preached in Edinburgh for the "Scottish Episcopal Church Society," and published with an Appendix containing the Rules and Regulations of the Society, under the present circumstances of the church deserves peculiar attention. The same interest, independent of their intrinsic merit, attaches to Mr. S. Wilberforce's Sermon on "The Power of God's Word needful for National Education," and Mr. Hebert's "Appeal of a Minister of Christ in behalf of the divine Institution of Holy Matrimony, occasioned partly by the new Marriage Act." No less interesting in themselves, and at all times, are the subjects discussed in Mr. Irvine's two Sermons preached at the Leicester assizes; Mr.Bird's Visitation Sermon at Chester, on "the Christian Ministry;" Mr. Fraser's on the "Continuity of the Church," preached at Shardlow, on the opening of a new church; and Mr. Knapp's "Sermon prononcé à l'Hôpital des Français Protestans Refugiés à Londres," on behalf of that institution.

The reprinting of Standard and Popular Works in a form at once cheap and elegant is a peculiarity of the age, and one which ought to be highly valued by those who have not much money or room to spare for books. There are before the writer, Leighton's Theological Lectures, (certainly printed more beautifully and correctly than they ever were before,) Leslie's Short and Easy Method with the Deists, and Bishop Taylor's Holy Living, (of scarcely inferior beauty,) Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, with five engravings, and the total of the whole. amounts to only 4s. 6d. The first of these three is the commencement of "Ward's Library of Standard Divinity," and the two next belong to a similar undertaking by Messrs. Fraser and Crawford, of Edinburgh; and the fourth is the first monthly number of the "Spiritual Treasury," published by Mr. Grattan. It is worth while to add, that Mr. Ward appends to the title just given " without abridgment," and Mr. Fraser states in his prospectus that every number will embrace "an entire and separate work." This is important, especially as Mr. Collins, of Glasgow, has begun a similar series by reprinting the Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis, with an introductory essay by Dr. Chalmers, with abridgment to the extent of one whole book out of the four of which the work consists, as may be seen by referring to a preceding notice. The "Graphic Library for Domestic Instruction," of which Mr. Ball has published the first number, does not properly belong to this class. This number begins the Life of Christ, and consists of copious extracts illustrating the scripture narrative from St. Augustine, Mr. Scott, Bishop Hall, Mr. Jay, Bishop Taylor, Dr. Doddridge, Bishop J. B. Sumner, Bishop Heber, Bishop Horne, Dr. Gill, Mr. Newton, President Edwards, Dr. Pye Smith, Matthew Henry, Mr. Robinson, Archbishop Anselm, Rev. Richard Watson, Bishop Porteus, Michaelis, Dr. Guise, Howe, Flavel, Chamock, Seiler, Adam Clarke, Archbishop Secker, Archbishop Cranmer, Mr. Bickersteth, and Dr. Watts. There is certainly something which looks very catholic and sociable in this, and some people will like it; and as far as the reviewer has observed there is nothing in what is quoted from any of these "celebrated divines of every Christian denomination" which would have been much objected to by any of

the others. The graphic part consists of fourteen illustrations, very creditable as works of art; and those who think scripture pictures really useful auxiliaries in domestic instruction will be indebted to this work for some above the common class. The writer must say, for his own part, he believes that such pictures, even the best, are decidedly mischievous.

"The Churches of London," have reached the Twenty-sixth Number, containing views of St. Bartholomew's the Less, Smithfield; St. Benet's Fink, Threadneedle Street; Allhallows Staining, Mark Lane; and Allhallows, London Wall. As far as the writer sees, it is certainly not too much, probably it is too little, to say that the series quite keeps up to its original excellence.

The same may be said of the Fourth Part of Professor Jones's "General Outline of the Animal Kingdom," which is exceedingly beautiful; and might be extended to Professor Ball's "History of British Reptiles," but that this is only the Second Number.

The First Part of Mr. Lowndes's " British Librarian, or Book-collector's Guide," has been published by Messrs. Whittaker. It is superfluous to add, that it will be a valuable acquisition to all who have to do with books.

There is a class of books, several specimens of which are now in the editor's hands, on which he feels it necessary to say a few words generally, that he may avoid doing injustice and giving offence to individuals. As to the merits or demerits of poems in general he does not feel very competent to give an opinion, and whatever he may sometimes think, he feels it best not to attempt criticism. He wishes it to be clearly understood, then, that in objecting to such poems as the Dr. M'Henry's " Antediluvians," Mr. Reade's "Deluge," Mr. Bellamy's" Betrayal," and others, which interweave fiction with scripture facts, and clothe the truths of revelation in a poetic or dramatic dress, he has no idea of reflecting on the talents or intentions of the writers; on the contrary, he is led into this explanation merely by a wish to avoid the appearance of neglect. He is quite as far from intending any reference to what is commonly called sacred or devotional poetry, when it consists of the expression of devout feelings of prayer or praise, whether it be descriptive, or didactic, or (in the exercise of pure imagination) dramatic. It is when poetry adds fictitious incidents to scripture narratives, associates fictitious persons with those whose history the Spirit of God has vouchsafed to record, puts fictitious speeches into the mouths of God's holy ones in heaven, or on earth, and even into the mouth of God himself, that it seems to him to exceed due bounds, and to become injurious.

Mr. Hartwell Horne has published "Supplementary Pages to the Seventh Edition of his Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures," in fulfilment of the promise made at Vol. II. p. 192 of that edition. "These additions are so arranged and printed as to allow of their insertion in the volumes to which they respectively belong, and (it is hoped) without injury to the binding."

Mr. Newman has published a Fourth Volume of Sermons, which does not require the testimony of this Magazine.

Dr. Molesworth has collected and published in two volumes his "Domestic Chaplain, or Sermons on Family Duties for every Sunday in the Year;" of which a part has been already noticed in a former number of this Magazine.

A BILL has been introduced into the House of Commons to carry into effect, with certain modifications, the Fourth Report of the commissioners of ecclesiastical duties and revenues.

It will be remembered that this is the bill by which all chapters are to be reduced to a dean and four canons. It appears, however, from the Charge of the Bishop of London, that it contains "some important additions, at variance with the report itself and with the principles which its framers kept steadily in view." Last year the bill was not pressed forward. It is understood that the reverse will be the case in the present session, among other reasons, because a dean of Exeter cannot be chosen, except from the existing members of the cathedral, without a special act, unless this bill shall become law, and annihilate, by one sweeping clause, the statutable form of election in all chapters of the old foundation, in order to place the deaneries in the direct patronage of the crown. It may be well to observe, that the present bill does not contain a clause for abolishing the congé d'elire in the case of bishops; when the canons are reduced to four, perhaps it will follow more naturally.

The circumstances under which the report was drawn up, those which led to the abrupt termination of the labours of the commission, and the subsequent contrivances for publishing a draft fifth report, which was never signed, are fresh in the recollection of all; suffice it to say, that circumstances are materially changed since the publication of that report. The avowed object of so large a sacrifice was, to make church property, viewed as one whole, go as far as possible, in hopes of laying better ground for a claim on the state to make good the deficiency. But no sooner was the report drawn up, than, in defiance of solemn pledges, the government of the day proposed to alienate a large portion of the property of the church, as a substitute for church-rates. It is repeated, then, circumstances are materially changed. Public feeling, too, is altered; the cry for church reform, in the sense of mere reduction, has subsided, or is limited to one political party; the real purposes of cathedral institutions are better understood; it is found that, in making "them conducive to the efficiency of the established church," it is one thing to use them, and another to use their money. VOL. XV.-March, 1839.

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It is found that the equalization of the episcopal duties and revenues has created twenty-four dioceses, all of which will be equally above the strength of common men; the necessity, therefore, of an effective staff is more felt than before.

Such sentiments have gained ground in many quarters, and it were well that those who entertain them should take some means of bringing them respectfully but earnestly before those on whose opinion the decision will practically depend. The voice of the church was not raised in vain for the bishopric of Wilson; it may be that the voice of Hacket, and Whitgift, and Hooker, will yet be heard on behalf of our cathedrals. It is not enough idly to censure recommendations which have been sanctioned by those who can have but one end in view; the country must shew, by the strength of its feeling, that it is willing to make sacrifice of what is its own to give in order to avoid the shame of giving what is not its own, and costs nothing.

It will be observed that the bill was introduced for the first reading at a late hour, as if it were a matter of no importance; but, notwithstanding, it called forth some remarkable declarations of opinion from independent members of the House of Commons; from which we may infer, that in the opinion of some moderate men, as well as those of more extreme opinion, the good proposed by the bill is purchased at too great a cost, and that a change of circumstances will justify a reconsideration of the details, if not of the principle of the bill.

NATIONAL EDUCATION.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL propounded his new scheme of education on the 12th February. It is not easy to decide whether it should be regarded as the thin end of the wedge, or as a tub thrown out to the whale. It requires to be narrowly watched; for it is calculated to serve either purpose as may be convenient.

The plan seems to have been hastily got up for the occasion: no notice was taken of it in the Queen's speech; no bill has been prepared. The whole is contained in a letter from Lord John Russell to Lord Lansdowne, together with that nobleman's answer.* The first letter is dated Feb. 4, within a day or two after notice was given of a great meeting on education, at which Lord Ashley presided. The answer, together with her majesty's approbation, was laid on the table of the House of Commons on the 12th. Lord John Russell in his speech complimented the church on its exertions, but felt pleasure in the thought that they had been much assisted by the interest which the government was known to take in the subject. Perhaps the compliment might be more fitly returned; for it will be suspected that the interest of the government in the subject has only taken a tangible shape within a very few days; and has been much promoted by various diocesan meetings on the subject.

With regard to the plan itself, one might, at first sight, agree with

* These letters will be found on a subsequent page, under the head of Documents.

the opinion expressed in the House of Commons, that there is less mischief in it than might have been expected; but a closer inspection will shew that its power for mischief is very great; and this view of the matter seems to have been elicited by some home questions from Lord Sandon, Lord Ashley, and Mr. Gladstone.

First. There is a commission or board of laymen, members of the government, responsible to the House of Commons. Their powers are undefined by any act of parliament, and they may apply as they please as much money as the House of Commons will vote; they may therefore supersede entirely the committees of existing societies in administering grants for building schools. On this point no clear infor mation is given as to the course which the board will pursue.

Secondly. There is a normal school, in which, it appears, that a church education is to be given to those who do not object to it, and some other arrangement is to be made in the school for those who do. Now it is very easy to say that the education shall be a church education, and that a clergyman shall be at the head of the establishment, but what security have we for the soundness of this education ?-who is to lay down the scheme of instruction?—who is to enforce it? We hear nothing of episcopal superintendence, and yet the bishops have been incorporated, by royal charter, for the purposes of education for more than twenty years. The transfer from the primate who is president of the National Society, to the noble lord who is president of the council, may mean little, but it is ominous. Something, too, was said about the choice of books to be recommended for the normal school: are these, too, to come from the council?

Thirdly. As to schools for the poor, in town and country, little is said, except as regards infant schools. These are to be of a mixed character, including children of all denominations; and the board is to sanction or encourage their establishment, in connexion with the unions, by the guardians of the poor. Some hints, too, are thrown out about pauper orphans, "who may be fitted to be good members of society without injury or offence to any party."

It is not worth while to comment on these matters in their present stage; but it may be noticed, that the speech of the Home Secretary is remarkable for two admissions-first, that it is impracticable to educate the children of the church and of dissent (at least, after the age of seven years) in one system of " scriptural religion" by the omission of creeds and catechisms; and, secondly, that the attempt which he made to collect information by certain queries through the Poor Law Commissioners has proved, as was predicted, a failure.

DISSENTING MATTERS.

IN the preceding number, something very like the appointment of dissenting bishops, who were to make a "ministerial tour," and "visit" all the churches in the "Dorset Congregational Union" (not diocese)