OUR subscribers will perceive, among the improvements made in our magazine, a very material one as regards its external appearance. We have obtained for it a new font of type, and present it to our readers in a garb far more beautiful and attractive than that which it has heretofore worn, We intend that the spirit and the form of our journal shall move on together, with an equal face, in the path of improvement. As its spirit-by which we mean its intellectual and literary character-is to be expanded and strength ened, and rendered more vigorous, so its form-by which we mean its outward and visible appearance has been made to correspond with that which it is to contain. The new wine, clear, sparkling, and nutritious, has had new bottles made into which it is to be put. the to now, while you think of it, it will, in all probability, escape your mind. The postmaster of your village is authorized by law to give it a free passage, and thus save you the expense of transportation. Do not forget to send us word, at the same time, which two engravings (see notice on cover) you wish us to forward, and your directions shall be attended to. By this method, the outlay which otherwise would go into the pocket of the collector, is made available to our subscribers, while we are more than compensated by the prompt returns. Kind reader, forgive us for dwelling upon this theme. Your kindness and liberality, which we have already experienced, will, we are sure, not only excuse us, but respond to our call. We have received the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of Order of the Protestant Episcopal Mutual Benefit Society. At this commencement of the year, and in view of the improvements we are making, and the additional expense we are incurring, we trust our readers will pardon us for reminding them that our terms are in advance. We must meet the pecuniary demands upon us by the various departments of our magazine, as they are presented, and it is all-important, therefore, that means should be at our disposal. We know that a single subscription is a small, a very small matter, and we are not at all surpised that it should oftentimes be overlooked and neglected. Indeed it would be a matter of surprise were it otherwise. We have ourselves, before we entered into the publishing field, of tentimes fallen into this same forgetfulness; but since we have become a party affected, self-interest, that great teacher, has opened our eyes, and brought us to the stool of repentance, and we are now striving to make amends for our past omissions, not only by being more prompt ourselves, but by urging our friends to join with us in carrying out this philanthropic princi-some, if not many of them. ple. In furtherance of this object, we ask each of our subscribers who has not already remitted for the present year, 1851. Now, that we have gently jogged your elbow, will you enclose that little matter, ($2,) to us, and set it in motion towards our office? Do not delay, for it is so trifling a business, that if not attended The object of this Society is, as its name imports, the mutual benefit of its members, who must be bap tized, or confirmed, in the Protestant Episcopal Church. It provides for the care of sick members, for their decent interment in case of death, and for the care and support of the widows and orphans of such of its members as may die. We think a Society of this kind may be made productive of much good. We see no reason why the sons and daughters of the Church should not be as united in sympathy, and have the same benefit of cach other's kindness and care in sickness and affliction, as the children of the world. It is one of the teachings of Christianity, that its followers are all members of one household. How appropriate, then, that they should unite together, and of their substance make provision to cheer and lighten the dark days which, in God's Providence, will in all probability gather around The names of the gentlemen under whose auspices this Society has been formed, are a sufficient guarantee of the excellence of its management. Mr. C. S. Bourne, 52 Wall-st., New-York, is the corresponding Secretary, to whom any communication may be addressed. BOOK TABLE. A TREATISE ON THE LAW OF THE PROTESTANT tle doubt that it will become a standard in its proper (department of ecclesiastical concerns, both diocesan and general. It has a strong claim to this distinction, and to thus supplying what has long been a great desideratum in our Church -"the Protestant Episcopal Our unintended delay in noticing this volume has enabled us to give our readers the pleasing informa-Church in the United States." tion of its having received the most gratifying tokens of approbation from the Church, and being already cited as high anthority in matters appertaining to our ecclesiastical judicatory. We are glad to find the merits of the work so justly appreciated, and have lit By "our Church," we mean not a Church which had its origin after the American revolution; nor a branch of a Church which had its origin in England at the Reformation; but a branch of that Holy Catholic Church which had its origin with Christ and His Apos From these considerations, it seems clearly to fol low that "the law of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States"-that is, of this portion of the great spiritual or heavenly kingdom which Christ es tablished on earth, and with which He has promised His presence alway, even unto the end of the worldshould be regarded, (1.) as the adaptation for the de cency, order, and edification best fitted to its circumstances, of the great ecclesiastical principles laid down in Scripture, incorporated into the polity of the Church in its first and purest days, and developed in the tries and successful sound legislation of the different branchlegal sanction, and the enforcement of legal penalties. to the already qualifiedly binding legislation of our Church, in its connection with England; and (3) as the superaddition of legislation in our own independert right; which Christian duty requires should be in ascordance with Scriptural, primitive, and Catholic principles. tles; which, probably during, or if not, soon after, the time of the latter, was established in Great Britain, and became there, on the settled principles, and agree ably to the law, of the Catholic Church, the independent British Church, bound by divine authority to that Catholic faith, and to those great principles of ecclesiastical order, polity, and worship, into which the primitive Church was guided by the Holy Ghost; which were incorporated by Him into His inspired volume of the New Testament; and which were to be, in all ages, the bond of union between the different portions of "the Holy Church throughout all the world;"' but in all the details of order, polity, and worship, consistentes of the Catholic Church; and (2.) as giving formal with this faith and these principles, left of right, and bound in duty, to its own doing of things decently and in order, and to edification: which, as the British branch of the Catholic Church, had rightful rule in things spiritual over all the disciples of Christ within the British empire; which, however, in process of time, came into unlawful subjection to the Bishop of、 Rome; but which, by the good providence and grace of God, shook off that subjection, and again occupied its proper place in Christendom, as the Independent British Church, with its original right of spiritual rule over British subjects. This Church, this primitive Church, thus fallen and risen again, whose was the proper jurisdiction over the disciples of Christ in British America, is now the duly organized independent branch of the Catholic Church in the United States, having, as such, right of spiritual rule over the Christians in those States. And this is our Church, in that scriptural and primitive sense in which it is not one of divers American Churches, but the American Branch of the Catholic Church. No man, therefore, can be duly qualified to take part in the legislation of the Church, who does not well understand the laws of God as laid down and illustrated in Holy Scripture, and whose character and life are rot humbly and devoutly conformed to those laws; who is not well-instructed in those ancient authors, and those Catholic authoritative enactments and decisions, which develop the true spirit and intent of the authority which Christ and His Apostles bequeathed to the Church; "The "ancient authors," as well as that of "Holy Scripture," her ground for continuing, enforcing, and reverently using and esteeming the three ministerial orders of " Bishops, Priests, and Deacons ;" and in the Consecration of Bishops, puts certain questions to the Bishop-elect, because the Holy Scripture and the ancient canons command that we should not be hasty in laying on of hands, and admitting any person to government in the Church of Christ." practice of the primitive Church," is the authority pleaded for the Canon of the General Convention prescribing the Stated Times of Ordination." In the preface to her Book of Common Prayer, our Church declares that she is far from intending to depart from the Church of England in any essential point of doctrine, discipline, or worship; or further than local circumstances require." In 1814, the General Convention renewed this declaration, in an act from which the following are extracts:-"The Protest ant Episcopal Church in the United States of America,' is the same body heretofore known in these States by the uame of The Church of England;' the change of name. although not of religious principle in doctrine, or in wor ship, or in discipline, being induced by a characteristic of Of this Church, therefore, it is obvious-1. That its primary and fundamental law, with which none of its enactments and regulations must be inconsistent, is the New Testament.-2. That as a part of the Church which Christ established for all ages and all nations, it has an interest in all that has, with due authority, been done for that Church always and everywhere:3. That therefore the decisions and enactments of the General Christian Councils, while they could be held, that is, before the unhappy breach between the Eastern and Western Churches, are to be had in reverence, and the principles incorporated into them, regarded as proper to be always followed and observed, as far as the circumstances of time and place in each indepen dent Church will admit:-4. That in regard even to those branches of the Church which have unhappily become corrupted, it is wise to see if they may not the Church of England, supposing the independence of still present-as they undoubtedly have presented-Christian Churches under the different sovereignties to legislative and judicial developments and decisions of a wholesome and useful character:-5. That the British Church, since shaking off the shackles of Rome. in those enactments and decisions which were once canonically binding upon us, and those which have since occurred, is specially entitled to respect and deference, as far as the principles of those enactments and decisions are concerned, and as far as they are applicable to our own case; indeed, that with regard to the former class of enactments and decisions, they should, with the above-mentioned qualifications, be considered as binding, not indeed with penal authority, but in foro conscientie; that is, as what the ministers and members of the Church should adopt for their rule of principles and action, on points not specially provided for by our own legislation.* * Under this head, as well as some of the previous ones, the following facts are interesting:-In the preface to her Book of Common Prayer, the Church of England frequently pleads as authority in ecclesiastical matters, "the ancient fathers;" deprecates "sundry alterations proposed" by the Puritans, as "striking at some established doctrine or laudable practice of the whole Catholic Church of Christ;" and advises the cherishing of "reverence for antiquity." The American Church makes the authority of which respectively their allegiance in civil concerus be and who is not well-acquainted with what was found) best for decency, order, and edification, in the tried experience of our Church, for the first two centuries of its independence of Rome. and mastered all its difficulties. This is not only the best possible book to be put into the hands of boys, but it seems to us, that any person more advanced in years, and wishing to acquire some knowledge of Greek, even without a teacher, may, by the aid of this volume, accomplish his object. The sounds of the letters and diphthongs, and the use of the breathings and accents, are so briefly, yet so familiarly explained, that, although the author recommends that this portion of the work should be deferred by the younger pupils to a second, or a third perusal, yet such a recommendation seems to us to be hardly necessary. Of the same qualifications ought he to be who would rightly explain the laws of our Church, and guide to their proper application. We have much reason to be thankful that we have such an author in Mr. Hoffman. It is refreshing to find in a layman such proofs of diligent study in the various matters appertaining to right judgment in things connected with sound, scriptural. and Catholic ecclesiastical polity; and of a just appre ciation of the Church as Christ's kingdom, not of this world; as to be regulated and governed on principles of A knowledge of the Greek Grammar has generally a high and heavenly character; and as an institution, not been considered as an indispensable qualification of formed by man, as an instrument of moral benefit, but the pupil before he begins to read Greek. The doing formed by God for man, and having laws binding upon away with the necessity of this at the beginning, is its ministers and members anterior to any action of very encouraging to the learner, while at the same theirs, and to which they are morally bound to have time it gives the author an opportunity to introduce, all their legislation conformed. The recognizing of gradually, and almost imperceptibly, sufficient gramthe divinely-established distinction between the minis- mar to illustrate the examples as they occur; and then, try and the membership of the Church, and between by repeating these examples with variations almost inthe several orders of the former, and the divinely-ap-numerable, the principle is indelibly impressed upon pointed rights, functions, and prerogatives of the minis- the mind. try in the respective orders, is the source of three va In the older Greek books intended for schools, the luable characteristics of this volume-1, the principle, examples given have been faulty, from their involving that there are a pastoral relation, and a right of juris too many principles at the beginning. The mind of diction, in the Bishops over the Clergy and Laity, and the pupil cannot comprehend so many things at once; in the Clergy over the Laity, antecedently to all ru he gets confused, and becomes, after a while, discoubrics and canons, and to which rubrics and canons must raged. Whereas, in the Greek Ollendorff of Professor conform and be subordinate, if of a truly Christian Kendrick, every principle of the Grammar is introcharacter;-2, the view of this relative position of the duced by degrees, and only when it is wanted for apdifferent orders of men in Christ's Church, as partak-plication. It teaches rules by examples, rather than ing of the character rather of mutual love and service, and of proper rule and obedience, in the Lord's family, under the direction of its Divine Head, than of the conventional order and discipline of a human compact; -and 3., a decided discouragement of that fruitful source of discord and mischief in the Church, lay jea lousy of clerical influence. This, from such a quarter, is an invaluable contribution to the peace and welfare of the Church. The volume is richly fraught with precedents and able argument, guiding to a right application of the great principles of Scriptural and Catholic law, and of the canonical enactments of our own branch of the Church, to cases which have arisen, or are likely to arise, in the details of ecclesiastical procedure. examples by rules. Another advantage of this volume over the older school books of the kind, is the examples of double translation, introduced at the very beginning, and made a part of the regular daily exercise. The book is well printed in good type, and on good paper, for which the Appletons deserve due credit. We conclude by recommnending this work to the favorable attention of teachers. THE YOUTH'S CORONAL. By Hannah Flagg Gould, authoress of Poems, &c., &c. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. 1851. This collection of Juvenile Poems is presented by the authoress to her young friends, with all the outward enticements of pleasing form. good paper, and clear page. We would respectfully suggest that every vestry have a copy of this book for the use of its members, and that it be particularly studied by the members of Diocesan and General Conventions. The diffusion of its spirit, its principles, its information, and its counsels, cannot fail to have a most salutary influence. GREEK OLLENDORFF; being a Progressive Exhibition of the Principles of the Greek Grammar; designed for Beginners in Greek, and as a Book of Exercises for Academies and Colleges. By Asahel C. Kendrick, Professor of the Greek Language and This very interesting little work is conceived and Literature, in the University of Rochester. Apple-executed in a most admirable spirit, containing much ton & Co., 200 Broadway, New-York, Publishers. 1851. Among the many elementary books published for the use of schools, we have not met with one that has pleased us more than Professor Kendrick's Greek Ollendorff. It seeins exactly fitted for the purpose intended, viz. by instilling into the minds of the young the more simple elementary principles of the language, thus to prepare them for a more extensive and familiar acquaintance with the ancient Greek classics. Its simplicity is perfectly delightful. The unfamiliar character of the letters, and the long course of study required to give a boy even a very imperfect knowledge of the Grammar, have deterred many a beginner from prosecoting the study of Greek, who, with the attractive volume before us, would have taken hold of it at once, THE VELVET CUSHION. By J. W. Cunningham, A. M.. Vicar of Harrow and Leeds. New York: Stanford & Swords. 1851. that is excellent. In style it is original, at least not modern-standing by itself as possessing character and individuality. The author is devoted to The Establishment," and sees no blemishes in the union of Church and State. To LOVE, AND TO BE LOVED. A story by S. Rae, A novel written in a most excellent spirit, and inculcating moral and religious sentiments. Its tendency is good; many of its scenes are invested with peculiar interest, and depicted in forcible language. The characters are well-sustained throughout. The scene is laid in the city of New-York forty years ago. SALANDER AND THE DRAGON. A Romance of the Hartz Prison. By Frederic William Shelton, M.A., Rector of St. John's Church, Huntington, N. Y. New-York: George P. Putnam. 1851. 24mo. pp. 184. Salander and the Dragon depicts, under the form of an allegory, the baneful effects of the spirit of detrac tion. The pernicious and desolating work of the slanderous report, constantly and stealthily working in the dark and gradually undermining a man's good name, while he, unconscious of the secret machinations set in motion against him, is reposing in the fancied security of his own integrity, is portrayed with much effect and vividness. The author's idea is happily conceived and admirably carried out. We do not see how this book can be read without leaving more deeply) impressed upon the mind than ever, how deadly is the poison that lurks beneath the slanderer's tongue, and how incalculable is the mischief produced by the gos. siping propensities to which mankind are so lamentably addicted. The author exhibits a vivid imagination, and shows himself to be a deep thinker and polished writer. The best success that we can wish his book is, that it meet the encouragement which its real excel lence so richly merits. The volume is embellished with several beautifully-executed and appropriate illustrations. short An excellent little work, containing sketches of some of the good men of old, who maintained the faith in the midst of sufferings and perils, and sealed their devotion to it with their lives. Its style is simple and concise, and well adapted to the young. MARTIN, or Truth and Honesty: JANE AND ANS THE BARDS OF THE BIBLE. By George Gilfillan. 1851. The main object of this work is, in the language of the author, "to be a Prose Poem, or Hymn, in honor of the Poetry and Poets of the inspired volume." It THE TWO MECHANICS; A Narrative. By the Rev. Richard Cox. With engravings by Howland; from designs by J. L. Morton, Esq. Church Depository.(embraces both the Old and New Testaments, and gives 20 John-street. 1851. An eminently practical little book, and one of the very best of the kind that has come under our observation. Its object is to illustrate and enforce that kind of prudence and economy which will prevent a man from involving himself in debt, and preserve him from the embarrassments, annoyances. and temptations, which are the inevitable accompaniment of what is popularly known as "living too fast." Believing that prodigality, and want of thrift, which hurries a man into expenses beyond his means, are the fruitful source į of much of the unhappiness and distress we see around ns, we would earnestly recommend this unpretending little volume to the notice of our young friends, and others, confident that the lessons it inculcates will be of the highest value. With all our hearts we bid it God-speed. sketches of the Apostles and Prophets. Its style is fervid, lofty. impassioned, and imaginative. The au thor seems filled with the grandeur and majesty of his theme, and has entered upon the work he has undertaken in a spirit of the deepest devotion. We cannot agree with him in all his conclusions, but he has said much which is calculated to disarm prejudice, and strengthen the cause of Christianity. We have also received HARPER'S MAGAZINE for January, which contains some excellent reading. Also, BISHOP CHASE'S ADDRESS at the close of the Ge neral Convention in Cincinnati, Oct. 16, 1850. And THE SPECIAL VOCATION OF THE P. E. CHURCH IN THE U. S. By Bp. Smith. CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY. 2. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. The Pre. sentation of Christ in the Temple; commonly called The Purification of St. Mary the Virgin. 9. Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. 16. Septuagesima Sunday-Third Sunday before Lent. 23. Sexagesima Sunday-Second Sunday before Lent. 24. St. Matthias the Apostle. Vol. VIII. THE EVERGREEN MARCH, 1851. No. 3. HE parish of THE BLIND GIRL. [See Plate.] fond and widowed mother, she was not inwas situated in a rural dis-jured by it, seeming rather to be one to whom trict, and inhabited by a it was a genial influence, and she did not people simple in their ha- abuse it; but carrying that talisman within bits, natural in their tastes, her breast, a good conscience, was most afand unaffected by the atmosphere of fectionate, attentive, and obedient. Little towns, or the fancies of change and check had been placed upon her tastes, and fashion. It comprehended quite an therefore she lived with nature; but much extent of country, and was diversified education, much pains, had, even from earwith the most charming scenery. liest childhood, been bestowed upon her prinHere dwelt Agatha de Sylva, whose delight it ciples and her feelings, and Heaven had was to explore the groves, to roam about the blessed these good endeavors. The rememfields, to sit quietly upon the sea shore, full brance of her calls to mind the sentiment of thoughts, or to meditate in the old church-contained in these lines : yard. Agatha was one of the happy kind; not only had she never known sorrow, but she carried within her bosom a native cheerfulness, a buoyancy, and a strong desire for action, with which sorrow cannot long abide : unbroken health had only confirmed her fair proportions, and given a rich color to her. lovely and animated face. Every morning she thanked the great Creator for the gift of existence, believing in her heart it had been bestowed upon her for a wise and an excellent purpose, and every evening she looked back with a steady eye upon the recorded hours, and was grateful to God if they had been well spent. Accustomed to indulgence from a By cool Saloam's shady rill, How sweet the lily grows; How sweet the breath beneath the hill, One afternoon in June, Agatha, as was her wont, had found a shady retreat in the old church-yard, with either book or work, for she valued the beautiful and fleeting hours; she felt, too, as if all things, the perfumed breeze, the birds, the flowers, the blessed and universal influence of the lovely world, cried out, "Come and behold me ere I pass away." VOL. VIII.-NO. 111. |