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Could we dare to adopt the irreverent language of the "Plea," we might substitute in his exclamation truth for “mercy” and turn, as we feel inclined to do, away at once disgusted with the mass of falsehoods which these four short lines contain. For, gentle reader, Seale and Tongham are not two parishes at all. Seale being only a hamlet, and the population in both parish and hamlet together amount only to 366 souls. Every one, indeed, that knows any thing of the parochial divisions of England, is aware that many parishes have their accompanying hamlets, and that to some there are three, four, or five attached, and that they are in fact nothing more than the names for the different little lots of houses into which the general parish considered in reference to the church is divided.

The Pleader is disgusted beyond measure to find that there is only one curate, and that he has only 251. per annum. If this disgust is not pretended -if it is not "a cloak for maliciousness"-he will be glad to hear that the person he calls curate, as if he were only a deputy, is the incumbent, with the title of perpetual curate; that the number of souls he has to oversee is only 366, and that his benefice, instead of being 251., is 461. per annum.

Seale cum Tongham (hamlet) was, like its predecessors, anciently a chapelry of Farnham, and has one church.

Count 6.-"Disgusted beyond measure, but still hoping to find in the north something to apologise for the south, and the west, and the east, he turns about, and again, on the confines of Farnham, the first parish he beholds is Aldershot. Thank God,' he says to himself, this is the church-loving county of Hants-the cathedral and the bishop's see will certainly secure something here for the cure of souls.'-Upon looking closer, he starts back and exclaims-'What!-tithes to the amount of 650l. per annum, and a miserable curate allowed 157.—and the tithes carried away by a clerical corporation, of which the Earl of Guildford is the head-and while that Earl of Guildford has four livings, or the tithes of four parishes, in the same diocese of Winchester, over and above his large share of the tithes of the parish of Aldershot.” ” We have no need to ask for

"the wand revers'd,

And backward mutterings of dissevering power,"

The

to disenchant the reader, if haply the Pleader's spell shall have taken effect upon him. Let him simply read, and he will find that the matters contained in the last paragraph, whether direct or obiter dictum-principal or accidintis all untrue. The Earl of Guildford has not four livings, or the tithes of four parishes, but only two-viz., St. Mary's, Southampton, and Alresford, which latter includes the parochial chapelries of New Alresford and Midstead. The curate is the incumbent, being, as in the other cases, perpetual curate. stipend is not 15l. but 641. The tithes are not carried away by a clerical corporation, unless the poor old men that dwell at the hospital of St. Cross, to which the great tithes belong, be looked upon as monks and regulars, and so deserve the name ;-and as for the misery of the "miserable curate," I cannot believe him to be so changed since I saw him in August last in his parsonagehouse, pretty, though small, surrounded by a young and happy family, and delighting in the work to which his Master had called him.

Summing up :

"After this survey of the reality (!!!), after this survey of seven (six) contiguous parishes, in which he sees not one resident rector or vicar-in which he sees no clergyman able to keep a servant of any description (!!!)-in which he sees seven men called parsons (the Pleader has only told us of six), each of them with no more influence than a journeyman carpenter or bricklayerfrom which seven parishes he sees taken tithes to the amount of 5,000l. per annum—and in which he sees seven clergymen living upon 2487. per annum (!!!)—after contemplating this spectacle, he comes to the conclusion that it is impossible this church can stand; and he exclaims, in the bitterness

of his heart, in the language of the prophets, Zech. xi. 17, Woe to the idle shepherds,' &c. and Ezek. xxxiv. 8-10."

I am well nigh weary of pointing out the falsehood of the nonconformist Pleader's statements. I can, therefore, only call this last summing up a grand compound falsehood. I do not myself know the amount of the sum total of the tithes which are drawn from these parishes-but then neither does the Pleader-but of this I am well sure, that he has far over-stated their amount, and that for his own purposes. Even that which appears to be truth in this statement, is only apparently true-"specie verum, re falsum." There is not, I allow," in the seven (six) contiguous parishes a resident rector or vicar.” But why? Because clerical rectory there is none, and clerical vicarage there is but one, and the vicar is exempted from residence by the law of the land. The rest are all perpetual curacies, with incumbents, in every instance but one, performing themselves the duties of their respective benefices.

It is really most unpleasant to be called on to notice such statements as those I have brought forward. It is dangerous to one's own spirit of Christian charity, for it is scarcely possible to pass through so foul an atmosphere without being infected with its malaria. And, oh! how painful to see the great and blessed name, which is above every name, brought forward to give a point and a pathos to slander, or to clothe a lie with the reverence and the authority that belongs to truth.

I have tried to discover, if possible, any colourable pretext which the nonconformist Pleader might have for the statements he has made, but I am utterly unable to find any. He cannot have believed them himself, and yet he means and wishes his readers to do so. But though these statements have no colourable ground, they have a very intelligible purpose. They may sow discontent in the minds of the contented-they may make the happy think themselves miserable—they may mingle poison in the cup of blessing which God himself has blessed-they may alienate the minds of the uninformed from their superiors-they may make the laity dislike the clergy, and so place additional obstacles in the way of the Gospel-but what will be the result? Shall they that make such statements be the gainers? Shall any good arise to them whose motto has not been-" Build up, but overturn?" When the whirlwind is roused, shall they ride on it? Amid the desolations which they have wrought, shall they dwell quietly? Most certainly they shall not. Why will they be so deaf to the voice of experience, so blind to its page, as to think they shall? VINDEX SINE VINDECTA.

COLERIDGE'S LAST VERSES.

MY BAPTISMAL BIRTH-DAY.

GOD's child in Christ adopted,-Christ my all,-
What that earth boasts were not lost cheaply, rather
Than forfeit that blest name, by which I call
The Holy One, the Almighty God, my Father?
Father! in Christ we live, and Christ in Thee;
Eternal Thou, and everlasting we,-

The heir of heaven, henceforth I fear not death;
In Christ I live: In Christ I draw the breath
Of the true life :-Let then earth, sea, and sky
Make war against me! On my heart I shew
Their mighty Master's seal. In vain they try
To end my life, that can but end its woe.
Is that a death-bed where a Christian lies?
Yes! but not his-'tis Death itself there dies.

CLERICAL LIBERALITY.

(1.)

FROM the Lampeter College Calendar, just published, it appears that the Bishop of Durham, notwithstanding the magnificent donations which he has bestowed, and is bestowing, on the new University of Durham, has given five hundred pounds to Lampeter, as a mark of the deep interest which, from having once been a Welch bishop, he feels in this institution, though not connected with his former diocese. In former ages, prelates did munificently, no doubt, and splendidly; but laymen then vied with them. Now, with reduced means, (in some cases reduced almost to nothing,) they are expected still to be munificent, but the necessity does not appear to be very strongly felt, that laymen of equal, or far greater fortune, should still vie with them.

(2.)

DIED, August 22, at Berkley-house, near Frome, in the 86th year of his age, the Rev. John Methuen Rogers, thirty years rector of that parish, and incumbent of Rodden. He was a munificent benefactor to the church, of which he had been a minister for sixty-three years; having given 6,000l. towards the building and endowment of the church at Rodden; 1,2007. to the district church at Frome; and a sum exceeding 1,000l. to the new church at North Bradley; and the building a house for the curate, and sums of smaller amount to many other churches, altogether exceeding 10,000l.—Standard.

PROTESTANT MEETING IN IRELAND.

"THE principal performers on the occasion were, Lords Roden, Winchilsea, the Marquis of Downshire, and some clerical agitators of the true Beresford blood. The language used by many of the speakers was both sanguinary and seditious. The avowed object was to raise money, not for the relief of the clergy, but in support of tithe prosecutions. One reverend speaker said, 'The peers had done their duty; the Protestants of Ireland should be ready to support them, if necessary, with the bayonet.' This declaration was enthusiastically cheered. Another clergyman is reported to have said, 'We will get rid of the bloody popish rebels from among us.' '—Patriot, Aug, 27.

This comes from the Patriot of Aug. 27. On Aug. 26, Mr. Beresford's distinct disavowal of the language imputed to him is noticed in the London papers. This is the way in which the organ of the Dissenters treats the clergy.

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM. THE REV. W. J. FOX.

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION ASSEMBLING IN SOUTH-PLACE, FINSBURY.

MY FRIENDS, In vacating the engagement between us by giving the six months' notice which your laws require, it was not my purpose to allow that interval to elapse without some exposition of my motives and feelings on the occasion. There are reasons which induce me to postpone the fulfilment of this purpose; but it is desirable that I should at present submit a few words to you on our relative position.

My retirement is the result of no dissatisfaction with your conduct towards me, nor with the condition and prospects of the congregation as they were but a few weeks ago. In all these I then saw only reasons for gratitude and gratulation; and I supposed that we were unitedly cherishing the bright expectations expressed by your Committee in the Resolution passed by them on recording my resignation.

The approaching termination of our connexion is an event not less astonishing to me than it must be to most of you. I thought myself firmly fixed in your respect and affection. I believed my conduct, public and private, to be not unworthy of them; nor did I meditate in either any deviation from the career which I had deliberately adopted and consistently pursued.

All at once, however, I found myself subjected to an interference by certain members of the congregation in my domestic concerns, which, as it originated in ignorance and delusion, could only terminate in confusion and mischief.

Whatever may have been the trials of my domestic life, through many long years,—to whose, or to what fault (if fault there be) they are owing, are questions on which only continued and close intimacy can justify any one in forming an opinion. Assuredly they are not fit subjects for argument before congregational authorities, still less for decision by a self-constituted and secret tribunal, however respectable its individual members. My self-appointed advisers having formed by ex parte statements their opinion of what had been my former, and should be my future conduct, proceeded to strengthen their injunctions by recommending that, unless I consented to follow their suggestions, I should resign the office of your minister. Having reminded them of the responsibility they incurred, I tendered my resignation on the ground of the dissatisfaction which they expressed, and sent a written demand of their allegations against me, and of the evidence in support of those allegations.

This resignation, dated July 12, was withheld by your treasurer, on his own responsibility, in the hope of inducing me to rescind it. I would have done so, if, on the one hand, I could have met with responsible accusers and specific charges wherewith to grapple; or if, on the other, the attempted interference had been abandoned, the implied insinuations disavowed, and the advice to resign retracted as formally as it had been tendered.. Both were refused me; and I had therefore no alternative, especially as every day furnished some fresh instance of proceedings which tended to injure my character, and impair my usefulness.

Selections, to an extent, and for purposes even yet unknown to me but by inference, were made from the private correspondence treasured under my own roof; letters and extracts were shewn, isolated from the occasions which called them forth, or the answers which they elicited; often, as I have reason to believe, with comments tending utterly to falsify their spirit; the accounts of my household expenditure, in an imperfect state, were subjected to analysis, with the production of results that were rendered worse than simply fallacious by the inferences which were deduced; the evils, without the advantages, if such there would be, of a domestic inquisition gathered around me; while the evil was not confined to myself, but, of the proverbial delicacy of female reputation, advantage was taken the most unjust and base.

As far as the confinement of illness, during which these proceedings commenced, has allowed me to ascertain the impressions made on individuals, I can only find, amid a chaos of impertinence and distortions, traces of two or three imputations; which I have met with a distinct and unequivocal denial; and for which no accuser has yet been bold enough to render himself responsible. Symptoms have indeed of late been manifested of a disposition to charge me with holding principles which disqualify me, not only for the office of your minister, but also for any mode of social usefulness. A somewhat curious charge to originate amongst those whose peculiar theology scarcely contains a doctrine that is not denounced as emanating from the depravity of the heart. Conversational report is ever liable to misrepresentation and perversion, from which the press furnishes a happy exemption. What my opinions on the subjects in question really are, have been long before the public, and from the misconceptions and mis-statements of private conversations, I appeal to the three articles in the Monthly Repository for January, March, and April, 1833, entitled, "The Dissenting Marriage Question," "A Victim," and the "Letter to a Unitarian Minister," especially the last, as the most distinct and

ample. For these statements of my views, I hold myself responsible; and I have always been anxious that none of that responsibility should be reflected upon others. It is by me, not, therefore, necessarily by you, that they are deemed, true, Christian, and important to the best interests of society; but, if after the lapse of so many months, during which I have received the strongest expressions of your approval that have distinguished my entire ministry, you could now suddenly be induced to make my holding them the pretext of congregational condemnation, I should scarcely regret being its object.

I have felt this communication to be due both to you and to myself. Before the now limited period of our connexion expires, as soon as health and strength will permit, I shall attempt to pass before you, in a course of Sunday morning lectures, a rapid, but comprehensive review of the great religious, moral, and social objects of that ministry which I have endeavoured faithfully to discharge. August 15, 1834. W. J. Fox.

ADVERTISEMENTS AS TO CURACIES.

TO THOSE IN WANT OF A TITLE FOR HOLY ORDERS.-A beneficed Clergyman, who has a very superior parsonage-house, pleasure grounds, and several acres of pasture, in an aristocratic neighbourhood, and possessing unusual advantages, not far west of London, will give a TITLE and a CURACY for two years at first. Stipend, 110. a year, furniture, &c. On nomination, 1,100l. down. No person without a good private income need apply. Address, post paid, Rev. A. B. C., care of Messrs. Rivington, St. Paul's Church-yard.- Times, August 21.

TITLE AND CURACY TO BE GIVEN.—Any gentleman going into orders may be appointed CURATE for two years certain, with a title, in a healthy, beautiful, and easily accessible part of the west, and an excellent parsonage-house, three sitting and five best bed-rooms, prolific gardens, choice wall-fruit, extensive pleasure-grounds, orchard, seven acres of pasture, coachhouse, and stabling for four horses. Stipend 110l. The in-coming curate must pay down 1,1001. for the furniture, library of near 700 books (chiefly well-selected theology), carriage, wine, live stock, and effects generally. Should he wish to be prepared for the bishop's examination, he may, if B. A., be completed in six months preceding his engagement, by residing with the rector as above, who has been long used to theological tuition. Address, post paid, Rev. L. U. C., care of Mr. Fenny, bookseller, Sherborne. The advertiser, if preferred, would let the place furnished for two years, at 2001. a year clear, and give the above stipend. Times, Aug. 26.

CURACY AND LOAN.-A respectable Clergyman, with excellent character and undeniable testimonials, may be appointed to a licensed CURACY, with a good house, and 1207. per annum stipend, provided he will advance 300l., to be repaid by instalments, with interest, and secured upon funded property. Letters, post paid only, will receive immediate attention, addressed to Andrew Moreton, Esq., Peel's Coffee-house, Fleet-street.-Standard.

Interference in private concerns is always odious; but if persons, whose character is of the highest consequence to the country, chuse to bring their own concerns under notice in a way discreditable to their profession, they cannot complain if they are publicly noticed, and their conduct publicly reprobated. The two first of these advertisements come obviously from the same party, and although, by special pleading as to furniture &c., he may deceive his own conscience, and attempt to deceive others, no one can read these advertisements and not see in them an attempt to carry on a traffic in titles as discreditable to the party, as it is injurious to the church, and hateful to every respectable member of the profession. It is hardly necessary to say, that persons so respectable as the Messrs. Rivingtons were most indignant at finding that the leave which they had given to have a reference made to them had connected their name with such an advertisement, and that they insisted on its being at once withdrawn. The third advertisement is just as bad as the first, and only differs from them in the way devised for giving a colour to a scandalous transaction.

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