London poor, and the difficulties which have to be encountered in the administration of judicious relief, we feel satisfied that the advice given in this little brochure is sound. It abounds with information as to the various Charitable Institutions in the Metropolis for the alleviation of distress; so that, with the help of this manual, the benevolent need rarely be at a loss to know how to direct the poor and suffering to the proper quarter for help beyond the momentary aid which they can give. It is lamentable to think how much money, given from the most excellent motives, is squandered unprofitably in London, to the deterioration of those who receive it. Many most amiable people would be startled if they could be made thoroughly conscious of the amount of sinfulness and crime which they promote by their indiscriminate alms-giving. Without going quite the length of the dictum attributed to Archbishop Whately, that, among all the sins which he had been guilty of, he could reflect with comfort on the thought that he had never given a penny to a poor man in the streets, it is grievous to think of the mischief so caused. We trust the perusal of this book will lead to a healthier course of action-not restraining, but guiding charity, and rendering it a blessing, not a curse. Though it is chiefly intended for Londoners, there are many useful hints in it that will be appreciated by dwellers beyond the metropolitan area. Romanism Tridentine and Vatican Refuted; or, The End of Controversy in the Church of Rome. By R. P. Blakeney, D.D., LL.D., &c. London: Miller. 1873.-A very useful and seasonable publication by the well-known Dr. Blakeney. It is not only effective as a Reply to Milner," which is its primary object, but it will be found a very handy book of reference, wherein are comprised in small compass brief but pregnant answers to the common sophistries with which Protestants unskilled in Romish controversy are usually assailed. In this respect it will be found very convenient for those who have not time nor learning to follow the elaborate disquisitions into which controversial theology loves to wander. The frauds and inconsistencies of Romish theologians (Milner especially) are exposed with unsparing severity of reasoning and argument, but in temperate language, well calculated not needlessly to offend, yet so plain as to be unmistakeable in its import. How far it, or any other similar publication, is likely to arrest the progress of perversion, we are not prepared to say. Our own experience leads us to believe that it is the exception rather than the rule when Romish proselytizers exert themselves to ensnare any one who is really acquainted with the doctrines of his own Church, or the errors of Romanism. Where there are so many multitudes in ignorance, and so many foolish people trifling with bastard imitations of Romish superstitions, it would be a waste of time and labour to argue with the intelligent, or to hold controversy with the learned. Still, where there is any honest disposition to investigate the questions at issue between the Churches of Rome and England, Dr Blakeney's book will be found a valuable prophylactic. There is much more to be said than he has said, but his statements are sufficient for ordinary purposes, and, so far as we have examined the book, are painstaking and correct. We can heartily recommend the book, and sincerely wish it extensive circulation. It ought to find a place in the libraries of Young Men's Christian Associations, and similar institutions. For this purpose it is admirably designed. Janet Darney's Story. By Sarah Doudney. London: Religious Tract Society.-A pleasant tale, with choice illustrations. The scene is laid in the Isle of Wight, and the woodcuts will recall spots very familiar to many. Chale Bay, Ventnor, Black Gang Chine have been often visited, and both sunny and sad memories are connected with them. Probably many will not be sorry to have them recalled as they peruse a story which is not without interest of its own. For young people it will be a welcome book with a fair element of romance, but with much profitable counsel interspersed. It will also prove an acceptable addition to village lending libraries, in which, unless we are much mistaken, it will prove a very favourite volume. It is the very reverse of being mawkish or insipid. PUBLIC AFFAIRS. IN Parliament the chief event of importance has been the production of the Budget by Sir Stafford Northcote. This seems to have given general satisfaction. With a surplus of six millions, the task of the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not so difficult as it often has been. This year the Sugar Duties are to be abolished, a penny is to be taken off the Income Tax, and Local Taxation is to be assisted by contributing towards Pauper Lunatic Asylums, the County Police, &c. The foregoing, with the repeal of some minor taxation, chiefly affecting horses, disposed of the bulk of the surplus revenue. There seems, however, a prospect that there will be a large increase of expenditure upon our Navy. Another subject of great interest to members of the Church of England has been the introduction of a Bill into the House of Lords to facilitate the enforcement of the laws regulating Divine Service. The proposal of His Grace is that this could best be attained by the formation of a tribunal consisting of the Ordinary and three Assessors, as provided in the Church Discipline Act, 1841. Any parishioner, the Rural Dean, or Archdeacon, may go before the Bishop and state that there is a grievance. If the Bishop deems the complaint not frivolous, he calls together his tribunal upon the spot; and if the tribunal is satisfied that there is just ground of complaint, a monition will be issued, to take effect forthwith, prohibiting the practice complained of. If a clergyman whose freehold is interfered with is dissatisfied, he can carry the matter before the Archbishop, who will refer it for final decision to the highest Court of Appeal; but pendente lite, the practice complained of is not to be persevered in. We quite agree with the Archbishop of York, who in supporting the Bill affirmed that, unless the law is carried out, "the Church of England, which never has been more active and useful than it now is, will be deposed from her high position and the national trust withdrawn, simply because it is impossible to determine who or what she is." The Bill has been referred to a Select Committee. We note with much satisfaction the decision in the Exeter reredos case. It seems to have occurred in time to prevent that noble cathedral from being converted into a "chamber of imagery," upon which "all the idols of the house of Israel were to be pourtrayed round about." If it had been otherwise, the use of incense might have been advantageous, for it would have concealed the "ancients," and the people would have been in the dark as to what they were doing. A very serious difficulty has arisen in our Eastern counties, through disputes between the farmers and the labourers. The labourers have, in many instances, joined the "Agricultural Labourers' Union." The farmers have retaliated by a lock-out. Hitherto, in the main, there has been much moderation on both sides, and no discreditable acts of violence have occurred; but it is not to be concealed that the situation is grave, and that the result will probably be serious modification in the system which, whether for good or for evil, has hitherto prevailed. Taking it in connection with similar movements among other classes of workmen, it contains within it the seeds of a domestic revolution which will make the England of the future a different country from the England of the past. We trust it may be a peaceable one, influenced by wise counsels and tempered by Christian feeling. There has been of late years much amelioration in the condition of the agricultural labourer; but if it can be still furthered, with due consideration for the interests of others, we should rejoice. There is here a problem for the solution of statesmen who, rising superior to party influences and factious intrigues, will take this important question out of the hands of demagogues, and dispose of it for the common weal of all. In Germany, Prince von Bismarck has been successful in his efforts to carry the " Army Bill" recommended by Count von Moltke. The Liberal party have consented to a military establishment of four hundred thousand men for the space of seven years. Rigorous measures against refractory prelates are still enforced, and bills for restraining the illegal exercise of ecclesiastical functions are proceeded with in Parliament. In France, great efforts are apparently being made by the Ultramontane party to obtain more distinct hold upon public education than they have ever had at any previous time since the return of the Bourbons. Bad as the present system is, it might thus be made worse, and the ruin of the country be consummated beyond the faintest hope of restoration. In Spain, we have to record the repulse of Marshal Serrano before Somorrostro; since then, there has been no decisive affair. War therefore still lingers in the Basque provinces with some advantage to the Carlist cause from the fact of their being able anyhow to prolong the struggle. It is not, however, to be expected that the cause of Don Carlos will ultimately prevail, as the rest of Spain is against him. Some interest has been excited by the reported cession to England of the Fiji islands. The project was entertained by our late Government, and will probably be carried out by the present. Nothing can be more unsatisfactory or discreditable than the present condition of these islands, which swarn with European settlers of a lawless sort, mostly Englishmen. We wish, rather than hope, when we remember the miscellaneous character of this population, that this enterprise may result in conferring not only order and good government, but may be instrumental in conferring upon the natives, many of whom are so barbarous as to be still cannibals, the blessings of Christian civilization. The accounts from India of the famine are somewhat encouraging. There has been serious risk of a very grievous famine, but the gracious rains which have fallen, and the prompt means employed to remedy distress, will, we trust, through the Divine blessing, have averted any very dire calamity. Nearly a year has elapsed since the death of Dr. Livingstone, but his funeral in Westminster Abbey, during the month just elapsed, has made his departure to be felt as a recent event. Seldom have the portals of that noble fane received within them a more suitable inmate; for he was not only a man of eminence, one of nature's noblemen, but he was also a Christian. We hope the interest created by his death and his obsequies amongst us will furnish a stimulus to renewed exertion on behalf of Africa, for which his life was so nobly sacrificed. THE SPIRIT ABIDING IN THE CHURCH.* Ir is only at the earnest request of our honoured and beloved friend, in whose schoolroom we meet, that I venture to address you to-day. I would far rather have been a listener and a learner, as myself under the shadow of a great sorrow, and told him so. But when he replied that two or three other brethren, to whom he had written, were unable to comply with his request, and that under his own sudden indisposition it would be a real relief to him if I would consent, I felt I dare no longer shrink from it, and could only throw myself on God to give me such a message as He would own, and on your kindness to receive it with all brotherly forbearance. It has been much on my mind that our position as Protestant and Evangelical clergymen (names from which, I trust, we shall never shrink) corresponds with that of the builders of the second temple, when God sent His prophets Haggai and Zechariah, to encourage them. It was a crisis of revival under the power of the Spirit of God. Sixteen years before, the captive Jews had returned from Babylon, and began to rebuild the street and wall of their city, and shortly after to relay the foundation of the house of God. But the times were troublous. Their adversaries accused them of rebellion, the heart of Judah fainted, their faith failed, and the work ceased for fifteen years. But God's fatherly chastisements were upon them. He blew upon their worldly prosperity, and it withered; nor was this all. He sent them His prophets, and the startling cry, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, * An Address, delivered at St. Dunstan's School-room, May 4, 1874, to some Clerical Friends of the Church Missionary Society. Vol. 73.--No. 438. 3 F |