part of the L. C's letter (p. 333), I must repeat, that to make an outward visible sign Sacramental, that sign must not only be ordained by Christ himself, (which I think none will say those of the papists were), but also be indicative of, and connected with an inward and spiritual grace, as the mean and the end, otherwise it falls to the ground, and can on no account whatever be reckoned a sacramental outward and visible sign. ON THE CHRISTIAN OBSERVER. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCHMAN'S SIR, MAGAZINE. N looking over, by accident, the Christian Observer for last October, I met with a curious paper, on what the author calis praying-machines, the hint for which he professes to have drawn from a book intituled " Geography for the Use of Schools, by the Rev. J. Goldsmith, Vicar of Dunnington, and formerly Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.' Now, Mr. Editor, first as to the authority on which the proposed improvement is grounded, I beg leave, through the channel of your valuable miscellany, positively to declare, that there never was such a person as J. Goldsmith, Fellow of Trinity College, neither is there a person of the name existing vicar of Daanington. The book in question seems to be one of those compilations to which after its being printed, it is convenient for the publisher's interests to prefix a popular and catching name, and what so alluring as that of Goldsmith? But in the next place, let us consider the subject-matter of this paper, which is, from the example of the Calmucs, to propose a plan for the adoption of prayingmachines, that is, of certain wind-mill wings on which prayers may be affixed, which would save an infinite deal of trouble both to the clergy and laity. Some of the benefits arising from these residentiary machines, the author thus states, "that the bishops freed from visitaVol. VII. Church. Mag. Dec. 1804. LII tions, tions, no longer requisite, and the inferior dignitaries, liberated from these present shackles, would truly enjoy otium cum dignitate. A deputy archdeacon might now and then make a circuit, to inspect the state of the machines, to direct the necessary repairs, and to reprove the parish carpenter, (who under the new regime, would be substituted in the place of the parish clerk) when he should be found chargeable with negligence. The whole body of rectors, vicars, and curates would then obtain, without the shadow of objection, a blessing which their most eminent friends and encomiasts have not found it practicable in the existing state of things entirely to secure to them, a complete dispensation from residence. As the superiority of our artists over the Calmuc mechanics would so construct the machines on principles of clock-work, as not to require the attendance of the minister to move them by hand, he might gravely smoke his pipe, even during the hours of divine service in a distant county. Or if he should prefer hunting, or shooting, or dancing, or cards, to the delights of tobacco, there could not be any grounds for limiting him as to the choice of a recreation." If, as I suspect, the real author of the system of geography, be also the writer of this letter, he had two ends in view, one to puff off his book, and the other to abuse the bishops and parochial clergy, as a set of useless beings, whose places might well be supplied by wooden and paper machines. After this, I leave it to your readers to judge, Mr. Editor, on what principles these same conductors of the Christian Observer, can any longer call themselves "Members of the Established Church," which church and its ministers they thus endeavour to expose to publick ridicule and contempt. I am, Sir, &c. IOTA. Nov. 15th, 1804. DEVOTIONAL DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES FROM ARCHBISHOP LAUD. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCHMAN'S MAGAZINE. Newington Butts, Dec. 1804. I SIR, HEREWITH transmit you further extracts from ARCHBISHOP LAUD's daily office: as subjects peculiarly suited to general attention and practice; though, probably, too generally neglected. I am, Sir, Your's, &c. JUVENIS. For friends and relations.-Good Lord, bless all the places to which thou hast made me have any near reference; the place wherein I was born, and every soul contained in any of these. All my friends, kindred, acquaintance, any unto whom thou hast made me any ways beholden; especially my nearer and my bosom friends, Dr. &c. all those, &c. Lord, I beseech thee, forgive me and them all our sins, and continue us thy servants, both in-life and death. Amen. For servants.-Gracious Father, bless my servants and make them thine. Give them grace to serve thee first, then me, with faithfulness, soberness, and diligence: make me ever willing, and in some measure able, to repay unto them the time and the strength they either have or shall spend to do me service; even for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen, For those in affliction.-O Lord, bless all the afflicted members of the body of thy son, wheresoever, how. soever afflicted: send them constant patience or speedy deliverance, as seems best to thee, and is best for them, according to their several wants and necessities, whatsoever; (particularly, &c.) And do unto them according to all those mercies, which I would, or should desire thou shouldest shew to my own soul, if, at any time, thou shalt be pleased to make my estate as theirs is at present and, O Lord, be merciful. Amen, For For all men, even our enemies.--Blessed Father, bless all sorts of men, in their several particulars; mine enemies, with the forgiveness of sins; turn their hearts, that they may no longer hate thy servants; and if they will not be turned, deliver me not over, I beseech thee, into their power. And, next, after the salvation of my soul, I humbly beg it, deliver me not into the hands of men, to the shame or scorn of the world. Amen.* Resignation of myself in the hour of Death.-O Lord Jesus, give me to do what thou commandest, and command what thou wilt. Prepare my soul against thy coming (and) come when thou wilt. Give me, if it please thee, a most serene patience (but) at least as much as is fufficient for me, and come how thou wilt, O thou, that art the Saviour of all that hope in thee. And, moreover, I beseech thee, O Lord Jesus, interpose thy death, cross, passion, merit, and blood, between thy judgment and my soul, now and ever. And, especially in the hour of my death, which death, I earnestly beg may never be sudden, may it never come and find me unprepared and when it comes, never let it rage so, but I may retain faith, hope, and charity, and sound memory and understanding, even to the last gasp, and be thou my defender. O God, grant mercy and pardon to my sins; to thy church, peace and concord; to me, the chief of sinners, grace in this life, and glory in the life to come. So, even so come, O Lord Jesus, and have mercy upon me. Amen. Lord, here I am, do with me as seems best in thine own eyes, only give me, I humbly beseech thee, a penitent and a patient spirit to expect thee. Amen. Lord, make my service acceptable to thee while I live, and my soul ready for thee when I die. Amen. Our father, &c. The DAILY EXAMINATION of CONSCIENCE. O, my soul, 1. Hast thou given God thanks for the benefits (which) thou hast received? 2. Hast thou prayed for (the assistance of) God's grace, that thou maycst know thy sins and cast them out? *This prayer seems peculiarly adapted to himself, and those times in which he lived, rather than for the general use of others at any time: although it is, unhappily, but too suitable to many. 3. Hast 3. Hast thou called thyself to (an) account for the sins thou hast committed this present day, by thought, word, and deed, in every hour, since thou hast been awake? 4. Hast thou begged pardon for thy offences, and (hast thou) purposed, through God's grace, to amend (them)? Blessed be the holy and undivided trinity, now and for ever, world without end. Amen. A DAILY PRAYER. O Lord, forgive me all my sins that are past. O Lord, strengthen me against all temptations, especially the temptations of, &c. O Lord, fill my heart with thankfulness. I do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for the great deliverance from the rage and fury of the multitude.* O Lord, let the same wings of thy merciful protection be spread over me all the days of my life. O Lord, give me a faithful, a patient, a penitent, a persevering heart, in thy service; that so I may, with comfort, daily, nay hourly, expect when my change shall come. So amen, Lord Jesus, Amen. See Daily office, p. 16 to 21. ON FONTS AND BAPTISTERIES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCHMAN'S MAGAZINE. IN SIR, N pursuance of the plan I had proposed, I transmit you further extracts respecting FONTS and BAPTIS TERIES. The excellent Mr. Charles Wheatly remarks thus upon THE FONT:--" Before we enter upon the office (of baptism) itself, we shall speak a word or two of the place where it is to be used, viz. the baptistery or font, so called because baptism was at the beginning of christianity performed in springs or fountains. They were, at first, built near the church, then in the church porch, and afterwards (as is now usual amongst us) placed in * See the last note, which equally applies to this prayer also. the |