Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-02

the purpose for which specially, it was assem-.
bed, the General Convention derived still biob-
er character and impressiveness from its enlaro
ed sphere OF power and duty, in consequence
Of its representing this respectable commute
throughout the United States.
lnthe House Of Bishops there were present &c
we are informed, eight prelates, including eve
ry member OF the bench, with the exception ~
one, SAID to be detained by sickness. Ash
proceedings of this venerable body are private
they become known only by it's communicated,
to the other House and its decisions.
| There were clerical and lay deputies from &C
teen OF the states, embracing many of the mos,
distinguished divines and laymen more nun,er,
Gus and not less respectable than those who
have had seats in this body on former occasions
eminent men Of the bar and in medicine &C
well as OF the other avocatiohs. Such an as.
semblage reflects credit on the community and
| warrants the expectation Of sound, iudicious
and steady measures. The Rev. Dr.. Wilmer
| yet Of Alexandria, but about to remove. as has
been announced, 10 the College Of "lVillism
and Mary" in Virginia, presided, with great
propriely and dignity.
The Convention was opened with divine ser.
vice, and sermon by the Bishop Of South Ca
rolna, DR.. Bowen. 1t has been published
Those who heard or read it, pronounced high
encomiums ON the piety, learning, and general
ability displayed by the preacher. 1t is Said TO
be production Of the old school, in The manner
of the divnes Of the best ages Of the Church
untainted by bigotry or intolerance, enforcing
the necessity Of discipline; bur not straining i
beyond the limit Of expedience; not trenchinp
upon the just rights OF conscience, compatible
with indispensable order and regularity
The cuhiect which almost exclusively
pied the two first days Of the session, proved a,
last TO be, in the opinion Of the House, entirely
eriraneous to its proper sphere of power and
duty. 1t was proposal, by a reverend gentle
man from South Carolina, TO receive under the
patronage and protection of the Convention,
an Association tor the purpose Of printing and
disseminating standard theological books. The
usefulness of the design was generally, perhaps
universally, admitted; but the expediency and
propriety Of the Conventions adopting it, al
though maintained with ardor and eloquence,
by the reverend proposer especially, and few
other gentlemen, were negatlved by ma ory.
The next object Of attention was the report
of committee appointed at the last Convention
to prepare a compilation Of Hymns, for the
use of the churches. A question arose upon
the propriety Of introducing SO great number,
some Of which were alleged to be unexcepton-
able in doctrines as well as dress, without fur.
Their opportunity for examination and criticism.
A constitutional point, supposed to be involg.
ed, was also raised and argued with ingenuity
on both sides, viz: whether ii was competent
TO the House TO adopt them a. this Convention,
or their DUTY to leave them for the final consid-
Grafton and decision Of the next? They had re.
ceived the sanction of the House Of Bishops, &
all objections being overruled, they were adopt
ed by the deputies, and consequently have the
entire sanction Of the Convention according 10.
the constitutional construction OF the majority.
A proposal from the Bishops, 10 introduce
alterations IN relation to the portions of scrip
ture, and the psaIter, in the daily services, in
the Office Of confirmation, SC with rubrick
to enforce the use Of the ante communion ser
vice, as it is called, presented a theme Of dis
cussion most ardent and animated, and OF the
longest continuance. The alterations were a
dopted by the vote Of large ma jority; but they
remain to be finally accepted or rejected by the
next Convention, after they have been made
known 10 the State Conventions, according 10
a wise and prudent provision Of the consiitu,
ton of the church, intended and well calcua-
ted to produce delberation, and prevent hasty
measures, in concerns of grave and lasting i'm
portance.
The reports on the General Theological Sc
minary, located at New York, and on the For
eign and Domestic Missionary Society, both
of which institutions are eminenly useful and
prosperous, the report on the general state ct
the Church, in detail, having references 10 the
various dioceses, and finally, the Pastoral Letter
from the Bishops, were the other interesting
objects of attention.
The Convention was closed by short ad-
dress from the presiding Bishop, and divine
service.
The knowledge, zeal, and ability, displayed
on this occasion were worthy Of ii, and highly
creditable to the assemblage. In observing the
bounds of proprieiy and decorum, The members
yet evinced laudable spiri, Of independents:
and enquiry, according with the character Of
our civil habits and institutions, as we'll as with
the theory Of the government of their church.
The sittings were constantly attended, not
only by the reverend clergy and many members
Of the church, but by number Of respectable
persons belonging to other Christian commit
| mons.
For Freight Or Charter.