almost any powers-a long apostrophe to each of the Elements, in which their qualities and operations are pointed out. This would have been beyond even Milton's power. But Mr. Joyce's feelings and thoughts are not only entirely free from objection, but have always a moral and religious tendency.

A Sermon, preached at Canterbury, at the Visitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Aug. 9, 1832, by J. E. N. Molesworth, M.A., Vicar of St. Paul with St. Martin, Canterbury. London: Rivingtons.

IN this sermon, Mr. M. refutes, with his usual vigour and spirit, the falsehoods and absurdities so often repeated about (1) the advantages of cheap religion, and of throwing the ministry on the voluntary efforts of their flocks for support, and (2) pluralities. He then goes on to shew the usefulness of the Established Church, as a bulwark against popery and infidelity, by the learning of her clergy; and to reply to the charges now so constantly brought that the growth of evil is due to her idleness. On all these points, Mr. Molesworth speaks with great acuteness and power, and his sermon may be safely recommended to general perusal. In a future Number, his calculations as to church rates shall be given, in the form of a document.

A Sermon, preached at Storrington, at the Archdeacon's Visitation, by the Rev. H. W. Simpson, M.A., Vicar of Horsham.

The Claim of the Christian Minister to the Attention from the People; a Sermon, by the Rev. C. Cator, preached at Beckenham, and published at the request of the parishioners. London: Baldwin and Cradock. 1832. THIS is a sensible judicious sermon, in which Mr. Simpson rightly says that the clergy have been too backward in bringing forward their own exclusive claims to attention, as an apostolical ministry; and then goes on to point out the many important offices which a national church alone can render to a country. His first observation is as important as it is true, in days when there are clergy who choose to give up their own exclusive claims to attention, consider episcopal ordination as only valuable because it is the law of the land, are ready to symbolize with any man who holds the great fundamentals of Christianity, and thus display at once a treachery to their own situation and vows, and a miserable ignorance of the past history of the church, and of the certain consequences of such desertion of their own principles.

Mr. Cator's sermon is an excellent specimen of that class of discourses, the absence of which Mr. Simpson so justly laments. He plainly and forcibly sets before his people the strong claims of the Christian minister to their attention, and in the most earnest and affectionate manner sets before them the danger of neglecting the ministers and ordinances of religion.

A Letter to Dr. Chalmers, on the Life and Character of the Right Rev. Dr. Hobart, Bishop of New York, North America. By Archdeacon Strachan. New York: 1832.

A STATEMENT of Archdeacon Strachan's own high episcopalian views, in a letter to Dr. Chalmers, (who is, however, as appears, his particular friend,) may seem somewhat singular. But this little work, nevertheless, contains such a statement, under the form of an account of Bishop Hobart. To those who loved and venerated that inestimable man, these pages, which contain a sketch of his high course of action, his bold and persevering defence of what are nicknamed high church principles, and his unwearied exertions in the cause of Christ's church on earth, will be highly acceptable. And it is gratifying to find that they may shortly expect a memoir of his life, and a publication of his works, from the New York press.

An Inquiry into the Poor Laws and Surplus Labour, and their mutual re-action. By W. Day, Esq., a Magistrate of Sussex. Lewes : 1832.

MR. DAY argues that cottage allotments can only be useful in occasional instances, and under very wise and careful management; that although there is not capital enough at present employed in agriculture, yet, as the profits of capital on land are limited, he does not conceive that capital enough to absorb the surplus labour could be profitably employed. Mr. Day proposes that no relief should be given to able-bodied labourers, except in the house, and that no labourer living in the house should be allowed to work on any private account; and then, that under certain and sufficient limitations, the labourer for whom no parish work can be found, shall be allowed a sum which will enable him to emigrate.

This is a very imperfect sketch of Mr. Day's pamphlet, which is built on facts and practical observations, and shews much thought, acuteness, and information. It well deserves a general perusal.

A Short Explanation of Obsolete Words in our version of the Bible, and of such as are used in a peculiar sense. By the Rev. H. Cotton, D.C.L., Archdeacon of Cashel.

WE beg to recommend this little book most warmly to general use. It will be acceptable not only to young persons, but to every one who is interested in understanding Scripture. It is very accurate, learned, and curious; and we hope that Archdeacon Cotton will print it again, in a size more worthy of it, and admitting the introduction of more of that illustration which he evidently has at his command.

Illustrations of Modern Sculpture; a Series of Engravings, with Descriptive Prose and Illustrative Poetry. By T. K. Hervey. No. I. Relfe and Unwin, &c. &c.

Illustrations to the Friendship's Offering for 1833. Smith and Elder.

It would be no mean service rendered to the public by journalists, if they would keep a steady eye on works of art, for there is no chaster, or more desirable source of gratification, than such works when rightly conducted; nor does any thing tend to corrupt the morals, and produce licentiousness, more than they do, if under the influence of the licentious.

It gives us great pleasure to observe that the selection of future subjects for the "Illustrations of Sculpture" is most judicious, and promises every thing to please, and little or nothing to offend. How so splendid and beautiful a work (the engravings are really exquisite) can be afforded for such a sum as 6s. 6d., we cannot conceive. The prose remarks seem very judicious and artist-like, and the poetry has a good deal of merit.

The other work, "Friendship's Offering," contains, among other very beautiful engravings, an exquisite plate of Martin's picture of our Lord's entry to Jerusalem. The work is one of great beauty, and deserves support.

REPORTS, &c.

ASSOCIATION FOR REFORMING THE CHURCH.

ON Thursday, September 6th, a meeting was held at Exeter Hall, (Lord Henley in the Chair,) for the purpose of making preliminary arrangements for the formation of an Association of members of the Established Church, whose aim should be "the purification and efficiency of the Establishment, by all loyal, dutiful, and constitutional methods."

Of the proceedings of this meeting, some notice will be taken presently. But it will first be desirable to consider the scheme itself and the persons who undertake it. In the first place, it must be observed, that whereas the heads of the church and the national legislature are obviously the parties from whom it might be reasonably expected that measures affecting the religious establishment of the country, and suggesting great alterations in it, should proceed, we have here a self-constituted body of irresponsible persons, proposing to undertake this great and important task. That individuals have already allowed themselves to set forth their own views and wishes on this weighty matter in speeches and pamphlets is quite true; but we have not before seen a body of persons actually constituting themselves into a Society for effecting Church Reform. The only justification for such a step must be the extreme urgency of the case, total inattention to the matter in the proper quarter, and the perfect fitness and competency of the Society for the task. Let the two first points be past by for the moment, and the third be examined. In so doing, there is not the slightest notion of casting any reflexion on the good intentions of the parties, nor on their characters. But when persons come forward publicly, and advertise themselves as promoters of a very great, important, and difficult scheme, there can be no objection to ask whether they are competent to it. The list of names of persons present at the meeting, gained by comparing two different papers,-one a dissenting journal, the other a very violent party church journal,-is as follows:

Nadir Baxter, Esq.; Rev. Mr. Edwards; J. S. Reynolds, Esq.; Rev. W. Howels; a Clergyman, name unknown; Rev. Mr. Brown, of the Scotch Church; Rev. Whitworth Russell; John Mackelcan, Esq.; Lieut Brown, R.N.; Rev. Mr. Thelwall; Rev. Gilbert Smith, of Gatton; Rev. J. F. Howard, of Yetterden.

Now, without the slightest disrespect to these gentlemen, is it not a positive duty to ask what are the claims which they can present to attention, and what are their qualifications for the office which they have undertaken, viz., the consideration of the proper alterations to be made both in the Canons, Articles, and Liturgy of the Church of England (Canons, Articles, and Liturgy, which were drawn up by some of the most learned, able, and pious men which any church has ever yet seen), and also in the whole temporal condition of an establishment, the property of which is linked in the most singular manner with all the lay property of the country, and cannot be altered without affecting it all; and what is of still greater importance, cannot be altered without wholly changing, in all probability, the education, habits, and position of the clergy? Is it not a duty to ask who are these gentlemen, what have they ever said, written, or done, to command public attention, to shew that even if alterations for the better can be made, they can suggest such alterations? Not one uncharitable word will be said of them here,- -no charge of presumption will be made,—but the question is simply put to clergy and laity alike, Do you conceive that persons, some of whom are unknown by name even to men widely connected with what is called the " Religious World," all of whom are unknown even by their writings, are the fit persons to come forward on so serious an occasion, or are they the persons to whom in seriousness and soberness you will commit this most weighty and important task?

But to go back to one of the pleas, past over before,-is it true that the negligence of the heads of the church, and their deadness to the danger and needs of the establishment, can be brought forward in justification of an attempt like this, even if the parties were competent to it? What is it which they want, and what are the subjects to which they refer? The temporal matters of which they speak are Tithes, pluralities, non-residence, augmentations of small livings. Now which of these has been neglected? Has not the Archbishop brought in a Tithe Composition Bill, with the implied consent of the Government ? Has not the Archbishop introduced a measure to

remedy the evil of pluralities, and so to further residence? Has not the Archbishop actually carried an enabling Bill, leading to the augmentation of small livings, on which several Bishops and Deans and Chapters are already acting with vigour? Bishop Monk tells us, that the Chapter of Westminster has resolved to augment all the livings in their gift which are below 2007. till they reach that sum. Another Chapter, it is well known, even before the bill, had set aside 2000l. per annum for that purpose; many colleges, as can be proved, are augmenting their small livings; Bishop Monk has set by one-tenth of his income for the same purpose in his own diocese. One diocese (Oxford) has already formed a Society for collecting subscriptions for this purpose, to which many laity and clergy are most liberal subscribers, and there is a general feeling towards the work.

Now with all this full in view, that is to say, with full proof that on two great points the heads of the Church are actively striving to carry great measures, though they have not yet succeeded; that on the third they have done much and are doing more, and that all quarters are moving; can it be said that there is any need whatever for the services of any self-elected body of Reformers, even of competent ability to the task?

But what was done at the meeting? The discussions were surely exactly what might have been expected. Lord Henley opened the meeting, and noticed all the subjects which have been mentioned, and the second speaker, at the desire of the parties present, read to them certain memorials by some clergy in the diocese of Durham;* then one gentleman (names are not used, because no personal reflection is intended) very justly observed, that the resolutions were too extensive, and said too much as to the property of the church; that there must be gradations of income; that the incomes of church dignitaries went to good purposes, and that in his opinion it was far more necessary to improve church discipline. The next speaker hoped that the Articles would not be touched. The next said that the Liturgy should be improved, but that a commission issued by a Government like the present, which did not appear to have a true sense of religion, could only make alterations which would drive sincere churchmen out of the church. He wished to see the incomes of the clergy altered, notwithstanding what the first speaker had stated. The Presbyterian minister thought that the incomes should be altered, and said that the proposed Reformation might bring back many to the bosom of the church (? the presbyterians). The succeeding speaker thought that the education of the clergy ought to be improved. Another thought that the Bishops must be stirred up to the work, as they were the heart of the church, and movements affecting all the body should begin there. Then a gentleman said that want of church-room was the most crying evil, and another thought that, notwithstanding all the differences of opinion exprest, they ought not to separate without agreeing, at least, to have a Society; but he would not lend himself to any plan which did not touch the temporalities of the church at once. Then it was said by another gentleman, that improvements in externals were of no use without improvement in

It may be right to mention, that a memorial to the Bishop of Durham and another to the King have been signed, the first by 37, the other by 43 Durham clergy. It would be a mere waste of space to print them, as they contain only the statements about pluralitics, non-residence, inadequate salaries, &c., which may be found in the newspapers three or four times a-week, and do not even affect to say that they see any remedy. One may remark, perhaps, in the statement to the Bishop, the extreme propriety of the inferior clergy, pointing out how the Episcopal Revenues and arrangements should be managed-and one may feel indignant at the statement as to the present Incumbents not being touched. Is there any clergyman, at least, who can seriously propose doing for his successor what he would not do for bimself? 2 A

VOL. II.-Oct. 1832.

spirituals; but he would not hear of the Liturgy or Articles being touched. The last speaker had seen twenty clergymen, who, like himself, would be contented with nothing short of Lord Henley's plan.

The meeting being thus minded, Lord Henley withdrew his resolutions, and all that was agreed on was to form a Society in order to remove the imperfections and corruptions of the church, and to appoint a Committee.

Thus the results of this meeting were the delivery of as many opinions as there were speakers-the entire failure of the only plan proposed, viz., that specified in the resolutions of the Noble Lord in the Chair, and the formation of a Society to reform the Church, without any plan at all. Probably any further comment is unnecessary. Certainly no uncharitable comment will be made, as there is no reason whatever to doubt the good intentions of the parties who appeared on this occasion. It will be only advisable to add the Commitee, which comprises, it may be presumed, all the strength which the parties could command, as it contains four or five names of persons who do not appear to have attended the meeting. The persons, then, who are charged with the task of considering the views and objects of the Society, or, in other words, with considering the whole matter of Church Reform, are-Lord Henley; Sir T. Blomefield; Lawrence Peel, Esq.; John Baber, Esq.; Nadir Baxter, Esq.; John Mackelcan, Esq.; Rev. W. Russell; J. Scott, jun., Esq.; Rev. T. Sims; and N. Wathen, Esq. The laity have, indeed, taken the matter into their own hands, when there are eight laymen to two clergymen. Lord Henley, for whom every respect is felt, is requested carefully to consider the use made of his name in the following statement.

SOCIETY FOR SUPPRESSING ECCLESIASTICAL ABUSES.

ON Tuesday evening, the 18th inst., a Meeting, convened by Mr. William Carpenter, most numerously and respectably attended, was held at the Grecian Tavern, Devereux-court, Strand, for the purpose of forming a "Society for the Suppression of Ecclesiastical Abuses," and adopting such measures as might be deemed expedient to effect a dissolution of the alliance between the church and state, and relieve the country from the various and pressing evils resulting therefrom. Dr. Wade in the chair!!

Mr. Carpenter rose and stated, that the object of that meeting was to form a Society for Suppressing Ecclesiastical Abuses, and to take measures for effecting a dissolution of the alliance between the Church and State. It was scarcely necessary for him to call their attention to the manifold and glaring abuses in the church; for they must be known to all. Nobody could be ignorant of the fact that such was the growth of public opinion, with respect to those abuses, that persons, who were intimately connected with the church, were now endeavouring to get rid of some of them. He would merely refer, in corroboration of this, to the meeting lately held at Exeter Hall, at which Lord Henley presided. He trusted those gentlemen, to whom he had addressed circulars, would confine their exertions to other objects than merely those which were contemplated by the persons over whom Lord Henley presided. Their object should be, without any reference to the mode in which the clergy performed their duty, as it was stated in his circular, "to adopt such measures as may be deemed expedient to effect a dissolution of the alliance between the church and the state, and relieve the country from the various and pressing evils resulting therefrom." His object was to put an end to all the exactions in support of the church, and to leave the public perfectly free to support a system of religion, or no system at all, so as it comported with their own views. The clergy have, at length, assented to the statements that have been put forth-that there are numerous and pressing evils in the church. The clergy have discovered, that in order to prevent the whole of that which they now enjoy from being taken away from them, they must