tinuance-Annihilation would prove nothing-To obey Christ is to live in him."

We are truly delighted to be able to introduce a highly philosophical Essay to the notice of our readers, without a particle of German nonsense in it. And if any of our young readers have been smitten.with Mr. White's plausible speculations, we advise them earnestly to read this volume.

ESSAYS on HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, and THEOLOGY. BY ROBERT VAUGHAN, D.D. In two vols. Small 8vo.

Jackson and Walford.

These Essays are thirteeen in number, and relate to topics of universal interest. They appeared originally in the "North British Review," and were much admired by a large circle of intelligent minds. To say that they well sustain the reputation

of the Author would be but moderate praise; we regard them as among his very best productions, and commend them very earnestly to the intelligent youth of Great Britain, more especially in our religious circles.

The subjects are such as to commend the volumes. I. The Pilgrim Fathers. II. Lord John Russell. III. Oxford and Evangelical Churchmen. IV. The Priesthood of Letters. V. Characteristics of Dissent. VI. John Foster and Robert Hall. VII. Travels in Lycia. VIII. Oliver Cromwell. IX. Locke and his Critics. X. England and Ireland. XI. Church and State. XII. The Christian Ministry. XIII. German Philosophy and Christian Theology.

We know not any two volumes of the size of these Essays containing a larger amount of well digested thought and valuable information upon subjects of popular and permanent interest.

MEETING OF TRUSTEES OF THE EVAN

GELICAL MAGAZINE.

THE Annual Meeting of the Trustees of the Evangelical Magazine will be held, (D.V.), at Baker's Coffee House, 'Change Alley, Cornhill, on Wednesday, the 9th May; when the attendance of Town and Country Trustees is earnestly requested.

The hour of meeting will be Two O'CLOCK

PRECISELY.

THE BISHOP OF EXETER AND MR. SHORE.

THIS melancholy case, with the exception of Dr. Philpott's Letter to his Primate, and Sir Culling Eardley's "Appeal," remains in much the same position as it did when we referred to it last month. Mr. Shore is still an inmate of Exeter gaol; and the Clergy and members of the Church of England seem to be doing nothing literally to drive away this heavy reproach from their door. Though it is obvious that enmity to the evangelical Clergy lay at the foundation of all the cruel and unmanly proceedings against Mr. Shore, it is to us matter of surprise and regret that, as a class, they appear to be just as passive as if the imprisonment of their quondam Brother were a mere ordinary and trivial occurrence. Only one of them here and there seems to utter a single sentence on the side of liberty; though, when they look at the animus displayed in the late examinations of Mr. Goreham, they must see that their standing in the ministry of the Establish

ment is seriously menaced, so far at least as Tractarian Bishops are concerned. Can our evangelical Brethren in the Establishment justify it to their consciences, that they have shown such perfect indifference to a case of ecclesiastical oppression, which has no parallel in our history for more than a couple of centuries? Can they hope that God, in his Providence, will avert from their ecclesiastical community the scourge of medieval theology with which it is now threatened, when they are so grievously lacking in the love of liberty, as to stand aloof from their persecuted Brother, who never would have met with a particle of opposition, had he symbolized with the semi-popish party in this country? As we have pondered these things in our minds, we have been ready to shed tears of anguish over the mournful spectacle. We should have supposed that every evangelical clergyman, from the Bench downwards, would have been at his post, to denounce, in strongest terms, the course which has been pursued towards good Mr. Shore.

We must be permitted to remind clergymen, respectfully, that the deep discredit of this deplorable sample of ecclesiastical tyranny attaches to the Establishment; and that all within its pale who do not take some step to clear themselves of sympathy with it, will be chargeable with a tacit connivance, which may at some future day burden and oppress their consciences. If ever there was an occasion for enlightened Churchmen to speak out, surely that occasion has now arrived.

rule. If disposed each to examine our selves, we shall easily detect them, in that spot where it is most wise and least usual to look for defects,-in our own hearts; but at present I offer a few words to the hearts and on the conduct of others, in one particular, which has often struck me as a grievous, though perhaps a thoughtless neglect of the pattern left us in that simple statement -even Christ pleased not himself.

Judging from facts obvious in most congregations, it might be supposed, that to please oneself were the great object of our sabbath services, and that if, at any time, it can be suspected that this personal pleasure will not result, a license is given, not only to wound the feelings of all with whom we are there connected, but, in effect to say, "It is not to worship God that we assemble -it is to gratify our individual tastes, in listening to one particular man;-or, at most, to a man of one particular grade and style." A minister is called from home, duty or health requires it; with much trouble, and perhaps expense, he obtains a supply for his pulpit,-not the worshipped man, the idol pro tem;-not possibly the preacher whom any one would deliberately prefer, but a good man, a servant of God, "a faithful minister of Jesus Christ," though it may be of humble talent, or even of limited education; - and what is the result? The stated pastor on his return is distressed, and ashamed to find that half his flock had disappeared! "Who preaches to-day?""Why, Mr. :" "01"and without a thought of pain inflicted, either on the unfortunate substitute or on one whom, professedly, they more highly esteem, the sanctuary is forsaken!

Ought these things so to be? Does it evince a true sense of the meaning of public worship? A right regard to him whom they have chosen as their minister?—A Christian feeling towards another, who kindly supplies his lack of service?-A due respect to the ministry itself, as an institution of Christ?-Or a shred of that rightly conservative principle which, having attached ourselves to the interests of a particular society, requires that (unless called by paramount duties) we should aim to subserve its interests, and not, by a reckless pleasing of ourselves, do all that in us lies to scatter them to the winds? Every one really concerned for the honour and existence of the church of which he is a voluntary member, should consider himself as charged individually with its prosperity; for that which is right in one, would be right in all, and no complaint could be reasonably sustained were all thus to absent themselves, if any (special circumstances not demanding it) feel at liberty thus to hold in abeyance the example of their Lord. There are families always in their places

confidently looked for-strangers to that curse of "the last days," "the itching ear:" and if on any occasion one of such should be absent, the inquiry is spontaneous, "Is any one ill?" There are others, whose duty, nay, whose interests are in all respects the same, but on whose appearance not even the pastor, much less the stranger, can safely calculate. Should it happen that in them any one is ill, inquiry would not at least be spontaneous. Were it possible for congregations to realize the feelings of him who is over them in the Lord, whether he may himself officiate at the moment or otherwise, they would surely forego the satisfaction thus surreptitiously obtained, would submit for an hour to listen to a less original thinker-probably to only a less modulated voice; rather than bring distress on their pastor, discouragement on his worthy substitute, discredit on their congregation and on themselves, that condemnatory sentence, "unstable as water, thou shalt not excel."

It can scarcely be supposed that, to correct such an evil, anything more than a moment of kind thought is required,-a short questioning with our consciences as to the good or ill result of this pleasing of ourselves. Then let such a moment be given. The absentee does not see the discomfort he occasions, any more than he surmises, as we are bound to believe, the mischief he may originate; but let him reflect, and he will easily realize both. Let him place himself in the situation of those whom he leaves behind, whether in the pulpit or the pews. Let him calculate the probable injury resulting from his conduct, the possible loss, the certain pain: and, above all, and as a specific for every such disorder, let him remember, as left on record for his individual example, that even Christ pleased not himself."

66

SPECTATOR.

ASYLUM FOR IDIOTS.

THE First Anniversary Dinner of the friends and supporters of this Institution was celebrated on the 28th ult. at the London Tavern. A highly respectable company of gentlemen were in attendance, and the proceedings throughout exhibited an earnest of future endeavours to support a society possessing, perhaps, of all charitable institutions, a peculiar, and, we may add, a paramount claim on the support and the benevolence of the country. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, the patron of the Society, was unable, in consequence of severe indisposition, to take his seat as Chairman of the meeting, a post which was most ably filled by the Right Hon. Dr. Lushington, around whom we

observed the following: - Lord Dudley Stuart, M.P.; Dr. Gueneau de Mussy, physician to Count de Neuilly; Mr. M. T. Smith, M.P.; Mr. James Heywood, M.P.; Rev. Dr. Holloway, Rev. Dr. Reed, Dr. Forbes, M.D.; Dr. Conolly, M.D.; Dr. Bushnan, M.D.; Dr. Little, M.D.; Dr. Foreman, M.D.; Mr. J. Twining, Rev. J. Chalmers, Rev. W. Brock, Mr. T. W. Tottie, Mr. D. W. Wire, &c.

On the cloth being removed, the Chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts, which were drunk with all the honours.

The Chairman next gave, as an especial toast, "The health of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge," who was unable from indisposition to attend their meeting, but who had evinced his anxiety for the welfare of their institution by having lately inspected it, and by having remitted a subscription of 201. (Applause.)

This toast having been most enthusiastically acknowledged,

The Chairman, in giving the toast of the night, observed that it became his duty to enter on a few details of the situation and progress of the institution. He did so with the highest satisfaction, for he knew, by frequent personal inspection, the state of the case. They were aware that it was a new institution, and it was astonishing to reflect on the advancement it had made. (Hear.) There had been institutions for the deaf and for the blind-there had been institutions for all classes of the afflicted; but, up to the present period, no attention had been shown to those who were afflicted with idiotcy. (Hear.) Up to the present period, or, at least, up to a short time ago, no institution had been framed for the reception of those afflicted creatures affected with idiotcy. The highest as well as the lowest families in the land had had members so afflicted, yet their sad case had escaped public attention until, in 1847, their institution was founded. The Right Hon. Chairman then proceeded to show, by a most powerful appeal to the feelings of Christians, the necessity for supporting an institution having such claims on public | support; and having drawn a touching picture of the state of the idiot in families not blessed with sufficient means to enable them to support such an object of care and solicitude in a manner required by the state of the unfortunate being, made a fervent appeal not only to those present, but to those who had not heretofore interested themselves in the institution, to enable it to carry out the work in hand. He furthermore stated that his Royal Highness Prince Albert had evinced his solicitude for their society's welfare by personally inspecting their institution; and implored the co-operation of the public in maintaining a society having such claims on their benevolence.

In conclusion, he gave "The Asylum for Idiots-may it live and prosper."

Lord Dudley Stuart, M.P., responded to this toast, and remarked, that the appeal of the Chairman in behalf of this excellent institution would touch the heart of every charitable man, and, he believed, of every uncharitable man too. He could not have forgiven himself if he had been absent on that occasion; for, connected as he was with many charities, he held, that none stood second to it,-and, in fact, he had more applications for his votes in the Idiot Asylum than for any other institution. He proposed "The health of Dr. Lushington."

Martin Tucker Smith, Esq., M.P., gave "The health of the Medical Officers," to which

Dr. Conolly rose to reply, and in a most feeling speech, stated that while some people might say, What good can be done to these poor creatures? he was there to declare, that there were cases in which the improvement was so great, that, in the course of three months, he could scarcely recognize the patients. He introduced to the company

Dr. Gueneau de Mussy, physician to the Count de Neuilly, who, in a brief speech, in his native tongue, expressed his high admiration of this institution, and of that meeting, which he termed "a grand spectacle."

James Heywood, Esq., M.P., gave the health of the secretaries; to which the Rev. Dr. Holloway replied, and referring to his brother, the Rev. Dr. Reed, as the founder of the institution, paid a high compliment to that gentleman's laborious exertions.

Dr. Reed, on being called upon, stated, that out of 125 cases applying for admittance in April, only ten could be admitted.

Several other toasts were given and responded to in succession. During the evening, contributions were acknowledged to the amount of 730l. 10s.; and amongst the contributors we found the following

names:

Lord Dudley Stuart, M.P., 10l. 10s.; Duke of Cambridge, 201.; Mr. Peto, M.P., 10/. 10s.; Mr. M. T. Smith, M.P., 10l. 10s.; Mr. M. T. Baines, M.P., 5l. 5s.; Lord Radnor, 51. 5s.; Mr. James Heywood, M.P., 51. 5s.; Baron Rothschild, 10. 10s.; Mr. Twining, 301.; Mr. Richard Gibbs, 107. 10s.; Mr. James Capel, 10l. 10s.; Sir R. Glyn, 107. 10s.; Mr. William Strahan, 10l. 10s.; Mr. Robert Fore, 21.; Mr. James Mann, 211; Mr. Henry Green, 21.; Sir Charles Forbes, 21; Sir John Pelly, 10. 10s.; Lady Ellis, 51. 5s.; Sir William Clay, 51. 5s.; Mr. Benjamin Smith, 107. 10s.; Mr. Robert Barclay, 10. 10s.; Mr. Arnold, 10. 10s.; Mr. Benjamin Smith, M.P., 10. 10s.; Luke James Hansard, Esq., 214

WARDOUR CHAPEL, LITTLE CHAPEL

STREET, SOHO.

THE Rev. Charles Russell, B. A., late of Lower Forest Green, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, has received and accepted a unanimous and most cordial invitation from the church assembling in the above place of worship, (late under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. Robinson,) and intends entering upon his pastoral duties there on the first sabbath in May.

PROVINCIAL.

WESTERN COLLEGE.

IT is with much pleasure we learn that the Rev. R. Alliott, LL.D., has accepted an invitation to succeed the late highlyesteemed Dr. Payne, as Theological Tutor of the Western College, Plymouth. We congratulate the friends of this Institution on having secured the services of one so admirably qualified to fill the Professor's chair; and doubt not, that under his able presidency, assisted by his accomplished colleague, the Rev. S. Newth, M.A., the Western College, will, beneath the Divine blessing, happily flourish.

Applications for admission must be made, we understand, to the Rev. E. Jones, Plymouth.

ORDINATIONS.

ON Wednesday, January 3rd, 1849, the Rev. John Hodgson, late of the Lancashire Independent College, was ordained to the pastoral office over the church assembling in Queen-street Chapel, Oldham.

The service was commenced by the reading of the Scriptures and prayer by the Rev. R. M. Davies, of Oldham; after which the Rev. Dr. Halley, of Manchester, delivered an introductory discourse on the scriptural constitution of a Christian church: the usual questions were then asked by the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, F.S.A., of Ashton-underLyne; and satisfactory answers having been given, the Rev. James Pridie, of Halifax, Mr. Hodgson's former pastor, proceeded to offer up the designation prayer; an impressive and affectionate charge was then delivered by the Rev. Samuel Davidson, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Biblical Literature, &c., &c., in the Lancashire College. The morning services were concluded by the Rev. John Birt, of Oldham.

In the evening an eloquent and powerful discourse was delivered to the people by the Rev. James Parsons, of York.

Several of the attending ministers assisted in conducting Divine worship, and the proceedings of the day were of a character highly gratifying, encouraging, and profitable.

VOL. XXVII.

ON Thursday, the 4th of January, 1849, the Rev. Wm. Burgess, of Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, was ordained as co-pastor of the Independent church at Little Shelford, under the care of his father, the Rev. J. Burgess, who has presided over the church for twenty-five years.

The following gentlemen kindly engaged in the services: the Rev. A. C. Wright, of Melbourn, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Dorrington, late of Chishill, Essex, proposed the usual questions; the Rev. G. H. Hobbs, of Foulmire, offered the ordination-prayer; and the Rev. J. Hopkins, of Newport, in Essex, delivered the charge.

In the evening the Rev. R. E. Forsaith, of Royston, preached to the people.

The services were peculiarly interesting, and will be long remembered.

ON Wednesday, February 7th, 1849, the Rev. John Clunie M Michael, late a student of Rotherham College, was solemnly ordained co-pastor of the Independent church at Farnworth, near Bolton, Lancashire.

In the morning the Rev. Joseph Dyson, who had for more than thirty-five years honourably and successfully sustained the pastoral charge alone, read the Scriptures and offered the introductory prayer; the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, President of the Lancashire Independent College, delivered a very able discourse on the constitution and government of a Christian church; the Rev. Richard Fletcher, of Manchester, proposed the usual questions, and received the most satisfactory replies from our young brother; the Rev. Dr. Clunie, his uncle, under whose paternal care his early edu cation had been conducted, offered the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; and the Rev. Richard Slate, of Preston, the only surviving minister who took part in Mr. Dyson's ordination, concluded the service with prayer.

The congregation then separated; and about thirty ministers and one hundred friends partook of a cold collation, provided for them in the seminary belonging to the congregation; after which various addresses were delivered suitable to the occasion.

In the evening the services were resumed; when the Rev. W. L. Brown, A.M., of Bolton, introduced the service; and the Rev. Professor Stowell, of Rotherham, delivered a faithful and encouraging charge to the newly-ordained minister, from Matt. x. 32; the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, then preached a very impressive discourse to the people, from 1 Cor. iv. 1; and the Rev. Alexander Fraser, A.M., of Blackburn, concluded with prayer these interesting services, which it is hoped will be long and gratefully remem.

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