way Marm,' and he deposited Mrs A, in the Churchwardens' luxurious empty pew under the pulpit, "He abounded in riddles and playful jests. One sees him at his own table turning sharp round to the late excellent Archdeacon of Oxford, My dear Clerke, tell me why an Archdeacon's apron is like unwholesome food?' The dear old man replied, thoughtfully, that he did not know. Because it goes against his stomach.' Clerke remarked, gravely, that he might as well have said a Bishop's apron. Nothing of the sort, my dear Cierke. O dear no! nothing of the sort!' A lady asked him whom he considered the two best preachers in England. Something which holds your dress together,' was the ready answer. (Of course he meant hook-and-eye.) Another asked him, with a look of concern, if the report which she had heard were true, namely, that he had cancer in his mouth? Yes, to be sure,' he replied, When I'm eating crab.'"-(P. 122.) The first number of the Church Quarterly, under the new editorship, gives the highest hopes for the future. The number is an admirable one, all the articles being up to the mark, and one or two of them of unusual merit. "Revision of the Rubrics" is a useful résumé of the course of events in the Church Revival and the checks it has met with since 1850. Most Churchmen will quite concur with the moderate and sensible views expressed of existing difficulties. "The Four Gospels and Modern Scepticism" is somewhat incomplete and ill-arranged; but what there is of it will well repay careful perusal. "Farrar's Life of S. Paul" is a fuller and more detailed examination of that work than we have seen else where. The article concludes with the suggestion that "it is worth the author's consideration, whether, in placing the biography on a simply human basis, he has not inevitably thrown the accessories of time, place, and circumstances into too great a prominence, and represented them as adequate causes of great events, and of a noble and apostolic character, of which they were in reality very subordinate and unimportant attendants." The "Short Notices" are always good, and somewhat greater, we fancy, in quantity than usual. The New Quarterly Magazine gives, in its thirteen articles, glances at a good many subjects, in its usual pleasant if rather superficial manner. The "Public Schools" series deals this number with Westminster, of which it speaks in trenchant terms. If it be true, as is here stated, that "the school has dwindled to half its former size;" the social standing of the boys is lowered it "fails to carry off prizes at the Universities," and so on, then the removal into the country, for which he pleads, should surely not be long delayed. The glimpse of another variety of argot, not hitherto known, in "Shelta, the Tinker's Talk" is curious.-The British and Foreign Evangelical Review (Nisbet), of which the title sufficiently explains the scope, seems to us a tolerably cultured and able exponent of its special school of opinion; though there is a tendency to length and "preachiness" in the articles which should be repressed.-Messrs Nelson and Sons' Family Treasury will henceforth appear in an enlarged form, under the title of The Christian Monthly and Family Treasury, of which No. I is sent us by the publishers. It is certainly greatly improved, and shows ability and "go." It is forgiving of us to say so, for we observe that it singles out the LITERARY CHURCHMAN among "High Church journals" for quotation in terrorem to Evangelicals. Two new publications demand a word. The Modern Review (J. Clarke and Co.; Price Half-a-Crown), which is intended apparently as a new organ of "liberal" thought among us. Its first number is certainly sufficiently explicit. Amongst other articles is one reviewing that old cavil, of, we think, Dr Paulus, that the Miracles of the New Testament are mostly natural occurrences misreported and magnified. It gives a kind of gushing and sentimental patronage to the traditional faith. But what is that worth ?-Received also No. I. of The Antiquary (Elliot Stock), edited by Edward Walford, which has had, we hear, a great success, and well deserves it; and the Homiletic Quarterly (Dickinson.) Darochial Column DISTRICT VISITORS. PART II.-IN THE COUNTRY. The Parochial system is a more evident reality in the country than in our towns. And it is difficult to imagine a greater loss to the rural population than the disestablishment of the Church and the consequent breaking up of that system. Few country parishes are so large as to require many District Visitors, or to demand any precise organisation of their work. It becomes, therefore, all the more important that they should respect the authority of the Parish Priest, and do nothing without his sanction. His family, and that of the principal Parishioner ought to furnish the best Visitors; and those who work with them, though not standing, perhaps, on the same social level, should be made to feel at ease with them, as having a common interest in the welfare of the Church. In visiting their poor neighbours they must avoid anything like dictation or inquisitiveness; and, while visibly interested in the welfare of each family, they must suffer none to and sickness, their regular visits may be especially valugossip to them about their neighbours. In cases of age able, and they may shed happiness over the last days of many a sufferer. Little personal attentions, such as the bringing of some simple dainty from their own table, will be greatly appreciated. They may sometimes be able to give important hints on cleanliness, ventilation, and other points of interest in a sanitary point of view. Sometimes they may communicate useful receipts of cookery, and make suggestions for the comfort of the table and the house. They will, of course, lend no books or tracts but with the approval of the clergyman, and in all matters of controversy refer to him. Sometimes it will be expedient for them to undertake the office of sponsors; and, in that case, it will be their privilege to watch over their godchildren, and remind them of their vows. When a Confirmation has been promised by the Bishop, they will not only encourage young people to join the conwards the lessons that the clergyman has given to the firmation class, but will also explain and enforce aftercandidates. In some cases, they will have to discharge the office of Sunday School teachers; and where this is not required of them, they may still be very useful in urging the attendance of children at the Sunday Schools and public Catechisings. They may also establish and keep up little associations of young people, who have 66 Author. Plain directions on our duty towards GoD and our We have received for Parish Libraries and Sunday Schools. THEODORE OF THE CRUSADES (Griffith and Farran). By Mrs HOFLAND. Volume XII. of the Favourite Library. One of the best of that series of stories. The story is full of interest, dealing, as it does, with the fortunes of Richard Cœur de Lion and of Robin Hood. ceased to attend school, but are not beyond the need of education. One visitor may especially look after the young men engaged in farm work, who are often sadly neglected in country parishes, and grow up almost in a state of semi-heathenism. These may be gathered into evening classes, under the direction of the clergyman, interested in useful reading, taught to sing, and perhaps enlisted in the Church choir. Another visitor may be interested in the young women who are ready for domestic service, endea- Gardner). Price 3d. No. 293 of the Good Stories. Useful vouring to secure good places for them, and discouraging that frequent change of service, which is one of the demoralising consequences of attending statute fairs. Another work of country district visitors will be to encourage prudent habits, and point out the benefit of saving's banks or provident societies. In times of sickness, they will prepare the way for the visit of the clergyman, and when he has promised to administer the Holy Communion in a private house, one of them will be ready to communicate with the sick parishioner. Nor will their presence be unacceptable in the house of mourning or at the grave side. A few quiet words of hope and sympathy then spoken will enforce the more solemn admonitions of the clergyman, and the teaching of the Church's Burial Service. Such homely works as these, performed among CHRIST'S people, for the love of CHRIST, and for the benefit of His Church, will do more for the support of the Church of England among the people of this country than lectures on the Church system, or public controversies with Dissenters. PAROCHIAL BOOKS. F. H. A SHORT AND SIMPLE CATECHISM OF OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY. By Rev. EDWARD GREENHOW. Price 6d. (Houlston and Sons). A useful catechism of the chief facts of Old Testament History. The notes accompanying each section will be an assistance to young teachers. LESSONS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS. By Rev. R. S. OLDHAM (S. P. C. K.) A scheme of instruction for Sundays. These lessons cannot be used at a moment's notice, but must be carefully worked out by the teacher beforehand. THE BOOK OF PRIVATE PRAYER (J. Whittaker). This book was presented to the Southern Convocation by a committee of the Lower House, but has not yet received the approval of Convocation. It is published partly with a view to suggestions for its improvement. Forms of prayer are provided according to the ancient hours of prayer, but, in comparing them with the ancient services, we feel bound to say that "the old is better." We do not think that the plan of varying psalms and prayers for different days of the week is an improvement upon the old order, and there is not sufficient provision made for the commemoration of the holy-days of the Church. We have not space for a detailed criticism of the prayers, but we do not think that the alterations therein are, in many cases, for the better. ON PRAYING (J. Whittaker). By Rev. W. H. RIDLEY. Very clear and simple instructions on the necessity and advantage of diligent prayer. It can hardly fail to help those who read it in their devotions, whether in private or in public. We have also received THE PATH OF DUTY (J. Whittaker). By the same GOSPEL EVENTS chronologically arranged (Hayes and Co.). By S. C. Dedicated, by permission, to the Bishop of Ely. Written specially for children. The events of our LORD'S life and ministry are here arranged in order, following, for the most part, the Gospel according to S. Luke. The passages of Scripture detailing the events are given under each heading. In some places the author has departed from the more general arrangement, but in all such cases her reasons for so doing are given in a note at the end of the book. We can recommend this book as a useful help for School teachers, and a convenient index of subjects for meditation. + SERMOn & BEFORE LENT. "GOD hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions." At this season of the year the Sunday Old Testament Lessons carry us back to the earliest days of our history, when, in unsullied innocence and perfect holiness, man walked with GOD. And in making this selection the Church evidently teaches us, in preparation for Lent, to look back on the priceless privileges which, by our sin, we have forfeited and lost; and to do this, not in a spirit of mere idle regret, but in penitence and faith, that thus we may disarm the judgments of GOD which are due to us for our disobedience, and may seek to regain from the Second Adam that which was lost by the First. It is a sad retrospect. If "by the waters of Babylon" the captive Israelites "sat down and wept when they remembered Zion," much more cause have we to bewail our far more grievous captivity, when we call to mind the glory and happiness of our original state. When we think of what we now are, and contrast it with what we then were, and reflect on the dishonour and the disgrace into which our family, once so noble and honourable, is fallen, that old chronicle of the origin of our race seems to reproach our degeneracy: "So GOD created man in His Own Image; in the Image of GOD created HE him.” And yet, just as the memories of long lost family honours have prompted many a good and brave spirit to seek to reproduce the character, even if they could not retrieve the condition of their forefathers, so the history of the nobility of the origin of our race may well stimulate us to try to win back the honours we have lost, and to mourn over the sins which have so blotted our escutcheon, and brought such ruin on our estate. We shall be making a good use of these weeks before Lent, if, following the Church's guidance, we dwell on the "Image "in which God created us, that so, if it please GOD, we may sorrow more truly and deeply over the sad change which has befallen us, and learn how we may be renewed after that image. I. First, then, what are we to understand by that image in which GoD created us? For this is evidently spoken of by the inspired historian, nay, by GoD Himself, as the principal glory of our first estate: "GOD said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness.', The image of God in which man was made would seem, from the Apostle's words, to have been composed of three chief elements. Writing to the Ephesians, he says (iv. 22, 24), that "the new man" which we are to "put on," after we have "put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and are renewed in the spirit of our mind," is "after God created in righteousness and true holiness;" and to the Colossians he writes (iii. 9-10), "Ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." From which we gather that these three-knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness-were the main constituents in the original character of man, when GOD made him after His own image, in His likeness. Knowledge first: as Light was the first creation in the material world so Light was the first gift with which the Creator invested its ruler. "That the soul be without knowlege, it is not good," Solomon declares (Prov. xix. 2). But as man was pronounced by his Maker to be "very good," so we find him graced with this great gift, knowledge. We can with difficulty conceive what the perfection of this knowledge was. In our search after truth, we experience so many drawbacks, "having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of GOD through the ignorance that is in us, because of the blindness of our heart," that we cannot realise what the glory of the mind of man must have been, when, as a spotless mirror, it reflected the image of GOD which shone so brightly upon it. The Truth Himself being his Guide and Teacher, in His light he saw light, and, as our LORD tells us, "This is life eternal, that they may know Thee, the only True GOD, and JESUS CHRIST whom Thou hast sent," so His beloved disciple echoes his Master's words, "We know that the Son of GOD is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son JESUS CHRIST. This is the true GOD, and eternal life." This knowledge of GOD, then, was the chiefest dignity and blessedness of Eden, as we learn from Revelation that it shall also be of Heaven. Righteousness also: "GOD hath made man upright," Solomon says in the text. And this uprightness showed itself in his relations towards GOD, towards his neighbour, and towards his own soul. He lived "a godly, righteous, and sober life" so long as he continued as he was created; discharging his every duty according to the straight rule of GOD's appointment, and in his perfect obedience finding perfect happiness. And true holiness: for "the LORD our GOD is Holy," and as man was made in His image, after His likeness, he reflected, according to his powers, this perfection of His Maker. And this grace was not only his birthright, but it was progressively increasing to still further glory. For as he enjoyed communion with GOD, he could not but advance to greater degrees of holiness in proportion as he knew more of GOD. His II. But "how are the mighty fallen!" "How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed!" As we look from what Adam was to what we are, how sad the contrast is! It is significantly stated that, after the Fall," Adam begat a son in his own likeness, after his image." And as man wandered further away from GOD, the image of God in which he was created became more and more blurred and defaced, till in many it seemed as if it were altogether effaced. "GOD made man upright, but they sought out many inventions." knowledge of GOD was so lost, that he "changed the glory of the uncorruptible GOD into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things"-and the wisest and the best, labouring in the darkness of a heart darkened by sin and fettered by corruption, asked one of another, to be met only with the silence of despair, "Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?" His righteousness was so lost, that the verdict of omniscience concerning the whole race is, "There is none righteous; no, not one." And it is not without deep meaning that the very first sin recorded after the act of disobedience to GOD is the murder of Abel by his brother Cain. His holiness was lost also, "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" In a defiled and desecrated Temple GoD's Holy Spirit will not dwell, and "if any man have not the Spirit of CHRIST, he is none of His." And, as in our self-examination during these weeks before Lent, we see how far we have degenerated from our first estate, and how unlike Him we are in whose likeness we were created, we may well acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, and by confession and penitence seek for forgiveness and restoration. III. For to those who do indeed heartily repent of their sins, there is, blessed be GOD, a hope of restoration. The Second Adam, who loved to call Himself "the Son of Man," showing that "His delights were with the sons of men," has repaired the ruin wrought by the first Adam, and has sought and saved that which was lost. I am the Truth," HE says, and he that followeth ME shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." HE is "that Just One" who "is of God made unto us righteousness," so that because He is "the LORD our righteousness," we are complete in Him. He is "the only One of God," who hath given to us "the spirit of holiness," and "called us to be saints." And as HE is "the brightness of His Father's glory, and the express image of His person," so by His grace HE transforms and transfigures His people into His likeness-for "we all," the apostle says, "with open face beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD." O blessed hope! The image of GOD so defaced by the Fall is renewed by CHRIST. Paradise once lost is now more than regained. Let us take heed lest we forfeit and lose this second, as we lost the first. Let us fear sin which has wrought such ruin, and pray to continue in grace which is alone able to renew and restore us. Let us labour, by heartfelt sorrow for the past, and by earnest effort for the future, to hold us fast by GoD, and tread more and more closely in our Saviour's footsteps, comforting ourselves with that blessed hope which He hath given us, "As for me, I will behold Thy Presence in righteous. ness; and when I awake up after Thy likeness, I shall be satisfied with it." FREDK. C. BLYTH. The Church's Fortnight. From Saturday, January 31, to Friday, [The Fortnight has to be reckoned from the Sunday week following the Saturday when most of our Readers receive their copies. The fortnight thus begins eight days ahead.] SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY. This Sunday was anciently marked "ad Sanctum Paulum." This Apostle was also commemorated in the Collect; petition being made for defence against all adversity, "Doctoris gentium protectione." But this was altered to the present far more fitting phrase in 1549. of the care of CHRIST for His people (verse 14); of the Power of the Keys (verse 18); and the promise of answering Prayer (verse 19). Nor is the Evening less fruitful. As pulpit helps may be mentioned, A Homily of S. Chrysostom on the "Example of S. Paul" (Epistle), and one on "The Parable of the Sower" (Gospel), in 'Commentary on Epistles and Gospels' (Parker); 'Benedictus Dominus' I. pages 62-66 (Gospel); On the Fall, Sermon 16, in Plain Preaching for a Year' (Second Series) (Skeffingtons). On this, and on the Power of the Keys, Sermon 10, in Liddon's University Sermons' (Second Series) (Rivingtons). Suitable Hymns: 262, 34, 38, 269, 217. We have noticed before that, as a general rule, the intention of the EPISTLE is doctrinal and didactic, that of the GOSPEL historical, and prone to follow (as the Church's year follows), the earthly Life of Our Lord. This being so, it is unmistakably the grace of Charity which is inculcated in the services of this Sunday. The admirable COLLECT was introduced in 1549, and is evidently formed upon the model of the EPISTLE. The GOSPEL is the narrative of Our LORD's restoring sight to a blind man. Lessons:-MORNING, Gen. ix. 1-20; S. Matt. xxii, 1-15. EVENING, Gen. xii. or xiii.; Acts xxiii. 12-end. For Sermons on Charity, see Newman's Sermons,' Vol. IV. Sermon 21, and No. 2 in the same volume; on First Evening Lesson, Vol. III., Sermon 1 of same. Suitable Hymns: 173, 168, 210, 36, 39. Turning back now, we have during this fortnight, It was appointed by the Law that a newly-born child should be presented before the LORD on the fortieth day (Lev. xii. 4). This direction was fulfilled in the case of JESUS. Hence the first title of the Festival, the "Presentation of CHRIST in the Temple" (which however is not ancient, having been added by Bishop Cosin, in 1661). The Festival is on the fortieth day after Christmas. Its observance can be traced back as far as the fourth century; and it was probably the first day observed in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was the custom in the Western Church for many ages to observe it by burning many tapers in Churches: hence its popular name Candelaria, or Candlemas. It is remarkable that our Collect, Epistle, and Gospel for this day, are still for the most part the same as are used in those Churches in which the adoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary has See Newman's 'Sermons,' Vol. II., Sermon 10. Suitable Hymns: 407, 449, 267, 280, 224. The EPISTLE however consists still of his remarkable enumeration of his perils and sufferings for CHRIST's sake and the Gos-been so unhappily and unreasonably developed. pels: and it has been thought that the intention of the Church was to teach fortitude and fearlessness for the Gospel's sake, on this day. In any case the example of S. Paul forms the most striking object in the Services for the day, as his Conversion did on the previous Sunday. It so happens that this year the Second Evening Lesson deals with the outbreak against S. Paul at Ephesus, a characteristic episode of his Missionary work. The GOSPEL is the Parable of the Sower. The Lessons are:-MORNING, Gen. iii.; S. Matt. xviii. 1-21. ASH WEDNESDAY, with its Proper Psalms and Lessons, and with its Commination Service peculiar to the day, is but little dependent on individual attempts to deepen the impression of the Services, and indeed admits of but little variation beyond the provision of suitable hymns. The Address in the special (Commination) service will generally take the place of the ordinary sermon; and beyond this, that the service EVENING, Gen. vi. or viii.; Acts xix. 21-end. | should be concluded with a Metrical Litany sung kneeling, we These are remarkably rich in suitable subjects for Sermons. In the morning the Fall of Man and the great Evangelical Promise, the Protevangelium, as it is called (verse 15); the Law of Christian Humility in the Second Lesson (verses 3, 4); of Repression of the lower elements of our nature (verses 8, 9); have no suggestion to make. We shall hope to make some observations on the use as a Lenten practice of Metrical Litanies in our next number. Suitable Hymns: 204, 205, 244, 251, 252, 256. S. J. E. NOTES OF THE DAY On Saturday week there was a service for the admission of "Readers" at the Chapel at Fulham Palace, when the Bishop of London gave his Commission to about ten laymen to work in London and suburban parishes. The Rev. William Sinclair said the shortened evening prayer, and the singing of canticle, psalm, and hymn, accompanied upon the sweet-toned little organ, was remarkably hearty. The Bishop, in his address, set forth the solemn responsibilities of the office to which the candidates were about to be called, and his Lordship also spoke with much sympathy of the benefit which the clergy derived from the co-operation of the laity. * * Among the Churches dedicated to S. Paul, where the custom introduced at the Cathedral of observing the Festival of the Apostle's Conversion by an orchestral service, has been adopted, is S. Paul's, Avenue road, Regent's-park. At this Church, a selection from Mendelssohn's S. Paul will be sung at the first evensong of the Feast to-morrow (Saturday), accompanied by organ and string band. The Rev. J. W. Horsley will preach; the Vicar, the Rev. J. W. Bennett, will conduct; and Mr C. Warwick Jordan will be at the organ. The Annual Report of the Metropolitan Visiting and Relief Association, whose raison d'être lies in the use of the parochial system through the agency of unpaid visitors as the sole medium through which it dispenses the funds entrusted to it, gives evidence of much valuable work throughout the metropolis, and especially in the East of London. All the aid given is afforded after personal investigation at the homes of the poor, and as no distinction is made as to the religious belief of the distressed recipients, all the advantage of responsible management is gained without any curtailment of the Society's means of usefulness. Mr Houndle, the recently-appointed and energetic Secretary, receives subscriptions as the official representative of the Committee. The official announcement that the unconsecrated chapel styled "S. Andrew's, Tavistock-place"- -a title bestowed upon it by one of its proprietors -is no longer connected with the Church of England, and that its minister no longer holds the licence of the Bishop, will cause little surprise to those who are acquainted with the character of the services and the peculiar methods adopted to attract congregations. Mr C. G. C. Dunbar, the lessee of the building, styles himself "Archdeacon "—a title purely territorial, which he held during the short period in which he asissted Bishop Mitchinson, of Barbados—and claims a degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Jenaalthough we have never heard of a Theological Faculty at the University. Among the persons who have assisted him, at various times, have been Bishop Claughton (Archdeacon of London); Mr Frederick George Lee, the owner of an honorary D. C.L., from the University of Salamanca; and Dr Maurice Davies, the ** * ** clever author of Orthodox and Unorthodox London,' whose sympathies with the Spiritualists have been openly proclaimed. Under all the circumstances of the case, the Bishop of London's action-somewhat tardy though it be-will be welcomed throughout the diocese. Mr Dunbar is, we understand, continuing his services, which thus become absolutely schismatic. The Bishop of Manchester's desire to avoid paying the penalty of popularity and the wish of his bride to escape the curious gaze of a crowd of spectaters led to the solemnization of his Lordship's marriage at S. Peter's, Cranleigh-gardens, the Church of which the Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons is the vicar. According to the rule of the Church, and in conformity with the requirements of the Prayer Book, the first part of the ceremony took place at the chancel steps and it was concluded at the Altar where the Dean of Westminster gave a brief but eloquent address. This address, which the Times "had reason to believe was taken from the Sermon on marriage" was entirely the expression of Dr Stanley's mind and feelings on the event of the day to which it bore special and touching reference, and the leading journal was thus almost as far from the truth as its small evening contemporary, the Echo, which gravely affirmed that "after the conclusion of the ceremony" the Dean went up o the Altar and said some prayers and gave an address, the reporter being apparently altogether innocent of the proper division of the office. Correspondence NOTICE. The columns of the LITERARY CHURCHMAN are at all times open to Correspondence, and the Editor invites and Clergy. But it must be clearly understood always that he does welcomes the free expression of opinions, especially from the not necessarily share those opinions. The name and address of every correspondent must be confided to the Editor, not necessarily for publication, but as a pledge of good faith; AND AS OUR SPACE IS LIMITED WE MUST REQUEST OUR CORRESPONDENTS TO BE VERY BRIEF. READING AND PREACHING, etc. 2. Nor do I think the position of a priest in his parish analogous to that of a prophet in his own country. Experience seems to show that a parish priest, who spends his week-days among his people, will be listened to on Sunday as no one else would be. May not the reason of a curate's preaching being sometimes preferred to that of an eloquent vicar be, that the vicar's preaching engagements take him so much from his parish that he has lost his place in the affections of his people? I trouble you with all this because I believe it is often fatal to the spiritual welfare of a parish when the vicar runs about preaching elsewhere. No doubt an "order of preachers" would have "manifold advantages," but the said preachers should, surely, be unbeneficed. |