gation every other Sunday, until the arrival in 1786, of Pastor John Frederick Weinland, from Germany, who was immediately elected minister of this congrega tion, and who continued at Germantown, until 1789, when he accepted the call to New Providence, where he died. In 1790 Pastor Frederick D. Schaefer was elected minister of this congregation, and in 1812, miniter of the Philadelphia congregation.

In the same year, Pastor John Becker, (who was ordained in Philadelphia in 1817) was elected minister of Germantown. He is a native of Philadelphia.

In 1819 the old German Lutheran Church was razed, and the present Church built in its place.

In 1827, Pastor Becker accepted the call to the congregation of Lancaster-when the present minister, Mr. Benjamin Keller was elected.

Of later events, I am unable to furnish information, although efforts were made to obtain it.

PRESENTMENT OF THE GRAND JURY.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

perance,this pernicious vice is believed to derive encouragement from the unnecessary number of taverns and lavern licenses. The actual wants of the publ c, with respect to places authorized to retail spirituous liquors, are already supplied beyond the nuinber limited by the call of travellers, and the necessity of accommodation in meetings of business; every additional tavern is a source of almost inevitable mischief. The encouragement of idleness, which is uniformly the result, would, of itself, furnish a powerful argument against the increase of them; for idleness alone must lead to poverty; and poverty is too often the parent of distress and crime. But the resort of idleness is the resort of vice; intoxication disqualifies its victim both for present exertion and future energy. If he should not seek relief in immediate crime, he at least becomes useless to his family and burthensome to the public-in a word, a pauper, The mul tiplication of tavern licenses is thus fatal to morals and injurious to the finances of the commonwealth. The insignificant revenue produced from them is soon absorbed in lavish appropriations for the support of the poor; as a foe to virtue, they are a certain evil; as a source of public income, they are of less than doubtful efficacy.

The Grand Inquest observe with pleasure, that a bill is before your honorable bodies to amend the evils before mentioned as regards taverns and tavern licenses, and rely upon such measures being taken as will reme dy the subject complained of in that respect.

The memorial and representation of the Grand Inquest of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, inquiring for the County of Philadelphia, respectfully represent: That in the opinion of this inquest, the most serious public evils exist, in consequence of the lamentable fact of extortion, in the taking of illegal fees by subordinate magistrates not being an indictable offence. This o- It is believed, that the existence of so many authorispinion has been strongly impressed on your memorialists ed places of vicious association gives countenance and in the course of the execution of their duties; during encouragement to others, which are altogether without the present session of the Court of Quarter Sessions of pretence of protection from the law. The young and this County, occassions have arisen when this radical dissolute, who have commenced a career of irregularity defect in our criminal jurisprudence has become deplo- in taverns, find too easy opportunity for greater enor rably manifest; so much so, that the Grand Inquest have mities, in the various disorderly houses, where dancing, felt it their public duty to call the attention of your hon gaming, and still more degrading debaucheries are ourable bodies to this defect in our public laws, which practised. The vigilance of the police has been in this respect are grossly inadequate to the protection strangely evaded, or its powers have been imperfectly and security of the people; particularly of the poor and exercised, to permit so many evils of this description to the ignorant who are perpetually the subjects of arise. What can rescue a youth of indulged profligacy this sort of imposition and oppression. No reflection from a manhood of infirmity, immorality and crime?ought to be cast on the character of the state, because Associations the most pernicious are believed to exist in this dangerous and abominable offence has been strick-numerous instances; and the utmost rigor of the public en from our criminal code; for this was not the result of authority is required for their suppression and punishdirect legislation, but the accidental consequence of gen-ment. When it is found, as may frequently be the case, eral language. The 13th section of the act of 1806, entitled an act regulating arbitrations," has compelled the Judges of the Supreme Court to determine, that a civil action for the pecuniary penalty, provided by the fee bill for taking illegal fees is the only remedy left to the citizens, whether the receipt of illegal fees is an innocent and accidental, or a corrupt and fradulent act. The result of the existing law of extortion therefore is, that the distinctions between moral guilt and innocence, between corruption and mistake, are confounded, and that the unprincipled man, who knowingly and wilfully extorts money to which he is conscious he has no just claim, is placed on the same footing with the honest inagistrate, whom the intricacies of the fee bill may betray into accidental error; for our Supreme Court have determined, that mistake and the absence of any corrupt motive forms no apology or excuse in an action for the legal penalty, where any thing more than the fees set down are received by a magistrate.

The memorialists deem it due to the many respectable and useful citizens who hold the commission of the peace in the district, to disclaim any idea of a general denunciation of these officers, or any reflection on them as a body. They are anxious, that the motives of their petition should be assigned to what has truly given rise to it; a conviction that such a modification of our existing laws is required for the general good, as will make the fraud,corrupt and wilful receipt of illegal fees indic table, and punishable as a misdemeanor in office.

And the Grand Inquest further represent, that while great exertions are making for the suppression of intem

that persons are connected with them of tender years, it is hoped that they will be withdrawn from the imperfect control of parents and masters, which has proved so ineffectual, and consigned to the guardianship of that asylum for juvenile delinquents, the House of Refuge, which alone can stop the progress of iniquity, and inspire the wish, with the ability, of amendment.

The Grand Jury regret to find, in the very construction and discipline of the prisons, sources of increasing crime. In the views which they have to present on this subject, there is nothing novel. They fear indeed, that the frequent repetition of them has so familiarized the public mind to the evils they display, that it has be come insensible to the necessity of correcting them. To delay a remedy is to entail on future generations the exposure which forms so serious a calamity at the present day. Our prisons, instead of being places of reformation, are schools of vice. How can this fail to be the case, when nightly associations are not merely permitted, but enforced, by crowding together numbers of unclassed convicts? Associations where the practised in iniquity and the yet inexperienced in guilt are brought together, with all the necessary results of combined precept and example, to perpetuate the wicked practises of the former, and foment the depraved inclinations of the latter. Accident may have brought many into the reluctant commission of their first offence. A knowl edge of the ways of vice; a hardihood derived from encouragement; a promise of co-operation and fellowship; and above all, a constant, a never ceasing familiarity with thoughts of mischief, perpetually inspired and

1830.]

ORPHAN SOCIETY.

197

Samuel C. Atkinson,
Isaac Collins,
John Cole,

By direction and on behalf of the Inquest aforesaid,
namely:
William Boyd,
Alfred Ingraham,
Samuel Castor,
Joseph Walmsley,
Thomas Hart,
Nicholas Ambruster,
Peter Grim,
Edward Penington,
John M'Alister,

Francis R. Wharton,
John Poulson,
Patrick Galbraith,
Francis G. Smith,

John Magg,

James M'Cann.

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

PHILADELPIHA ORPHAN SOCIETY.

THE anniversary meeting of the Orphan Society was held on Tuesday, 5th January, at the Hall of the Musical Fund Society. The Rev. Mr. Rutledge gave an eloquent and appropriate Address, and read the following

REPORT:

perpetually rewarded, will prompt to the desperate and skilful perpetration of the second. Can the public authorities find a justification for continuing these evils, in a desire to delay the necessary expenditures for the correction of them. If expense were an object in com parison with the misery and vice which the alternative presents, it fails as an argument here; for the expense of multiplied crimes and criminals might readily be demonstrated to out weigh immeasurably that of the means of their prevention. Political economy finds sources of revenue in the virtue of the community; in the devotion of its operative classes to the regular habits of productive industry; in the exercise of all the faculties of all the citizens in accumulating stores of national wealth and national happiness. It looks to the most lavish and wasteful expenditure in idleness and vice.While prisons are so arranged as to permit a free intercourse between criminals, they neither correct the of fender nor protect society from depredation. One, or a few, may be arrested and confined; but numbers are let loose to pray upon the unguarded with combinations formed to give effect to daring dispositions and The Board of Managers of the Orphan Society preminds instructed in guilt. An increase of accommoda- sent their annual tribute to its patrons, and invite them tions is loudly called for; such as would separate the to unite in returning thanks to God for all the benguilty; destroy combination among the most depraved; efits bestowed on these children of his care-on this and exclude the less vicious from contamination. These household of his mercy-wherein the lisping tongue of are not merely speculative views. The construction of infancy is daily taught to speak his praise. the great Eastern Penitentiary of Pennsylvania, is alrea- tution has this day reached its fifteenth anniversarydy manifesting, in practice, its own advantages. Other several of its first Managers are still in the Board-mastates have matured establishments, which correct the ny were associated at an early period of its existence, evils adverted to, at an expense short of that required and all experience a heart-felt interest in its success, and for our defective and pernicious system. A very bene-remember with how firm a faith its amiable Foundress ficial and thorough reform of our alms-house is now in predicted its prosperity: from her own benevolent naprogress, by which all vicious paupers of all descriptions; ture she judged, that in this community friends would as it would promote decency, modesty, morality and e- successively arise, to foster the orphans collected withconomy. There can be no valid reason why an equal in the walls of her asylum, and up to this period a genreformation should not immediately take place in our erous public has amply redeemed her pledge. On the prisons and prison dicipline. 3d of March, 1815, the first little destitute orphans→→ destitute no more-were received; since when, two hundred and thirty-two have been admitted, cherished and instructed, and at a proper age one hundred and five have been indentured. There are now in the Asylum ninety-five, who are here present, still the recipi ents of your bounty, warmly clad, plentifully fed, and duly trained to lift their eyes and hearts to you on earth, and to God, their Heavenly Father.

The Grand Inquest believe it to be very unjust and injurious to compel persons committed on suspicion of crime, to associate with old and hardened convicts, as is the case in the Arch street prison.

The Insti

The income of the Society has not for the last two the diminution of annual subscriptions, which has prob ably arisen from a supposition that the funds were sufficient; this not being the fact, the Board carnestly petition their patrons to persevere in this good work, until the object for which they have hitherto given their wil ling aid, is accomplished.

The Grand Inquest visited the House of Refuge for the reformation of juvenile delinquents; and inspected the halls, dormitories, work shops, school rooms, chapel, &c., and were much gratified with the good order, cleanliness and general arrangements, which, in their opinion, are well adapted to effect the benevolent pur-years been quite adequate to its expenditure, owing to pose of this noble institution. We are fully persuaded, that this community will derive extensive and permanent benefit from it, in preventing an increase, if it does not materially lessen the number of convicts, as long as its affairs shall continue to be administered by a Board of Managers, who are qualified and zealous in the discharge of the important trust committed to them, and whoseonly reward is a consciousness of the faithful discharge of their duties; the reformation of the numerous vicious youth committed to their guardianship and the approbation of their fellow citizens.

The Grand Inquest would respectfully recommend to the judicial authorities, to send to this institution all children who are friendless, and who lead an idle, vagrant life, who have commenced a career of vice, by committing petty thefts, are acquiring habits of intemperance, frequenting gambling houses, theatres and houses of ill fame: of such children, it is believed our city and liberties contain a sufficient number to fill the 150 unoccupied dormitories at the House of Refuge.We regret to learn, that its treasury is entirely destitute of funds; and we cannot in too strong terms, recommend this Institution to the favourable attention and patronage of the Legislature, the public authorities and of our fellow citizens generally.

The mumificent legacy of our late liberal fellow-citizen Frederick Kohne, Esq. has provided against the future wants of the institution, and identified his name with its prosperity. Monuments of adamant would not so gloriously perpetuate his memory as the benefactions furnished to protect the helpless innocent and reclaim the youthful sinner.

The family in the Asylum has been blest with a greater degree of health, than in several preceding years.— Nine have been admitted, and twenty-two bound out. Expenses for maintaining the family, three thousand seven hundred dollars,

An item in the Treasurer's report, entitled "the Orphan's Fund," though of a private nature, as it appears before the public, may require explanation, that subscribers may not suppose the money contributed for the support of minors, is diverted from its object. It is known that children received into the Asylum are strictly orphans; deprived of both their parents, and indeed in most cases, are those who have no where to lay their re-heads,—frequently they are received from strangers in whose houses their parents boarded and died; or from aged relations too poor and too old to afford them the

They therefore pray, that your honorable bodies will give such relief in the premises as to you may seem quisite. WILLIAM BOYD, Foreman of G Jury.

Philada. March 10, 1830.

prospect of a future home.

A maternal feeling in the ladies who composed the Board of Managers in 1820, induced them to appropriate a sum, (subscribed by themselves for another object,) to which were added the fines incurred for non-attendance at their meetings, and the nett proceeds of sales of children's work done in the Asylum, to constitute this fund; out of which, provision might be made for those who were deprived of health, or others who had fulfilled their apprenticeship creditably, and might want means to procure tools to establish them in their trades. To the latter, small loans are intended; from the sick, no return will be exacted. The utility of this appropriation has been already experienced in the case of one of the girls first admitted, who has long been an invalid, and notwithstanding the utmost exertions of industry, must have endured all the sufferings of a destitute orphan, had not relief from the source been extended to her. It may perhaps be satisfactory to state,that between the females who have been reared in the Asylum and the matron, an affectionate intercourse is preserved-and that they are also in the habit of seeking counsel from, and evincing gratitude to the ladies who have been the friends of their childhood.

In this review of the concerns of the Society, the Board feel that they have much cause to be thankful to the all-pervading care of a gracious Providence-to the untiring benevolence of their fellow-citizens-to the watchful duty of their faithful agents-and to the active co-operation of all who are associated with them in this interesting charity.

Address of the Rev. Mr. Rutledge.

The reading of the report from the Managers of the Orphan Asylum, couched as it is in terms clear and beautiful, as well as touchingly pathetic;-the sight of these interesting little beings now before us, whose comforts, progress in improvement, and other advantages, you now have heard detailed, are in themselves sufficient, I am fully aware,to awaken the sympathies of your hearts, beyond any thing which can be said even by the most eloquent speaker.

To hear, from the most benevolent portion of our race, and from some of the most actively benevolent of that portion, the story of their exertions in behalf of the destitute and helpless orphan; of their trials, their anxieties, and their hopes; of their steady perseverance in the path of duty, with the cheering encouragement of their own consciences and the smile of their God the only stimulants to their efforts, is a scene in the wide field of the moral sublime, which even the Stoic might enjoy. To behold, as we now do, the objects of their anxiety and their labours; to see the happy and intelli. gent countenances of these little immortals, who, but for the kindness of their amiable benefactresses, might have been pining in sorrow, in sickness, and in sin, without one comfort which this world can grant, or one hope which heaven holds out, is enough to warm the heart bound in the icy fetters of indifference, when gazing on almost every species of suffering to which humanity is heir, and to unlock the hand, which, from the long habit of grasping worldly wealth, is most rigidly closed to the ordinary calls of charity.

Idle then would be the attempt, on my part, to plant in your bosoms feelings which have not already there fixed themselves deeply and firmly, or to excite you to benevolent actions on which you have not already resolved; but I should feel myself unworthy the honour which I have now enjoyed, of participating in the exercises of this joyous anniversary; unworthy of the name of a philanthropist, to which, of all other titles, my heart most fondly aspires; unworthy of the office of a minister of our holy religion, if a few words were not uttered to encourage your benevolent emotions, and to incite to prompt, and continued, and vigorous efforts, in behalf of this most heavenly institution.

In attempting this, the first idea would suggest is

this; that almost every other asylum provided by man for the temporal or spiritual benefit of his fellow man, has so many evils either connected with, or resulting from it, as to render it questionable, in the minds of moralists and political economists, whether their existence is not as oftentimes a curse, as a blessing to society. In illustration of this remark, let me refer you to those retreats of a sacred character, whither the lovers of quiet and retired devotion are sometimes invited to withdraw themselves, from the temptations and allurements of the world, and to devote their all, their time, their talents, and their wealth, to the service of their God, which retreats, though they are conscientiously approved of by many, are by others considered vastly de. trimental, on account of their deducting from society so great an amount of moral and physical energy: and again, to those asylums provided for the poor who cannot provide for themselves, which, while they always have, and always will receive the ready aid of benevolent hearts, have nevertheless been considered as means of increasing the number of the indolent, and of swelling the ranks of pauperism, by taking away from the mind of man the thought of his dependence upon his own productive industry for the support of his existence.

But in regard to institutions like this, whose anniversary we are now celebrating; there is no question in regard to its unalloyed excellence; there is not, and there cannot be, here, any controversy between feeling and duty; all allow, that in encouraging such a work as our managers are now conducting, we are promoting a most delightful means of good, with which no evil is mingled, and from which it cannot be extracted by any earthly perversion of its object.

In order to perceive that this assertion is not broader or stronger than is warranted by facts, let us briefly pass in review some of the great objects for which this charity is founded.

The first object of this asylum, is to provide a home for the orphan; and who that appreciates the comforts and the delights of home, who that realizes the changes and chances to which these little beings would be exposed in our cold, and selfish, and calculating world, without a home, can doubt the importance of this object?But I would carry you further, and ask you to reflect on the comfort which such a provision as this must afford to an indigent, dying parent, whose children are to be fatherless and motherless; to think of the balm which flows in on a dying mother's heart, when she hears, that those whom she is leaving in destitution, total-overwhelming, will be saved from misery and vice, and sheltered from the storms and buffetings of life, when she can no longer afford them her counsel and her care.

If it has been your lot to stand near the bedside of a dying mother, you can realize this comfort. Even when all the circumstances of the case are most favourable to her who is about to leave her children orphans, the leaving of them is painful beyond description. Let every temporal and spiritual comfort be afforded to that dying mother; let her dissolution approach without any accompaniments of extraordinary anguish; let her wealth be so great, and her friends so good, that she feels all will be done to render the surviving objects of her affection virtuous and happy; let her firm faith enable her to resign all she has and loves, to the good God who gave her all; and yet, when she bids her last, her long farewell to her beloved children, she feels a pang which no tongue can describe-no heart conceive! And if this is the case under the most favourable of circumstances, what must be the trial of that parent's soul, who sees gathered around her feeble frame a circle of helpless children, watching each look of her fading eye, each movement of her fluttering heart, and knowing, that when she ceases to behold them, no eye will gaze on them with the look of affection, no heart beat in unison with theirs, no hand be stretched out to give them

the scanty meal, for which she laboured even to the exhaustion of her life! Such scenes as these occur daily in a community like ours, and in such scenes our managers appear as angels of mercy. They point that dying eye to yonder lovely mansion, and the bitterness of death is past.

Another prominent object of this institution, is to provide education for the orphan; on the importance of which, it would be presumption to enlarge before an audience like that which is at present addressed. Wherever truth is permitted to utter her voice, you will hear the blessings of education proclaimed, and be directed to the most noble fruits, as springing from it. In our own country, above all others on earth, is it deserving of our highest appreciation, and most devoted attention; for on the intelligence and morality of our citizens alone, under God, rests securely the fabric of our free and happy institutions; and uniform experience testifies, that sound practical learning and purity of morals go hand in hand. While our statesmen and politicians are engaged in framing laws for the protection of property and life; while they are engaged in planning and rearing prisons for the punishment and the improvement of the abandoned; here is the equally patriotic and far more pleasing duty performed, of guarding the young against enticements to crime, of carrying them to the fountains of intelligence and virtue--of leading them in those ways which are ways of pleasantness, and those paths which are paths of peace.

199

whose favour is life, and whose loving kindness is better than life itself. With the blessing of God on their ef forts, while engaged in these labours, many fruits of the loveliest promise are here ripening for a rich and blissful ingathering, and God grant that it may not only be their happiness to rejoice here at the result of their exertions, but to shine, hereafter, as stars forever, from having been instrumental in bringing souls to everlasting glory.

Such are the leading objects of this Asylum, as I have conceived them. I would not insult your understandings or your hearts, by endeavoring to say aught to induce you to promote them. If there is a single person here present, who has hitherto neglected to lend to this institution his or her aid, such negligence must have resulted from the want of knowledge in regard to its practical utility, or from mistaking the modesty of the amiable managers, in not clamorously urging their cause, or trumpeting their success, for an indifference to public sympathy, and an independence of public bounty.-Your aid Such you are now informed is not the fact. is wanted.

If you are fathers or mothers, remember that your children may soon be orphans; and while it is allowed, lend your assistance to those benevolent beings who are ready to act, then, the part of protectors to them, as they now do to these, if their necessities require it.

If you are children, rejoicing in the light of the parental smile, pity and cheer those on whose eye the paI know not enough of the experience of this Asylum, rent's smile can never beam, whose tongue is never per (and perhaps its youth does not allow others to know e-mitted to pronounce those tenderest of names, which nough, to form their judgment from that correct quar- burst from your lips in all your sorrows, and in all your ter), to refer to particular individuals who have gone joys, whose ears can never drink in those endearing apforth from its walls as specimens of the salutary educa- pellations--"my daughter and my son," that daily adtion which is there imparted; but in a southern city of dress themselves so sweetly to you. If you would share our Union, where it pleased divine Providence that my one of the most unmingled pleasures which man or wolot should be cast in early life, and where a most noble man can enjoy on earth, engage with your heart and institution of a similar nature exists, supported by the your hand in contributing to the comfort of the Orphan. civil authority of that city, I have known some most valuable individuals, among whom is an officer of one of The Orphan Society of Philadelphia, in account with the the highest grades in our navy, distinguished alike for Treasurer, from January 1, 1829, to Dec. 31st, 1829. his intelligence, his bravery, and his uprightness, who owe all they are now, and all they have learned to hope for in futurity, to the good education they therein ob- To cash paid purchasing committee, and extained. That institution has, and this surely will bring pended by them in support of the Asylum, $3700 00 forth to the service of God and their country, pow-To cash, repairs of real estate, To cash, premium of insurance, ers which might have remained dormant forever, or what is worse, might have been directed, by the illy disposed, to the most dreadful achievements of evil. Another object of this Asylum, and one that transcends all others in its importance, is the preparation of these little immortals for a higher and holier world; the placing them, in early infancy, in the road that leads to Heaven.

Genuine benevolence spurns all bigotry, and will not be confined within the limits of any sect or party which man has prescribed. She dwells and exercises her lovely influence in every heart where dwells love to God and love to man. Hence, although this charity is under the direction of managers whose religious creeds are various, we find one united effort continually making, to improve the best, because the eternal interests of those beneath their care. Religious knowledge is by them imparted to minds not barred against its access by prejudice, nor hardened to resist its melting, moulding influence, by sin repeated and repeated, till callousness has come over the soul, and the spirit has taken its everlasting flight: they adopt the salutary maxim of training up the young in the way wherein they should go, and although, when released from their superintendence, they may for a season wander off into other paths; when they are old, or have had time for reflection, they will return to those in which they were early taught to move. Daily, to these little children, is granted the delightful privilege of hearing the word of God, which can make them wise unto salvation; and daily are they called to lift their hearts in prayer and praise to Him,

DR.

To cash, water rent and taxes,
To cash, purchase of stocks,
To cash, freedom fees,
To cash, incidental expenses,
To cash, orphans' fund,

To balance in Treasury, December 31,

25 00

235 65

119 70

8174 46

40 00

13.00
50 00

63 00 11 97

By cash, charity-box and collections,
By cash, nett proceeds of sale of Children's
work,

By cash, binding fees from Mr. Christian,
By cash, fines on the managers,
By cash, sale of articles at the Asylum,

Philadelphia, December 31, 1829.

$12,369 78

$ 37 83

490 00

245 50

2537 88

650 00

12 67

8189 00

36 88

122 10

20 00

6 75 21 17

$12,369 78

The Orphan Society of Philadelphia, in account with the
Purchasing Committee, from Jan. 1829, to Jan. 1830.

It is not York that is to be benefitted-they will have a communication, by means of the Codorus, the Susquehanna, and the Columbia and Philadelphia rail road, with a market at a not much greater distance, and far better both for the sale of produce and the purchase of merchandize. The country between Baltimore and the line, is, generally speaking, poor; and the trade of York $3700 00 county is of no moment to the people of Baltimore.Their intention is to draw off the trade of our canals and rail roads, to take up the work, as they have avowed, where we have finished it, to tap us in the East, as they are authorised to do in the West, by the Baltimore and Ohio rail road. Hear their own words.