duce those who use this grammar to bear in mind that they must sometimes take the trouble (as they ought to indeed, whatever grammar they use,) to investigate for themselves. It is a valuable contribution, at all events, to the stock of Hebrew criticism in our language.

A Letter to Andrew C. Dick, Esq., Scotch Advocate, on his Dissertation on Church Polity. By the Rev. John Collinson, M.A., Rector of Gateshead. London: Rivingtons. 1836.

THIS little volume shews much thought and good strong sense. It often shews, with great force, the absurdity of the arguments against establishments, by carrying them out to their legitimate conclusions. It always fairly meets the question; and one only regrets, that it is an answer to what seems a very poor performance, instead of being a substantive and original treatise on a question which Mr. Collinson appears qualified to treat very ably.

The Confession of Faith of the Church of England, in her Thirty-nine Articles. By Thomas Stephens. Edinburgh: Fraser and Co. 1836. 12mo.

MR. STEPHENS' name has often been before the readers of this Magazine. He is the editor of a very excellent and useful periodical in Scotland, called the "Episcopal Magazine," and the author of a "Guide to the Service," highly creditable to him. A more zealous episcopalian cannot be, nor one at all times more ready and anxious to exert his best abilities in the cause of truth. In the present small exposition of the articles, he has entered on a more difficult task, but has executed it in a manner highly creditable to himself. Here and there one could wish a phrase altered, or a short passage expunged; but, as a whole, it does Mr. Stephens, as a layman, great credit.

Parochial Sermons. By the Rev. J. H. Newman, Fellow of Oriel, &c. Vol. III. London: Rivingtons.

WHEN the public call for a second edition of a first volume, and for a second and third, the critic may have the pleasure of feeling that his services are not required, and that his expressions of warm approbation are superfluous. If any one should complain of too much severity, let him remember what this age is; and that if there is any fault, it is one on the right side. A correspondent has sent the following letter:

To the Editor of the British Magazine.

SIR,-In the hope that Mr. Stanley, or some of the readers of his late pamphlet, may light on the pages of your Magazine, I send the following extract from Mr. Newman's advertisement to his third volume of sermons :

"It may be advisable to notice here, for want of a better opportunity, a mistake in an extract made from the author's second volume of sermons, in Mr. Stanley's late pamphlet. The extract stands thus, in page 22, second edition of the pamphlet:-By a priest, in a Christian sense, is meant an appointed

channel, by which the peculiar gospel blessings are conveyed to mankind— one who has authority to apply to individuals those gifts which Christ has promised us generally, as priests of mediation.'

"In the sermon itself, the concluding words stand as follows:-' which Christ has promised us generally as the fruits of his mediation.' ”—p. 338.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

A PRIEST.

Observations on a Memorial to his Majesty, &c., from certain of the Clergy of the Church of Ireland. By a Churchman. Dublin : Milliken. London: Fellowes. 1836.

THIS very spirited pamphlet (containing, in an appendix, all the letters of Dr. Dickinson and others in defence of the memorial, and in reply to them) most ably and powerfully exposes the evils which would arise from the system recommended in the memorial. So many of the reflexions apply to the case of England, that the pamphlet is warmly recommended to English readers.

Doctrines of the Church of Rome, and Disorders of Ireland. By the Rev. Mortimer O'Sullivan. London: Mortimer. 1836.

THE statements in this pamphlet are, if possible, more curious and important than those relating to Dens. Mr. O'Sullivan has closely examined the conferences, of which we have heard so much, and has discovered what must be called most remarkable coincidences,—viz, that, very shortly after a discussion among the priests, inquiring who are really the possessors of the benefices, the tithe war was proclaimed by the priests; that after a discussion as to the duties of military with respect to heretics, the addresses in the chapels to the soldiers were such as to make it necessary for an officer to accompany the men, and so on. These matters are of the very highest moment just now, and, coupled with other curious and striking facts related by Mr. O'Sullivan, make this pamphlet one of the most striking which have lately issued from the press.

A Defence of Christianity. By M. D. Frayssinons, Bishop of Hermopolis. Translated by J. B. Jones. London. Printed for the Author, and sold by Rivingtons. 2 vols. 8vo. 1836.

THIS is really a remarkable work. In the year 1803-i. e., when everything godless reigned in Paris, M. Frayssinons commenced a course of lectures to young people, chiefly of the higher orders, on the evidences, in the church of St. Sulpice. They were suspended in 1809, resumed in 1814, and concluded in 1822. They embrace not only the direct evidences of Christianity, but several lectures on Natural Theology, on the moral order of things, the immateriality of the soul, the providential Governor of the world, free will, religion as the basis of morals, &c. After this, M. Frayssinons proceeds to prove the truth of the Mosaic dispensation, and then proceeds to the direct proofs of the truth of the Christian revelation. These two last points are comprised in the second volume; and it only is justice to the author and translator to say, that the arguments are not only extremely well

stated, but in a manner very well adapted to be popular with a tolerably-educated audience. There is enough learning and information to attract and command attention, and a remarkably fluent and agreeable style. The argument is well conducted, and embraces all the leading topics urged by the advocates of the Gospel. It is almost to be regretted that this was not a separate work, as it would have been of a size better adapted for general circulation, and would have been a valuable addition even to the various treatises on the evidences which we already possess. There is nothing whatever to characterize the book as the work of a Romanist, as the author does not enter on the consideration of doctrines. With respect to the subjects treated in the first volume, there is, unquestionably, a good deal of ability shewn ; but it is very difficult to discuss metaphysical subjects before a popular audience with advantage. At the same time it must be remembered that to an audience so perfectly free (as too many Parisians in 1803 were necessarily) from all knowledge of the commonest truths of religion, very ordinary observations might be productive of much advantage. The translator's style is easy and pleasant.

THE following Sermons, Pamphlets, and Minor Works deserve notice-Some excellent Remarks on the Neglect of the Afternoon Service, by the Rev. A. Cooper, whose second collection of prayers ought also to have been noticed with commendation some time ago. No common Sermon, by the Rev. John Wordsworth (son of our great poet), called Church Membership and Discipline should be better understood, and more zealously maintained. (London: Rivingtons.) A Sermon, by the Rev. G. Cole, of St. George's Chapel, Barbonine, called The Appeal of a Pious Monarch to a willing People. (London: Nisbet.) Summer Visits to a Country Village, by Mrs. Bowles (wife of the venerable and excellent poet.) The Elements of Latin Grammar, by R. Hiley. (12mo. London: Simpkin and Marshall.) Archdeacon Butler (a great authority) says, that "where he has examined it, it is done with care and ability; it is short, clear, well selected, and likely to be very useful."

Mr. CHURTON has commenced an Illustrated Bible, with Plates, from designs by Messrs. Westall and Martin. Mr. Churton superintends the notes. How eight engravings and the fifty first chapters of Genesis, with notes, can be given for one shilling may well be a marvel.

MISCELLANEA.

EXTRACT FROM THE "BATH AND DEVIZES GUARDIAN."

"TRANSPORTATION OF A BISHOP TO BOTANY BAY."

"WE intended, but for the overpress of other matter, to have alluded in our last to the appointment of Archdeacon Broughton to the bishopric of Australia. Really it is high time that this sort of CREATING, as well as the

VOL. IX.-March, 1836.

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exporting, these ecclesiastical manufacturings was put a stop to. What presumption can be more impious, in the Christian sense of the thing, than for a set of sinners, for whom in the day of judgment, perhaps, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, to sanction the pretence of CREATING, as it is technically termed, a spiritual being for exportation to the antipodes, there to assume apostolic functions,—yes, even to impart divinity, by what is presumptuously called holy ordination? Is not the time arrived,' as the expediency slang would have it, for crying down such imposture as a mockery of the religion of the lowly Jesus, which passes a sentence so severe on the hypocrite, and the foundation of which is humility and meekness of heart? Let it not, however, be supposed that we have any objection to the transportation of the whole fraternity, with all their trappings, to the antipodean regions, provided the islanders of the southern Pacific Ocean are desirous to possess themselves of specimens of the pomps and vanities of the world,' as precious in their kind as any to be found in these northern tracts of the habitable world."

[This "Bath and Devizes Guardian” is said, whether truly or not, to be under Mr. Roebuck's direction. The perfect nonsense, the temper, and the style of this extract will certainly justify the supposition in the opinion of those who have had the misfortune to hear the Hon. Member's speeches, or read any of his productions. From this passage it appears that the writer hates bishops, and means to abuse them. But what he thinks of them who can tell? Of the mode in which they become bishops, or what is supposed by churchmen about them, it is perfectly clear that he does not know one word. Indeed, it may fairly be doubted whether the person who could string such entirely senseless words together, could be made to understand what churchmen have said on the matter.]

COPY OF A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE ORPHAN WORKING SCHOOL, CITY-ROAD.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,-A paper is in circulation, headed "Orphan Working School: Protest and Reasons."* It is signed by the names of forty governors, thirty-six gentlemen, and four ladies, from among the ministers and laity of the' unitarian party. Under the specious pretence that modern unitarians are to be identified with the presbyterians of former times, it is sought to revive the union of different denominations of protestant dissenters in the Sabbath-evening lectures, during the summer months, at the institution; which, to the satisfaction of a majority of the governors, and the increasing patronage of the public, have been discontinued for two years. The combination of orthodox ministers with unitarian ministers, in conducting a religious service, is obviously hopeless; and the lecture, if revived, must therefore be unitarian. The legality of discontinuing the lecture is now as distinctly established by the opinion of counsel (Messrs. Jacob and Wigram), as the moral expediency of it has been fully proved by experiment. The sentiments of the majority of governors must be now decidedly expressed, in order to settle the question; and that can be done only by the presence of the governors at the court on Wednesday next, February 3rd, in order to support their former orders.

Observing the union, zeal, and activity exhibited in the paper referred to,

The Editor regrets that the length of this paper prevents its insertion just now. He must say, that in his opinion, as far as argument goes, on the intention of the founder, and on precedent, the Socinians have the best of it. This is one of the fruits

of the amalgamation principle. Either Socinianism must be taught, or this fearful evil is to be remedied by doing away with all public worship! Such are the consequences of deserting the plain rule of duty. The result of the meeting was, the doing away the service.

we do earnestly request the favour of your personal attendance at the court, to be held at the King's Head, Poultry, on Wednesday, February 3rd. The chair will be taken at twelve o'clock precisely.

N.B. Ladies as well as gentlemen, being governors, are entitled to attend and vote.

We remain, ladies and gentlemen, your obedient servants,
(Signed by forty-six governors.)

ROMANISTS' OATH.

MALTA Gazettes to the 11th of January have been received. It appears that the council of government established in that island in May last, has at length been organized, although not without some unexpected difficulties. The Roman-catholic Bishop, who was honoured by his Majesty with a seat in that council, being scrupulous to a degree not to be found in the consciences of all Roman-catholic legislators, hesitated as to taking the required oath, and particularly that part of it which runs-“ I will never exercise any privilege to which I am or may become entitled, to disturb or weaken the protestant religion, or protestant government of the United Kingdom." These words of alarm made so strong an impression on the good bishop's mind, that he thought it right to apply to the Holy See for an interpretation as to how far they might compromise his imperative duties to his intolerant church. The council was, after many months' delay, constituted and installed on the 29th of December, and the members sworn, with the exception of the bishop, who did not present himself, the Holy Father, the pope, not being willing to countenance with his infallible approbation the words of the Catholic oath. It appears, then, or rather it seems certain, from the highest authority, that these words are to be understood in their plain and ordinary sense, as always contended.

CASE OF DISTRESS.

THE following case of distress is strongly recommended to the benevolent. Mr. Scargill was the author of two papers on the Anatomy of Socinianism" in this Journal, which his unfortunate illness prevented his completing. If a presentation to Christ's Hospital could be got for one of the boys, it would be a great point.

The Rev. William Pitt Scargill, for some time minister of the chapel in Churchgate Street, Bury, and latterly a member of the established church, had, in the last three years, nothing to depend on for maintenance save the little which an aged mother, living with him, could spare from an annuity of 201., and the small proceeds of his literary labours. Under the pressure of pecuniary difficulties and incessant exertion, his mind became gradually weakened, an affection of the brain ensued, and after suffering therefrom several weeks, (during which he was, with his family, indebted to the kindness of friends for daily support,) he breathed his last on Sunday evening, leaving a wife and two sons, (one aged nine and the other seven,) with means of subsistence for a very short time only. A subscription for their relief has commenced, and any charitable contributions will be thankfully received by the Rev. H. Hasted; Thomas Robinson, Esq.; and Mr. Deck, who would act as trustees for the widow and her children.

REV. W. P. MANCLARKE.

THE following case is recommended to the consideration of the benevolent:The REV. WILLIAM PALGRAVE MANCLARKE, M.A., of Jesus College, Cambridge, after having performed for thirteen years the duties of a licensed curate