THE MONTH: IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD.

THE month has been marked by controversies more than by deeds of importance, and the letters on Mr. Gladstone's pamphlet on "The Vatican Decrees," which have filled column after column of the daily papers, will, when completed, form an important contribution to the history of modern Romanism. The main feature in the numerous passages of arms which have arisen out of the conflict between the Roman prelates and the Roman laity is the unmistakable objection of the latter to the doctrine of papal infallibility, a belief which is said by Monsignor Capel to be an essential part of the creed of the true son of the Church. Whatever may have been Mr. Gladstone's object in the publication of his pamphlet, its result has so far been to promote an amount of ill-feeling and recrimination among Roman Catholics which has seldom been equalled at any period since the Reformation; and although it is difficult to see the end of the conflict, it can scarcely be denied that it must tend to promote the interests of religious truth, inasmuch as it proves that there are bounds beyond which even the most devout of the Roman laity will refuse to follow their priestly leaders. The tone adopted by Monsignor Capel is a fair indication of the fashion in which the modern representative of the Papacy would act towards "the faithful laity" if the right to freedom of opinion were once more crushed out; and taken as a whole, nothing could damaging to Roman Catholicism in a day like ours than the line of action taken by these gentlemen. Their annoyance at the criticism of the ex-Premier it is comparatively easy to explain; but the lack of common sense which they have betrayed in their treatment of the matter is almost unintelligible when it is contrasted with the astuteness displayed by these same ecclesiastics on occasions of far less importance. As if to complete the exhibition of intolerance, a letter from Dr. Manning has been published, in which he objects to the continued residence of a young pervert at the University of Oxford, on the ground that the

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pening of the noble minster at York, after af de sorcon of the south transept. This 11 ving si disely on the still grander restoration esen finishes a grimlying proof of the love of the Karin jene or fe mother darthes of the country, has been ira - spermtended by the Jean Dr. Duncombe, who has, were inang his are of Ece, Jone more than sustain and beauty the materal atre, fir he has aided in every way in the mga menent of the musical services and in the arrangements for Fem series, and has acted throughout as becomes the Jestent lead of a mathedral body. These special celebrations I le cut athedrals with have of late been so numerous R RR SI der innedikte objects, of high practical marie a banging agether bishops and clergy from all parts la me king and this promoting that sympathy which sa esse a the maintenance of church life. The words of the preachers the presence of large numbers of clergy and deristes, and the gathering together of vast congregations of the by me of inestimable value in promoting that spirit of metal flowship which it is so desirable to cultivate.

In other respects the most important event in the Church history of the month comes to us from across the Atlantic, where a canon avowedly directed against the growth of ritualistie practices has been adopted by a considerable majority in the General Convention; while, as if to supplement the vote, the Decessary confirmation of Dr. Seymour as Bishop of Illinois has been refused on the express ground of his supposed adherence to the doctrines of the unpopular school. These proceedings following so closely on each other have naturally created some excitement among American Churchmen; and even Anglicans may perhaps take a lesson in time, and prepare to prevent any such action in this country by removing the causes of offence which have given rise to the adverse vote at New York. The decision has been there arrived at on issues so clearly put as to leave no room for doubt as to the opinions expressed; and if in England the same points are brought up

for judgment there can be but little doubt as to the way in which the verdict would go. This being so, it would be an act of wisdom, if not of Christian prudence, if the Ritualists, so-called, were to agree to some definite and conciliatory course of action, and thus prevent, or at any rate postpone the rupture which at present seems inevitable. The latest whisper as to the future of the Public Worship Regulation Bill points to a still further postponement of its period of operation; and thus the delay which has already been productive of immense good in the soothing of party feelings, and in the removal of differences. may ultimately lead to the adoption of internal reforms and render external pressure needless. This seems to be the only hope for the future peace of the Church, as if once the dogs of war are unleashed, it is to be feared that work will suffer, and that dissensions within will only too surely help forward the agitations of the disestablishment party from without.

Of political events there has been a singular dearth, and. even the banquet to Ministers at the Mansion House, when oracular utterances are looked for as being almost as natural to the occasion as the loving cup, has this year failed to bring with it any element of sensation. Mr. Disraeli, indeed, contrived to make a remark as to the freedom enjoyed by the English working man when compared with the position of a nobleman in some Continental countries, which has since been declared to have been intended to apply to the Arnim episode, and has accordingly been commented on somewhat fiercely; but with this exception the speeches were singularly devoid of interest, and possessed little literary merit. The Premier was lively, as he always is, but no indication of the policy of the Government passed from his lips, and his colleagues maintained the same marked reserve. One subject, however, was uppermost in many minds on occasion in regard to the future of the municipal institutions of London, on which an attack is to be led by that doughty champion of the Volunteers, Lord Elcho, during the ensuing session. That any serious alteration will be made in the existing system of civic government is extremely improbable; but that centralization and extension are needed, and will be agreed to, seems more than likely; in fact, the Corporation will, if they are wise, take the case out of their enemies' hands, and initiate some such scheme Already there are not wanting signs that metropolitan residents are growing weary of the multitude of ralers to whom they

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are subject; and a proposition for the adoption of some uniform scale of charges for gas and water, and for the withdrawal of the supply from the present irresponsible companies preparatory, to its transfer to the Metropolitan Board of Works, is being actively discussed. Such a measure would undoubtedly prove a boon to the overburdened taxpayers, wide it would also remove the absurdity of a varying gas tarif in the different parts of the metropolis, and would probably lead to the improvement of the quality both of gas and water. Some such plan as this, coupled with an equalization of the rates all over London, is almost a necessity in the present growth of the great city, and its adoption is therefore only a work of time. Of the difficulty of interesting the great mass of the ratepayers in any such question a clear illustration has just been afforded in the parish of St. Pancras, where about three hundred ratepayers have refused to adopt the Free Libraries Act; while there can be little question that if the majority, or even a fair infusion of the more cultured residents had attended the meeting, the case would have been very different. In all such matters, however, progress must be slow, and it will not be until the importance and responsibility of local government are insisted on by the press throughout the country that the intelligent ratepayers will take up the subject with any approach to the interest which alone can secure a solution of present difficulties, and a due recognition of the wants of the poor.

As preparations for Christmas will have been commenced before we again address our readers, we may perhaps be allowed once more to commend to them as specially worthy of their help at this season the funds of the Poor Clergy Relief Corporation. Its work during the past year has, we learn from the report, been abundantly blessed, and we trust that by the liberality of Churchmen many a home where want and sickness are the inevitable results of the present unequal distribution of the revenues of the Church, will be cheered by a Christmas gift from the Corporation. Nothing, let it be remembered, is unacceptable at the offices of this society; for clothing and other necessaries are oftentimes as much needed as money, and the distribution is so carefully conducted, that no feelings of mortification are experienced at receiving aid from such a quarter.

REVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SUNDAY SCHOOL INSTITUTE.

We have more than once taken an opportunity within the past few years of commending to our readers' support the work of the Sunday. School Institute, on the special ground that since the creation of the School Boards, and the consequent elimination of distinctive and dogmatic teaching from our day schools, it is to the Church Sunday school that we must look for the supply of this needful element in our educational system. We can now state with great satisfaction that the Society has so far advanced in prosperity that it has been found necessary to secure for it larger and more convenient premises, in New Bridge Street, where its multiform work will henceforth be carried forward, and its publication sold. Among these publications the most important for teachers' use is the Church Sunday School Magazine, of which the volume for the year 1874 now lies before us. Having watched the progress of the magazine from its earlier stages, and having practically tested its value in Sunday school work for many years, we are the more gratified to be able to express an opinion that the improvement in its contents is most noticeable, and that it now supplies, as nearly as possible, all that the teacher can require. The contributors include many of the clergy who have devoted special attention to this noble part of the pastor's work, and nearly all the laymen whose names are identified with the history of the Institute are among the writers. Two series of less ons are carried through the volume, the first on "Israel in Egypt and the Wilderness" by Miss Stock, and the second on "The Church Catechism" by the Rev. A. C. Macpherson; and these useful works are also published in a separate form. admirable feature is the series of outline addresses which superintendents and senior teachers will find of great service. The address at the close of afternoon school, in the hands of skilful and attractive speaker, is perhaps the most useful of the numerous openings which are afforded during the day of gaining a hold upon the children, and if it gathers up the lessons of the day, and has a distinctive Church tone about it, nothing can be more important. taken up in the correspondence columns of the magazine, and a variety Practical questions in regard to all forms of Sunday school work are of interesting papers and essays will also be found in its pages. But while the Institute remembers the teacher, it does not forget the taught, and the volume of the Sunday Scholar's Companion, edited in a genial child-loving fashion, is well fitted for the little ones.

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