boro', 1 person; Laurel 4; Georgetown 5; Lewes 17.

The above are the first confirmations ever administered in Sussex County, Delaware.

By request of the respective vestries, the following churches, in the same county, long since erected, were consecrated by Bishop Onderdonk, viz. Christ Church, Laurel; St. George's Chapel; St. Peter's Church, Lewes.

in Europe.

THE tawny complexion, the singular customs, and the particular dialect of the people called Gipsies, together with the severe laws that have been made against them in England, Scotland, France, and most countries of Europe, have excited much curiosity as to their origin. The most circumstantial account to be met with, is from an old French journal, of the remarkable occurrences at Paris, in the beginning of the fifteenth century, the substance of which is as follows:

August 17, 1427, (says the author) there arrived at Paris a dozen of Pennaucors (doers of penance,) as they called themselves-to wit, a Duke, a Count, and ten others, all on horseback, who pretended to be very good Christians, and that they were of the Lower Egypt. They said farther, that not a very long time before the Christians had conquered them and their whole country, and had made them all turn Christians, or put to death those that would not. That the lords among them who were baptized, were made masters of the country, as they had been before; that they promised to be good and loyal Christians, and to preserve their faith in Jesus Christ, as long as they lived; and that they had a king and queen in their country, who lived within their own manors. But they said that, a little while after they had embraced the Christian faith, the Saracens came and attacked them; and as they were not well fixed in the Christian faith, they made very little resistance, as in duty to their country they were bound to do; but submitted to the enemy, became Saracens, as be VOL. XIII.

last, in a great council, it was resolved by the emperor and other princes, that they could not suffer them to remain in their territories without the consent of the Pope. Whereupon they were ordered to repair to the holy father at Rome. That all of them, both small and great, went thither with great difficulty, especially the children. When they were there, they made a general confession of their sins; and when the Pope heard their confession, after mature deliberation in his council, he ordered them, as a penance, to wander for seven years together through the world, without ever lying in a bed; and that they might have some way to support themselves, he ordered, as they said, that every bishop and mitred abbot should give them a charity of ten livres, as was mentioned in the letters, with which he furnished them, to the bishops of the church; then, after he had given them his blessing, they departed, and had been wandering for five years through the world before they arrived at Paris.

"The before mentioned twelve," says the author, "arrived at Paris, on the 17th of August, 1427, and on the day of John the Baptist's decollation, (August 29,) the whole body of their common people arrived. These were not suffered to enter Paris, but were by the magistrates lodged in the chapel of St. Denis, and were, in the whole, but about one hundred, or six score of men, women, and children. When they left their country, they were, as they said, about 1000 or 1200, but the rest had died by the way; and their king and queen, they said, were yet alive, and were still in hopes of having

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a settlement in this world; for that the Pope had promised to give them a good and fertile country to inhabit; but that they must first sincerely finish the period of their penance. Whilst they were at the chapel, there were never seen such crowds of people at any fair or public festival, as resorted to see them, from Paris, St. Denis, and all the places round. Almost all, or by far the greatest part of them, had their ears bored, and a silver ring, some two, in each ear, which was the fashion in their country. The men were very black, with their hair frizzled; the women were the most ugly, and the blackest that were ever seen; almost all had their heads uncovered, with hair as black as a horse's tail; and for clothes, they had nothing but a single garment or shift, tied upon the shoulder, with a linen string or cord, and a short cloak; in short, they were the poorest creatures that had ever been seen in France; and yet, notwithstanding their poverty, they had sorceresses amongst them, who, by looking into people's hands, pretended to tell them what had or would happen to them. But what was worse, while they were thus telling people their fortunes, either by magic art, or by the help of the devil, or by sleight of hand, they drew, as I was told, the money out of people's pockets into their own. 'Tis true, I went myself three or four times to talk with them, but never saw them look into any one's hand, nor did I lose any thing. But this was what the people every where reported; insomuch, that at last, an account of it reached the bishop of Paris, who went thither, carrying along with him a famous preacher called the Little Jaco bin, and he, by the bishop's order, after preaching a fine sermon, excommunicated all those who showed them their hands, or put any faith in their predictions; and at last, being ordered away, they departed on the nativity of the Virgin Mary, (Sept. 8 taking their route towards Pontoise."

This is the account given by the author of this journal, and as the journal is authentic, it shows the falsehood of the vulgar opinion, that our Gipsies are with, or are descended from

the same

the people called Zinganees, in Turkey, who were banished from Egypt, after the Sultan Soliman had conquered that kingdom, in 1517. The story these people told at Paris was certainly a fiction, contrived to impose upon the superstition and ignorance of that age; and yet there was some foundation in history for a part of it; for in the 13th century, the Lower Egypt had been conquered by Lewis the 9th of France, who, very probably, forced the people he conquered to turn Christians; but he did not long hold his conquest, for being defeated and taken prisoner by the Saracens, he was obliged to give up all his conquests and return home. It is, however, doubtful if any number of people left Egypt at that time on account of their religion; because, if they had, they would have come directly to France, when that king returned with the remains of his army, and not have wandered through all Asia Minor, Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Germany.

The better opinion seems to be, that our Gipsies are the descendants of the people called Uxians by the Byzantine historians, who from Persia spread themselves all over Mysia, and lived chiefly by telling people their fortunes. The character of our European Gipsies being the same with that given by ancient historians to that people, viz. Quos aliena juvant, propriis habitare molestum ; and their way of supporting themselves here is the same with that practised by their ancestors in Asia, it is very natural to suppose that some of these old fortune-tellers got themselves wafted over the Hellespont from Mysia into Greece, and their first appearing in Poland, Bohemia, (from whence they are by the French called Bohemians,) and the eastern parts of Germany, is a confirmation of this supposition. Their pretending to be Egyptians, who had left their country for the sake of their religion, when it was conquered by the Saracens, was a story well calculated for gaining a favourable reception from the Grecian emperor, and other Christian princes; but their pilferings and idleness have since produced severe laws against them in most countries of Europe.

On Sudden Death.

OUR good or evil state after death dependeth most upon the quality of our lives. Yet somewhat there is, why a virtuous mind should rather wish to depart this world with a kind of treatable dissolution, than to be suddenly cut off in a moment; rather to be taken than snatched away from the face of the earth. Death is that which all men suffer; but not all men with one mind, neither all men in one manner. For being of necessity a thing common, it is, through the manifold persuasions, dispositions, and occasions of men, with equal desert both of praise and dispraise, shunned by some, by others desired. So that absolutely we cannot discommend, and we cannot absolutely approve, either willingness to live, or forwardness to die. Concerning the ways of death, albeit the choice thereof be only in his hands who alone hath power over all flesh, and unto whose appointment we ought with patience meekly to submit ourselves, (for to be agents voluntarily in our own destruction, is against both God and nature;) yet there is no doubt but in so great variety, our desires will and may lawfully prefer one kind before another. Is there any man of worth and virtue, although not instructed in the school of Christ, or ever taught what the soundness of religion meaneth, that had not rather end the days of this transitory life, as Cyrus in Xenophon, or in Plato Socrates, are described, than to sink down with them of whom Elihu hath said, memento moriuntur, (Job xx. 5.) there is scarce an instant between their flourishing and their not being? But let us, who know what it is to die as Absalom, or Annanias and Sapphira died; let us beg of God, that when the hour of our rest is come, the patterns of our dissolution may be Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and David, who, leisurely ending their lives in peace, prayed for the mercies of God to come upon their posterity, replenished the hearts of the nearest unto them with words of memorable consolation, strengthened men in the fear of God, gave them wholesome instructions of life, and confirmed them in true religion: in sum, taught

the world no less virtuously how to die, than they had done before how to live. To such as judge things according to the sense of natural men, and ascend no higher, suddenness, because it shorteneth their grief, should in reason be most acceptable. That which causeth bitterness in death, is the languishing attendance and expectation thereof, ere it come. And, therefore, tyrants use what art they can to increase the slowness of death. Quick riddance out of life is often both requested and bestowed as a benefit. Commonly, therefore, it is, for virtuous considerations, that wisdom so far prevaileth with men as to make them desirous of slow and deliberate death against the stream of their sensual inclination, content to endure the longer grief and bodily pain, that the soul may have time to call itself to a just account of all things past, by means whereof repentance is perfected, there is wherein to exercise pa"tience, the joys of the kingdom of heaven have leisure to present themselves, the pleasures of sin and this world's vanity are censured with uncorrupt judgments; charity is free to make advised choice of the soil wherein her last seed may most fruitfully be bestowed; the mind is at liberty to have due regard of that disposition of worldly things which it can never afterwards alter; and because the nearer we draw unto God, the more we are oftentimes. enlightened with the shining beams of his glorious presence, as being then even almost in sight, a leisureable departure may in that case bring forth, for the good of such as are present, that which shall cause them for ever after from the bottom of their hearts to pray,

let us die the death of the righteous, and let our last end be like theirs! All which benefits and opportunities are by sudden death prevented. And besides, for as much as death, however, is a general effect of the wrath of God against sin, and the suddenness thereof a thing which happeneth but to few, the world in this respect feareth it the more, as being subject to doubtful constructions, which, as no man willingly would incur, so they whose happy estate after life is of all men's the most certain, should especially wish that no such ac

cident in their death may give uncharitable minds occasion of rash, sinister, and suspicious verdicts, whereunto they are ever prone. So that whether evil men or good be respected, whether we regard ourselves or others, to be perserved from sudden death is a blessing of God. And our prayer against it importeth a twofold desire: first, that death, when it cometh, may give us some convenient respite; or secondly, if that be denied us by God, yet we may have wisdom to provide always before hand; that those evils overtake us not, which death unexpected doth use to bring upon careless men, and that, although it be sudden in itself, nevertheless, in regard of our prepared minds, it may not be sudden.

Anniversary of the New-York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society.

THE twelfth Anniversary of the New-York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society was celebrated in St. John's Chapel, in this city, on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 22. There were present about 2000 scholars, who, with the superintendents, teachers, and directors of the several schools, filled the ground-floor of that spacious edifice. The galleries were crowded with other friends of the institution. A number of the clergy, with the Bishop, occupied the chancel. The Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. George L. Hinton, Deacon, Minister of St. Andrew's Church, New-York, and a discourse, adapted to the occasion, delivered by the Rev. William A. Clark, Rector of All-Saints Church, New-York. After which the 114th hymn was sung, and the whole of the deeply interesting services closed with prayer and benediction by the Bishop.

The scholars, on retiring received each a copy of an excellent little book, entitled "The Anniversary Book," just published by the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union.

Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina.

It is gratifying to perceive a continuance of the active measures of this

society, as stated in the 19th annual report of its board of directors, made at the anniversary, on the 17th February, 1829. They have four missionaries stationed in destitute or infant churches, to whose support they appropriated during the past year $1500, the whole of which, however, circumstances did not require them to expend. During the same period, they distributed 16 Bibles, 44 Common Prayer Books, and 1410 Tracts.

Society for Enlarging and Rebuilding Churches and Chapels in England and Wales.

THE Society for Enlarging and Rebuilding of Churches and Chapels in England and Wales, has been incorporated by act of parliament. This society has no connexion with the parliamentary grants which have been made for the building of new churches, but is supported by voluntary subscriptions and contributions. In the ten years of its existence, it has, at an expense of somewhat less than £10000, assisted 577 parishes in increasing their church accommodations; by means of which 154,680 additional sittings have been obtained, whereof 116,503 are free for the use of the poor. In other words, during each year of its existence, the society has been instrumental in providing church-room for nearly 16000 persons; and each sitting has been provided permanently for less than 15s. from the society-not 15s. a year, but 15s. once for all.-Christ. Guardian.

Legal Decision.

We understand that the long-disputed cause between the Stone Chapel and

Trinity Church in this city, has been taken out of court and decided by reference, in the following manner: The Chapel is to relinquish the fund* to Trinity Church; Trinity Church to have the control of the Lecture, which is to be delivered in their house; the Chapel to pay the Church one half of the interest received since the commencement of the suit, and the future profits to be equally divided between the two, after supporting the Lecture, and fulfilling other provisions of the will.Boston Recorder.

Protestants in France. FROM the statistics of the reformed churches of France, it appears that the

Protestant Calvinistic communion have in that kingdom 438 places of worship, and 305 officiating pastors. There are among them 451 Bible Societies and Associations, 124 Missionary Societies and Associations, 59 Societies and Depositories for the circulation of religious tracts, 8 provident societies, 79 Sunday schools, and 392 elementary and boarding schools. For the education of young men for the sacred office, there are two theological faculties, one at Montauban, and one at Strasbourg.

New Bishop of Calcutta.

THE Rev. John Matthias Turner, M. A., of Christ Church, Prebendary of Lincoln, Rector of Winslow, Lan. cashire, and Examining Chaplain of the Bishop of Chester, has been nominated to the See of Calcutta, vacant by the death of the Rev. Dr. James.

EPISCOPAL ACTS.

In the Diocese of South-Carolina. On Sunday, the 15th March, the Right Rev. Dr. Bowen held a special Ordination at Shelden Church, in Prince William's Parish, and admitted to Priests' Orders, the Rev. Thomas I. Young, Rector of St. Luke's Parish, and officiating Minister, for the present

This fund supported the "Price Lectures,” which have been delivered during "Lent," on the distinguishing doctrines of Christianity.

also, of Prince William's. Morning Prayers were read, and the candidate presented by the Rev. Mr. Walker, of Beaufort. The sermon was preached by the Bishop.

In the Eastern Diocese.

On the 26th of February, Bishop Griswold admitted the Rev. Clement Priests. Mr. Jones was afterwards inF. Jones, Deacon, to the holy order of stituted rector of Trinity Church, Sa-› co, Maine.

Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

Among the legacies of the late Mr. Tillard, of Canterbury, was a munificent bequest of 30,000l. to the incorporated Socity for the Propagation of the Gospel.— Miss. Reg.

Obituary Notices.

Died at Hampton, England, on the 23d of December last, in the 69th year of his age, the Right Rev. Robert Stanser, D. D., formerly bishop of Nova-Scotia.

Died at Troy, on the 19th of April, 1829, after an illness of three days, Esaias Warren, Esq. aged 57 years, late mayor of that city. It is seldom that a death occurs in any community which occasions the disruption of so many and so tender ties, and of such varied public and private relations, as has that of this estimable and worthy citizen. He was one of the earliest of the surviving emigrants to that place, in which, by the exercise of uncommon enterprise and industry, he soon accumulated a large estate, and conferred important benefits upon the public. Prosperity, however, never in the least elevated him in his own estimation, and his conciliating disposition and unassuming deportment gained him the love and esteem of all with whom he had intercourse. Throughout a long life occupied in extensive business with his fellow men, not the least stain was ever thrown upon his probity, nor any imputation made against the correctness of his from his fellow citizens, if public funcjudgment. The favours which he received tions may be so termed, were unsought and unsolicited by him; they were the fruit of his capacity for business and his unyielding integrity, and of their affection and gratitude. His hand was ever open to the claims of suffering humanity, as well as to the demands which public enterprises and institutions have upon the contribu tions of the prosperous and affluent. But he sustained a still higher and more ennobling character than that of a useful citizen, and a correct and honest man-he