desirous to resort thither, and the more comforted during the whole time of service. Wherefore, dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, ye who rejoice to see the glory of God truly set forth, render your most hearty thanks to the goodness of Almighty God, who hath stirred up in these our days the wills not only of his preachers and ministers, but also of his faithful and Christian magistrates and governors to effect such alterations and amendments, as the cir cumstances of our country demand.

The progressive increase of population, happily undiminished by war or epidemical disease, naturally suggested to the minds of our rulers and ecclesiastical guardians the necessity of enlarging the present churches, and adding to the number of sacred edifices. Ten years have elapsed, since many devout members of our communion instituted a Society to carry into execution this praiseworthy plan; and munificent subscriptions have enabled them to supply the spiritual wants of some most populous districts. Parliament also at the same time with admirable wisdom assigned one million of money, and afterwards half a million more, to the sole use of building Churches; sanctifying the many millions expended in war by a splendid tribute to

the Prince of Peace. Four-fifths of these donations are already consumed; and the remainder awaits the fulfilment of promises to numerous applications; so that, with every prudence of management, the whole is exhausted. Is it in vain to expect a repetition of parliamentary succour? By what more efficacious measure, than that of preaching the gospel to rich and poor, when they meet together in the house of the Lord, who is Maker of them all, can the blessing of heaven be secured to our Protestant constitution? The small sums obtained by briefs were almost, if not altogether, absorbed in official fees; and therefore briefs, however wise in their original formation, justly becoming unpopular through the well-known misapplication of such collections, are now wisely abolished. Henceforth the total sums, to whatever amount, will be immediately transmitted to the Incorporated Society, and exclusively devoted to the specific objects professedly in view. How often this mode of subsidiary largesses will be put in action, must depend partly on the productiveness of the present appeal to the public generosity, and partly on the exigencies, greater or less, of the several cases, which will require proportionable grants. No certain period of recur

rence is intimated. or a triennial circular, like the present, were intended to be issued, such intention would have been plainly announced. But as nothing is known on this point, so nothing is expressed.

If, for instance, an annual

Our own diocese has hitherto received its full share of assistance. Thirty-two cases have been aided by the sum of 6,2301. Hence 9,019 additional sittings have been procured, of which 6,731 are to be free and unappropriated. Thus excuses are cut off from many, who may have wished and sought excuse, for excommunicating themselves from the church and fellowship of the saints of God; while accommodation is afforded to many, who used to hunger and thirst after the word of life, as dispensed in her pure and orthodox ritual.

The edifice, in which we are now assembled, was probably erected about the commencement of the twelfth century; and consequently, it has withstood the various vicissitudes of the seasons for the space of seven hundred years. The crumbling walls may be almost said to totter under the massive roof. The frequent expenditure on unavoidable repairs is very considerable. From actual admeasurement it is ascertained to be capable of containing only

CHURCH.

one-fifth of the inhabitants. Let us hope, that the time may shortly arrive, when the opulent owners of houses and lands in this parish, catching the noble spirit of the Roman centurion, shall exhibit this substantial proof of Christian LOVE towards their neighbours, and BUILD US A Let the laudable, glorious, and honourable competition arise, Which of them shall be foremost in this excellent work? If now, or at the next decennial census, our population should allow us to advance a claim on the Society's funds, such claim might be graciously relinquished for the benefit of parishes less wealthy, and in equal or greater need of church accommodation. Our lot is cast in a pleasant place. Let us manifest our thankfulness to the Giver of every good gift by a structure dedicated to his service, corresponding with the magnificence of private mansions, and the natural beauties of local scenery. Another favourable circumstance remains to be noticed. This pious work would proceed under the auspices of an exemplary Prelate. Newly translated to this distinguished diocese, a fair field is presented, inviting him to display the ministerial character of a Christian Bishop, in all its diversified and arduous duties. His activity is commensurate

B

with his ability; and most unquestionably every encouragement will be extended by him to the prosecution of such undertakings, as the Royal Letter recommends. Let some portion then of the fervent zeal, which animated the Royal Psalmist, animate those before me. "Lord, remember David, and all his trouble," all his anxiety, and care; "how he sware unto the Lord, and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob; I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house, nor climb up into my bed; I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye-lids to slumber, neither the temples of my head to take any rest, until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob."

On the present occasion, my brethren, be liberal according to the magnitude of the call. Bind yourselves every man and woman to your power. In the joyful days of health, the remembrance of one good deed gives greater gratification to the soul, a more solid satisfaction, than to reflect on a thousand parties of pleasure. In the hour of sickness, nothing can sustain the sinking spirits, but the consciousness of having always used the world, as not abusing it. Hold forth then helping hands, and support