Sidor som bilder
PDF
ePub

a

pointment; and one year had not elapsed before Mr. Neale began to develope his plans. Bound by the statutes to assemble the inmates twice a day in the place appointed, where the Warden, or brother selected by him, should "make prayers," he gradually transformed the simple sanctuary into a regular popish chapel, and increased the seasons of worship to four on ordinary days, and six at certain seasons, and on certain feasts and festivals. Within twelve months of his coming, Mr. Neale had carried his innovations so far as to draw down from the Bishop of Chichester a special "inhibition," accompanied with "a fervent prayer that God might be pleased to open his eyes to the dishonour done to Him, by supposing that His spiritual service can be promoted by presenting to the eyes and thoughts of worshippers the frippery with which he had transformed the simplicity of the chapel of Sackville College, into an imitation of the degrading superstitions of an erroneous church." But this intimation does not appear to have produced any effect. In outward seeming or in customary use, there is nothing to distinguish the chapel from an ordinary mass-house, and little, we suppose, to discriminate the college from a conventual establishment. A screen sumounted with a wooden cross, a stone altar elevated upon a flight of steps, hangings of various colours frequently changed, candles lighted during service, and a central brazen cross reflecting back their rays, are obvious to the most cursory spectator. The assistants, whoever they may be, gain entrance by a private passage; and reasonable suspicion points to the probability, that, on such occasions, mass is actually being performed either by the audacious Warden or by a Popish priest. Voices are heard inside, and the glimmer of lights burning within is visible. On afterwards entering, inmates of the College have perceived a peculiar odour, which they compare to "burning pitch;' perhaps, however, the smell of incense. The altar candles are observed to be diminished in length; and on the floor fragments of wafer have been found, which Roman Catholics have immediately recognised as identical with the altar bread employed in the Sacrifice of

the Mass.

At least, there is no doubt as to either the doctrines taught by the Warden, or

the practices which he sanctions and takes part in. Some of his sermons to the inmates have been printed; in one of which, Transubstantiation, and in another, Priestly Absolution, are undisguisedly taught. "When the priest," he says, "pronounces those words, This is my body, this is my blood,' then truly, and really, and properly, the bread is changed into our Lord's flesh, and the wine into His life-giving blood." "The man," again, "who repents and confesses his sins to God alone, may hope to be forgiven; but he who confesses them to the priests of God, and receives absolution from them, may be sure of it." While the first of these blasphemies throws light upon the nature of the secret transactions already referred to, the second prepares the reader for still plainer proof, that auricular confession and penance in general are more openly practised in the papalized chapel of Sackville College. The crucifix already mentioned, has been repeatedly seen attached to the front of the reading desk,

the sure sign, as every Roman Catholic will tell you, that a confession has been, or is about to be received.

How long shall we continue to witness such proceedings in a professed Protestant Church? What are our Bishops doing to allow a clergyman, year after year, to employ his talents and his influence in leading people to the very verge of Romanism-can we be surprised to hear of one and another renouncing the faith of their fore-fathers, and abandoning that church in which they have been brought up-Is there no ecclesiastical honesty left among us, that such things are tolerated?

Reviews.

MEMOIR OF THE REV. SIDNEY SMITH, with a Selection from his Letters. 2 vols. London: Longman & Co.

DURING nearly half a century there were few literary and aristocratic circles which did not feel the influence of the subject of this memoir. His sparkling wit, his ready repartee, his animated conversation, and his acknowledged talents made him a welcome visitor, and secured him many attached friends in noble society. Sidney

Smith was borm at Woodford, Essex, in 1771, and at the early age of six, was sent to school at Southampton, and thence to Winchester, where he highly distinguished himself, and obtained the post of Captain of the School. This procured for him a scholarship at New College, Oxford, and ultimately a fellowship. He had a great desire for the law, in which no doubt he would have gained a distinguished position, and for which his talents eminently qualified him. His father, however, desired him to enter the church; and in obedience to his wishes he was ordained, and became a poor curate in the midst of Salisbury Plain. It is to be regretted that he took that important step. The hilarity of his nature, the love of fun which seemed almost irrepressible, and the quick apprehension of the ludicrous, was very inconsistent with the sacred nature of his office; for though we have no instance where he allowed his wit to intrude into his pulpit, yet the unbounded flow of it in society destroyed the influence of his public ministrations, and caused him to be always associated with scenes which should never be recalled in a place of worship. Had he been a barrister, instead of a clergyman, Sidney Smith would have commanded the attention of the world, and would have used his peculiar talents for the benefit of the nation, and not merely for the amusement of a fashionable circle. He shortly after went to Edinburgh, with some pupils with whom he received the large sum of £400 per annum! While here he projected an undertaking which has assumed the most wonderful dimensions, and exerted a mighty influence on the government of our country. He says, "Towards the end of my residence in Edinburgh, Brougham, Jeffrey, and myself happened to meet in the eighth or ninth story or flat in Buccleugh Place, the then elevated residence of Mr. Jeffrey. I proposed that we should set up a Review; this was acceded to with acclamation; I was appointed editor, and remained long enough in Edinburgh to edit the first number of the Review." He afterwards contributed no less than seventy-six articles on various subjects. For many years Sidney Smith struggled with poverty, and passed through some trying scenes. His spirits, however, never forsook him but once, when seeing the bills roll in, without having the means immediately at his command, he covered his

66

face with his hands, and exclaimed, "There I see I must go to gaol." His great boldness and his principles rendered him obnoxious to the tory government, who admired his talents, feared his pen, and would gladly have bought him with a bishoprick! There was a honesty in Sidney Smith, which was admirable; he was firm to his principles, and a staunch advocate for toleration; and by his writings prepared the way for the great reforms which were carried by the whigs. He constantly impressed upon the government the necessity of granting toleration to the Catholics, and privileges to the Protestant Dissenters; he brought the whole force of his wit and logic against the iniquitous Game Laws, which then condemned yearly multitudes to death; and contributed to bring about an improved state of public opinion which ultimately succeeded in redressing many grievances which afflicted the country. He lived to see the result of his efforts, and to enjoy the reward of his unflinching adherence to his principles. For many years he held the living of Foston, Yorkshire, where, he says, "I was village parson, village doctor, village comforter, village magistrate, and Edinburgh Reviewer." He then exchanged that for the living of Combe Horey, near Taunton, when he became Canon of Bristol Cathedral; which was afterwards exchanged for a more valuable stall at St. Paul's. A large fortune was also left him by his relations, so that the end of his life was spent in affluence and ease. The record of his life is interesting, and told with great simplicity and affection by his daughter, Lady Holland. His letters are amusing, sagacious, witty, and short: but there is an entire absence of anything spiritual and holy such as we have a right to expect in one holding a sacred office. There is none of that sweet savour of Christ, which every servant of Jesus should diffuse, and no one can read these volumes without feeling that the bright and brilliant star, which delighted so many, was but a mere phosphorescent vapour, which dazzled for a time, but only misled, and disappointed those who were seeking after something better than wit. Sidney Smith is remembered as a wit, but where are his trophies as a minister of the gospel? We had marked some beautiful passages for extracts, but our space will not allow us to give them.

[blocks in formation]

THIS work consists of the text of Holy Scripture printed in a clear small typewith marginal references, and notes; forming when completed, a handsome reference Bible, and a concise exposition of the Scriptures. The references, we are informed, have all been reverified, and made more satisfactory than in many of the marginal Bibles, where, to our great regret, they often merely point to a similar word, without aiding the interpretation of the passage. The notes are judicious, pithy, suggestive; and without the appearance of erudition, convey the results of the laborious researches of

learned men, in a style suited to the wants of Sunday School teachers, and the public generally. The map which accompanies the first number, is very excellent, and is doubtless a fair specimen of those which are to follow. We can most

cordially recommend this work to the notice of all, especially our schools, as a cheap and valuable edition of a Pocket Bible. It is issued in weekly penny numbers, and monthly fourpenny parts.

The Sunday School Register.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO TEACHERS

THE FADING FLOWER.

In the beautiful sea-port town of Margate, there resided a little girl of the name of Martha Edwards, the daughter of poor parents. At an early age she was adopted by an aunt, who brought her up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. From early life she was delicate, but there appeared no unfavourable symptoms regarding her health, till within the last few months; when it became evident that this beautiful flower was not long destined to fill a place in her Heavenly Father's garden below. Her pious aunt watched with daily and hourly anxiety the progress which disease was making; and ere a few months elapsed, this flower began to wither, and the delicate hue on the face was an indication of what was going on within,-that death had begun to mark her as one of his captives, and

that soon the house appointed for all living, would be her portion.

She had long been a scholar in Lady Huntingdon's Sunday School, where, no doubt, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and through the means of her kind teachers, she received her first serious impressions, which so well qualified her for the severe conflict and suffering she had to undergo, all which she bore with christian fortitude. It was during the period of her illness, that the writer was requested by her teacher to visit her.

It was a beautiful evening on the first of April, and the sun about setting, when he entered the dwelling of this young disciple; she was lying in bed, with a calm and serene countenance.

66

is

"How

The writer said to her, "By the request of your teacher, I am come to see you." I found her sinking very fast. Indeed, I am very glad to see you." have you been?" "Very low." "Where do you go for support?" "Jesus Christ On my next visit, after reading to her my support; I go to Him as a sinner.' Apple Woman's Son," and asking her that interesting tract, "Michael; or, the whether she could look forward with the hand out and said,—“I trust in Christ, same degree of fortitude, she put her and look forward to a bright inheritance beyond the grave." She always felt much when I engaged in prayer with her, and read a portion of the Word of God. Some short time elapsed between my visits to her, but I always found a holy submission. After suffering much pain one day, when I was with her, she said,

66

Thy will be done." At another time, "Great mercy He has spared me so long, to think and pray." On my next visit, I found her very low, and much altered. I said to her, "Have you anything you wish to say to me?" "Oh!" she said, "tell the children of my class to love their teacher, and that I have no fear of death.” At another time she said,"What I have heard in the Sabbath school refreshes my soul." It was not then anticipated that any wish would be expressed, that anything relating to this dear child of God should come before the world: much interesting conversation took place which cannot be recalled; she was very fond of that hymn, "Glory, glory, glory," but all tended to prove, that shewas a young plant, well nurtured by her Heavenly Father, to flourish in immortality.

On the 30th of April she sent for me. I found her in a very sinking state. She said to me, "I am glad you are come; quite prepared to go." I said, "I hope you find the Saviour precious." "Oh! very precious! pardoned all my sins; no fear of dying. Tell the children of my class to love their teacher; I hope they will be as ready to go as I am. Nothing but Christ; He has taken care of me. I shall soon be out of this troublesome world." From that period till the time of her dissolution, not much could be gathered from her; for some time past, from the disease falling into her limbs, her pain was such that she could not be taken into bed, and could express but little in consequence of the pain of body she endured. The writer visited her a few days previoas to her death, but such was her acute pain, and the state of her body, that it was impossible to remain long in the room. In all

this there was a calm reliance on her Heavenly Father; indeed, never, perhaps, did so young a person, visited with such deep sufferings, bear them with greater resignation.

Her death took place on Tuesday, the 8th of July, when she fell asleep in Jesus without a struggle, at the age of thirteen. A short time after, the writer waited on her aunt to console her, and received from her the following striking manifestation of her ardent wish for the salvation

of her father.

On the Friday evening previous to her death, she suddenly rose up in her bed, and sung,

"When we meet to part no more." she then prayed very earnestly for her father; she said she had prayed so long for him, that her strength was gone; she could pray no longer. She could not reward us, but the Lord would, for all our kindness. She said, "I am one of Christ's sheep; how shocking it would be to see father standing on the left hand, and myself on the right. A day or two previous she said, "Beautiful place! it is a beautiful place! see children, and babies, and christians, all saying Glory, Glory.Lord asked me to come, and I said, yes, Lord, I will come, only got a little time to stay; not quite white yet, soon shall be. Send for Mr. V. to pray with me.' Before this could be accomplished, her spirit had fled. A female friend, whom she was very fond of, came frequently to pray with her.

[ocr errors]
[blocks in formation]

General Intelligence.

A NEW TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE.

A great interest has lately been awakened concerning the authorized version of the Bible. Its faults and its beauties have been paraded before the public by its respective adherents, and a fierce struggle has ensued. One party wishes the government to appoint a commission to inquire into the state of the English text, and if neeessary to take the requisite steps to secure a new translation. Another party strenuously resists any such proceeding, and holds up the present translation as the paragon of all that is excellent and bautiful. A third wishes to adopt a middle course, and bring out a new version by retaining the same translation generally, and only altering such parts as are objectionable, either from obsolete words, or phrases which cannot with propriety be publicly read in a mixed audience. The question is one of great difficulty, and requires to be dealt with very tenderly. Should a new translation be attempted, it would be impossible to please all parties. The high church would not agree to the peculiar translation of the low-chureh party, and vice versa. The Baptists and Independents would have to cross lances respecting a few passages; and the hundred sects would each wish to see their views clearly represented by their favorite texts. Still, could a body of learned men from all denominations correct the present

translation in the comparatively few places where it is desirable, and still retain the fine Saxon version of our Scriptures, we think it would improve the present translation, without touching that which has been associated with all that is sacred and beautiful in our national and private existence.

PREACHING IN THE PARKS.

There can be no doubt that our statesmen, in some of their agitated moments, heartily wish there were no parks in existence. There has been a continual struggle for the mastery over them. The people assert their right to enjoy and use them; the public minister indicates the majesty and supremacy of his office by doing what he deems right towards them. He attempts to cut up, and spoil them for the convenience of a certain class; the people cry out, and scare him from the inclosure, The people congregate to manifest their displeasure at a certain measure; and he attempts to scatter them by a mounted force, but retires intimidated. He industriously provides bands and refreshments to please a certain order, and the country rises, and sweeps away the gaieties which desecrate the Sabbath. As the summer advances, the people flock to the parks to enjoy the cool; and lounge, or roll about in inactive restlessness. Many devoted preachers apply to him to be allowed to preach to the idlers in the parks, and he grants the permission. But lo! the place becomes an arena of strife—and a hundred champions of as many shades of opinion assert, to the full extent of their lungs, the truthfulness of their opinions and the error of all others. The poor minister of state is again besieged by appliants, who intreat him to put an end to this modern confusion of tongues. The infidel wishes him to put down the Biblical preacher, and both, the Mormons; and each claims the sole privilege of publicly teaching his doctrines to the people. We cannot wonder at the singular logic of the minister when he authoritatively decides, that as truth cannot be taught without provoking the opposition of error, therefore neither shall be taught, at least in the parks, and henceforth the preaching of the gospel there must cease! Rigid justice perhaps requires that all should have the privilege cf speaking there, or none; but the question of the expediency of it is too large and important for us here to discuss it.

DEATH OF DR. BUCKLAND.

The name of this distinguished man has been intimately associated with the progress of geological science, which he, without possessing many of the brilliant talents of his associates, greatly promoted. He was born at Axminster. Devon, 1784, received his early education at Winchester, and obtained in 1801 a scholarship in Corpus Christi, Oxford. Science then was but feebly represented at the university; still the study of mineralogy attracted his attention, and created great interest in his mind. In 1813 he became Reader of Mineralogy, and five years after Reader of Geology; and commenced his scientific career with very flattering prospects. He early traced the connection of Religion with Geology in his Vindicia Geologica, and attracted great notice in 1821 by his celebrated discovery of geological remains in the caves of Kirkdale. His papers and contributions to the Society were very numerous; and his labours were associated with the first geologists in the kingdom. In 1825 Dr Buckland accepted the living of Stoke Charity, Hants, and became Čanon of Christ Church; and in 1836 he published his celebrated Bridgewater Treatise, entitled " Geology and Mineralogy considered with reference to Natural Theology;" a work which increased his reputation, and added to the value of that important series. In 1845 Sir R. Peel appointed him Dean of Westminster, which is now vacant, and for which Lord Palmerston has so many applicants that he can hardly decide to whom to present it. Two years after, Dr. Buckland became one of the Trustees of the British Museum, and employed his great learning and talents in the metropolis. In 1850 a softening of the brain obliged him to give up scientific pursuits, which he never resumed. He died at Clapham August 14th, 1856.

Connexion Intelligence.

[blocks in formation]
« FöregåendeFortsätt »