watchwords, among which are, " An Establishment, if not a theocracy, must be a tyranny."-"Preference is Persecution." "Toleration is intolerance."-" Man can owe no religious allegiance to man."—"To establish religion is first to corrupt, then to destroy it." "Think, decide, fear not.""Oh!" says the author of this Letter, "that some of the forefathers of these advocates of dissent could have foreseen these doings of their posterity."-Shade of John Wesley! we appeal to you. Third Letter on Church Reform. By REV. C. GIRDLESTONE.-Sensible, moderate, and conciliating; but we fear that the Dissenters look far beyond Mr. Girdlestone's views, and would now pass him over in their first step to the reform they want. Will he grant them a separation of Church and State? will they be contented without? Ecclesiastical Establishments not inconsistent with Christianity, with a particular view to the leading objections of the Modern Dissenters. By WILLIAM HULL, 1834.-A pamphlet which does infinite credit to the feeling, the principles, the taste, and talent of the author; "of one (to use his own language) who has no party interest to serve, no sectarian passions to indulge, no ecclesiastical preferments to obtain by avowing them; and who has been placed in circumstances more than usually favourable for forming an unbiassed estimate of the men and principles of different religious denominations. His convictions have been strongly, but irresistibly forced upon him. In the course of this work, an unqualified opinion is expressed, (which recent transactions have proved to be unwarranted) of the loyalty of Dissenters to the law. Their refusal in various places to pay the church rates, when legally demanded, must be matter of grief to every man who has at heart the peace of his country. Such conduct proceeds on a principle subversive of all government, and is the first step towards rebellion and anarchy. It assumes the right of individuals to resist the authority of the legislature, in any particular instance in which selfishness, caprice, or faction may choose to cover their enormities, under the sacred plea of conscience. In the present case, it is difficult to see in what sense conscience can justify the resistance of a particular body to the will of the public, expressed by the constitutional authorities of the kingdom. The object to be attained is trivial, on all sound principles of moral casuistry, compared with the pernicious influence of this example of revolt set by persons professing superior sanctity, and who are supposed by the reckless multitude to be not ignorant of moral obligations. The particular crisis selected for this and similar displays of radical dissenteism, brands them as the ebullitions of a spirit essentially ungenerous and ignoble; nor is it difficult to determine with what justice men lay claim to a purer faith, or a loftier patriotism, than their neighbours, whose leading characteristic it is, that "they despise dominions and speak evil of dignities." The following are the declarations of the Dissenters, as published by them: 1. "A state establishment of Christianity must be a crying abomination, a daring encroachment on the prerogatives of Heaven. 2. If a church the greatest and best that ever existed, distinguished by the purity of her doctrine, the sanctity of her discipline, the apostolic splendor and devotedness of her ministry; if a church unrivalled for the glory of her various institutions, were this day established, we should remain what we are now, conscientious Dissenters. 3. As to actually conforming-leaving the meeting house for the church, to any Dissenter who understands his principles, or respects himself, the proposition is absurd, almost ridiculous. 4. What instances are there of men distinguished for their ability, and piety, and zeal, and usefulness, brought up and thoroughly initiated in the principles of dissent, and of religious liberty, surrendering themselves up to the diocesan law, and joining in the pomp and ceremony of a national religion, founded or annihilated by an Act of Parliament ! Rightly does the author therefore observe, that "all hope of an amicable compromise between the Church and the Dissenters is excluded. The enemies of the Church have proclaimed, that truce and neutrality are at an end; the friends of the Church therefore know their duty! The recent procedures of some of the body have breathed the spirit of persecution, the turbulent spirit of a secular and revolutionary faction." Sermon preached at the Visitation of the Archdeacon of Totness. By the Rev. E. A. BRAY, Vicar of Tavistock.-A very sensible discourse, directed against those who whilst they themselves talk with the fullest latitude, and even speak evil of dignities, would have the Church keep silence in her defence.' A Letter to Lord Althorp, on the Irish Church Reform Bill. By the Rev. ROB. UVEDALE, M. A.-A pithy, but useful production, from the pen of the nephew of the late Bennet Langton, admonishing his Lordship not to appropriate ecclesiastical revenues to state purposes, or desecrate the property that belongs to the Church of Christ. "Let us beware, Master Hyde, (said Sir Benjamin Rudyerd,) that we do not look with a carnal, worldly, evil eye upon church lands; let us clere our sight, search our hearts, that we may have unmixt and sincere ends, without the least thought of saving our purses. Churchlands will be fittest to maintain churchmen, by a proportionable and orderly distribution. A clergyman ought to have a far greater proportion to live upon than any other man of an equal condition. He is not bred to multiply three-pences. It becomes him not to live sordidly or mechanically. Master Hyde, I am as much for reformation, for purging and maintaining religion, as any man, but I profess am not for innovation nor abolition." A Sermon, preached at the Visitation of Charles Lord Bishop of Winchester, at St. Saviour's, Southwark, by GEORGE D'OYLY, Rector of Lambeth.-A Sermon, the object of which is to press on the clergy the necessity of showing by their conduct, the holiness of their profession; equally distant from a formal and Pharisaical hypocrisy, and an indulgence too secular and free. The Appendix contains a statement of the revenues of the church, and some observations on tithes and church-rates. It is well worthy of perusal, and does no discredit to its learned author. A proposed Book of Common Prayer, &c.-the whole forming a most comprehensive Plan of Church Reform, by MARTYN ROBERT MELVILLE, Esq.Much that is sensible and much that is ludicrous, much practicable and much that cannot be practised, yet all worth the attention of those on whom the task of Reform in the Church will fall.— At p. 110, the dress of the clergy is to be re-modelled, and they are not to have shirt-collars, but satin breeches, and wigs, and short gowns, and long black boots, and not very fine linen; and they are to play cards moderately, but not as during the time of George the Third's illness, when three of our prelates played snipsnap-snorum and commerce with the Princesses, and the Bishop of Norwich was a great whist-player. So much for the Melville Reform. The New Evangelical Church of England Champion, 4 Nos. by the Rev. WILLIAM BAILEY, A. B.-Mr. Bailey is a most upright and zealous defender of the Church to which he belongs; and he wants neither learning, nor industry, nor sagacity well to support his claims. We do not know how Bishop Talleyrand will like his observations on his domestic character in the second number. The Work of an Evangelist; a Sermon preached at the Visitation of the Lord Bishop of Winchester, by the Rev. CHARLES CATOR, A. M.-A manly and honourable and fearless exposition of the preacher's sentiments on the evils that beset the Church, and on the defects. within it; on one of which he touches, which we have long thought deserved grave consideration; we mean, on the Charges that might be delivered by the Bishops to the Clergy on the great questions which are constantly rising into controversy, and their opinions and advice on them. We are sorry that such Charges have fallen into desuetude; and too often we lament that we have directions for repairs of churches, and repairs of parsonage-houses, and threats and severe edicts on residence, (being much fitter for churchwardens than for scholars and theologians to hear,) instead of those powerful and learned discourses which Horsley was the last to give to his delighted and instructed brethren: Horsley took for granted, that HIS clergy were men of moral lives, of upright consciences, and solid learning. That he did not want fresh powers to restrain their immorality, (see the Bishop of Landaff's Charge,) and that, of all classes of the community, they dwelt, every man at home, under the shadow of his own vine, and his own fig-tree. HE addressed them as men of sense, and learning, and piety; as his equals in age, and conduct, and knowledge-in all but station; not as boys just let loose from college, who are to be told what amusements they may have, and what are forbidden. We think Mr. Cator's learned and honourable exposition of his sentiments on this point, will meet the approbation of his brethren. Reformation of the Church Revolution in Disguise. By a Country Clergyman. The threatening aspect of the times has evoked the reluctant spirit of the most secluded and studious from their sacred 1834.] Bp. Philpott's Charge.-James's Distinctions in Religion. retirement, to meet the enemy of peace, order, and religion. The author, a Buckinghamshire rector, joins the Christian legion, and in a very well-written, scholar-like pamphlet, has refuted many of the sophistical and delusive arguments that are held out, ad captandum vulgus, to catch a greedy and gainsaying people. We have read so much, and said so much on this subject, that we cannot well extract any passages from this work; and, indeed, such passages would give but a poor and inadequate notice of its connected and leading arguments. Unhal lowed hands are seizing the Ark of the Covenant; and avarice and luxury and greediness are hunting together for their prey. There is no trick that the enemies of the Church do not practise to effect their purpose:-A member the other night in the House, affirmed that laytithes ought not to be touched, and stood on a firmer ground than those of the Church. Can a man, who could deliberately utter such a sentence as this, to effect better his mischievous purpose, and drive the laity from the clergy, dare to assume the appellation of an honourable man, or a conscientious legislator? This question has done more to unmask the hypocrite, to bring forward the base features of the mind, to show the dishonourable and selfish feelings by which men are actuated, than any we remember. The petition of the Devonshire yeomanry is a disgrace to the county; it is at once a shameless and open avowal, that their will shall be law; that they will strip their clergy of half their property to add to theirs; that neither right, nor claim, nor possession, nor law, nor reverence for religion shall stand in their ruthless and ruffian path:-their cry is confiscation; and their plunder sacrilege. Well do they deserve the dignified and admirable rebuke which they have received from the Bishop of their diocese. Were that petition granted, there is an end to the security of all property, and the axe of revolution and anarchy falls on the neck of the prostrate constitution. Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Exeter, by Henry Lord Bishop, at his primary visitation, October, 1833.— This charge must have made a deep impression on the clergy, and we hope on the laity also. Its sound argument, its admirable language, its solid and wellreasoned principles, its good temper and candour, must recommend it to the favour of all; but we question whether the Bishop has not taken too favourable a view of the religious feelings of the diocese, for the Petition has appeared since the Charge; and we should suppose he must now recal 527 his words "I am bound to state, that as Remarks on Party Distinctions in Religion. By the Rev. J. B. JAMES, of Queen's College, Curate of Hanwell.-The author, though of Queen's College, belongs to the orthodox clergy, so called; and this little work is intended to conciliate the somewhat divided and, we fear, often hostile opinions and feelings of them and their brethren the Evangelical. We wish indeed that so it were, and that there were no dissensions in the Church to assist the attack from without. We can see neither bigotry, nor party spirit, nor partiality in this book; but brotherly love, and Christian feeling, and good will, and good sense. With regard to the occupations and amusements of the Clergy, we think enough has been said, and that it had better be left to the discretion and sense of propriety which are never wanting in them. It is impossible to lay down a universal rule that shall be effective, and the boundaries of 'quid decus aut quid non,' are too shadowy to be clearly recognized. Paley used to fish and ride-that was innocent; the old clergy all played at bowls-no harm in that. We remember all the Hampshire clergy cricketers, so are they of Sussex now-well and good. One bishop plays at cards, as good old Dean Vincent was wont to do; another dines at my Lord Mayor's-" to the pure all things are pure." We have played cards with one of the strictest and most dignified bishops on the bench, and we won his money. The most debateable amusements we take to be those of the gun and the dance, yet we know some of the most learned, venerable, and pious divines to be veteran shots. Who can say there exists harm in such a pursuit? Who can say that their piety is in consequence less useful, that their example is less influential? Much on this head must be left to private discretion; to the situation, county, and people where the clergyman resides. The manner of our old friend Crabbe would not do in a London chapel; and a Norfolk vicar resides among a different people from the Curate of Hanwell. At the same time, woe be to the clergy if they are 'lovers of pleasure;' and in the choice of their recreations, the safe side is the wisest and best. There is an account in some late pamphlet that we have perused, of a Devonshire clergyman playing at cricket with his parishioners on Sunday evenings. On being asked his reason, he temperately and wisely answered, "I didn't play for my own amusement; but play they will, whether I like it or not; therefore, seeing that the game will be practised, I join in it for the sake of keeping it inno cent. In my presence, they will refrain from the turbulence, the riot, the misrule, the improprieties which would attend it, were they not checked by me." This we consider to be the language of a man of sense; by such conduct, no doubt he will in time change the day, and prevent the further desecration of the Sabbath. The Day of Visitation, preached at Usk, Oct. 17, 1833. By REV. DANIEL JONES, Vicar of Caerleon.-This sermon, published at the desire of the learned Bishop of Landaff, is recommended by its animation, its piety, and sense. The Gardener's Dictionary. By P. MILLER. In 4 vols. Vol. I. This promises to be a useful republication of Miller's admirable Dictionary, with improvements and the addition of the new plants. We must however observe, that it is not printed so correctly as it ought to be. The principal article in this part is on 'Abies,' the fir tribe; on which, of course, recourse is had to the most curious and scientific work of Mr. Lambert. Many new kinds are mentioned; but we do not think the account of the abies Douglasii so full as we have seen it elsewhere ; and why is the abies Lambertii omitted? A more instructive and entertaining account could be given of the cedars of Lebanon in England; and the silver firs in Petworth Garden should be mentioned. Of the acacia Julybrissin, it may be observed that the most northern situation in which we ever saw this beautiful tree as a standard, is the Botanic Garden at Paris, where a fine specimen is to be seen; in England it wants the shelter of a wall, and even then is comparatively weak and stinted in its growth, and apt to canker. As far as plants are concerned, what an immense difference exists between the climates of London and Paris! even the fine pomegranates in flower in the markets of Rouen and Brussels, show that, as lovers of botany, we are too "far from the sun and summer-gale;" and yet, by Dr. Prout's scale, there is but one degree between the mean summer temperature of Paris and London! The climate of Touraine, we think, is the very paradise of horticulture, where all the finest plants of the south of Europe might luxuriate over the green carpet, spread by the dews and showers of the north. The most beautiful tree we ever saw, is the Camphor tree, growing in that delicious little English garden in the Caserta at Naples, where the turf is as green as in Devonshire. When he comes to the Pines and Araucarias, we hope the Editor of this work will not forget the collections at Dropmore and at Kew; and for a few specimens of magnificent exotics, Mr. Thomson's nursery at Mile End should be visited. The Cork tree at Messrs. Whitley's, at Fulham, is far finer than those at Chelsea; and the Fulham Oak is an absolute A-per-se. Mr. Ord's garden at Walham Green affords some scarce trees; the Willow-leaved oak, Stone pine, and Sophora Japonica particularly. The Bishop of London's garden should also be visited; and Lord Tankerville's, near Oatlands, where there are some very fine Gleditsias. At Henham, in Suffolk, is the greatest variety of American oaks we know, brought over by Mr. Lyons; at Lord Darnley's, at Cobham, some of the finest Magnolias. We have heard of a fine collection of exotics at Lord Valentia's, in Staffordshire; but we never saw them. We know no finer tulip trees than those at Lord Egremont's. The Beech (Mr. Wyndham's property) that stands at the bottom of Carhampton Down, near Bishops Waltham, we believe to be the finest in Eng and, as it is not a pollard like that at Knowle; and it has (or had three years since) three gigantic brethren at Rosehill, near Winchester, the seat of Lord Northesk. We throw out these hints to the editor, and doubtless he will use all diligence to make his work perfect. The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green. By JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES.-We cannot much commend the design, character, or poetry of this play; but if it has been successful, our criticism is of little importance the object of the dramatist is answered. the truly Christian feeling, the patience, the gentleness, and the disinterestedness with which she has conducted herself in all her difficulties; but she has also a duty to herself to perform; a duty which she must not shrink from, when she considers from whose hand she received her keys, who gave them to her keeping, and to whom she must render up her trust. The preservation of the Liturgy and the Articles, and the establishment of a legitimate and authorized Convocation, with an improved representation of the great body of the Clergy, are the chief points which the Gloucester clergy strenuously advocate. We see "Si populo placerent, quas fecisset fa- nothing which they claim to which they are bulas." The Railway Companion, describing an Excursion along the Liverpool Line, &c. By a Tourist.-This little sketch of the places through which the Liverpool and Manchester rail-road travels, is illustrated with clever plates; and a very good account is given of the rise and progress of railroads, forming a book at once of amusement and instruction. Meeting of the Clergy of the Diocese of Gloucester.-In a diocese so wisely, so judiriously, and so efficiently governed, under a Bishop so pious, vigilant, and disinterested, and among such an enlightened clergy as those who possess the endowments in the see of Gloucester, we are not at all surprised that it was found by them convenient to appoint a meeting, in which they should deliberate as to the measures which it might be thought most fit to take, under the very alarming dangers which on all sides seem congregating to attack or overthrow the Church. “Iliacos intra muros peccatur et extra." When the indiscretions of some of its friends was added to the violence of its enemies, it was impossible to say to what vital and essential interests the mischief might not extend. It is, therefore, with pleasure and great satisfaction of mind that we read their report; that we hailed the unanimous feeling of the clergy on the subject (for the dissent was so small as scarcely to be felt); and that we give our humble testimony to the goodness, temper, moderation, and piety which were shown in their proceedings. The Church is, indeed, tanquam ovis inter lupos.' The catholic priest, the dissenting elder, the hungry and savage radical, the foaming atheist, the parsimonious economist, the pandering demagogue (the Judas who holds the bag), all alike are howling for her destruction, and ravenous for their share of the booty. In the meantime, the Church has done itself endless honour, by GENT. MAG. VOL. I. not justly entitled; and our best thanks (speaking for our fellow-Christians), are due to the excellent clergy of this diocese, for their zealous co-operation in defence of the Lord's house upon earth. Long may such a Bishop and such a Clergy prove a blessing and an example to those who live under their influence, and never shall they want our humble meed of praise! A Letter to Lord Althorp, on the subject of Church Reform. By the Rev. S. GATE, Bilston, Cheshire.-Though very brief, one of the most sensible and practical letters on this much canvassed subject that we have ever read, and the propositions to increase the small livings seem wise and just. While we strongly recommend our readers to peruse Mr. Gate's pamphlet, we shall take the liberty of throwing out a hint or two, subject to the consideration of those more conversant with the Church than ourselves. The first is, as there is so great a clamour raised against pluralities, and as they are reckoned one of the most objectionable points, could it not be arranged that any clergyman possessing two or three livings should be permitted (if willing so to do) to resign those into the hands of the bishop or patron, upon a sum out of them, equal to their amount, being paid to him for his life, with the exception of the sum previously paid to his curate; as, supposing the living was 300l. and the curate received 1001., then 2007. should be paid the former incumbent, and at his death the whole should devolve on his successor; and there would be no want of persons who would most gladly receive a living subject to such payment, as it would always be equal to a curacy, and would, in addition, be a security for a future and larger provision. This appears to us both feasible and advantageous. We know many clergymen who would resign, we know many who would accept, and we can see no difficulty in carrying such a measure through. Secondly, we propose that a clergyman, 3 X |