ness.

est applause: no Work was more seasonable, nor any productive of more general good. The Letters to Mr. Gibbon must likewise be commended: but it may be questioned, whether that affectation of civility and courtesy, which is apparent, in an address to a Writer who insidiously, but industriously, endeavoured to undermine the foundation of Christianity, be reconcileable with the natural ardour of a sincere Believer. Asperity in controversy is ever to be reprobated and laudable as it is to avoid that odium_theologicum, which has disgraced many a disputant, yet there can be no occasion to conciliate the favour, and to solicit the regard, of a determined enemy to the Christian faith. Bishop Hurd, therefore, in his observation that the Letters were well enough if the Writer was sincere," deserves not censure, by doubting of sincerity, when there appeared to him too great a sacrifice to politeHowever substantial the arguments of Bishop Watson are, yet they would not have been less cogent, if the designs of Infidelity had been delineated by him in their true colours. The boast in the Bishop's concluding address to the University of Cambridge, of never adopting words which are not to be found in the Sacred Writings, will be applauded by those who reject the doctrine of the Trinity, and deny that an atonement for sin was effected by the blood of Christ. But what harm can really arise from professing our Creed in terms that are comprehensible and explanatory? If we believe that there are three persons in the Godhead, and such belief the Bishop must repeatedly have declared on his admittance into the sacred ministry, and on his at tainment of benefices in the Church, what reasonable objection can there be to the use of the word Trinity, when it serves only to describe our persuasion of the just foundation of the truth of the doctrine ? And should the word satisfaction be exceptionable, upon the ground that the Deity requires not his justice to be satisfied, exercising always justice with mercy, yet surely the expiatory atonement for sin that was offered by the Redeemer of the world might properly have been an object of en forcement by a Teacher, and a Pre

sider in the School of Divinity. But what shall we say to the doubt expressed by the Bishop on the effects of the ordinary influence of the Holy Spirit? He admits its extraordinary influences; how, indeed, could he deny them? but to its ordinary ones he seems not to have made up his mind. Where, then, is that Comforter which the Saviour of the world promised to abide with his followers for ever? Whither tend all those Apostolical expressions, which declare that we can do all things through Christ; which tell us that we can do no good thing of ourselves; that our sufficiency is of God; and which warn us against quenching the Spirit? And what can be the meaning of the solemn benediction, "that the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Fellowship of the Holy Ghost may be with us," if neither of these Divine Persons, by their supernatural intervention, are instrumental in working out our salvation? The commendations which the Bishop arrogates to himself would probably have been more liberally allowed to him, if he had not written more highly of himself than any one ought to have written; and if the primary qualities of a Bishop had not been centered in the discharge of political duties. Believing that Episcopacy was established in the earliest days of the Christian Church, and forming my opinions of the nature of its office from Apostolical description, I wish to see Bishops "holy; holding fast the faithful word; and having a good report," not merely for temporal exertions, but for earnestness in inculcating the Truth, as it is in Jesus. Diversified as the cares of our Ecclesiastical Rulers are, they will always act consistently, when they endeavour to promote such a subjection to the Powers that are, as interferes not with the fair claims of Civil Liberty; and when they intermeddle not too much in concerns not immediately belonging to their station. To the sober and devout Christian they will always seem to swerve from the conduct that is expected from them, when the praise of men appears to be the chief aim in pursuit; and when, forgetting the beatitudes announced to the poor in spirit, and to the meek, they seek to distinguish themselves, by speáking great swelling words, and having

their own praises principally in admiration. Had Bishop Watson attended to the words of the Roman Historian," Plurimum facere, et minimum ipse de eo loqui," his useful services would not have been forgotten, nor would his name have been holden in less estimation. Yours, &c.

I

Mr. URBAN,

CLERICUS.

Feb. 5. HEARTILY congratulate the County of Northampton in general, and more particularly the subscribers, upon the acquisition of so excellent a work of art, as the Monument lately erected in All-Saints Church, Northampton, to the Memory of the Right Hon. Spencer Perceval.

This beautiful monument is a statue of that distinguished Statesman, raised upon a handsome pedestal, in an attitude at once simple, unaffected,

and dignified. He holds in his right hand a paper, respecting which he is evidently debating, and seems to be attentively listening to some observations, and waiting eagerly for an opportunity to reply. The expression of the countenance is remarkably animated, full of that bland frank ness and benignity which so generally conciliated all parties.-The likeness (which is thought a very good one) is what may be denominated an historical resemblance, being obviously intended rather as expressive of the mental character, than as a pourtraiture of every individual lineament; a distinction which renders the works of Genius, addressed to the feelings of every region and to distant ages, infinitely superior to those of merely imitative Art. The drapery is very gracefully and naturally disposed, and the whole beautifully executed.

The talents of Mr. Chantrey are too well known to need any panegyric. Who can have seen without emotion the lovely and affecting monument in memory of the infant daughters, of the Dean of Lichfield? This group, and the statue of Mr. Perceval, may be quoted, to prove that unassuming simplicity is the leading characteristic of genuine pathos and true dignity.

The monument was first opened to view on Wednesday, Dec. 3, when the Marquess of Northampton, Earl Pomfret, Lady Elizabeth Compton, and several of the neighbouring gentry,

met at All-Saints Church, and expressed their highest admiration of this exquisite piece of sculpture. An elegant dinner was afterwards served up at the George Inn, at which J. Barrett, Esq. Mayor, presided, supported by the Marquess of Northampton, and about 40 Gentlemen, who were gratified with the company of Mr. Chantrey.

Before I conclude, allow me to notice the very handsome manner in which this rising Sculptor has lately been elected a Member of the Royal Academy. I have been credibly informed that, on the day of election there were 25 Members present; that two of them voted for a single friend each; and that the other 23 votes were all in favour of Mr. Chantrey, so that he might be said to be almost unanimously elected. B. N.

mated with feelings which do boTa time when the Country, aninour to the hearts of its inhabitants, is pouring-in its free-will offerings for the purpose of erecting a Monument to the memory of its late lamented Princess, I was so much pleased with the suggestion contained in the fol lowing truly patriotic and pious letter, that I could not forbear transmitting it to you, with whose prin ciples, for piety and patriotism, it is quite accordant.

In London I should rejoice to see several "Augusta-Churches," where Churches are so much wanted; and at least one in every large town or populous district: for, Sir, it is a fact not less notorious than singular, that, among all the mob of Levellers and Conspirators with which the Country has been disgraced, not a single true Church of England Man ever disgraced himself by joining the fraternity.

Surely, then, while we allow Tole ration to every sect (and I would wish the fullest and most friendly toleration to be allowed to all who are not unfriendly to Church and State), surely it behoves the Members of the Church to afford every facility of worship in their power to those who are, or gladly would be, "of their own household of faith."

The minds of the middle and lower classes are daily becoming more and more disposed to return" to the good

old

old paths," from whence many have been allured by various devices; and from which others have been excluded for want of room. The Le gislature is well disposed also (as it ought to be) to second and encourage this proper spirit of the people; and, benigno Numine, public liberality will, I trust, now tend to give it success.

A CONSISTENT CHURCHMAN. To the Editor of "The Birmingham Commercial Herald."

"Sir, "At a time when so many of my own sex, as well as of yours, seem properly desirous of subscribing towards a durable memorial of our late amiable and much-lamented Princess, allow me to suggest the kind of Monument, which, I think, her pure and glorified spirit would most approve; and that is, a MoNUMENT within whose hallowed shrine thousands and tens of thousands might be trained to participate in that blessedness, of which, we trust, she is in possession. In fact, Sir, my proposed Monument in Birmingham is this:Let my fellow-females be restricted to give their Guinea (or, I would now more consistently say, their Sovereign) towards a plain Church; in some conspicuous part of which let a neat tablet be placed, bearing a suitable inscription, to perpetuate a knowledge of her Royal Highness's virtuous and exemplary cha

Birmingham, Jan. 1.

racter.

"I hope my Sister-sex will follow the example elsewhere; yea, in every populous town or district in the Kingdom; and they who think a Sovereign' too little to give, may give more by the hands and in the names of their children; thus teaching them, as I shall teach mine, if this plan be adopted,

not to offer unto the Lord their God that which doth cost them nothing.'

"How lightly do many of us think of expending more than twice the stipulated sum of a 6 Sovereign' in a new bonnet or cap, which for a short time is worn, and then forgotten! Whereas, expended in the way here proposed, it would tend to place the object of their regret and regard in almost everlasting remembrance;' and generations yet unborn would rise up and call the Donors blessed.'

would respectfully propose, should be the CHARLOTTE CHAPEL, or the AUGUSTA CHURCH; the latter I like best, as being more dignified and classical.

"The time I think peculiarly suitable that, however Blasphemy may attempt to such an undertaking. It will prove

Church of England, we of the feebler

to defame the sacred formularies of the

sex will endeavour, to the utmost of our power, to prevent the poison of Infidelity from tainting our minds,or weakening our veneration for an Establishment which inculcates Piety to God and Loyalty to the King; and whose earnest aim it is to diffuse peace on earth, and goodwill among men.'

"As the Son of a most respectable Cler gyman, you, Sir, will, I doubt not, honour with a nook in your soundly-constitutional Herald, these humble hints from A MOTHER OF SEVEN CHILDREN.

"P. S. Is it asked whether the other Sex are to be permitted to co-operate in this good work? Certainly they are; and in a very essential manner. Let them contribute their Sovereigns' too, for the establishment of a Fund towards the maintenance of an orthodox Minister, and the promotion of Schools, from whence the rising generation, of both sexes, may repair to the Sacred Edifice; and thus be trained in the way they should go,' without either wish or necessity to depart from it'. "

Canon

Canon Law, under whom their inceptors were to commence at the public charge of their respective monastery*. The years and centuries wherein these duties were conscientiously per formed are left without memorial, and can only be surmised from the record of their omission. A. D. 1422, a general chapter of Benedictines was convened, for the reformation of their Order; and among various charges of misgovernment, several of the Abbots were accused of neglecting to make due provision for their students; and among the defaulters the Superior of St. Werburgh's is recorded with expressions of peculiar censure.

"The Abbot of Chester has not had a scholar at the University for the last 12 years. He is the more deserving of punishment from the long continuance of his negligence." On this occasion the usual fines were remitted. The culprits, having offered their excuses and ample promises of future good behaviour, were restored to favour by their brother Benedictines, in charitable hope of a speedy reformation. This was one of the last assemblies convened for the re-establishment of monastic discipline t.

The Royal Abbey of St. Werburgh being dissolved by Henry VIII. was selected by him as the seat of a new Bishoprick. Although worse endowed than any other Cathedral in England, yet, by the liberal arrangements of the Dean and Chapter, the choristers educating under their auspices enjoy peculiar advantages. The antient grammar-school was re-established by Henry VIII. It is held among the splendid remains of the Conventual buildings, and is placed under the patrouage of the Dean and Chapter. The course of education includes Greek and Latin, writing and arithmetic. The Founder's Statutes, which limit the admission of King's scholars within a certain age, make an exception in favour of the choristers, to whom, on a vacancy, a preference is always given. The choristers are eight in number; they have a regular singingmaster, and their musical studies are superintended by the organist.

Several eminent names reflect honour upon the choral school of Chester Cathedral.

The Statutes of all the Cathedrals regulated by Henry VIII. are the same in substance, and are mostly couched in similar terms; but the clause in favour of the choristers is not in every instance interpreted in the same manner as at Chester. At the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Worcester, Oxford, and Peterborough, the choristers enjoy the full benefit of the exception, and partly so at Bris tol and at Ely. At Canterbury, Carlisle, Durham, Norwich, Rochester, and Winchester, the Founder's Statutes are not construed with the same liberality.

At Canterbury the Statutes of the Cathedral were revised by Archbishop Laud; and, in addition to the usual clause in favour of the choristers, the Dean of the Chapel Royal has the valuable privilege of sending the boys belonging to His Majesty's choir, on the failure of their treble voices, to complete their education in the King's School at Canterbury‡. There are perhaps good reasons why advantage is not now taken of this privilege.

The Cathedrals on the old Foundation, which escaped the regulating hand of Henry VIII. are, or ought to be, governed by their respective Statutes, which have been repeatedly confirmed by the Legislature, so far as they are not repugnant to the word of Gon, the Law of the land, and the Prerogative Royal. M. H.

Mr. URBAN,

Dudley, Feb. 15. IN your last Volume, p.550, it is stated, that "Viscount Dudley and Ward has recently given 1000 guineas for enlarging Dudley Church; and has erected a Chapel, at a great expence, in the adjoining parish of Sedgley."

An Act of Parliament was obtained in 1815, for taking down and rebuilding St.Thomas's Church in Dudley; and under the powers of that Act the present edifice is now erecting. To this Act is annexed a Schedule, announcing the names of the subscribers; from whence I transcribe these words: "The Right Hon. Viscount Dudley and Ward £.2000.”

The revered and excellent Nobleman, before spoken of, did not "erect a Chapel in the adjoining parish of Sedgley." He contributed towards its erection 4001; and gave the land on which the Chapel stands. JUVENIS.

A copy of these revised Statutes may be found among the additional MSS. in the British Museum, No. 5484. Mr.