THE CHURCH JUBILEE.

In our issue for October, 1882, we attempted a summary of what had been effected under the influence of the Oxford movement, and suggested that a strong final effort should be made during the present year which would complete the jubilee of that movement. The result, we are glad to say, has been most encouraging. Unusual activity has been shown in several dioceses, notably, in London, Rochester, Chichester, Canterbury, Oxford, Lichfield, Durham, Truro, and Exeter, while others, as Lincoln, Salisbury, Ely, S. Alban's, Carlisle, Peterborough, Chester, Bangor, Manchester, S. Asaph, Llandaff, and Bath and Wells, have made steady, if not rapid progress. S. David's has made up some arrears, though very much still remains to be done. This leaves only a few dioceses which have scarcely adequately responded, viz. Norwich, Ripon, York, Liverpool, Gloucester and Bristol, and Worcester. Still, everywhere much is being done, not only in the building and restoration of churches, but also in founding Bishoprics in Foreign and Home Missions, in promotion of union as well as purity amongst our own people, in the recovery of the fallen of various kinds, in the extension of Education to the Middle and Upper Classes, and in sundry other ways. This, of course, does not mean that we are to rest upon our oars, as though we had reached a haven of refuge, but rather that the Church is, or is in the way to be, equipped for her great work of ministering to the people of the land to an extent that she has not done for several centuries. She has reached a real epoch in her history; and we would invite all true Churchmen, and especially all earnest clergy, to mark this great event by some substantial act of thanksgiving. The appeals to the pocket have been so numerous of late, while the times for all connected with the land continue to be so bad, that we could not in conscience ask for any great outlay of money on the part of the clergy and their parishioners. The call at the present moment seems to be for levelling up, in which every one may do some

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thing and at little cost. Every church and parish, we consider, ought to show some little sign of improvement in the year 1883. The ninth day of the present month is the date of the publication of the first "Tract for the Times," which followed close on Mr. Keble's famous 'Assize Sermon ;" and that, Dr. Newman tells us, he always reckoned the beginning of the Oxford movement, whence has proceeded all the marvellous progress that has been made during the last half century. Those who only know the Church as she now is, can with difficulty understand in what state things were at the date referred to, but it is important they should try to realize what the change has been; and in proportion as they are now enjoying the fruits of other men's labours, so ought all to be anxious to give expression to their feelings of gratitude in some lasting way. What the best way may be in any particular case persons must decide for themselves, but there is no church or parish which will not admit of some addition being made to its efficiency. A general movement, although each member separately does little, would, by combination, produce a great result. And this is just what is now wanted here a little and there a little. So the whole appearance of things would be different, and the character of the Church would be recognised no longer as an isolated selfish institution, but as living for her LORD and caring for the souls of men; and while she does this she must recognise the fact that she has a past history from which she ought not to decline, and that there is “a pattern" according to which, in all essential points, she ought to model herself. The one great memorial, of course, will be the Hall (if that be its right name) which is shortly to be opened at Oxford in honour of Dr. Pusey's noble and consistent work in that place. What we are now venturing to suggest might be either material or spiritual help, as the condition of each parish might require. Let every one who is thankful to GOD for what has been accomplished strive to do something towards raising the religious tone and standard in his neighbourhood, remembering how " many mickles make a muckle."

Reviews and Notices.

Confession and Absolution in the Bible, by the Rev. Warwick Elwyn, M.A. (London: J. T. Hayes. Pp. 445.) To any real student of Holy Writ we can confidently recommend this volume as opening up to him views which he has not hitherto realized. The title might possibly lead persons to imagine that it would only be of limited interest. But in point of fact Mr. Elwyn deals with nothing less than the whole question of GOD's treatment of sin from the days of Paradise downwards; and it is at the two extremes of the period that his investigations are most interesting, that is, at the date of the Fall and in the ministry of our LORD. The last, it appears to us, is really dealt with in a most masterly manner, and scarcely any reader can fail to find his view cleared by this chapter in the volume. The great merit of the treatise as a whole is that it is quite free from that exaggeration which is generally found when a writer undertakes to advocate a theory. The author scarcely ever seems to press an argument beyond what it will properly bear, and so he gains the confidence of his readers, and carries them on, step by step with him to the end. The Levitical and Prophetical systems, of course, gain their full share of attention; but these subjects have been already examined by many competent writers, while the two before-mentioned give much scope for original remark. Mr. Elwyn's views, however, are always strongly fortified by patristic or Catholic authorities, to which there are copious references all through the volume.

Roving Robin, by Nellie Hellis (Religious Tract Society.) The young author to whom we owe this attractive little tale is beginning to be known as a very successful writer of children's stories. "Roving Robin" pleases us better than any she has yet published. It is free from any improbable incidents such as we have had to notice in her former books, and the religious teaching is remarkably well done.

The well known Cornhill Magazine (Smith, Elder, and Co., London) has taken a new departure, and while retaining its familiar aspect, is diminished in size and offered at half its former price. It seems to consist now chiefly of fiction and contains some clever stories, notably two strangely weird tales, -one, entitled "The Lay Figure," in the July number, and a romance of "The Mirage" in that for August.

Golden Treasures: Counsels for the Happiness of Daily Life, translated from the French by Theo, edited by the author of the "Divine Master,” (Masters and Co.) Among the many little devotional booklets which have been culled during the last two or three years from the writings of Saints and Divines of reputation, the present appears to us the very best. The title shows sufficiently what the compiler had in view, and we would specially commend the idea of assigning good Christian offices to so many "Domestic Angels," "-as "the Angel of little sacrifices," "the Angel of little attentions,"

for truly those who fill such positions in a family are veritable Angels. At the same time there is nothing extravagant or fanciful in the suggestion. The little book, we may add, is beautifully got up, just like its predecessors of the same sort, and can be carried in the waistcoat pocket.

Correspondence.

[The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of the Correspondents.] To the Editor of the Churchman's Companion.