careless observance of the Lord's Day, which had preceded its establishment; he delighted to trace its gradual influence on the improvement of the neighbourhood, and especially on the manners of the young; and while he looked around on the assembled group, of whom his numerous grand-children formed no small proportion, he used often to declare, that no equal sum he had ever spent in the course of his life, had afforded him equal satisfaction with that he had given to the Church. This sentiment being the result of experience, and the experience of a wise and good man, deserves to be remembered by those who, similarly placed, have similar means of happiness within their power. Those whom Providence has settled remote from the Church of their baptism or their choice, and to whom moreover has been given the means of establishing it, may be led by this example to undertake it, not only as a matter of religious duty, but also of personal interest; as a profitable as well as pious investment; a source of happiness here, as well as of reward hereafter. Nor, perhaps, is this instance less valuable as teaching the means of securing success. To an honest and unwearied zeal which met difficulties with increased energy, and coldness and delay with affectionate warmth and earnestness, Dr. Bard's example has shown that there can be no successful opposition -and when to these is added, as was with him, a sound and practical and feeling piety, which showed that he rightly valued that Church which he sought to establish, this example will prove, that no man (under ordinary circumstances of prudence) need labour in vain in this good work.

Dr. Bard highly valued the Church of his fathers-he esteemed it as the purest pattern of primitive Christianity he regarded its ministry as A postolic, its public services as so

lemn and impressive, and its Liturgy as admirably calculated for public, and invaluable as a manual of private devotion.

Nor was this mere theory-he practised, because he felt it-before the establishment of the Church, his household had almost a patriarchal character from the regular and impressive manner in which he conducted the devotions of the Lord's Day-and, when public ministrations rendered this unnecessary, neither weather nor indisposition could detain him from his accustomed seat. These were the means by which he built up the Church he had founded-and this was one of the good acts of a peculiarly good life, which smoothed and comforted the bed of death-good, not in the proud language of human merit, but in the merciful acceptance of him who looks to sincerity of intention and talents conscientiously employed.

On the subject of religion, Dr. Bard's mind had the warmth of enthusiasm without its wanderings, and the calmness of reason without its coldness. His life was such as the philanthropist may admire, and the Christian imitate his death was such as all must envy.

The day before his own decease, he witnessed that of his wife, Mrs. Mary Bard, the partner alike of his name and his virtues. He witnessed it not only with the calmness of a Christian, but with the comfort of one who knew their separation would be but short-an impression which a long and endeared union of more than half a century had rendered to both peculiarly consolatory :--one common grave received their remains.

Their aunt, Mrs. Sarah Barton, in the 90th year of her age, followed after a few days, displaying to the last the peculiar traits of a vigorous and benevolent mind, and teaching, as they had done, the highest of chris

tian lessons, serenity and peace in the hour of dissolution.

Report of the General Convention,

ON THE STATE OF THE CHURCH.

(Continued from page 192.)

DELAWARE.

THE state of affairs and the cause of religion, it is believed, are certainly improving; and it is hoped, the set time to favour this part of our Zion is near at hand. Since the last General Convention, several churches in the State have been repaired, and placed in good order, and have received considerable additions of families and communicants. There are fourteen churches in this State, and the most of them have regular and stated religious services; and those, which are not thus favoured, are visited occasionally by the clergy of the State. The Church in Wilmington has especially been favoured with God's blessing within two years past, and has arisen from its desolate state. At Newcastle the prospect is brightening. The churches in Kent county are promising. At Middletown, exertions have been made to rescue the fine building the congregation of St. Ann's possess, from dilapidation; and the labour, bestowed lately upon them, has not been in vain.

The Conventions of late have been more interesting, and are well attended; and the rules of the Church are well observed. The churches in Sussex county are in an improving state. Some of the congregations have made considerable exertions to repair their places of worship; and their labours have not been in vain.

On the whole, we have great reason to be thankful to the great Head of the Church, that our prospects in this State justify the hope, that ere long, by the faithful co-operation of

the Clergy and Laity, we shall yet see more "refreshing times from the presence of the Lord," and the cause of our Zion in this State arise from the desolations of many generations.

There are in the State of Delaware, four officiating clergymen.— There are about two hundred communicants. There have been one hundred and fourteen persons confirmed; and one candidate received for holy orders, viz. Mr. Wells Wolf.

MARYLAND.

It appears from the Journals of Conventions held in this diocess since the General Convention, that eight hundred and nineteen persons have been confirmed, eight churches have been consecrated, fifteen persons have been admitted to holy orders; eight to the office of deacon, and seven to that of priest; and nineteen clergymen have removed into the diocess, from other States. Several religious societies have been established, and some are already productive of much good. Among these, are the "Prayer-Book, and Homily Society of Maryland," "the Baltimore Female Tract Society," (both of which receive some degree of support from persons not residing in that city,) and the Sunday schools attached to the different parishes of the diocess. In several parishes, where the ministry could not be obtained or supported, gentlemen, distinguished for their piety and standing in society, have received from the bishop the appointment of lay readers; and thus are instrumental in preserving among the members of our Church their attachment to her most devout and excellent services. Though much pressed by the cares of an extensive parish, containing about four hundred families, the Bishop continues to discharge the duties of his office throughout the diocess; and it was remarked in his last statement to the annual Convention, that, with the possible excep

tion of some remote chapels, he had then completed his tour of episcopal visitation.

The canons and rubricks of the Church are, it is believed, in most respects generally observed; and upon the whole, we are allowed to cherish the hope that the prosperity of the Protestant Episcopal Church continues to strengthen and increase in Maryland; that her principles are better understood than formerly; that prejudices once entertained against her are removed; that there is an increased attachment to her rites and ordinances; and that true religion is gaining ground in the hearts and lives of her members.

VIRGINIA.

The Almighty continues his gracious smiles to this part of his Church. Since the last General Convention, a considerable number of new congregations has been formed, and a large increase of ministers been added.The number of regular congregations is about fifty, and of officiating ministers thirty. The most delightful unity prevails among the ministers. A strong attachment binds them and their congregations together. The conduct of communicants is becoming more and more serious and consistent; and very few are now to be found, who bring reproach upon religion and the Church by immoralities, or an attendance upon the vain and sinful amusements of the world. The services of the Church are more punctually and zealously observed, and promise to be esteemed in proportion as they are duly understood. The ordinance of baptism, especially, which has hitherto been so neglected, or lightly and profanely performed, begins to excite the more sesious attention of the clergy and laity. Whereas the directions of the rubrick enjoin the most public and solemn performance of it, where the prayers of the whole congregation may be obtained, it has been too cus

tomary, either through a false modesty or irreligious indifference, to prevail upon ministers to disobey the rubrick, and let down the ordinance to a mere private ceremony, which has often been accompanied with unbecoming frivolity and mirth. The impiety of such a proceeding now appears in its true colours; and a reformation has already begun and considerably advanced, which, it is hoped, will be aided and supported by the general voice of the Church.

In this diocess a fund for the Episcopate has been commenced.

The College of William and Mary has made an offer which promises important benefits to students of theology, and has elected a clergyman of our Church a Professor therein, who will take charge of such students.

A society has been organized to assist indigent young men who are candidates for the ministry, and from which the most beneficial results may be expected.

Theological Seminary.

AN examination of the Students in the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the United States, took place before the Trustees at New-Haven, on the 26th and 27th of July.-The following resolution, which was unanimously adopted, sufficiently expresses the opinion of the Board on the subject:

Resolved, That this Board have been much gratified by their attendance upon the examination of the Students of the Seminary-that they have evinced generally great proficiency in the branches of study to which they have directed their attention, during the last session-and that, in the opinion of this Board, much credit is due to them and to their instructors for the attainments they have made.