mind something that might convey comfort to the stricken sufferer. Myself needed comfort. A light rap at the door -her own sweet, but feeble voice, bade me enter. Soon was I convinced of having come to the right place to find the desired comfort. In her case I beheld an example of how easily the burthen of natural evil is borne, by those from whom the divine mercy has removed the greater weight of moral evil. "How do you find yourself, this beau tiful morning, Eliza ?" With the shadow of a solemn smile on her death-like countenance, she replied, "I find myself with every wish gratified on this side the grave, save one." "Doubtless, my dear Eliza, it is of a nature to be gratified, or it could not be a wish of your resigned spirit: what is it?" "It is, that I may receive the holy sacrament of my blessed Saviour. That performed, and I feel that I shall be happy." "To-morrow, my dear child, God willing, that happiness shall be yours; and in the mean time, let your mind refresh itself by dwelling on the divine love commemorated in that sacred rite.", I had not yet to learn, that she well understood the nature and character of that ordinance. She had said that she viewed it as a high duty to be performed, and as a most blessed privilege, to be enjoyed by every believer in the religion of the cross; as a source of heartfelt comfort, and of spiritual light. Solaced and improved, I left the sacred chamber of the sainted maid, with a blessing, and with a promise, on the morrow to gratify her last pious wish. It had less of earth in it, than of heaven. The morning sun was rising with re splendent lustre, through an atmosphere still and arid, portending a sultry, and, therefore, trying day for poor Eliza; while her friend and pastor was hastening to her aid, that the sacred service might be performed before her little remaining strength should be prostrated by the meridian heat, which found too ready a passage through the slight walls that encompassed her. I could dwell with pleasure on the joyous brightness of her fading eyes, as they |