the inhabitants of the districts to which they properly belong. The population of the 22 parishes now assisted is 462,000 souls: the number of existing churches is 72, containing accommodation for 69,034 persons, and inThe free church-room is, cluding 18,994 free seats. therefore, only one seat for 24 inhabitants. The additional accommodation to be obtained is 6,199 sittings, 4,940 to be free and unappropriated. Five-sixths of the new seats are to be free; indeed, two of the new churches, viz., those to be built at Middleton and Gosport, will be wholly free. The aggregate amount of the population of the 22 places above referred to, when compared with the total present provision of church-room therein, does not convey an accurate idea of the wants of particular parishes; and, without again calling attention to the parish of Manchester, it should be noticed that Middleton in Teesdale contains a population of 3,000 persons, and has one church, with 284 sittings. Woolwich contains nearly 28,000 inhabitants, with one church, accommodating 1,500 persons, and a proprietary chapel. Kirkdale, a suburb of Liverpool, has a population of 5,000 persons, rapidly increasing; and 960 sittings in the chapel, 100 only of which are free. Lynn, with more than 12,000 inhabitants, has two churches, accommodating about one-sixth of the number, but affording free accommodation for only 450 persons. Gosport, containing a population of nearly 8,000 persons, with only a proprietary chapel containing 1,000 sittings, of which only about 300 are free. Sandbach, with 6,600 inhabitants, and 1,247 sittings in two churches, only 224 of which are free. In these six pa rishes, therefore, there is a population of 63,000 persons, CHURCH EDUCATION SOCIETY FOR IRELAND. Diocesan Intelligence.-England and Ireland. ARMAGH. Address from the Clergy of the Diocese of Armagh to his grace the Lord Archbishop. At a meeting of the clergy of the diocese of Armagh, on the 28th day of May, 1844, convened by the ven. the archdeacon, on a requisition addressed to him for that purpose, the ven. the archdeacon in the chair, prayers having been read by the chairman, it was moved by the rev. Dr. Miller, seconded by the rev. C. S. Mangan, and resolved, "That we desire to express our fervent gratitude to Almighty God for his late mercy vouchsafed to our venerated diocesan, in the preservation of a life so dear to his clergy and so valuable to the church." A committee having been appointed to prepare an address of congratulation to his grace, the following was unanimously adopted : - To his grace the Lord Primate [of Ireland]. "We, the archdeacon and clergy of the diocese of Armagh, desire to offer to your grace our sincere and heartfelt congratulations upon your recent providential deliverance, when an accident of a most alarming nature had placed in imminent danger your grace's valuable life. Recognizing, in common with the whole Irish branch of the church of Christ, established in these countries, your grace's anxious guardianship of its interests; and, in thescloser connection with your grace which it has been our own privilege to enjoy, having learned to appreciate the wisdom and firmness, so happily tempered by kindness and condescension, with which your grace has conducted, for more than two-andtwenty years, the affairs of this extensive and important diocese, we feel that we cannot be sufficiently grateful to Almighty God for your preservation in the hour of peril. Possessing, as you do, the veneration and love of every friend of the church, and commanding the respect even of its adversaries, the influence of your grace's high character and exalted station cannot fail to produce a salutary effect in checking the spirit of innovation in sacred matters, which now so widely prevails, and in preserving, in their apostolic purity, the doctrines and discipline of our church; while your munificent contributions to the support of every institution calculated to advance the interests of true religion give increased whom he hath sent. efficiency to its endeavours to diffuse throughout the (Signed by the archdeacon and one hundred and forty "My dear and reverend brethren,-I beg to return my best wishes for your welfare and happiness, individually and collectively, and believe me to be, your faithful friend and brother in Christ, JOHN G. ARMAGH." LONDON. Ruridecanal Chapters.-The following letter has been addressed by the lord bishop to the rural deans of the Idiocese of London : "London House, May 25, 1844. "REVEREND BRETHREN,-After consultation with the archdeacons of my diocese, I desire to call your attention to the advantages which may be expected to result from your holding periodical meetings of the incumbents of parishes within your respective deaneries, for the purposes of conference. Many of the clergy have expressed to me a strong opinion as to the desirableness of more frequent personal communication between those who are connected with one another by the ties of spiritual brotherhood, as being entrusted with the care of souls in the different parishes of the same diocese ; and have regretted that they seldom meet together in their ministerial capacity, except at the visitations of the bishop or the archdeacon. Those occasions, they have observed, are too rare, and the numbers assembled are too great, to admit of that free and friendly intercourse which would give scope to the mutual communication of sentiment, experience, and advice, and promote the growth of unity in the body at large, as well as the efficiency of individual ministrations. The learning and piety of the clergy would undoubtedly be more serviceable to the church, and more beneficial to her children, if there were a better understanding, a more frequent intercourse, and a more cordial union, amongst those who are labouring in the same work, as servants of the same Master, in the same portion of his household, and under the same spiritual superintendence. Relying perhaps too much upon the strength of our position as the clergy of an established church, we have overlooked or neglected a source of strength, which is well understood and duly valued by those who are not in communion with us, and who have no external and adventitious supports whereon to rely. Yet the framework of our church is admirably adapted to encourage and facilitate a brotherly intercourse between the clergy, and at the same time to obviate the inconveniences which might result from that intercourse, if not conducted with a due attention to well-considered rules, nor subject to the control of legitimate authority. I am therefore inclined to believe that a closer bond of union between the clergy themselves, and a readier means of communication with their bishop, would be secured by periodical meetings of the incumbents of all the parishes in a rural deanery, or, where the number is small, in two adjacent deaneries, under the presidency of the rural dean; by whom their proceedings should be made known at intervals to the archdeacon, to be reported by him, if necessary, to the bishop. By the same channel the clergy might be made acquainted, on particular emergencies, with the wishes of their diocesan. This would perhaps be as near an approximation, as the present state of our church admits of being made, to the ruridecanal chapters of an earlier age; and it is a plan which, if wrought out with discretion, and in that spirit of zeal for the church's welfare, and of Christian charity towards one another, which may be looked for amongst brethren in the ministry, could hardly fail of producing beneficial results. The plan has been already tried in more dioceses than one. In the diocese of Chichester, for instance, it was adopted at the suggestion of the late excellent bishop Otter. Its advantages were set forth with great force and feeling in a letter which he addressed to his rural deans in the year 1840; and its success, as I am informed, has been highly encouraging. It must be evident that whether good shall or shall not result from these ruridecanal chapters will depend upon their being conducted with discretion, and under fixed regulations. These limitations I consider to be of the first importance. The subjects of conference at such meetings should be strictly of a practical kind; in no case touching upon theological controversy; but relating to the management of parishes, the methods of performing the ministrations of the clergy in public and in private, the advancement of local, diocesan, and general charities connected with the church, the various modes of bettering the condition of the poor, the formation and conduct of schools, and such occasional questions affecting the church's interests or usefulness as may be submitted by authority to their consideration. Here is ample matter for friendly and profitable conference, without the introduction of those doctrinal questions, the discussion of which would be apt to give to such meetings a polemic instead of a pacific character, and to make them, before long, centres of mutual repulsion rather than of attraction. I would, therefore, urge upon you with much earnestness, the necessity of watching very carefully the appearance of any tendency to discussions of that nature, and of repressing it in the first instance. Respecting the proper time and mode of commencing the holding of chapters within your respective deaneries, I would have you consult your archdeacon; and, generally, you will advise with him as to the manner in which the principles here laid down may be best carried into effect. "I am, rev. brethren, your faithful friend, "C. J. LONDON." Rules for the Regulation of Ruridecanal Chapters in the Diocese of London. under the authority of the bishop, shall call a meeting of 1. The rural dean, with consent of the archdeacon, and the incumbents within his deanery once in every quarter. 2. The archdeacon shall preside at such meetings, if present; otherwise, the rural dean; or, in his absence, some incumbent in the deanery, appointed by him. 3. At every quarterly meeting the rural dean shall request information from the clergy as to the method in which the various offices of the church are performed; the state of their several parishes, with respect to their churches, church-services, and schools; the means employed in their parishes to promote the interests of the church societies, diocesan or national; and the funds collected for local or general purposes of charity; and shall confer with them upon such other points as he may be instructed, or shail think fit, to submit to them. which shall be recorded the proceedings of every meeting; 4. A register shall be kept by every rural dean, in and a brief report thereof shall be made to the bishop by the archdeacon. 5. One of the incumbents in the deanery shall be appointed by the rural dean to act as secretary, if necessary. ceded by attendance at morning prayer in the parish 6. Every meeting of the rural chapters shall be pre church. PETERBOROUGH. St. Mary's, Leicester.-The dilapidated and ruinous condition of this most ancient and venerable pile has long been a source of deepest regret to all who feel an interest in the preservation of the sacred edifices of our forefathers; and, while the appropriate conveniences for public worship are daily but imperceptibly diminishing, each succeeding year affirms, with increasing force, the portentous anticipation that, continuing in such circumstances as subsist at present, this venerated sanctuary, in which the parishioners of St. Mary's have been wont for many centuries to assemble for divine service, must at no distant period cease from among the churches of the land. To those who are acquainted with the varied style and composition of the architecture of the building, it is obvious that no mere church-rate, however liberal in its allocation, could make provision for restoring and maintaining entire the elaborate designs of the original founders. But when it is taken into consideration that for several years past, with every effort made for the purpose, no church-rate has been obtained, it is not surprising that the advance to decay in so ancient a structure has been going on with accelerated progression. St. Mary's church would seem to have been founded about the middle of the twelfth century. Mr. Bloxam, the celebrated ecclesiastical antiquary, in writing upon the subject of the present intended restoration, says, "The history of the church may, to a certain extent, be shortly collected from its present appearance. It was originally a Norman structure, probably erected about the middle of the twelfth century. The sedilia in the chancel are the richest specimens of that particular style I have ever met with— both Norman piscina and sedilia are rare, yet here we have them together," &c. A second church was added to the original Norman edifice, by John of Gaunt. This addition was made, it would seem, at the suggestion of Wycliff, and there is reason to believe that this eminent servant of God, the earliest of our English reformers, was wont in this very place to declare to an ignorant and astonished population the great truths of an open gospel. At a later period St. Mary's was the scene of the labours of that truly apostolic man, the rev. Thomas Robinson, for thirty-five years vicar of the parish, of whom it is stated by the rev. Robert Hall, that "his residence in Leicester forms a most important epoch in the religious history of the county. From that time must be dated, and to his agency, under Providence, must be ascribed, a decided improvement in the moral and religious state of the town of Leicester and its vicinity, an increase of religious light, together with a general diffusion of a taste and relish for the pure word of God." "There was scarcely a charitable institution set on foot, or a scheme of benevolence devised, of which he did not form the principal spring. He was truly the centre about which everything of public utility revolved: while his wisdom guided, his spirited and animated character witnessed itself in all useful public undertakings," &c. Under such circumstances, then, as those in which the church is placed at present, it is believed that the peculiar associations connected with it will commend the present undertaking to all classes of the community, and more particularly to those who cherish the recollection and would perpetuate the memory of the olden times of England. The sum of 3,000l. is required for the purposes contemplated, of a restoration of the fabric and additional accommodation for a rapidly increasing population. Of this sum nearly 1,000l. have been already subscribed. Halsted Steeple.-We deeply lament to learn that, on Wednesday afternoon, about three o'clock, the beautiful tower and spire of the new church of the Holy Trinity, building at Halsted, and which was nearly completed, fell to the ground, and is now a mass of ruin. "On hurrying to the spot," says our informant, "the scene we witnessed was most awful; for the first impression was, that all the labourers were beneath the ruins, and the shrieks of their wives and children were dreadful. Most providentially, this was not the case. It appears that Mr. Johnstone, the builder, about five minutes before the catastrophe, saw that the tower was in danger, and mmediately ordered all the labourers to come off. This was done; and, with the exception of three, all got clear. The three men alluded to are severely hurt, and we understand one is in some danger. Had it not been for the timely warning, the sacrifice of life would have been awful." This sad occurrence has cast a gloom over the town, as the consecration of the church was arranged to have taken place on the 31st. inst. The body of the church is but little injured, as the tower fell outwards. The part completed was 115 feet in height.-Essex Standard. YORK. Re-opening of the Minster.-Sunday, July 7th, was a memorable day for York minster. A new existence, as it were, commenced; the choir, nave, and tower of that noble edifice being completely restored and thrown open to the public. By the lamentable conflagration of 1840, the centre aisle of the nave and the south-western tower were fearfully damaged; but, by the great public spirit and liberality of the county of York, and also of more distant friends, and by the indefatigable exertions of an able and zealous restoration committee, these have been entirely renovated, and one of the noblest monuments of by-gone times is now completely restored, and its interior is to be seen in a state of greater perfection than has ever before been witnessed by any person now living. | Since the last fire, the nave has been completely sepa rated from the transept by brick walls, which filled the arches from the great lantern tower; and many an anxious desire has been experienced by our fellow-citizens as they looked upon these barriers, which hid the vaulted roof and storied windows of a considerable portion of the sacred edifice from their eyes, and marred its beauty, that the day would soon come when those walls would be removed, and when the lofty aisles and towering columns of the nave would once more be seen in all their pristine beauty. This long-looked-for event, which has now arrived, was announced on Sunday morning last by a merry peal from the new bells, for which we are so deeply indebted to the liberality of the benevolent and much-lamented Dr. Beckwith. As the time for divine service approached, hundreds of persons of all ranks were seen thronging towards the minster, the spacious aisles of which were soon crowded in every part by a multitude of anxious spectators, who appeared much delighted and full of awe and veneration as they, passing to and fro, contemplated and admired the grandeur and beauty of this wonderful building. No sooner were the several entrances thrown open, than the choir was crowded to excess. The city high-sheriff, and aldermen sir John Simpson, Meek, Hudson, sir W. S. Clarke, Matterson, and Scawin, attended divine service in their state robes. The prayers were read by the rev. E. J. Raines, and the lessons and litany by the rev. W. H. Oldfield. The rev. H. S. Markham, the canon in residence, and the rev. T. Egerton and the rev. Edward Churton, honorary canons, officiated at the communion table. The sermon was preached by the very rev. the dean. We will here introduce a few remarks respecting the bells. The peal in the morning was performed by the York ringers; and in the afternoon the fine company of ringers from the parish of St. Peter's, at Leeds, ascended the tower, and rang for the space of thirty-five minutes; and, although under the great disadvantages of the vibration in the chamber, they acquitted themselves as an experienced and clever company, and rang several changes, in which every bell was heard to the greatest advantage, in time and place of the varied change. Their manner of ceasing the bells at the conclusion of their performance, although practised in some other places, was a new feature in York. So equally and rapidly were the bells subdued, that it afforded a rich, novel, and harmonious treat to us. The inhabitants of Leeds may be justly proud of so clever and industrious a company. Industrious they have undoubtedly been to acquire such command over bells so much heavier than their own. The company for the most part consists of active young men; their manner of ringing is both easy and graceful; and we hope that this was not the last time we shall have the pleasure of hearing them, and that, when the illustrious great Peter clock bell arrives, we shall have a ringing day of love, and not for prizes, in honour of that great event. The Leeds ringers expressed themselves much pleased with the bells and the style in which they were hung (which, notwithstanding their calibre, are perfectly easy and at command); and they politely returned their thanks to the dean for his kindness in allowing them the treat which they experienced on Sunday. A report has been prevalent that the dean objected to allow the bells to be rung, which is erroneous, as he has expressed himself in the most liberal manner to the contrary, only that there were no funds to pay the ringers at present fixed upon. We have great pleasure in giving publicity to this, as we should be sorry to be deprived of the cheering influence of this peal, which promises to be all we could desire. It is true the dean did not allow the bells to be rung during the hanging, which was to effect a petit surprise to the inhabitants; and from this the report arose, and, like many others, did not diminish in its travels through the city.-York Gazette. COLONIAL AND FOREIGN CHURCH. NEWFOUNDLAND. Letters were received from Halifax, by the last North American mail, announcing the arrival of the bishop of Newfoundland, and his intention of continuing his voyage to St. John's, the capital of his diocese, by the next steamer. He was to leave Halifax on the evening of 1st July. The vessel, which was presented to the bishop previous to his departure, is now undergoing repairs, to fit it for the special purposes of visitation, and other uses alluded to in his late letter, in his diocese ; and will sail in about a fortnight. Miscellaneous. Lecturers and Parish-clerks.-A bill has been recently passed by the house of lords, entitled “ An Act for better regulating the Offices of Lecturers and Parish-clerks." It has been read a first time in the house of commons. The preamble recites the fact that there are now, in divers parishes, &c., certain lecturers or preachers elected to deliver or preach lectures or sermons only, without the obligation of performing other clerical or ministerial duties; and declares that it is "expedient" that, in many cases, such lecturers should be required to perform other clerical duties, and act, if necessary, as assistant curates in such parishes, &c. We need hardly state that the enactments are in strict accordance with the requirements of the preamble. Lecturers or preachers (socalled) may be required by the bishop of the diocese to perform such other clerical or ministerial duties as the bishop, acting in conjunction with the incumbent of the parish, may think fit, under pain of suspension or removal. An appeal may be made to the archbishop of the province within fourteen days. This enactment, however, is not to affect or be deemed applicable to any lecturer appointed prior to the passing of this act, unless such lecturer shall consent to be bound thereby. Power is given to the rectors or incumbents of parishes, by the second clause, to fill up vacancies occurring in the office of church or parish-clerk, by the appointment of persons in the holy orders of deacon or priest of the united church of England and Ireland, such persons to act as assistant-curates if required. The appointments of assistant-clergy under this act are not to exempt incumbents (now liable) from the daty of providing curates. Power is given to archdeacons and other ordinaries to remove such parish-clerks, not in holy orders, as may be guilty of misbehaviour or neglect of duty.-Oxford Herald. SIR ROBERT PEEL'S ACT. The ecclesiastical commissioners are proceeding to form districts under the act of last session for increasing ecclesiastical benefices. A supplement to the "London Gazette" has been published, containing orders in council, constituting "the district of St. James, Congleton," and "the district of St. Paul, Macclesfield," in the diocese of Chester; "the district of St. Paul, Sculcoates," and "the district of St. Mark, Hull," in the diocese of York. The patronage of a church, now in course of erection by subscription, in the district of St. Paul, Macclesfield, is to be vested in the bishop of Chester, in perpetuity, on the nomination of the subscribers. An endowment of 100l. per annum is provided for the minister of each of these districts, which is increased to 1307. upon a building being licensed for divine worship therein, and it is to be further augmented to 150l. on the consecration of a church. TO OUR READERS. We desire especially to recommend to our readers the relievo map of Arabia Petræ and Idumea, just published by Messrs. Dobbs and Co., Fleet-street. This is, in fact, a miniature model of the country represented. At a glance the relative heights of the mountains, &c., are seen, and the nature of the district through which the Israelites journeyed understood infinitely better than by the most minute verbal description. There is also by the side a brief chronological memoir, adding much to the value of the map. A similarly embossed map of England is also very interesting. We hope we have said enough to induce our friends to possess themselves of these works. For the purposes of teaching geography they will be invaluable. A second edition of "Tales of the Martyrs" has lately been published by Messrs. Rivington, by an individual to whom our pages have frequently been indebted. It is a very interesting little book. TO CORRESPONDENTS. We are much obliged to "J. C. W. R." for the trouble he has taken. But does he really believe that the divisions of the verses of the bible were made by the inspired writers, or have any authority other than convenience? We again beg to state, that it is quite out of our power to return poetry unsuitable for our pages. London: Joseph Rogers n, 4, Norfolk-street, Strand. OP Ecclesiastical Intelligence. of Oxford.-W. F. Addison, B.A., Wad.; B.A., uf Cambridge.-C. Badham, of Dublin.-W. M. Colles, B.A.; J. of St. Bees'.-F. B. Ashley, B H. Brown, SEPTEMBER, 1844. Ordinations. lain, B.A., C.C.C.; E. J. Dixon, B.A., Of Cambridge.-J Booker, B.A., Magd.; W. of Dublin.-G. Marshall, B.A.: Of St. Bees'.-T. Allnut, G. Crighton, J. By BP. of KILDARE, at Glasnevin Church, DEACONS. Of Dublin.-J. Evans, B.A. (lett. dim. PRIEST. Of Oxford.-C. C. Adams, B A., Mert.; Of Cambridge.-J. Bromley, B.A., Cath; Of Dublin.-C. D. Bell, B.A.; G. T. DEACONS. Of Oxford.-C. Allen, B.A., Brasen.; T. Of Cambridge.-C. W. Blathwayt, R.A., By Br. of SODOR and MAN, at Bishop's Trin.; G. W. Jones. Pet; T. C. Onion, Court, July 21. I. Brittain, J. Congreve, J. F. Garde. B.A., Cath.; C. J. Westropp, B.A., Caus. Visitations. Bishop of RIPON, in September. Bishop of CHICHESTER, in October, |