conformist blame us for telling our people why they ought to love the church; why they owe allegiance to the church, even though the censure of the seceders may seem to ensue. One of the great blessings of a full and free toleration is this—that we may now all of us contend fully and freely for the truth and the whole truth. As a lover of truth, then, I am a friend to toleration. When the law assumed that all men were churchmen, and on that account compelled all men to attend the services of the church, the charitably disposed would, of course, be ready to sacrifice many portions of truth to satisfy the scruples of weaker brethren. Now we are required to make no such sacrifices; we may now keep our eyes steadily fixed upon the truth, and if any man think that the truth is not with us, he suffers no hardship in withdrawing from us. And as a lover of peace as well as of truth, I thus openly, fairly, and honourably avow my principles. Depend upon it we promote peace, not by falsifying facts and by telling men that we do agree when we do not agree, for this only leads to endless disputes, but by stating clearly and firmly what our differences are, and by then agreeing to differ thereon. Those persons who thrust themselves into a promiscuous throng are liable to inconveniences and quarrels; but draw a line firmly and decidedly between disagreeing parties, and then over that line of demarkation opposite parties may cordially shake hands. With dissenters, therefore, in religious matters, I may not act, but most readily will I number them among my private friends. Never in my almsgivings will I make any distinction of persons-in such cases, Samaritan and Jew shall be both alike to me; most willingly will I meet them on neutral ground. I will say to them, and I will not take offence if they retort the saying upon me, that I think them in error; but every person who happens to oppose what we hold as the truth, is not, of necessity, a wilful opposer of truth, as such. Their love of truth may be as great as ours. Our principle, therefore, will be the same, though the application of that principle may be different, and for our common principle we may love and respect while we may sometimes oppose each other. We must, indeed, all of us learn to forbear one another, and to forgive one another, even as Christ, our blessed Redeemer who died for our sins and rose again for our justification, hath forgiven us.

It only remains for me further to observe that of all means of usefulness, none is so likely to bring with it a permanent blessing as those which we adopt for the bringing up of youth in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. On this point, I shall reserve what I have to say for the evening, only now expressing my satisfaction that the first request I shall make to you-and I hope, my brethren, you will not refuse a first request-is in behalf of the Parochial Sunday Schools, for which a collection is about to be made.

And now, my brethren-(may I not be permitted to say my friends?)--I commend you to the mercies of God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some few weeks must elapse before I can take up my residence finally among you; but when I do come, I hope it will be to minister among a united people, so far as the church is concerned, and notwithstanding any minor points of difference, for which no man can be more willing than I am to make every charitable allowance, and if I have grace and strength to act on the principles I have now asserted, and to enforce the doctrines to which I have now alluded, I feel sure that the result will be, by the blessing of the great Head of the Church, our glorified Redeemer, to one and all, triumphant faith, expansive charity, and increased holiness of life.

CHURCH IMPROVEMENT PETITION.

In the last number, an extraordinary document was given, which proceeded from a certain body of the Irish clergy, and related to filling up the suppressed sees. Another paper has been forwarded to the Magazine office, more extraordinary still. It is marked on the back, Church Improvement Petition.

It commences with the resolutions printed in the last number, in the form of a petition, recommended to the laity for their signature, and it is followed by what is now laid before the reader. Happily, such proceedings, on the part of church laymen, require no comment.

TO THE CLERGY AND LAY MEMBERS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND.

The feelings and sentiments of a number of the clergy having been ascertained, the annexed petition was drawn up in accordance with the same, and has also been approved of by influential laymen.

The cordial co-operation and support of all who are sincerely attached to our church, and anxious for her security and increased efficiency, are earnestly requested. It is hoped that due allowance will be made for the difficulty of previously addressing all whom the originators of this measure wished to have consulted; and, as it is not anticipated that conscientious scruples can interfere, it is confidently expected that the friends of our church, and of true religion, will unite in furthering the desired object. It is probable that many must make some sacrifice of opinion, for it can hardly be expected that any plan could be devised to please all,-but the most anxious attention has been given to various proposals, and it has cost much trouble and careful consideration to bring this to its present matured form, and it has been observed of it, by those who have most fully considered the subject, "That it was not thought possible to produce a plan against which so little reasonable objection could be raised;" and a strong and assured conviction is felt, that no measure, differing much from that now proposed, will ever meet with so general support from the clergy and laity. This, however, is not to prevent suggestions being made, which, on the contrary, are earnestly requested, in order that the Act of Parliament may be framed so as to give general satisfaction. It is perfectly evident, and most unequivocally and universally acknowledged, that something must be done-and the advocates of this measure are fully convinced that there is much more danger to our church, whether politically or spiritually considered, in letting her remain under the injurious influence of the present system, than in making a sober and persevering attempt to free her from the cavils of her enemies, to elevate her character, and place her in her just position, so that she should be more respected, rendered more efficient, and be fully and universally recognised as a great and hallowed instrument for the advancement of true religion and virtue.

I have the honour to be, yours obediently and faithfully,

Bushmills, Co. Antrim, April, 1837.

Lay Sec. Pro Tem.

N.B. The cordial approbation already conveyed to me, and the anxiety expressed for the success of the measure, as also the assurance of warm support and zealous co-operation, are most encouraging, and satisfy me of the certainty of ultimate success, by the blessing of God.

Be kind enough to sign your own name, and get the neighbouring clergymen and as many of the respectable laity as possible to sign theirs. Signatures can only be on one side, and if more space is required, take paper of the same breadth and paste it to the other.

[Some directions then follow as to the transmission of the petitions to Sergeant Jackson, Mr. Lefroy, &c.]

A number of copies of this are Now being forwarded to every county in Ireland, but as it is unnecessary to send one to every individual clergyman, you are requested to communicate with your brethren in your neighbourhood, that they may assist in making application to the respectable laity.

It is a cause that requires fidelity and faithfulness: much will depend on your exertions, and everything should be done as quickly as is consistent with efficiency.

ECCLESIASTICAL LIBRARIES.

Gloucester, 24th December, 1836. REVEREND SIR,-At a monthly meeting of the Gloucester Clerical Book Society, held at Gloucester, on Thursday, the 15th of December inst., the following proposition for the formation of an ecclesiastical library was submitted; and it was unanimously resolved that the secretaries should be directed to circulate it among the clergy, in order to learn how far such a plan would meet with encouragement from them.

Under these general instructions, having been assured of the cordial concurrence of the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, and support of the Venerable the Archdeacon, we are anxious to make the proposal known to all the clergy in the archdeaconry; trusting that even those who are at the greatest distance, or who are supplied with private libraries containing such works as it is proposed to collect, may yet wish to encourage it for the sake of their brethren who are differently circumstanced; and also on public grounds, as an Institution which may be beneficial, not only to the clergy, but the laity. On this ground, should it come to your knowledge that we have omitted to make a direct application to any one of our brethren, we shall be obliged by your communicating the proposition to him, with an assurance that such an omission was entirely unintended and accidental. We may be permitted to add (for it was so explained at the meeting) that the sketch was framed with a desire to make the library accessible to every clergyman; and that with this view, a rate of clerical subscription was suggested which might prevent it from being burdensome to any one-a rate, indeed, which could not be thought of, were it not known that there are some, and believed that there are many, who will gladly afford greater and more immediate assistance by taking shares.

It was also explained that the rule respecting the age of books to be purchased was intended to convey a decisive explanation of the nature of the library projected; the object of which is to supply a means of access to the best editions of the great standard works of Christian writers in all agesto a class of books, many of which are so scarce, bulky, or expensive, as seldom to find a place in private collections; but which many of the clergy would be glad to read or to consult, if brought within their reach. It is conceived that until, at least, a very broad foundation of such works shall have been laid, it will be absolutely necessary entirely, and by some decisive and unequivocal rule, to prevent the funds of the library from being frittered away in the purchase of modern publications, concerning the merits of which differences of opinion might arise, and which, in fact, those who desire to read them may, with comparative ease, obtain a sight of by other means.

Our instructions do not authorize us to ask you to commit yourself in the slightest degree to any specific point in the proposition, or any matter of detail which may have been introduced into it for the sake of laying it before the meeting in a tangible form-but only to inquire whether you would encourage the formation of an institution on some such plan as that which is proposed. Should you, however, be prepared to express your general approval of the plan, subject to such modifications as it may receive at a meeting of those who shall have expressed a like general approbation, and to state whether, in case of its adoption, you would be willing to become an annual subscriber, or to take one or more shares, it will facilitate and expedite our proceedings if you will favour us with as early a reply as may be convenient. We are, reverend Sir, yours very faithfully,

S. R. MAITLAND, Secretaries.

J. G. DOWLING.

The following is a copy of the proposal as it was submitted to the Lord Bishop of the diocese, except only that the word " archdeaconry" was, with his Lordship's recommendation, substituted for "diocese:" and, thus amended, it was

submitted to the Venerable the Archdeacon.

Ir is proposed to form an ecclesiastical library, principally for the use of the clergy of the archdeaconry of Gloucester, and consisting exclusively of standard works in divinity and ecclesiastical history.

That a fund be created for that purpose by shares of 51. each. The holders of such shares possessing the property in the books, and being required to pay no subscription.

That all clergymen, and such laymen as may be approved by the committee, shall be allowed to purchase shares.

That clergymen, not shareholders, subscribing ten shillings, and laymen subscribing two guineas, per annum, shall be entitled to the use of the library.

That, as many persons, in order to encourage the design, may be induced to take several shares, they shall be entitled, for every such share but one, to give a ticket to any clergyman, which shall entitle him to the privileges of an annual subscriber.

That until good editions of the most valuable and approved works of the fathers, historians, and reformers, shall have been procured, no book shall be purchased which has been written within one hundred years.

That shareholders and subscribers shall be allowed to take out books, under such restrictions as the committee to be hereafter appointed shall think fit.

CHURCH RATES IN SCOTLAND.

THE Correspondent who corrected an erroneous statement in this Magazine, relative to Church Rates in Scotland, has been kind enough to obtain from Scotland, and forward here, the following information :

"You must be aware that there exists in Scotland what goes under the denomination of Valued Rent.' This was established, I believe, in Oliver Cromwell's time, when the whole land in Scotland was valued for the payment of land tax. The general, I may almost say, the universal practice, is, that all burdens or assessments in counties are raised on this valued rent; every property being registered in the county books, in which is kept the amount of valued rent attached to each property. In answer to your immediate question, all land in a parish is liable to the building and repairing the parish church and manse, and the expense is almost universally raised according to the valued rent; there is no exception of any landed property; all parties pay their proportion according to the land they possess. I have said, almost universally, this rule of levying the money prevails, for I believe that there has been a decision by Lord Eldon that it can be raised by the actual value; but still the same principle holds, that the landed property is liable for the building and upholding of churches and manses.

"In order to secure these buildings being properly upheld, the presbyteries have a superintending charge of them. For instance, should a church or manse get into disrepair, and the heritors refuse or neglect on a proper representation being made to them, to put them into a sufficient state of repair, the clergyman of the parish can lay the case before the presbytery to which he belongs; and they have the power, on being satisfied that his complaint is well founded, to force the heritors to make the necessary repairs or build new houses, if requisite. The same rule applies to our parish school houses, and school masters' houses."

VOL. XI.-June, 1837.

T

678 DOCUMENTS.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE DEAN AND CANONS RESIDENTIARY OF SALISBURY,*

TO HIS MAJESTY'S COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO CONSIDER THE STATE OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH WITH REFERENCE TO ECCLESIASTICAL DUTIES AND

REVENUES,

SHEWETH, That your memorialists have read with the attention due to so important a document the various recommendations contained in your second report, and beg respectfully to offer you some remarks on those parts of it which more nearly concern themselves.

They cannot withhold the expression of the great surprise and regret with which they have learned that you have considered it expedient to recommend a change in the exercise of the patronage which is now vested in their body, and to suggest that the presentation to a portion of the benefices in their gift should pass in some cases to the crown, and in others to the bishop of the diocese, in addition to your other recommendation to transfer to the bishop the election of canons residentiary.

Your memorialists are utterly at a loss to conceive either how the possession of this their undisputed right, can in any way have been connected with the evils "which flow from a deficiency in the means of religious instruction and pastoral superintendence;" or how the depriving them of this right for no fault of their own can be made "available for the augmentation of poor benefices containing a large population, or to the great object of adding to the number of the parochial clergy." They have, therefore, no hesitation in declaring, that they should consider any such attempt to deprive them of chartered rights which they have enjoyed in their corporate capacity since the time of the Conquest, to be as unjust as it is uncalled for by the circumstances of the case; calculated to bring discredit upon your memorialists, and, in the same proportion, injury to the established church; and, by unnecessarily causing disunion in it, to obstruct the satisfactory correction of "such defects and anomalies as exist in our ecclesiastical institutions."

Your memorialists furthermore request, with all due deference, that before the canons residentiary of Salisbury are divested of all separate endowments, their especial case may be duly considered. They confidently submit, that it would be found, on mature examination, that their incomes have not been on an average of years more than barely adequate to their support and respectability; and these will be so much diminished as no longer to enable them to meet the various demands which are made upon them, and in particular will prevent them from bestowing such sums on the care and reparation of the fabric of their cathedral as they have hitherto done, if the dean shall enjoy, as you recommend, a share in each dividend double that of the canons, a privilege which at present he enjoys only as far as regards a part of the corporate revenues. And your memorialists earnestly hope that you will reconsider that portion of your report to which they have referred, before any step is taken to found a legislative enactment upon it.

Sealed with the common seal of the Dean and Canons of Salisbury, this eleventh day of April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six.

SECOND MEMORIAL.

WE, the Dean and Canons Residentiary of Salisbury Cathedral, assembled in Chapter, beg leave again respectfully to address his Majesty's Commisioners on the subject of several of their recommendations, which affect, in a very serious degree, the rights, immunities, and privileges of your memorialists.

This Memorial has not yet been published. This copy was procured, by the kindness of a friend, from the Chapter Clerk, with the sanction of the authorities then

resident.