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ORDINATION SERVICE.

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SIR, The question was lately asked, by one of your correspondents, why the ordination service of bishops, priests, and deacons, was omitted in the books of common prayer generally distributed? It can be only accounted for, I presume, by the fact, that ordination is never administered out of our cathedral churches and collegiate chapels. But it has often occurred to me, whether very great advantage would not accrue if the bishops could sometimes administer the sacred rite in some principal town during a visitation, so that the solemn admission of their ministers to holy orders might be more known and considered by the people at large.

As I have ventured to throw out this suggestion, I will embrace the opportunity to ask, whether you could not, by means of your numerous correspondents, enrich your pages by some notice of the progress of episcopacy in America, where, I am told, it is very rapid? Yours, B. T. L.

NOTICES AND REVIEWS.

The Causes of the Corruption of Christianity. By the Rev. Robert Vaughan, Professor of History in the University of London. London: Jackson and Walford. 1834. 8vo. pp. 432.

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Mr. VAUGHAN is a pleasing writer, and a man of good sense and reflexion. His two first Lectures on those defects in human nature which tend to corrupt religion display all these qualities, and will be read with pleaBut when he comes to the grounds of history, and endeavours to shew how Judaism and Gentile philosophy have tended also to corrupt our holy religion, good sense and reflexion are not enough. It has been almost always found that books which, in a small compass, survey a whole range of philosophical systems, or other large questions of the kind, prove failures. It is, in short, the rarest of all combinations that any man shall have deep learning enough to have become thoroughly acquainted with a range of philosophical systems by original research, powers of thought enough to enable him to see all their bearings in a practical view, and skill enough as a writer to lay the result of his learning and thought before the world clearly. It is, therefore, no discredit to Mr. Vaughan to say, that his book is one of this class. The knowledge of philosophy which Enfield or Brucker supplies is quite sufficient for common purposes, but wholly insufficient where the knowledge of systems must be either full or useless. Very long consideration and very wide learning are necessary for so vast a field. In treating of Judaism, the third Lecture is a mere recital of the common information about Alexandrian Jews, Sadducees, Karaites, &c.; and the fourth goes in the same way into the ordinary disquisitions as to the Ebionites, (digressing indeed somewhat strangely into the historical inquiry about them,) Cerinthians, &c. It does not appear that any light whatever is thrown on the corruption of Christianity by Judaism, except that, at the end of Lecture IV., there is a page or two of loose assertion, tending apparently to prove that the ideas of church government &c. now entertained are derived from false notions about the per

The Editor will be exceedingly obliged to any one who will give this information. Through the kindness of the admirable Bishop Doane, he has lately received the Report of the last convention of New Jersey, and would be very thankful to any one who would extract what is most interesting to the English reader.

manence of the law. But this is so indefinitely and vaguely put, that it would not be easy to assent to it or to differ from it without laying oneself open to a reply. In the same way, Mr. Vaughan, in treating of the influence of Gentile philosophy, gives a recital of the most ordinary Breviates of the oriental and various Greek philosophies, which are to be found in every school book, and occupies one whole lecture on that operation. Now Mr. Vaughan is by far too sensible and well-informed a man not to know that such acquaintance with these philosophers is stark naught, alike for the writer and reader. It is really so in Mr. Vaughan's book. It leads absolutely to nothing, and it is difficult indeed to see to what else it can lead. In the sixth Lecture, when materials are supplied by Dr. Priestley and others, Mr. Vaughan comments sensibly on them in general, though it is impossible to agree with him in his censure of the early fathers for discussing the follies of paganism more than they expounded and vindicated the truths of Christianity. The fact is, that they did that which was requisite in their days-combated the errors which checked their course, and elucidated the truth where it was most obscured in their sphere, To study church history rightly, we should study their writings in order to see exactly what was the actual state of things, what the opinions most canvassed, what the 00s of the time, and then we are competent to appreciate the difficulties with which the fathers had to contend, and the wisdom or the error of their proceedings. But to complain that they did that which was especially necessary in their day is surely not reasonable. The rest of the sixth Lecture is rather the usual accounts and notices of the systems of philosophy of Origen, Clemens of Alexandria &c. than anything directly connected with the subject. The seventh Lecture comes upon the Schoolmen, and contains the same kind of view of them as of the Greek philosophy; nothing, in short, which shews any study of them, but the ordinary tale of their views and peculiarities. But there is a startling passage or two in this and the preceding Lecture which require notice. Is Mr. Vaughan aware exactly where Dr. Hampden's views would lead him? And what does he mean in pp. 29, 30, 31, 32, as to changes in the church? He is not canvassing tithes, or benefices, or chapters, but opinions. Are we to change from age to age in opinons on matters of faith? If not, to what do his remarks tend?

Mr. Vaughan is very strongly recommended to reconsider all this part of his work. If he will write of the Schoolmen, let him read, at least, one or two of them; and let him fully weigh Dr. Hampden's work and its inevitable tendency before he commits himself to its guidance. And, with respect to the fathers and the philosophers, original statements from original study on the part of so sensible a man as Mr. Vaughan will always command attention, but the mere republishing, in a form slightly varied, views and extracts which are familiar to every one, can serve no purpose. If Mr. Vaughan wishes to see how the influence of philosophy on doctrines can be really shewn with effect, let him read Mr. Newman's masterly work on Arianism, where this is admirably done in two or three cases.

The last two Lectures, on Paganism, with copious extracts from Dr. Middleton and Mr. Blunt, are more like the two first Lectures. The subject is one where much original reading is not required, and Mr. Vaughan's good sense comes in to his aid.

It is necessary to add that, in many portions of Mr. V.'s reflexions on particular points, where he thinks Christianity corrupted, no agreement is felt with either his premises or conclusions. But he generally puts all these so vaguely, that it would be hard to fight out any particular point with him.

Occasionally he allows his feelings as a dissenter to get the better of him. But the work is generally written in a highly creditable tone of temperance and good feeling. And every one anxious to promote Christian peace will rejoice that the congregationalists have established this Lecture. The more learned they make their writers, the more opportunities they give them of shewing real learning, the more catholic will they become, and the more will

they lose of sectarian bitterness. The church must always rejoice at this, because it is quite certain to what port real learning ever has tended, and will tend.

Essay on the Habitual Exercise of the Love of God. By Joseph John Gurney. London Seeleys. 1834. 12mo. pp. 165.

A VERY pleasing treatise, in which the ordinary and wholesome views of this most important subject are extremely well stated. The chapter on Communion with God is particularly valuable.

Winfill's Cathedrals (Salisbury.) By Thomas Moule. London: Wilson, Tilt, &c. 1835. No. I.

A REMARKABLY cheap and well executed work on cathedrals. Would that the familiar knowledge of their beauty and grandeur might kindle a wholesome feeling of affection to them! There are two plates and letter-press for one shilling.

A Charge, delivered in the Autumn of 1834, at the Visitation in Hants. By W. Dealtry, D.D., Chancellor of the Diocese. London: Hatchards. In this very valuable, candid, temperate, and clear Charge, Dr. Dealtry argues some most important questions-whether dissenters really derive no benefit from the church; whether dissenters compose the majority of the population; whether truth depends on majorities; whether our endowments are not voluntary ; what is the character of political dissent, &c. &c. The Appendix is full of most valuable documents; and this Charge is an excellent companion to Dr. Dealtry's former one.

Narrative of a Voyage with a Party of Emigrants from Petworth to Upper Canada. By J. M. Brydone, Surgeon, R. N. Petworth: Phillips.

1834. 8vo.

This is by far the most useful and satisfactory of the works on Emigration. Mr. Brydone is a very sensible and right-minded man, and tells what he saw. His account is very encouraging, while his cautions shew that what he says may be depended on. The Petworth Committee, and the munificent nobleman, (Lord Egremont,) who promote this object, deserve very warm praise.

Jerusalem and its Environs: a Chart, published by the Sunday School Society, 5, Paternoster Row.

A VERY well-executed Chart on a large scale, very likely to be useful.

Lessons on Scripture History: for the use of Teachers in Infant Schools, by Rachel Howard, to accompany 12 Pictorial Engravings. Picture I. Old Testament. London: Mimpriss. 1834.

THIS is, on the whole, sensible and likely to be useful. The engravings are good, but why are they not all selected from good masters? If pictures are to be used, why not accustom the eye to good forms? Some of these are wretched, theatric, and in the worst taste.

Nine Sermons on the Catechism. By the Rev. J. W. Hatherell, Rector of Eastington. London: Hatchards. 1835.

Mr. Hatherell does not appear to state very clearly his own views of doctrine; nor to be a very good writer. But he appears to be a zealous clergyman..

Historia Technica Anglicanæ, (the Author had better get some friend to correct his Latin, or give it up.) By Thomas Rose. London: Bennett. 1835.

A School History of England, of good principles, of reasonable price, and very respectably executed.

Condensed Commentary and Family Exposition of the Bible. (4to. and 8vo.) Part I. London: Ward.

THIS is very neatly and well printed. It contains the marginal references, and two separate sets of notes-one critical and explanatory, the other of a religious character. The first appear to be carefully selected from the common commentators. There is no particular value in the others—at least in this first number.

A History and Description of the late Houses of Parliament, and other Ancient Buildings of Westminster. By J. Britton and E. W. Brayley. London: Weale. 8vo. Part I.

THE names of Messrs. Britton and Brayley have often been joined, and will always ensure a sale for any book of this kind. This work is very well got up, very cheap, and full of interesting matter.

MISCELLANEA.

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM IN AMERICA.

(From Bishop Doane's Episcopal Address delivered at the Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey.)

“WITHOUT any regard to the suspicion of desiring an establishment of religion, I venture to say, that there is, in our political and civil institutions, too little reference to Him who is the only source and security of whatever is good in them. I enter into no discussion of the causes of this deficiency, or of the apologies for it. The fault exists, and is to be regretted. What is still more to the purpose, it is, so far as may be, to be obviated. "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is the reproach," and will be the destruction," of any people." Already it begins to be felt that from the want of a pervading religious principle the institutions which have cost so much and promised so well fail of their expected result; and wise and good men of all parties and of every name unite in the conviction, that, unless as a nation we seek the blessing of the Holiest, the best hopes of humanity must suffer disappointment. There is but one escape from this result,-in national repentance, national humiliation, national submission to Christ. As individuals, we ourselves must do our part by turning truly to the Lord. A public Christian recognition of our dependence on Him as a nation, and of our duty as a nation towards Him, will have its weight with others; and may prevail, if we pour out our hearts before Him, in winning, through the intercession of the divine Saviour, that blessing, without which all we do is vain.”

THE "PATRIOT."

SOME specimens of the honesty of the "Patriot" were lately given. The following is stronger still. Every one has lately read the correspondence between Lord John Russell and the Bishop of Exeter. Lord John Russell

stated that the Tithe Bills were withdrawn in consequence of the threatened opposition of the bishops to them. The Bishop of Exeter proves, by letters from the Archbishop of Canterbury, that the bishops were never consulted at all, and that the Archbishop, having had a confidential communication with the Government, (which he did not feel himself at liberty to communicate to the bishops,) expressed no intention of opposing the Bills; but said they were open to great objections. Besides which, as the Bishop of Exeter observes, Lord Althorp stated that he withdrew his first Bill because the tithe-payers were dissatisfied. And so little did any fear of opposition from the bishops operate on him, that he proposed another Bill the next year. The facts being thus clear, Lord John Russell retracts his accusation and apologizes fully. The "Patriot" suppresses his apologies, and states that his first statement was substantially correct, and his inaccuracy only formal. That is, it is merely formal inaccuracy to say that Lord Althorp withdrew his Bill because the Government knew from private communications that the bishops would oppose it, when no communication had been made to the bishops, and when the Bill was withdrawn to please the tithe-payers. This suppression is gross, wilful dishonesty, which would disgrace any paper but the "Patriot."

RESTORATION OF THE CHURCH OF YARMOUTH, ISLE OF WIGHT. THE whole parish, comprising a population of 586 souls, stands within the limits of thirty-five acres. The town, which, in ancient charters, is called Eremuth, was probably in the reign of Henry III., when it obtained a charter of franchise, of more extensive dimensions than at present.

The church, which formerly stood at the east end of the town, was destroyed by the French, as the records in the remembrancer's office states that, in the second year of Richard II., Yarmouth had been entirely burned by the enemy, and its inhabitants greatly impoverished.

After the demolition of this church, a second was erected, at the west end of the town, on the spot now occupied by the castle. This church also was destroyed by the French in the 35th year of Henry VIII., in consequence of which second incursion his Majesty directed the present castle to be built, the foundation of which is part of the ancient wall of the sacred edifice.

The present church was then erected, but of late, after a lapse of 288 years, had fallen into a most ruinous and dilapidated state, owing, in a great measure to the poverty of the inhabitants of the parish, and the destroying hand of time had rendered it damp and unwholesome.

In the year 1831, through the exertions and liberality of various individuals, and with the aid of the Society for Enlargement of Churches and Chapels, who gave 150l., this edifice, so lately a desolation, is now renovated, and rendered commodious, decent, warm, and comfortable, at an expense of 7007. Lady Mary Holmes and the corporation of the borough very kindly, at their sole expense, erected a spacious gallery, affording sittings for 156 persons, and it ought to be mentioned, as being worthy of imitation, that a highly respectable dissenter, Daniel Alexander, Esq., a resident in the parish, not only gave his gratuitous exertions in devising and superintending the alterations and repairs of the fabric, which was a great saving to the parish, but, at his own private expense, raised its low and ancient tower, with block stone, 30 feet, making it an object of admiration to the surrounding country, and serving as a land-mark to the mariner far at sea.

T. E.

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EXTRACT FROM THE "WEEKLY POLICE GAZETTE.”. “THE working of that greatest of all moral nuisances, the established church, has also been apparent in the counties. Clergymen have been very busy and bustling VOL. VII.-Feb. 1835. 2 c

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