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bear with me the favourable opinion and friendly regards of the Members of this venerable Society. My pretensions to this high distinction the kindness of your Lordship's nature has exceedingly over rated; but my sense of its value I cannot exaggerate, or even adequately express. In the approbation of this Society is conveyed to my feelings whatever could be due to the best directed efforts, and most signal services, in the cause of Religion, of order, and of peace: it is the testimony of those who are distinguished by knowledge, by rank, by piety, and by Christian zeal, in the greatest of Chris tian nations, and in the proudest period of her existence.

Impressed with these sentiments of the venerable Society, and persuaded of the vast importance of the objects to which its labours have been unceasingly directed, I need not hesitate to offer it the pledge of my assurance, that in the distant Empire, the spiritual concerns of which the Almighty has committed to my superintendence, I shall feel it to be my duty, so far as my ability may extend, to countenance and to promote the objects of the Society, especially those to which my attention has been called in this Address. In common with the Society, I have ever been of opinion, that if the difficulties of diffusing the light of the Gospel through the Eastern World can be successfully encountered, (and the sure Word of God forbids us to despair) it can be only by establishing among our countrymen in Asia the form of Churchgovernment derived from the Apostles, by inculcating attention to Divine ordinances, by unity of doctrine in the teach. ers of Religion, and by a departure from iniquity among all who name the name of Christ. That the Society has, for more than a century, unremittingly endeavoured to instil into the minds both of the natives and of our countrymen in India sentiments favourable to the diffusion of of the Gospel, is admitted by all who are acquainted with its proceedings, and whose candour is open to the truth. Much of the Christianity which subsists in those regions has been planted under its auspices, and nurtured by its care; and the exemplary conduct of those holy men whom it has sent forth to bear the glad tidings of the Gospel of Peace, their temperate zeal, their conciliating manners, their patience in well-doing, and their devotion to the cause of Christ, have supported the credit of the Missionary name, and have contributed to refute the mis

representations of ignorant or interested

men.

I am not unacquainted with the printed documents to which the Address refers me, in conformity to which Diocesan Committees, under the sanction of the

Right Reverend Prelates of England and Wales, have been established in most parts of this kingdom; and I pray for their multiplication, as the most effectual means of extending the blessed influence of the Society at home. Happy, indeed, shall I deem myself if Providence should enable me, by any exertion of diligence and zeal, to establish an Eastern Institu tion, framed upon the same admirable model, and co-operating with the Society in its benevolent designs. But, whatever be the result of this and of my other endeavours, I would only entreat that the Society will be assured of my earnest de sire to promote the objects which it has this day recommended to me; and not to impute to indifference or inattention any failure or delay, for which the acknowledged difficulties of my situation may afford a reasonable excuse. Unfeignedly could I wish that so arduous an undertaking had been committed to stronger powers; but my trust is in the Almiglity, who can call forth strength out of weakness. Already am I deeply impressed with the awful responsibility of my charge; and in the execution of my duties I shall feel that, under the Divine protection, ↑ possess some security against the mischiefs of an erroneous judgment in my firm attachment to the doctrines and discipline of the Church of England.

I now take leave of the venerable So. ciety, with my warmest thanks for this and every other mark of its regard, desiring to be remembered in its prayers.

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Rogers, Charles Nicholls, Lloyd S. Daubeny, Alexis P. Proal, William Tripler, Luther Bradish, David Austen, Benjamin Haight, Isaac Colford Jones, Cornelius S. Bartow, Christopher Wolfe, Anthony Bleecker.

The Tracts published by the Society may be purchased, or procured for gratuitous distribution, of the Agent, at No. 160 Pearl-street.

Report of the Board of Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, submitted at the Annual Meeting of February 5th, 1818.

TRE Board of Trustees cannot refrain from expressing their devout acknowledgments to Almighty God, whose goodness has enabled them to assemble with their constituents on the occasion of another anniversary. It would have been an additional gratification to the feelings of the Board, if, on the present occasion, they were able to present the Society with a more interesting detail of its operations, than that which they now offer. The want of an adequate disposable fund, and a disinclination on the part of your Board to contract any new debt, have confined the proceedings of the Society solely to the distribution of its former stock of Tracts. They anxiously indulge the hope that the period is not far distant when this want will no longer exist, and the means of the Society, through the pious liberality of their brethren, become more enlarged.

By the regulations of the Society, the contributions at the time of subscribing, together with the life subscriptions and donations, with one half the interest thereon, constitute a permanent fund, and, of course, not subject to disbursement.

The disposable monies arise from the annual subscriptions, the sales of Tracts, and the remaining half of the interest of the permanent fund. From this outline of their plan, and by a view of their Treasurer's account, it will be seen that the means of your Board, have been very much circumscribed. They have pleasure, how ever, in stating, that during the past

year, the permanent fund has been more than doubled.

Since the formation of the Society, in the autumn of 1810, its Board of Trustees have been enabled to publish 60,250 Tracts, in an uniform series of thirteen numbers. Of this number we have records of distributions, and some few sales, amounting in all to 39,853 Tracts. There have likewise been purchased and distributed within this period, a large number of the Church Catechism, of the Companion to the Prayer Book, and of other books of devotion and instruction.

The stock of Tracts on hand in the depository of the Society, at the last anniversary, was 28,423. Of these we have advantageously distributed 8,026. Consequently there remain in the depository 20,397 Tracts. It appears from the communications of the Agent, that more than 5,000 Tracts have been given, for distribution, to the clergy and laity of our Church residing in this and in other states. From the expressions of grateful acknowledgment with which we have been favoured, we have reason to hope that, in many instances, the divine blessing has attended these distributions. The usefulness of the excellent selection of Tracts adopted by our Society, is eminently proved by their beneficial effects; and we find that the clergy and laity of our Church are always rejoiced in becoming the almoners of our bounty, Considerable donations have been likewise made to the different Prisons, Hospitals, and charitable establish ments of our city; likewise to Sunday Schools, and, wherever occasion offered, to the crews of vessels.

At the last anniversary of the Society, the Board of Trustees were able but imperfectly to state the progress of the Committee employed to solicit pecuniary aid of the Episcopalians of our city. They have now the pleasure of presenting, in their Treasurer's exhibit, a statement of the result of this application. They would likewise respectfully refer your attention to the same document, for a view of the present state of their funds.

The Board of Trustees, in closing this brief narrative of their proceedings, would respectfully remind Episcopalians of the necessity of contributing liberally to the funds of the Society; and of distributing extensively the Tracts it has published. The objects of our Institution are of an interesting character; and various and powerful are the motives which ought to influence us in its behalf. Let it not be questioned that the dissemination of religious Tracts is productive of benefit. Often, through the instrumentality of these heralds, has the careless sinner been awakened, the profligate reformed, the backslider reclaimed, and the blasphemer been taught to adore the God he despised. As silent missionaries, their very appearance procures them access often when the living might have sought it in vain. Can motives, then, be wanting to augment the means, and extend the sphere of our usefulness? Surely not. It is to be feared, however, that many withhold their aid under the pretext of doing good on a larger scale. It is to be expected that Tract Societies should be deemed of less importance than those established for the distribution of the Bible, with the Church Liturgy, or for the support of missionaries. Our design, however, is so closely allied to these, as essentially to aid the cause of both. The hope is indulged, that there are few individuals who rest satisfied with having contributed to these alone, or who entertain a doubt of the utility of uniting in the relief of spiritual penury, through the means of religious Tracts.

Let us, then, be diligent and zeal ous in aid of the important objects of our association, and the blessings of HIM who alone gives efficacy to human undertakings, will ever attend our exertions.

By order of the Board,
WILLIAM CREIGHTON,
Recording Secretary.

The disbursements during the past year

have been:

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The Treasurer of the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, in presenting to the Board his annual account of receipts and disbursements, respectfully submits the following remarks.

The great increase which will be observed in the permanent fund, is a full vindication of the propriety of its establishment; and while that fund gives present importance and stability to the Society, it authorizes us to look forward with proud anticipation to the extensive benefits, which, if carefully cherished, it may at some future day be the means of dispensing.

The number of life subscribers, which at the last report was six, is now increased to eighteen. The number of annual subscribers has also increased from 132 to 170, of whom thirty-seven are ladies.

It is supposed that about fifty names 3 50 should be deducted from the whole

subscription list, for abscence, removals, and other causes which will prevent the collection of dues; leaving only 120 members and subscribers, whose dues can fairly be relied on. Allowing twenty-five dollars for the proportion of interest accruing to the disposable from the permanent fund, and a small sum which may be realized from the sale of Tracts, the income of the Society for the ensuing year may be estimated at 150 dollars. It is a just tribute to the exertions of Mr. Delanoy, Collector, to state that, exclusive of the arrearages obtained (amounting to $112 50) and of all commissions, our funds have received, through him, an accession of 306 dollars; and our subscription list the addition of twenty-seven annual, and twelve life subscribers.

The claim of Messrs. T. & J. Swords has been reduced 150 dollars; and a small sum has also been placed by them to the credit of the Society, from the sale of Tracts. I take great pleasure in expressing to the Board, my individual sense of the indulgence of those gentlemen, in not pressing their demand in the present state of our Treasury; and my confidence that they are disposed to suffer the inconvenience of delay in the settlement of their accounts, rather than to interfere with those regulations, respecting the distribution of its funds, which the Society has thought advantageous and wise.

The balance still remaining in their favour, is $371 58; and it is presumed that the subscriptions now due, together with the sums which may be received from other sources at present in contemplation, will enable the Society speedily to discharge its debt, and to resume with vigour its important objects.

CORN. R. DUFFIE, Treasurer.

CHARACTER of Bishop PORTEUS.

(From Chalmers' Biographical Dictionary.) THIS worthy prelate had, for some years, been subject to ill health, which at length brought on a general debility, and on the 14th of May, 1808, he sunk under the pressure of accumulated disease, being in the 78th year of his age.. He left be

hind him a justly acquired reputation for propriety of conduct, benevolence to the clergy, and a strict attention to episcopal duties. As a preacher, he obtained the character of an accomplished orator; his language was chaste, his manner always serious, animated, and impressive; and his eloquence captivating. He seemed to speak from conviction, and, being fully persuaded himself of the truth of those doctrines which he inculcated, he the more readily persuaded others. In private life he was mild, affable, easy of access, irreproachable in his morals, of a cheerful disposition, and ever ready to listen to, and relieve the distresses of his fellow-creatures.-Toward the latter part of his life, he was accused of becoming the persecutor of the Rev. Francis Stone, a clergyman of his own diocess, against whom he formally pronounced a sentence of deprivation for preaching and publish ing a sermon in direct hostility to the doctrines of the church to which he be longed. Mr. Stone had, for many years, avowed his disbelief of the articles of faith which he had engaged to defend, and for the support of which he had long received a handsome income, but no notice whatever was taken of the unsoundness of his creed; but when he made the press the vehicle of disseminating opinions contrary to the articles of his church, the prelate took the part which was highly becoming the high office which he held.

The benefactions of the bishop of Lon don were numerous, public as well as private. While he was living, he transferred nearly seven thousand pounds in three per cents to the archdeacons of the diocess of London, as a permanent fund for the relief of the poorer clergy of his diocess. He also transferred stock to Christ's College, Cambridge, directing the interest arising from it, to be appropriated to the purchase of three gold medals, to be annually contended for by the students of that college: one medal, value fifteen guineas, for the best Latin dissertation on any of the chief evidences lue for the best English composition on of Christianity; another of the same vasome moral precept in the Gospel; and one of ten guineas, to the best reader in, and most constant attendant at chapel. He bequeathed his library for the use of his successors in the see of London, together with a liberal sum towards the expense of erecting a building for its reception at the episcopal palace at Fulham. At Hyde-hill, near Sunbridge, in Kent, where the bishop had a favourite rural retreat, he built a chapel, under which he directed his remains to be deposited, and he endowed it with an income of 2507. a year.

Printed by T. & J. SWORDS, New-York

THE

AND

LITERARY REGISTER.

No. 4.]

No. II. FOR FEBRUARY, 1818.

THE LIFE OF JUSTIN MARTYR. (Abridged from Cox's Lives of the Fathers.)

JUSTIN, surnamed the Martyr, was a native of Neapolis, a noted city in Sanaria, anciently called Sichem. He was born about the sixth year of Trajan's reign, and about the year of our Lord 103. He appears to have been the first writer, after those who are termed apostolical, that was emiment in the Church of Christ.

Justin was, at a very early period, instructed by suitable masters in the rudiments of Gentile philosophy.

After our young philosopher had made considerable progress in various branches of literature, he travelled into foreign parts for the improve ment of his mind in knowledge, making observations upon every thing that appeared worthy of notice, and contracting acquaintance with the most celebrated scholars of the day. At length he came to Alexandria, a city at that time of no small renown in the literary world; and visited the cells, where the celebrated seventy translato:s performed their great and elaborate work. Interested with the various objects around him, Justin determined to take up his residence in this seat of learning, and proceeded to investigate, in succession, the different systems of philosophy which .were then maintained. He soon, however, discovered that none could give him satisfactory information respecting the Deity, which was the chief object of his researches; though the Platonic system, which was the last he studied, appeared to him the most specious and attractive. During this period, as he himself afterwards mentioned, he was convinced, from the courage and constancy of the VOL. II.

[VOL. II.

persecuted Christians, that they were not a profligate anl debauched people; and that, consequently, the horrid charges brought against them were radically false. Still, however, he was bewildered amidst the intricate mazes of philosophy. He felt, indeed, a supreme reverence for the as yet "unknown God;" and his inquiry was, "O that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat ;"* but he had no one to take him by the hand, and lead him in a straight way to the knowledge of God. He was like a benighted traveller, not daring to stand still, yet fearing lest every step might remove him farther from the right road. The account he gives of this memorable period of his life, in his Dialogue with Trypho, is affecting and instructive. It points out the insufficiency of unassisted human wisdom to direct the soul to God, and clearly displays the excellence and satisfactory nature of that religion, of which he was afterwards so eminent a partaker.

An unforeseen circumstance took place, which led to his conversion to Christianity. Whilst walking alone on a certain day, by the sea-side, he met an aged person, of a most venerable appearance. They regarded each other with mutual attention, and soon entered into conversation. One question led to another, till at length Justin referred to the pleasure he took in private meditation; and, on the stranger's hinting at the absurdity of expecting satisfaction in his soul from merely abstract reasonings, he declared that his earnest desire was to arrive at the knowledge of God, Job xxiii. 3.

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