towards building a new Church at Newcastle-upon-Tyne; being ten grants in all, to increase Church accommodation to every class of society.

At the February Meeting of the Committee, the Lord Bishop of Carlisle in the chair, grants of money were voted for building, altering, or repewing the following churches and chapels-viz., towards building a chapel at Wisthen, Salop; building a chapel at East Grafton, in the parish of Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire; building a church at Farrley, in the parish of Calverly, Yorkshire; building a church at Queen's-Head, in the parish of Halifax, Yorkshire; for rebuilding a church at New Radnor, Radnorshire; enlarging, by rebuilding, the church at Swallow Cliff, Wiltshire; for enlarging, by rebuilding, the church at Burghfield, Berkshire; building a chapel at Llairfair, parish of Llantillio Crepenny, in Monmouthshire; repewing and erecting a gallery in the church of St. Mary Magdalen, Taunton, Somersetshire; repewing and rebuilding a gallery in the church at Harlington, Middlesex; repewing and building a gallery in the church at East Coker, Somersetshire; erecting a gallery in the church of Creeting, Suffolk; repewing the church at Neston, Chester; enlarging the church at High Lyttleton, Somersetshire; building a gallery in the church at Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire; for enlarging the church at Comerton, Somersetshire; repewing the church at Llanwrothan, Merionethshire; enlarging, by rebuilding the church of St. Nicholas, in the city of Hereford. The other business of the committee was also very important-namely, reporting the amount of donations and subscriptions received since the last meeting, the aggregate of which was not equal to what might have been expected, considering the extensive good that has already been done by this Society.

promised to form an Auxiliary Society here, and will immediately write to the society in London for papers. &c. This will in many respects be very important, this being so central a spot, will

be very useful as a medium of communicating with Jerusalem. I cannot but increasingly feel the remarkable providence of our going out in one of her Majesty's ships of war, which in every port brings us into immediate contact with the naval authorities, who in this place are particularly strong and very influential; and thus the cause of Israel is brought before a branch of society of great importance."

Church at Jerusalem.-Various unfavourable reports having been circulated in public journals in reference to impediments supposed to exist in carrying out the plans of the committee in the Holy City, we are happy to state that the committee has received no information whatever respecting such impediments; on the contrary, all the correspondence from the East implies a hope that the wishes of the friends of Israel will be realized.

CLERGY ORPHAN CORPORA-
TION.

The annual general meeting of the governors of this institution was held at the Freemason's Tavern, on the 2nd of Feb., to receive the report of the committee, and to elect officers for the ensuing year. The number of orphans now in the schools is 140, and upwards of 1000 have been maintained and educated by the society since its foundation. The boys' course includes geography, history, elements of classical knowledge, geometry, arithmetic, French, and drawing. The girls, in addition to the ordinary course of female instruction, are taught French and Music, with such other elegant accomplishments as may prepare them to become teachers in schools, or governesses in families. The receipts of the past year, including annual subscriptions, donations, and legacies, amounted to 11,2577. 18s. 2d. The expenditure to 11,151. 19s. Od., leaving a balance of 105/. 19s. 2d. in favour of the institution. The report was then received, and ordered to be printed. The vacancies in the committee having been filled up, the court proceeded to the election of five boys from a list of eleven candidates; and six girls from a list of twelve candidates. Thanks having been voted to the very reverend chairman, the court adjourned.

Church Accommodation in St. Pancras, London.-A general committee is about to be formed in this extensive parish for the purpose of raising subscriptions to afford church accommodation for its vastly increased population. By adopting this course there can be little doubt that a more ample fund will be raised than can possibly be accomplished by the individual exertions of parties in different localities.

Penzance.-A new episcopal chapel is being erected in Clarence-street, to be known as St. Paul's Chapel. It is expected to be completed within the year, and is designed to accommodate 300. A large proportion of the sittings will be let at nominal rents.

A large Roman Catholic Chapel at Bath, known as Portland Chapel, has been purchased by some members of the Church of England, and opened under episcopal sanction.

Dudley Church-rate.-The contest between the Church and anti-Church-rate parties, which had been going on for three days, terminated on the 18th of February, when the numbers were:-For the rate, 588; against it, 169; majority for the rate, 419.

A new bishopric will be shortly formed out of part of the diocese of London and Lincoln, and the see will be fixed at St. Alban's; so that the magnificent abbey in that place will become a cathedral, and the town itself a city.

Nottingham. Feb. 2.-A public meeting for the purpose of establishing a Church Building Society for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, was held at the assembly rooms this day. The Lord Bishop of Lincoln presided; there was a numerous attendance of the nobility, clergy, and gentry. 4600l. was contributed; Mr. F. Wright, of Lenton Hall, heading the list with a donation of 10007.

It having been intimated to the Queen that the inhabitants of Sunning Dale, near Virginia Water, were contemplating the erection of a parsonage-house in the immediate vicinity of the new church lately erected in that district, her Majesty immediately caused to be forwarded in aid of the fund for that purpose, a donation of 30%. A school for the education of the children of the poorer classes being likewise in contemplation, the Queen also presented the sum of 201. in order to promote so desirable an object.

demolishing its outworks and defences, together with its impediments and incumbrances; and of destroying the very edifice of the Church itself, in their desire to clear away from it every thing of mere human device and workmanship. It is lamentable, that any should now be found, not amongst the enemies of that Church, but amongst her sons and servants, to speak irreverently and disparagingly of those holy men, who proved their sincerity by the test of martyrdom; and whose wisdom and moderation, under circumstances of difficulty to us almost unimaginable, were surely indications that they were guided by that Spirit who had been promised to the Church, and who would not forsake those who loved, and prayed, and suffered for it, in the moment of its fiercest struggle with the adversary.

"I repeat it, we have great reason to be thankful that Divine Providence, when it restored to this nation the full enjoyment of the light, preserved to us also the sanctuary in which it burned, and the ministry by which it was tended. You remember, no doubt, the almost prophetic words with which good Bishop Latimer encouraged his brother martyr at the stake; Be of good courage, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.' Those words have hitherto proved true; and that they will still be verified, we have no manner of doubt."

ECCLESIASTICAL DIGNITARIES OF THE WEST INDIES.

On the 8th of February, Lord Stanley obtained leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Act of 6 George IV., c. 88, "For making provision for the Salaries of certain Bishops and other Ecclesiastical Dignitaries and Ministers in the Diocese of Jamaica, and in the Diocese of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, and to enable her Majesty to separate such Dioceses."

The intention of the Bill is, to sub-divide the Diocese of Barbadoes into three dioceses, instead of one, but without involving any increased expenditure, either to this country, or to any other party. The first of the three new Bishops is to receive 2,500l. a year, the second, 2,000l., and the third 1,500. Under the proposed arrangement, the same amount of money which went to provide for one Bishop and three Archdeacons, will go to provide the services of three Bishops, three Archdeacons and two Rural Deans.

The Bill also proposes to give to her Majesty the power, if she so thinks fit, to

appoint one or two, or more dioceses in Jamaica, provided that the expence of the dioceses do not exceed the sum of 6,000, appropriated to the support of the present Diocese.

ECCLESIASTICAL CORPORATION

LEASES.

Abstract of the Bill laid on the Table of the House of Lords on the 7th of February, by the Bishop of London, “For enabling Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Corporations, aggregate and sole, to grant building and repairing leases of their lands and houses:

"Preamble. Whereas it would be advantageous to the estates of Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Corporations, aggregate and sole, if such Corporations were empowered to grant building and repairing leases, for a term not exceeding ninety-nine years (under proper restrictions and reservations), of such of the land and houses belonging to such corporations respectively as are, or may be suitable to be let on such leases. May it therefore please your Majesty," &c.

Clause 1, enacts that Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Corporations, aggregate and sole, be empowered to grant building leases, under certain restrictions.-Clause 2, gives power to reserve increased rents.--Clause 3, provides that ground may be appropriated for streets, yards, &c., to the buildings erected, or to be erected, on any of the same lands or grounds, or on any of the adjoining lands or grounds, so to be leased as aforesaid, or for yards or places necessary or convenient for carrying on any manufacture or trade; also gives powers to appropriate any part of the same lands and grounds as and for ways, streets, squares, avenues, passages, sewers, or otherwise, for the general improvement of the estate, and the accommodation of the lessees, tenants, and occupiers thereof, &c.-Clause 4, provides that on recovery of possession under a condition of re-entry, the premises may be leased again.-Clause 5, gives power to confirm leases voidable for informality, and to accept surrenders, and grant new leases, or apportioned leases.-Clause 6: Certificate of receipt of counterpart, to be evidence of its execution; and the execution of a lease by the requisite consenting parties to be evidence that the requisites of this Act have been complied with.--Clause 7: This Act not to restrain existing powers of leasing, &c.-Clause 8, provides that Palace or Parsonage-house, &c., garden, &c., are not to be demised.-The other clauses are provisions for carrying the measure into effect.

THE BISHOP OF WORCESTER AND PUSEYISM AT BIRMINGHAM.

The following letter of the Lord Bishop of Worcester has been circulated amongst the Clergy in Birmingham, accompanied by the following circular from the Rev. J. Garbett, the Rural Dean:

(Circular.)

"Birmingham, Jan. 28, 1842. "Rev. and Dear Sir,-Considerable excitement and controversy having been raised in this place, and offence taken, by the introduction of certain novel observances in divine worship; and public attention having been directed to it, not only in our local but also in the metropolitan journals, I forward you a copy of a letter recently addressed by the Lord Bishop of the diocese to one of our brethren; it being his Lordship's wish that I would embrace the opportunity of thus informing the clergy of his opinions on the general subject," in order that it may be known that our diocesan is decidedly opposed to the introduction of novelties

which create disunion without producing any counterbalancing good whatever;' a sentiment, in the propriety of which I cannot but think every sincere friend to the Church's purity and peace will heartily concur. I remain, reverend and dear Sir, your affectionate brother,

"JOHN GARBETT, "Rural Dean of Birmingham." (Copy.)

"Palace, Worcester, Jan. 19, 1842. "Reverend Sir,-My attention has been called to certain letters in the Birmingham Advertiser, wherein it is alleged that in one of the churches in Birmingham a gilt cross has been introduced upon the communion-table cloth, and that the officiating clergyman is in the habit of kneeling down before this cross, on his way to the reading-desk, and of bowing to it, on returning to it, after the prayers and the sermon. Not knowing to whom these letters referred, I wrote to Mr. Garbett, the Rural Dean, and requested that he would make the necessary inquiries. I now learn from him that you are the individual who has given such cause of offence; and I think it therefore my duty to request your attention to the following observations.

"Without entering into the question of how far the introduction of such novelties may be justified by the practice of antiquity, I would wish you seriously to consider whether they are of such importance as to justify the destruction of unity in the Church, which must be the necessary consequence. The mere display of the cross,

as a symbol of our Christian profession, may indeed be a matter of indifference; and I lately declined ordering one to be removed, as I was requested to do, from one of the churches which I have recently consecrated at Rugby; but I then said, that I would certainly do so, if I afterwards found that it led to idolatrous or superstitious practices. Now I firmly believe that you do not worship the cross in the sense in which the Roman Catholics are said to do so; but if you do not, you cannot attach any religious importance to its display in your church, or to the genuflexions and obeisances which, without any direction from the rubric, you are in the habit of making before it; and if these be things indifferent, where is the prudence of "troubling the consciences of those who are rightly religious," by adopting practices in themselves indifferent, but which you know will give cause of offence to others?

"There is one other point which I wish to press upon your attention. Granting that various modes of divine worship may, for various reasons, have become obsolete, which yet may have been the practice of the primitive Church, and even directed by some of our rubrics or canons, who is to decide upon the propriety of their being again revived? Is every individual minister to take this upon himself? Or does it not more properly belong to those who are placed in authority? And may it not be inferred, from their silence, that they consider such a revival inexpedient, or at least indifferent?

"I have received the little pamphlet which I conclude you sent me and though to comment upon the whole of it would exceed the compass of a letter, I cannot refrain from observing, that when you undertake that you will conform to the Book of Common Prayer,' the object of requiring this declaration from you is, to secure the use of the general form of the Morning and Evening Prayer, and administration of the two Sacraments,' in opposition to other forms or to the extemporaneous composition of the minister. Essential and honest conformity is here meant : not a scrupulous adherence to petty ceremonies, which time may have rendered obsolete, and of which the lawful authorities of the Church have never required the restoration.

"I have written more at length upon this subject than is perhaps required by our relative position; because I am anxious to use the language of remonstrance instead of authority; that of a father to an indis

* Extracts from the Rubrics, Canons, &c.

creet son; or, if you will, that of a senior presbyter to a very young one, who yet has taken upon himself, without authority from his bishop, to introduce practices, which, if they ever prevailed in the Church, have long since fallen into desuetude.

"In conclusion, I will refer you to an authority older than any that the utmost admirer of antiquity can produce. St. Paul distinctly asserts that there was no sin in eating meat which had been offered to idols; still, he directs the Corinthians to abstain from such a practice, out of consideration for the consciences of othersWhen, therefore, ye sin against the brethren, and wound their weak consciences, ye sin against God.' And again

Giving none offence, neither to the Jew nor to the Gentile, nor to the Church of God.'

"I feel sure that this admonition will be sufficient to ensure the discontinuance of the novelties complained of, and I beg that you will believe me to be, always, Reverend Sir, your faithful friend and brother, H. WORCESTER."

ADDITIONAL COLONIAL

BISHOPRICS.

At a Meeting of Archbishops and Bishops, held at Lambeth, on the Tuesday in Whitsun Week, 1841, the following Declaration was agreed to by all pre

sent:

We, the undersigned Archbishops and Bishops of the United Church of England and Ireland, contemplate with deep concern the insufficient provision which has been hitherto made for the spiritual care of the members of our National Church residing in the British Colonies and in distant parts of the world, especially as it regards the want of a systematic superintendence of the Clergy, and the absence of those ordinances, the administration of which is committed to the Episcopal order. We, therefore, hold it to be our duty, in compliance with the resolutions of a meeting convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 27th of April last, to undertake the charge of the Fund for the Endowment of Additional Bishoprics in the Colonies, and to become responsible for its application.

On due consideration of the relative claims of those dependencies of the empire which require our assistance, we are of opinion, that the immediate erection of Bishoprics is much to be desired in the following places:-New Zealand, the British Possessions in the Mediterranean, New Brunswick, Cape of Good Hope, Van Diemen's Land, Ceylon. When competent pro

vision shall have been made for the endowment of these Bishoprics, regard must be had to the claims of Sierra Leone, British Guiana, South Australia, Port Phillip, Western Australia, Northern India, Southern India.

In the first instance, we propose that an Episcopal See be established at the seat of government in New Zealand, offers having been already made which appear to obviate all difficulty as to endowment.

Our next object will be to make a similar provision for the congregations of our own communion, established in the islands of the Mediterranean, and in the countries bordering upon that sea; and it is evident that the position of Malta is such as will render it the most convenient point of communication with them, as well as with the Bishops of the ancient Churches of the East, to whom our Church has been, for many centuries, known only by name.

We propose, therefore, that a See be fixed at Valetta,* the residence of the English government, and that its jurisdiction extend to all the Clergy of our Church residing within the limits above specified. In this city, through the munificence of her Majesty the Queen Dowager, a church is in course of erection, which, when completed, will form a suitable Cathedral.

Our attention will then be directed to the countries named in the foregoing lists, without binding ourselves to the exact order therein followed, or precluding ourselves from granting assistance to any place where means may be found for the earlier endowment of a Bishopric.

In no case shall we proceed without the concurrence of her majesty's government; and we think it expedient to appoint a standing committee consisting of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Durham, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Bishop of Rochester, with full powers to confer with the ministers of the crown, and to arrange measures, in concert with them, for the erection of Bishoprics in the places above enumerated.

We appoint as our treasurers, the Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge, the Venerable Archdeacon Hale, and W. E. Gladstone, Esq. M.P.; and as Honorary Secretary, the Rev. Ernest Hawkins.

For the attainment of these most desirable objects a sum of money will be required, large as to its actual amount, but small when compared with the means which this

* The Standing Committee of Bishops has recommended that the sec be founded at Gibraltar.