heard, as it were, the breath of the evening rustling in the leaves behind him. He turned his eye, and beheld a heing whose aspect was brighter and milder than the beam he had been just now beholding. His robe was like the æther of heaven, and his voice was soft as the dying sound on the harp of Ormay, when the daughters of music touch it. Theodorus bowed his heard to the ground, and observed a respectful silence. For the angel had spoken peace to him, and, therefore, though filled with awe, he was not afraid. Look down to the valley of Ormay, said the angel, and attend to what thou seest. Theodorus turned his eye downwards. A light, clearer than the beams of midday, shone on the banks of Ormay. In its beams he beheld a building far surpassing in magnificence the temple of Solomon, or the palace of Tadmor in the desert. Ten times ten thousand hands were conspiring to rear it; and, while he yet beheld, it seemed to be already finished. All the rubbish was ordered away; a deep pit had been prepared to receive it. The scaffolds used in rearing the edifice still remained; and the master builder was consulted how they should be disposed of. Take, said he, the best of them to be made pillars within the palace, where they shall remain for ever; but for the rest I have no further use, and they are indeed good for no other purpose than that which they have already served: Throw them where the rest of the rubbish has been cast, and there, as they are of a grosser and and more hardened quality, let them be consumed with the fiercest of the fire. The order was instantly obeyed. Piece after piece was taken down, and laid to this or the other hand, either for the palace or the pit. As they touched a certain piece, and seemed to think it meet for the pit, Theodorus felt all his frame convulsed, as if a thousand demons moved him; and, in the anguish of his soul, he cried," Spare me, O my God! spare me, if it be not now too late to pray for mercy and pardon." If it were altogether so, said the angel, I had not been sent to thee now as the minister of instruction. A few moments of grace still remain; improve them with care, and show that at length thou art wise. Ah, my Lord! what do these things mean? I have indeed perceived their purport; but, O that I might also hear it! The building which thou hast seen, said the angel, is the church of God; and its ministers are those instruments which were used to rear it. Many of them having served that purpose, though not as they ought, and being fit for no other use, are at length condemned. I saw the danger that hung over thee, and tremBled for thy fate. For, negative virtues and dull morals, without diligence and zeal, can be of no avail to save a minister. Have I not pulled thee as a brand from the fire?-Depart in peace, think of thy danger, be diligent, be zealous, and be saved. As these words were uttered, the vision in the valley of Ormay vanished, and the angel shook his silver wings as he flew on the wind towards heaven. The rustling of his wings was like the rushing of the stream of Lora, where it falls between oaks in the gulf of Amur. FOR THE CHRISTIAN JOURNAL. Remarks on Biddulph on the Liturgy. I CANNOT altogether agree with your pious and sensible correspondent in alt his remarks in the piece which appeared in the 21st number of the Journal. He seems to think the usual prayer before sermon, "Direct us, O Lord," &c not well calculated for that purpose, because "it does not specifically apply to the particular work in which we are about to engage." I presume, however, that both preacher and congregation always apply this admirable collect to the business of preaching and hearing in which they are to be occupied ; and with this application the sentiments of the prayer are highly appropriate. of Biddulph on the Liturgy. Perhaps his encomiums ought to be somewhat qualified. In the preface to this work, the author falls into the error (on the autho "He speaks in commendation of the work rity indeed of Wheatley) of imputing to Queen Elizabeth a retrograde movement towards popery, by her restoring, in the service, the gaudy habits allowed by the first reformed Prayer Book of Edward, but forbidden by the second. This is a mistake. Elizabeth in her injunctions published in Sparrow's Collections, enjoined the habits in use in the later year of the reign of Edward; and these were not the popish habits, but those which from that time to the present are in use in the Church of England. This erroneous imputation on Elizabeth is pointed out in the accurate and judicious essay, detecting the errors of Neal's History of the Puritans, published in the 8th and 9th numbers of the present volume of the Journal. In many parts of the work of Biddulph, it is thought, that he discovers a Calvinistic bias; particularly on the doctrine of Original Sin. On this subject our articles are remarkably cautious and judicious. The 9th article speaks of man being "very far gone from original righte ousness," and of being " inclined to evil" not, wholly inclined. It is true, the Latin expression of this article is, quam longissime, gone as far as possible. But at the time of framing the article there was a well known distinction between the po-a sitive righteousness of man, which was considered as a supernatural habit and his propensity to sin. The former was considered as totally lost in Adam. In respect to original righteousness, man, if the Latin construction be regarded, was gone as far as possible: that is, the positive righteousness which was a supernatural gift in his original condiBut with retion, was totally lost. spect to sin, he is inclined to the commission of it; not wholly depraved and influenced only by evil principles. In accordance, however, with the Calvinistic theories, Biddulph maintains, that Adam was "the federal head and representative of all his posterity," and by his transgression involved himself and his posterity in guilt, misery, and ruin," and speaks of the "imputation of the original offence." This language is not to be found in the articles or formularies of the Church of England. Biddulph quotes as authority for it Calvinistic divines. He also introduces quotations from the Homilies; but let it be remembered, that the 2d book of Homilies was put forth by Calvinistic divines in the reign of Eli zabeth, when the 1st book was also in some respects altered. And the Homilies are not of equal authority with the articles, as is stated in the preface to the American edition of them. It is of great importance, indeed, to maintain the corruption of human nature, and the inability of man, except through faith, and by the influences of the Holy I beg leave to refer your readers to the excellent work of Bishop White, entitled, "Comparative Views of the Controversies between the Calvinists and Arminians," and particularly to the 3d and 4th sections of the 4th part, in which he will find a very judicious and able refutation of the opinion that our Church maintains those Calvinistic views of original sin, which Biddulph attributes to her. The corresponding sections of the 1st and 2d parts also vindicate the texts of Scripture which this writer adduces from the Calvinistic gloss which he puts upon them. Resolutions of the Committee appointed by the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, for organizing and establishing a Theological Seminary, agreed on at a meeting held in the city of Philadelphia, October 9, 1818. Resolved That it is expedient to carry into immediate operation the Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Resolved, That for this purpose the following professorships be instituted: A PROFESSORSHIP OF BIBLICAL LEARNING, comprehending the exposition of the Holy Scriptures with whatever regates to the evidences of revealed religion, and Biblical Criticism; a PRʊFESSORSHIP OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, giving correct views of the doctrines of Scripture and the authorities sustaining them; a PROFESSORSHIP OF HISTORIC THEOLOGY, giving correct information of the state of the Church in ali ages, and of the Church in England in particular, from the period of the Reformation, embracing a view of the constitution of the Christian Church, of the orders of the ministry, and of the nature and duty of Church unity; a PROFESSORSHIP OF THE RITUAL OF THE CHURCH, AND OF PULPIT ELOQUÉNCE, comprehending all the points relative to the Liturgy, to the correct and devotional performance of the service of the Church, to the composition and delivery of sermons, and to the duties of the clerical office. Resolved, That as soon as the funds of the institution will admit, these Professorships be filled, and the Professors detached from all parochial charges, and devoted solely to the objects of the institution. Resolved, That when the funds of the institution admit the Rev. Charles Henry Wharton, D. D. be appointed Professor of Systematic Theology; and that the Rev. Samuel F. Jarvis be now appointed Professor of Bibli cal Learning, and the Rev. Samuel H. Turner Professor of Historic Theology; and that these two last named Professors receive for the present, and until they can be detached from parochial cures, and devoted solely to the objects of the institution, a salary each of $ 800 per annum. ' Resolved, That until the other Professorship be filled, and until the Professor of Systematic Theology enters on the duties of his office, the subject of Systematic Theology be assigned to the Professor of Historic Theology; and that the two Professors at present appointed proceed, by joint arrangements, to provide for the objects assigned to the Professor of the Ritual of the Church and of Pulpit Elo quence. Resolved, That the Professors be regulated in their instructions by the provisions of the Canons, and the course of study set forth by the House of Bishops that they conduct the students through all the books prescribed in that course, making them thoroughly acquainted with the subjects of which those books respectively treat-that the present Professors provide for the daily instruction of the students, and that when the Professors are detached from parochial cures they shall each be daily engaged in instruction-that the students be frequently exercised in the devotional performance of the service of the Church, and in the composition and delivery of sermons-and that particular attention be paid to their progress in the spiritual life, to their correct views of the nature and responsibility of the duties of the clerical office. Resolved, That until the further and complete organization of the institution, the Bishops who are members of this committee be charged with making such temporary arrangement as may be necessary. Resolved, That as soon as the funds will admit Theological Scholarships be established for the education of young men of piety and talents who may be destitute of pecuniary re sources. Resolved, That the Bishops composing this committee be authorized and requested to make arrangements for providing funds for the institution, and for this purpose to publish an earnest appeal to the memhers and friends of the Protestant Episcopal Church, stating the wants of the Church with respect to Clergymen, the number of young men of piety and talents desirous of an education for the ministry, but who are destitute of adequate pecuniary resources, and the indispensable necessity of a liberal endowment of the Theological Seminary, to the honour, prosperity, and vital interests of the Church. Resolved, That David I. Greene, Esq. of the city of New-York, be appointed the Treasurer of this institution, with power to collect and receive the monies that may be subscribed or granted for the benefit thereof, and to place them at interest, on good security, in trust for the use of the institution. Abstract of the Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the Diocess of New-York, held in Trinity Church, New-York, on the 20th and 21st days of October last. THERE were present, as members of the Convention, the Bishop of the Diocess, 28 Presbyters, 5 Deacons, and Lay Delegates from 39 parishes. The Right Rev. the Bishop of the Diocess of New-Jersey; six Presby ters and seven Deacons of this Dio cess, not entitled to seats; and three Presbyters and four Deacons of other Diocesses, were admitted to the sittings of the Convention. The Convention was opened by morning service by the Rev. David Butler, of Troy, an appropriate sermon by the Rev. Thomas Lyell, of New-York, and an ordination by the Bishop, at which seven young gentlemen were admitted Deacons. St. Thomas's Church, New-Windsor, Orange county; Zion Church, Sandy-Hill, Washington county; and St. Paul's Church, Turin, Lewis county, were severally received into union with the Convention; the certificates of their respective incorporations having been read and approved. The Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk was chosen Secretary of the Convention. Agreeably to the 45th Canon of the General Convention, the Bishop delivered the address which is published in page 356 of this volume. The Bishop, from "the Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Society for Propagating the Gospel in the State of New-York," presented a very satisfactory Report from the Missionaries (thirteen in number) at present employed by that committee. The following is the aggregate number of Baptisms, and Communicants reported by the Missionaries : Baptisms,-Adults Children 24 146233 The Episcopal fund is formed of the collections made for the purpose, and is to increase, without diminution, until the proceeds of it are adequate to the support of the Bishop. It appeared by the Treasurer's report that its increase for the past year was $1720 15, and that its present aggregate amount is $17,844 53. The following resolutions were adopted. On motion, Resolved, that five Trustees be appointed, to whom the management, and care of the Fund for the support of the Episcopate in this Diocess shall be intrusted; and that all money belonging to the said Fund shall be loaned upon real security, or invested in stock of the United States, at their discretion; and that all such securities and investments shall, in future, be taken or made in the names of the said Trustees, or the survivors of them, expressly in trust, as part of the said Fund; and that a statement of the said Fund, and the securities for the same, shall be exhibited at every stated meeting of the Convention, signed by the said Trustees, or a majority of them; and that the said Trustees shall hold their offices during the pleasure of the Convention, who shall, from time to time, supply all vacancies. Resolved, that Gerrit H. Van Wagenen, David I. Greene, Joshua Jones, Thomas S. Townsend, and William Johnson, be the Trustees for the purposes above specified. The thanks of the Convention were Van Wagenen, their late Treasurer, unanimously returned to Mr. Gerrit H. for his long and faithful services. The following gentlemen were elected Delegates to the General Convention: The Rev. Isaac Wilkins, D. D, Rev. David Butler, Rev. Thomas Lyell, Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Hon. Rufus King, Dr. John Onderdonk, Philip S. Van Rensselaer, Esq. Mr. William Ogden. The following gentlemen were elected the Standing Committee of this Diocess: The Rev. Wm. Harris, D. D. Rev. Thomas Lyell, Rev. Samuel F. Jar vis, Rev. James Montgomery, Richard Harison, Esq. Gen. Matthew Clarkson, Mr. William Ogden, Col. Nicholas Fish. The following gentlemen were elected the Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Church for Propagating the Gospel in the State of New-York, of which the Bishop of the Diccess is, ex officio, President: The Rev. Thomas Lyell, the Rev. Henry J. Feltus, the Rev. James Montgomery, Mr. Gerrit H. Van Wagenen, Dr. John Onderdonk, Thoinas L. Ogden, Esq. To him, ye graceful cedars, bow; Tell, when affrighted nature shook, And trembled at his frown. Ye flocks that haunt the humble vale, Ye insects flutt'ring on the gale, In mutual concourse rise; Crop the gay rose's vermeil bloom, And waft its spoils, a sweet perfume, In incense to the skies. Wake, all ye mountain tribes, and sing; Ye plumy warblers of the spring, Harmonious anthem raise To him, who shap'd your finer mould, Who tipp'd your glitt'ring wings with gold, And tun'd your voice to praise. Paraphrase of the 148th Psalm, written by Let man, by nobler passions sway'd, Dr. Ogilvie at 16 years of age. BEGIN, my soul, th' exalted lay, And praise the Almighty's naine. Lo! heaven and earth, and seas and skies, To swell th' inspiring theme. Your Maker's wondrous power proclaim, Ye angels, catch the thrilling sound; And touch the sweetest string." The mighty chorus aid: Thou, heav'n of heav'ns, his vast abode; And nature sprung to light. Ye dragons, sound his awful name Let every element rejoice: Ye thunders, burst with awful voice To him who bids you roll: His praise in softer notes declare, Each whisp'ring breeze of yielding air, And breathe it to the soul. The feeling heart, the judging head, In heav'nly praise employ; Spread his tremendous name around, Till heav'n's broad arch rings back the sound, The gen❜ral burst of joy. Ye, whom the charms of grandeur please, Nurs'd on the downy lap of ease, Fall prostrate at his throne; Ye princes, rulers, all adore; Praise him, ye kings, who makes your pow'r An image of his own. Ye fair, by nature form'd to move, ADDRESS OF THE PUBLISHERS. A LEADING motive in the establishment of the CHRISTIAN JOURNAL was to furnish the public, and particularly Episcopalians, with a cheap vehicle of literary and theological information, which would serve to amuse and instruct, and, at the same time, to record documents connected with the growth and prosperity of the Episcopal Church, and exhibiting its situation from time to time. It was hoped that an extended patronage and prompt pay would have remunerated at least the expenses of publication. No idea of profit was ever entertained; nor could it be expected from the price of the work, even had no defalcations in payment taken place. The Publishers were not disappointed in regard to the reception of the work: the list of subscribers exceeded the most sanguine expectation. But the experience of two years proyes that it can no longer |