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church for themselves; those who were not pa- | the members of his congregation who did not readily rishioners thought it no concern of theirs. However, some subscribed their guineas, some their five guineas, and some their ten, and thought they had done wonders. After a considerable delay, and a large additional sum from his own pocket, and a grant from the Church Building Society, Herbert found himself at last in a condition to commence building, and the foundation-stone was laid of a small but neat church, which still remained to be endowed; and the endowment was only to be obtained by a considerable sacrifice from his own tithes. This was anything but reasonable, but Herbert cheerfully gave it.

promise to attend at the vestry, and give his vote for the church. Herbert was much cheered by the heartiness of their zeal, and felt that he had done them injustice in doubting their attachment for a moment. He was particularly gratified by the observations of one of the principal farmers, who called on him the day before the meeting, and placed the affair exactly on the right footing. "We are sorry," said he, "to see you so much put about by this unpleasant business; but you may depend upon it, sir, we'll stand by you. There is not one that I have seen but says he will do anything to serve you. However, I have told them all, and I am sure you would tell them so too, that that is not the reason why we ought to vote for the rate, but because it is our duty to God and our neighbour to stand up for the church."

Most unusual was the scene which the hitherto

Meanwhile the population of Ashdale increased. Beer-shops, gin-shops, with their accompaniments of spouting clubs, unions, and all the other symptoms of a demoralized and disaffected population, rapidly sprang up. Religion there was little or none, for religion seldom exists without the out-peaceful village of Welbourne presented on the ward ordinances. The new church, instead of being hailed as a boon, was rather disapproved of as an intrusion. They could do very well, they thought, without it. In short, the delay in building, unavoidable as it was, had been productive of the worst results.

When Herbert entered the vestry on the Sunday after his return from town, he found the church warden already there, who welcomed him with a cordial shake of the hand, but a very grave face. The cause of his gravity was soon explained. The time had arrived (he said) when it was necessary to give notice for a vestry meeting, in order to levy a church-rate, but he had just learned that it was the intention of the Ashdale people to come in a body to oppose it. The fact was, they had received circulars from some of the London radicals to get up an opposition-at any rate to make an agitation; and they had had amongst them some radical orators, to enlighten their minds on the subject.

Herbert was much annoyed at this intelligence, on account of the ill-will which it was likely to breed in his parish. It was a very unpleasant business-the most unpleasant which had occurred since he had been rector. What, indeed, could be more galling to a Christian minister than to see strife brought into his hitherto peaceful parish? What could be more cruel and uncharitable than the con. duct of those by whom it was fomented? However, after much consideration, and prayer to God to aid his judgment, he resolved that it was his duty to do his utmost to rouse the energy of his friends and meet the opposition with as great force as possible, so as to crush at once the schemes of the malcontents. Accordingly, no sooner had he risen on Monday morning, than he proceeded to consult with the churchwardens, in order to arrange his plans, so that all might be strictly legal; and afterwards he

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round personally to all the principal farmers and shopkeepers, and other residents in the parish. His opponents, he feared, would have an advantage over him, inasmuch as men are not disposed to vote money out of their own pockets if they can avoid it. However, he trusted to their good feeling, and was not disappointed. Scarcely was there one amongst

morning of the meeting. The farmers were seen coming in from all parts, on foot or on horseback; and, though it was a busy time, they one and all declared, with honest English feeling, that they would lose the whole day sooner than not support the church. The village doctor had already visited his patients, the shopkeeper left his business in the care of his wife; and the squire put off his shooting party, that he might not be absent. All felt that the support of the church was a more important business than profit or pleasure.

The village clock had struck the hour of twelve, and the friends of the church, already assembled, were rather surprised that their opponents had not made their appearance, and began to think they had given up their intention of opposing the rate. However, their hopes were soon dispelled when they heard a loud shouting, and saw the malcontents walking in a body three and three abreast straight up the middle of the village, followed by a crowd of boys from the factory, and carrying a flag, borrowed from an adjoining borough, bearing inscribed on it in large letters " Civil and religious liberty."

The radicals came up at a brisk pace, but were evidently somewhat disconcerted at the respecta. bility, and still more at the numbers, of the opposite party. They expected that they should have had to contend with little more than the usual number of attendants at the vestry meetings, and that they should carry their point by a coup de main. It never occurred to these liberal-minded individuals that a whole parish would meet together, to vote that they might be taxed.

It was out of the question that so large a body, or a tenth part of it, should get into the vestry; so there was no alternative but to make use of the body of the church, much to Herbert's regret, who was grieved to see the holy place made the scene of un godly contention.

Unwilling to set an example of speechifying, Her. bert opened the proceedings by simply reading the notice which had called them together, and requesting the churchwardens to give in their estimate, and state the amount of rate which it would be requisite to levy.

The churchwarden accordingly read to the meet. | ed even himself. There was some little pause, and ing the calculated expense for the current year, and at last it was announced that Mr. Owen would be briefly added that it had been made out with all glad to address the meeting.- "Mr. Owen," (said possible regard to economy. If any gentlemen pre- Herbert to himself)" who is Mr. Owen ?" He looked sent suspected there was any jobbing or illegal up and saw, to his surprise, the shrewd and goodcharge, he should be happy to give an explanation. tempered face of his talkative fellow-traveller. The It was true that in former years when the parish was cause of Mr. Owen being there was simply this; that unanimous, certain charges had been inserted in the about a year before he had purchased one of the church-rates, by common consent, which were not factories in Ashdale. The business had hitherto strictly legal-such as for the moles, hedgehogs,* been conducted by a foreman, he himself having and organist. In justice to the manufacturing in- been detained elsewhere; and he had just arrived to terest, the former charges would in future be de- superintend his works in person. Herbert was rafrayed by the farmers solely, and the latter by the ther curious to know what his dissenting friend congregation who occupied pews in the church. would say, but expected, like the rest, that he had The estimate which he now had the honour of pre- risen to second Mr. Stubbs's motion. It being the senting to the vestry was confined strictly to the ne- first time of Mr. Owen's appearance before the Welcessary repairs of the fabric, and the decent mainte-bourne public, great attention was paid to his speech. nance of public worship.

"Gentlemen," said Mr. Owen, "this is the first time that I have had the honour of appearing within these walls, and it may naturally be expected, that, having purchased a considerable property in the parish, and having now come to reside in your neigh

This speech, of course, gave little satisfaction to the malcontents. A call was made for Mr. Stubbs. This gentleman was the principal shopkeeper who supplied the Ashdale population with the necessaries and luxuries of life, -as bread, but-bourhood, I should avail myself of the opportunity ter, cheese, tea, tobacco, and snuff;-and having, unfortunately for himself, a gift of talking, he was put forward as the spokesman on the occasion. One cause also of his selection for this honour was, that he professed to be a member of the church, and on the score of lounging into his pew about once a month, when the service was half over, considered himself an excellent churchman.

I cannot but here remark of how little use it is for clergymen to go out of their way to conciliate these mongrel sort of people; at least, I mean, by any departure from the straight line of duty. They are sure to desert the church at the hour of peril, and their desertion is then more mischievous than it would have been had they never professed themselves its members.

Well, up stands Mr. Stubbs on the seat of one of the pews, and vows he is strongly attached to the church-none can be more so. He only wished that the church could see her true interests. For himself, though a churchman, he scorned to put his hands into the pockets of the conscientious dissenter. All men ought to pay for their own religion. He would rather pay twice the amount of rate, provided it was by voluntary subscription-he would, upon his word. It was not that he had any fault to find with the estimate of the churchwarden, but it was the principle of the thing which he objected to. He, for one, would never consent to call on dissenters to wash the parson's dirty linen. (Loud applause followed this piece of wit-for it is a standing joke amongst the opponents of church-rates to apply this phrase to the parish surplice.) When the applause subsided, Mr. Stubbs having no further arguments to offer, concluded by moving that the meeting be adjourned to that day six months.

Great was the thumping and shouting which followed the conclusion of Mr. Stubbs's oration: and he sat down with the air of a man who had surpass

to state what are my sentiments on this occasion. Gentlemen, I am a dissenter from the church of England; (Hear, hear, from Mr. Stubbs and the radicals,) I have been born and bred a dissenter, and still remain so. The laws of the country allow a perfect freedom to every one to hold his own religious opinions, provided he does not interfere with those of his neighbour. I have come here, gentlemen, because I understood there was to be an opposition to a grant of church rate. (Loud cries of Hear, hear !) Perhaps 1 shall surprise some of you who are present, but I here declare plainly, that, as an honest man I cannot vote against the church rate. (Loud murmurs, and exclamations of surprise from the radicals, and triumphant shouts from the church party.) I have given the matter a good deal of consideration, especially during the last few days, (here the speaker looked at Mr. Herbert,) and if you will favour me with your attention, gentlemen, I will briefly give you my reasons.

"When I purchased my property in Ashdale, I calculated all the outgoings and expenses; I reckon. ed up the taxes, poor rates, tithes, church rates; and, allowing for these drawbacks, I paid accordingly; I gave so much less for my purchase than I should have done had there been no drawbacks. Therefore I say, gentlemen, that having bought my property subject to a certain deduction for church rates, I cannot, as an honest man, turn round, and vote against a church rate, and so put the money into my own pocket; it would be a robbery to do so.

"Another reason why I cannot vote against the church rate is, because I have a respect for the law of the land, and it is the law of the land that a Church should be kept up in every parish, by a general assessment on property; and so long as that law remains unrepealed, I am not the man to disobey or evade it.

"A third reason is, that 1 consider that by refusing the church rate, I should be robbing the poor, who

* In country parishes it is, or rather was, not uncommon to find such items in the church-rates as "mole-catcher's salary," have a right by law, and long prescription, that a "paid for hedgehogs."

place of worship should be provided for them by the

owners of real property, without exception: the property of dissenters is equally liable with that of others.

"And lastly, I will not vote against the rate, because I do not consider it of sufficient importance to quarrel about. It is but a few shillings after all, and I do not think it is worth disturbing the peace of the parish for such a trifle. My maxim is, 'If it be possible, live peaceably with all men.' And I have no notion of being dictated to by a set of selfish fellows in London, or any where else, whose purpose it may suit to set us at loggerheads together. I for one, will not be made their tool; but take the liberty of judging for myself. And I think, gentlemen, if you would do the same, you will see that it can answer no good purpose to carry on this opposition any further. If you had come to me for advice, I should have said, you had better never have begun it."

This speech of Mr. Owen made a marvellous impression on the assembly. Mr. Owen was owner of the greater part of the cottages in Ashdale,-Mr. Stubbs's amongst the rest, and his tenants did not much care to vote in opposition to their landlord. Some perceived the force of his argument; the tide of opinion suddenly changed, and many acknowledged that they did not know why they had made all this uproar and confusion.

The consequence was, that when it came to the show of hands, some had quietly left the church, others did not vote at all, and the churchmen were in a majority of at least three to one.

Mr. Herbert briefly addressed the assembly. He was sorry that any difference of opinion should have arisen in the parish; but it was so far satisfactory, that it had proved to him the sincerity of the friends of the church, and had shewn that even its opponents were not indisposed to listen to sound reason. He assured them that nothing should be wanting on his part to promote good neighbourhood so long as he lived amongst them, and he had great hopes that, when the new building at Ashdale was completed, his parishioners on that side would then become aware of the value of the church.

And so they separated, better satisfied with each other than when they assembled.

Herbert's predictions were not disappointed. Ashdale church was consecrated during the summer, and an active curate established there. Some little jealousy remained for a while, but, by kindness and attention, the population was soon prevailed on to attend divine worship, and a marked change became apparent in the community. None complained but the owners of the beer and gin shops; not even Mr. Stubbs,-for his opinions on religion and politics quickly suited themselves to those of his customers.

The Cabinet.

THE ATONEMENT.-On this subject I beg to direct the reader's attention to the words of Bishop Porteus, and particularly to the striking and beautiful expression in the concluding clause, taken from Scott's Christian Life:-" By accepting the death of Christ instead of ours, by laying on him the iniquity of us all, God certainly gave us the most astonishing proof of his mercy and yet, by accepting no less a sacrifice than that of his own Son, he has, by this most expres

sive and tremendous act, signified to the whole world such extreme indignation at sin, as may well alarm, even while he saves us, and make us tremble at his

severity, even while we are in the arms of his mercy." -Archbishop Magee on the Atonement.

PARTIAL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTIONS.- In all cases, as far as my experience and observation reach, they who have received partial religious instruction, and, as it were, made up their minds to it, will hear a already know or believe. This is the standard by new minister so long as he tells them what they which they try his doctrine; but, if he attempts to rectify their errors, however manifest, and with whatever ability and candour he does it; or to instruct their ignorance, however palpable; they will take him of some deviation from sound doctrine, as their offence, and probably forsake his ministry; accusing reason for so doing. Yet, without their errors be rectified, or their deficiencies supplied, or their charaeters improved, their attendance is wholly in vain. -Rev. T. Scott.

ELECTION.-Would I ascertain my election to the blessedness of eternity? it must be by practically demonstrating my election to newness of life. It is not by the rapture of feelings, and by the luxuriance of thought, and by the warmth of those desires which descriptions of heaven may stir up within me, that I can prove myself predestined to a glorious inheritance. If I would find out what is hidden, I must follow what is revealed. The way to heaven is disclosed; am I walking in that way? It would be poor proof that I were on my voyage to India, that with glowing eloquence, and thrilling poetry, I could discourse on the palm-groves and the spice isles of the East. Am I on the waters? Is the sail hoisted to the wind? and

does the land of my birth look blue and faint in the distance? The doctrine of election may have done harm to many, but only because they have fancied themselves elected to the end, and have forgotten that those whom scripture calls elected are elected to the means. The bible never speaks of men as elected to be saved from the shipwreck; but only as elected to tighten the ropes, and hoist the sails, and stand to the rudder. Let a man search faithfully; let him see that when scripture describes Christians as elected, it is, as elected to faith, as elected to sanctification, as elected to obedience; and the doctrine of election will be nothing but a stimulus to effort. It cannot act as a soporific. It cannot lull me into security. It cannot engender licentiousness. It will throw ardour into the spirit, and fire into the eye, and vigour into the limb. I shall cut away the boat, and let drive all human devices, and gird myself, amid the fierceness of the tempest, to steer the shattered vessel into port. -Rev. H. Melvill.

Poetry.

PALM SUNDAY.

BY THE REV. H. O'NEIL, M.A.,
Incumbent of St. Anne's, Lancaster.

(For the Church of England Magazine) 'On the next day, much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosannah! Blessed is the king of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."-John xii. 12, 13.

HARK to the long and loud acclaim!
Hark to the victor's glorious name!
Now Zion's king, at length confessed,
By Zion's sons is hailed and blessed-
On garments strewed before his road-
'Mid waving palms, as Israel's God
He comes, while thousands echo the glad cry,
"Hosannah to our king-the Lord most high!"

Amazed the Roman soldier sees

The triumph of the Prince of Peace:

No mailed steed, no trophied car,

Nor banners rent, nor spoils of war;

No pensive train of captives led

To mourn o'er joys for ever fled.
Jesus, what nobler honours far are thine!
Meek, yet majestic! lowly, yet divine!

The captives of disease and pain—
By thy mild presence freed again—
To Zion's walls thine entrance greet,
And pour their praises at thy feet.

But faint and feeble emblems these
Of spirits saved by thy release

From vanquished hell, and sin, and death's abode,
To shine within the temple of their God!

Now, on her yearly festival,

The Church doth to her sons recal
Thy triumphs past, and to her king
The tribute of her homage bring-
For ever mindful of the time

When the redeemed of every clime
Shall, with victorious palms* and one accord,
Their loud hosannahs raise to thee, their Lord.

MOUNT CALVARY.

BY THE REV. D. T. K. DRUMMOND,
Trinity Chapel, Edinburgh.

(For the Church of England Magazine.)

Is there a darker, gloomier scene on earth,
Than that which flings its shade,

As the bright sunbeams fade,

O'er Calvary's fatal hill?

Yet to the heaven-taught mind, e'en there appears

A pure and glorious light,

More beautifully bright,
Than dazzling sunbeams still.

From the dread spot, where rears the blackened cross
Its form, where death and shame
With mingled anguish came,

Upon the guiltless head:

There rises up the spring of life and peace,

Which with its healing grace,
E'en in that deathful place,
Is on the guilty shed.

The guilty! yes that hapless child of sin
Catches the blissful ray,

Of hope's bright dawning day,
From the accursed tree:

His glazing eye is on his Saviour fixed

And in just pangs of death,
He breathes the prayer of faith,
"Good Lord! remember me."

His cry is not unheard! The Prince of Peace
Smiles on his new-born son,

By his own sorrows won,
From death's eternal sway:

And thus, with softest breathings of his love,

He gives the weary rest,

"Thou shalt with me be blest In paradise to-day."

• Rev. vii. 9.

Oh! bleeding, suffering Lamb of God,
Forth from thy blood-stained tree,
For ever full and free,
May I thy grace receive:
Then with the thief once crucified,
I'll humbly, gladly stand,
Waiting at thy right hand,
With thee in heaven to live.

HYMN FOR THE CRUCIFIXION.

(For the Church of England Magazine.)

"He who knew no sin, is made sin for us," &c.-2 Cor. v. 21-
Lo! the stubborn rocks are rending,
Solemn darkness spreads around;
Hark! that piercing cry ascending!
Whence that awful, deathlike sound?

Jesus yonder hangs extended,

Nailed upon th' accursed tree;
Thence that dreadful wail ascended,
Wrung by sinners-thee and me.
Hear again that voice of anguish,

Bursting through the troubled air!
Oh! behold the Saviour languish !—
"Tis for us he suffers there.
"It is finished!" hear him sighing;
See! his head is bowing low!
There the Son of God is dying,
Burdened with our sin and woe!

God of mercy and salvation!
Penitence and pardon give;

That, preserved from condemnation,
We may look to Thee and live!

Miscellaneous.

T. C.

TRIED AND FOUND FAITHFUL.-I have read of a lady, who, having lost her husband, comforted herself with the reflection, that she had two lovely boys left to cheer her. By a severe accident, one of them was soon taken from her. This was a heavy trial; but she still found comfort in her remaining boy, and fixed all her affections upon this her only son. Shortly after, intelligence was brought that her child was drowned; when she calmly said, "I see God is determined to have all my heart, and so he shall.”—What an example! follow it.-Anon.

THE REFORMATION.-There is a curious document still in existence, which shows what was felt by the humble and lowly Christians of that day, who were thought too degraded in intellect to be permitted te read the bible. It is in the form of a note, made by a shepherd in the spare leaf of a book, which he bought after the passing of an act prohibiting the reading of the bible by husbandmen, labourers, &c. :-" At Oxford, in the year 1546, brought down to Seynbury, by John Darly, price 14d. When I kept Mr. Letymer's sheep, I bought this book, when the testament was abrogated, that shepherds might not read it. I pray God amend that blindness. Writ by Robert Williams, keeping sheep upon Seynbury Hill, 1546."

London: Published by JAMES BURNS, 17 Portman Street, Portman Square; W. EDWARDS, 12 Ave-Maria Lane, St. Paul's; and to be procured, by order, of all Booksellers in Town and Country.

PRINTED BY

JOSEPH ROGERSON, 24 NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON,

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THE AUTHORITY OF A PAROCHIAL MINIS- upon motives which aim at the glory of God, TER, AND ITS EXTENT.

BY THE REV. EMANUEL STRICKLAND, M.A.

Curate of Brixton Deverill, Wilts. To understand what this authority is we must view it in three particulars, in its source, its nature, and its design.

I. The authority of an episcopally ordained minister is divine, in its source, because it comes from Christ, who is God, and it is conferred by him. Christ at first sent forth his twelve disciples, and invested them with power and authority, as he now gives power and commandment to his ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins. The words of ministers are authoritative in virtue of Christ's commandment, "He that receiveth you, receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." (Matt. x. 40). "As my father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John xx. 21). We, as Christ's ministers claim, and have like authority with the apostles of old; we, as the apostles' successors, have in continuance the charge they received; or rather bishops succeed in authority, priests and deacons in appointment. "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. xxviii. 19, 20). Bishop Wilson says, "We take upon us no authority but what Christ has given, what his apostles exercised, and what we are bound by the most solemn vows to exercise." And to be fully certified that we have received this authority we must have "a lawful entrance,

VOL. VIII. NO. CCXIX.

and the good of souls." And there must also be " an external call and mission from the the apostolic authority of bishops."* See the third canon which declares the church of England "a true and apostolic church." See also the preface to the ordination services, which declares that there have ever been three orders of ministers in Christ's church, and that no man should take upon himself any one of these offices unless he be first tried and examined, and be found fit. With this the twenty-third article also agrees.

;

When Christ appointed other seventy disciples they had a like commission with the twelve. "He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me, and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me" (Luke x. 16). And so much was their commission blessed, so much was Satan spoiled of his dominion, that, to use the strong language of our Saviour, "he beheld him as lightning fall from heaven." Now as we have the same commission, we should pray to see the same results; for I conceive from like commissions like results should flow the apostles were apostles by specific grace and apostleship, and not by the power of working miracles. The promise made to Peter singly (Matt. xvi. 19), was fulfilled to all the disciples collectively (Matt. xxviii. 19, 20). And as to the power of working miracles, it did not belong to the disciples or apostles merely, but to the church generally, as it is clear from the epistles to the Corinthians. Paul was not an apostle because he laboured more than all, or suffered more, but because he was appointed to his office (1 Cor. i. 1) and (2 Cor. i. 1).

Bp. Wilson's Meditations on Sacred Office.
T

[London: Joseph Rogerson 24 Norfolk-street, Strand.]

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