that either now, or at any time, have I had the least disposition to protract my stay in Lyons one hour longer than was necessary. It was, too, with a feeling of regret and vexation that we found that owing to the existing arrangements in regard to the steamers, we could not go down the Rhone, unless we would travel on the Lord's Day, until Mon-me, this incident afforded me food for reflecday morning; and so we were obliged to spend a Sunday in Lyons.

the holy bishop say, were he now to revisit the earth, respecting the grievous corruptions in doctrine and manners which have invaded his once loved diocese ? How would he mourn over its decline-how would he denounce the authors and propagators of abominations which his soul would abhor! Believe

tions, too many to think of troubling you with, and not of enough importance, perhaps, to be worth recording.

I was sorry to learn, on inquiry, that the English mission, which formerly existed at Our journey down the Rhone was marked by Lyons, for the benefit of such Englishmen as nothing very strange or uncommon, and was are or were occupied with business in this ex-much such a journey as hundreds and thoutensive commercial town, has been disconti- sands every year make, which, of course, rennued, since it prevented me from attending di- ders it a very common-place affair, not worth vine service according to the rites and usages the spending five minutes over; unless, perof our Church. I was also very unhappy in my chance, I were to enlarge upon the exceedefforts to find the locality of the French Pro-ingly strong head wind, which so retarded our testant place of worship, where my friend, progress, that we stopped short before getthe Rev. Mr. Cordes, used to officiate, and ting to our journey's end; or were to dwell whose acquaintance I made on a previous oc- upon the comforts of a French provincial inn, casion. During a long walk through a thick- the hurrying and confusion of the passengers, ly populated part of the city, I could not but the mishaps of some, the good fortune of notice the peculiar feature of French towns others, the unique and not-to-be-rivaled table on a Sunday, when the streets are crowded d'hôte, at St. Esprit, the violent storm at with people of all ranks and ages, dressed in night, and many such like matters;—but I their best garb, and seeking for amusement spare you this infliction. The scenery along and pleasure wherever it might offer, and of the Rhone is picturesque and beautiful in porwhatever sort it might be. The Romish tions, in some respects resembling that along churches were open, as they are every day, the banks of the Hudson, without at all equaling and crowds were going in and out, some to its magnificence, and elegance, and sublimity. say an ave or two, some a pater-noster, some Perhaps no one feature of the scenery in nis to kneel at the shrine of the Virgin, and beg part of France is more remarkable to a stranger her intercession, some to take part, as far as than the singular manner-as it would appear they can be said to do, in a service which is to us-in which the hills and mountaʼn sides in Latin, in what was hurried over by the are brought under cultivation; every where priest, many to kneel on the cold stones and you see great numbers of terraces, at very offer their prayers with eyes bent on the cross, frequent intervals, and only of small height, and the figure of the Virgin and Child, and and on the level spots thus obtained grape many more just to gaze about awhile, and vines are trained to sticks, about four feet in then go out again into the street. In an out-height, or vegetables or other matters are of-the-way place I lighted upon an ancient edifice, which called up a multitude of recollections of the church of Lyons, in the days when the great Irenæus ruled and guided it: over the door was this inscription:

METROPOLITANUM SANCTI IRENÆI
SEMINARIUM ;

and near by it was a stone figure meant to re-
present the saint who is termed the patronus
of Lyons and its church, and is adorned with
the bishop's robes and cap, and holds in his
hand the crosier or staff of office. You will
not be surprised, I am sure, when I tell you
that I stopped some little while before this
seminary of Romish learning, and mused over
the singular change which has come over the
face of things, since the days of one of the
greatest and best of the fathers. What would

planted; so that from the river the hill sides look like so many lofty stairs, or steps, by which to ascend to the heights above. Many of the villages, too, and larger towns, are finely situate on elevations, with the neighboring chateaux towering up above all, and the church, with its embem of the cross, usually in the midst of the cown. A lover of the antique would find abundant occupation in visiting and examining the numerous ruins of castles, abbeys, churches, old residences, &c., which every now and then strike the eye as you sail down the Rhone.

Here, however, let me pause awhile: on another occasion, if opportunity be offered me, I hope to say some words about Avignon, Marseilles, and the Mediterranean.

EDITOR'S TABLE.

We gave in our last number a brief account of the) action of the Special Convention of the Diocese of New-Jersey. The very great unanimity which cha racterized the proceedings of that body ought to be re. garded as decisive of the whole matter in issue. It is now three years since the charges which have been lately again thrust before the public, were first brought against Bishop Doane. They grew out of matters which had their origin in his own diocese, and if they were of that serious character which would materially impair his usefulness, or shake the confidence of his people, his own diocese would be the first to feel the blow. But this Convention, composed of prominent members of the Church from all parts of the diocese, and who therefore represent the opinions and feelings of the diocese at large, have solemnly declared that the wishes of the Church in the diocese and its best interests and prosperity, do not require that these charges should be the subject of investigation. In other words, they declare that the diocese has heretofore had full confidence in its Bishop, and that neither the charges themselves, nor the manner in which they have been presented, nor the weight and character of the accusers, have in the least degree shaken that confidence.

acted in the premises, the only ground on which the Bishops can interfere, is, that the diocese have betrayed their trust, and are conniving together to prevent and turn aside the course of justice. Such an issue we cannot bring ourselves to believe will be raised. It would be a serious and a sad day for the Church, should such a reproach be cast upon a diocese. We believe that a diocese is fully competent to the preservation of its own integrity and purity. The canon on the trial of Bishops has been the prolific source of dissension and division in the Church, and furnished an apology to slanderers, back-biters, and the whole crew of tale. bearers, to ply their insidious arts, and thereby create that very public rumor to which they afterwards appeal as a justification for their acts. It had been better for the Church, her peace, prosperity, and influence, had that canon never seen the light of day. And now, a thousand times better that it should be shivered to atoms, than that a whole diocese should, under the cover of its provisions, be anathematized as recreant to its duty. We had intended to remark somewhat more fully on this subject, but the space left us is too limited.

We believe, that if the accusations were such as to TO CORRESPONDENTS.-" The Death of Moses," render an investigation necessary, the Convention of "Active Christianity," "Write," "The Church Bell," New Jersey would have said so. That body was comand several other communications, were in the hands posed of gentlemen of high standing, both in the Church of the printer for the present number, but have been and State, and who, more than any others, knew what crowded out. We hope to give them all a place next degree of credit to attach to the rumors which had month. Although our columns contain nearly onebeen put in circulation, and how far the influence of fourth more reading matter than they did last year, we the Bishop and the interests of the Church had been find that they are still unequal to the demand upon affected by them. We are bound to think that they them. As soon as our subscription list will warrant it, ac'ed under a deep sense of the solemnity of the occa- we shall enlarge our magazine, by giving an additional sion, and the responsibility which rested upon them. number of pages. Our subscribers who feel an interThey have deliberately recorded their judgment; andest in this matter, can forward our design by each as the Diocese have now considered the subject, and sending us one or more additional names.

BOOK TABLE.

but love as it is in life, quiet, retiring, and left to those depths of the character from whence it proceeds. We have been much pleased to remark a similar absence of the details and minutie of love-making in numerous recent works. Margaret Cecil knows not of it, and Madeline dies without it. The Messrs. Appleton deserve the thanks of the public for their choice selec

tions.

HEARTS UNVEILED; or "I knew you would like him." By Sarah Emery Saymore. New-York: D. Appleton & Co., 200 Broadway. 1832. We congratulate ourselves and the reading public, that a new era in novel-writing is beginning to dawn upon us. To those who have been satiated with the endless and mamby-pamby adventures of love-sick swains, and love-lorn lasses-with the descriptions of their glances, and their fancies-of their heart-beatWe have also received two additional volumes of ings, and sweet speeches, such a BOOK as the one now before us must be a relief indeed. There is a some comprise Thackeray's unique "Yellowplush Papers," Appleton's Popular Library of the best authors. They thing we know not exactly what-antiquated and and the "Maiden and Married Life of Mary Powell, commanding in its style. It is pure without sancti-afterwards Mistress Milton," both of which are well mony, yet abounds in admirable sentiments, and well-known to the public. digested thoughts and opinions. Religion lights the whole, and watches by the household fires, and the death-beds of our friends. Love there is in the book;

A number of book notices have been, unavoidably, crowded out. We will bring up arrears next month.

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

New-York. April 3.-St. Thomas's Church, New- Pennsylvania. March 21.-Grace Church, PhiladelYork.*

CONTRIBUTIONS TO INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES, AND IN THE DIOCESE OF

ROM its earliest dawn, the history of Jacob, as of all the Patriarchal Fathers, is replete with the most lively interest. The sacred volume, drawing back from the tents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the curtains that concealed their domestic life, portrays with the most touching and pathetic simplicity its daily record; painting with perfect touch events in themselves seemingly but the unavoidable occurrences of mortal existence, yet filled with a vast prophetic signification of which we have not yet beheld the entire fulfilment. For it pleased the Divine Wisdom in that first era of our world, when the impulses and acts of primeval men were more earnest and real, greater, more noble and true, than in these latter days, to clothe them with, and invest within them, mysterious purposes, grand but hidden meanings, to which after time gave emphatic testimony.

ed and descended throughout the long night from earth to heaven, and he beheld our God above them all, and heard His voice, and was called by His kindness away from past sinfulness, and drawn by the cords of His love into His service! Well might he say in after years, with all the solemnity of death upon his retreating spirit, "The angel that redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads ;" for had he not from that one memorable night of his youth been redeemed by the overruling power and pity of the Shepherd of wanderers, from his own evil heart and courses; and had he not there, animated by new, intense and grateful feelings, cried out, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not! How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God and the gate of heaven! If God will be with me, and will keep me in the way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then shall the Lord be my God! And this stone which I have set for a pillar shall be God's house, and of ALL that Thou shalt give me, I will surely give the TENTH unto Thee!" This heartfelt

The plate before us, as it directs our first attention to that scene in which the aged Israel bestows his dying and expressive bless-outburst of conviction and thankfulness was ing upon Ephraim and Manasseh, carries us back also, at the first glance, to his own youth. Jacob might ever well remember the day in which, undeserving and a wanderer, he fled from the brother whom he had wronged; for as he fled, when wearied and alone he slept upon the earth, with a pillow of stones under his aching head, the Almighty Lord appeared unto him, not to punish but to bless. Well might he remember that awful, that beautiful vision, in which the angels ascend

but the first fruits of that life-giving principle which wrought a new and better character for the happy wanderer. Hereafter, we read not of birthrights and blessings obtained by violence or fraud, but of Jacob, as patient, affectionate, industrious, forgiving. Deceived by his kinsman, Laban, in a matter of tenderest and most sacred love and trust, he bore it meekly, perhaps as a chastisement for his own former offences: in all his after intercourse with Esau, he was gentle, yielding,

VOL. IX.-NO. VI.*

to comfort and provide for his long-lost and only parent. Certainly, in all the annals of the events of time-in all the change and

brotherly, and generous; he returned to Isaac, and saw him once again before his death; after which he united with his brother to perform the last sad duties for the son of Abra-chance that has befallen man-nought can be ham.

found more soul-moving, more full of the deepest pathos, than in these simple truths. And now, Israel was full of years and honors, and the time drew nigh in which he must die." Then it was that Joseph, having first pledged himself to the aged man to bury him with his kindred-and who could disregard this sacred instinct of humanity?—brought his little sons to receive the last blessing, the prophetic announcement of the Patriarch. What could have been more impressive and interesting than this scene! The old man, with dimmed eyes, and white flowing locks, paled by the near presence of the Death-Angel, sitting up, with a given, temporary strength, "guided his hands wittingly," and blessed the lads kneeling at his feet, according to the inward monitions of the Divine Wisdom, inspiring him with the grand words of prophetic teaching! Joseph at first comRa-prehended not, and remonstrated at the language, but afterwards yielded to the force of unearthly reasoning falling from the lips of a departing spirit.

Connected with this portion of his history is the memorable vision of angels, preceding his conflict at Peniel, during that lonely night" of supplication and tears to which the Prophet Hosea pointedly alludes, in which he obtained his purpose, and was also named of the Divine Presence, Israel, or " He that hath prevailed with God." Numerous and most interesting thoughts are naturally suggested by these peculiar events; but here they can scarcely find place at present, except to excite us to persevere in prayer, and to be as earnest and as full of purpose as Jacob was. Wherever he went the providence and the promises of God followed him. It is true that discipline was made one of his blessings in his advancing years. His sons-the sons of Leah-were made his punishment. He was cruelly separated from Joseph, whom he tenderly and devotedly loved. He wept not only for chel, but for her first-born, and his gray hairs were bowed in desolation and sorrow. Yet, in the Divine purposes, all things, however trying and painful, worked together for his good. What shall we say of the beautiful, the affecting incidents in the life of that lost and lovely child, Joseph, to make them appear to others as they seem to us! Of his faith in God; of his fidelity to men; of his purity," severe in youthful beauty;" of his tender, devoted heart, yearning over his unnatural brothers, with the strongest affection of blood and kindred; of his filial devotion; his final meeting with the dear old father, a scene almost too sacred for our eyes to rest upon, even when filled with tears of sympathy and rejoicing; of the seventeen years during which a merciful God permitted him

For ourselves, let us reverence the old who have loved and served God; let us covet their approbation and good opinion; let us strive to make their declining years happy, and to soften their unavoidable griefs. Let us remember too that the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, is also our God; the Father of all who sincerely call upon him, and that if we earnestly, faithfully, and devotedly serve Him, we may hope in our declining years to claim the gracious promise," Even unto your old age I am He, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will Deliver you." S.

THE CHRONOMETER.-The chronometers so exquisitely were they provided with adjustused in the Grinnell Arctic Expedition have ments and compensations for the very great been returned to the care of the National Ob- extremes of temperature to which they have servatory at Washington, and are reported been subjected, that one of them, No. 114 upon in The Republic by Lieut. Maury, Su- Loseby, after having suffered all sorts of experintendent of the Observatory. Their per-posure to which such instruments are liable formance has been remarkable. They were subjected to the severest tests to which it is possible to subject instruments of such delicate construction; yet (says Lieut. Maury)

in a polar winter, is returned with a change in its daily rate, during a year and a-half, (17 months,) of only the three hundredth part of a second in time.