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scarcely have selected a finer field for exertion; and we trust that the undertaking will be, as it ought to be, generally assisted in the University.

One or two musical publications have fallen in our way during the past quarter. A Manual of Instruction in the Gregorian Chant, by the Rev. James Jones' (Dolman); and A Treatise on the Gregorian Chant,' (Novello), are prepared for the use of the Roman Communion, and contain much useful matter. The first is printed in red and black, with the old ecclesiastical note, after the pattern of Mr. Dyce's well-known book. We are glad to see the approbation of eleven Bishops prefixed to this little work, and trust we see in it an omen of future improvement in the mode of celebrating divine service in the Roman Catholic chapels of this country. It is now many years since Charles Butler pleaded for the restoration of the ancient Ecclesiastical chant, which had become nearly unknown in England. Among publications by members of the English Church, are,-1. The Choral Service for the use of the College of S. Columba, Ireland.' (Cramer.) It is certainly a satisfactory symptom to find the Choral system at once recognised in its full extent in a new College, while we see it so totally neglected in the majority of older foundations. In this, as in other matters, it is sometimes easier to start aright de novo than to revive what has been long dormant. We must hint, however, at the desirableness of excluding very many of the Chants for the Psalms, if the principle enunciated in the Preface the preservation of simplicity and purity-is to be observed. -2. The whole Psalter, with the Gregorian Chants in Unison,' edited, we believe, by Mr. Heathcote, of Oxford. This is, perhaps, the most satisfactory noted Psalter we have yet had; and though a precentor would probably alter the syllabic arrangement here and there, in order to suit the English accent, using herein the same freedom as the Roman choralists in the case of the Latin,—yet, as a whole, it may be safely recommended. We are glad to observe that it was used at the recent consecration of S. Saviour's Church, Leeds; and we trust that, along with this return to ancient solemnity in the matter of Chanting, there will also be a return in that Church to the ancient style of Service and Anthem. If we are rightly informed as to the style of architecture and fittings of the church, certainly any other will be inappropriate. Those who have heard a movement in jig time, by Greene or Purcell, in Westminster Abbey or York Minster, will feel what we mean. It was well said by Dr. Bisse, in his Sermon to the Choirs of Worcester, Gloucester, and Hereford, in 1720, a period when the secular had but too nearly displaced the true ecclesiastical style, 'In the compositions for the sanctuary, let care be taken that a theatrical style be avoided, which is a subject of 'complaint and caution in the ancient church; but in our own is rather a 'modern and unnecessary condescension to the relish of the world. For 'as sauctity becometh God's house for ever in the judgment of all times and persons; so doth a solemnity, which should always appear in all the ' offices thereof, and, above all, in the hymns which appear most in and adorn 'these offices. Behold the compositions of ancient masters. What a stateliness, what a gravity, what a studied majesty walks through their airs! Yea, their harmony is venerable; insomuch that, being free from the

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improper mixtures of levity, those principles of decay which have buried 'many modern works in oblivion, these remain and return in the courses ' of our worship like so many standing services, in this resembling the 'standing service of our Liturgy, these being established by usage as that by authority.' To which may be added, the opinion of Dr. Burney, who though more a musical critic than an ecclesiastical writer, could yet see that 'the fugues and canons of the 16th century, like the Gothic buildings ' in which they were sung, have a gravity and grandeur peculiarly suited to 'the purposes of their construction; and when either of them shall, by time or accident, be destroyed, it is very unlikely that they should ever be replaced by others in a style equally reverential and stupendous. They 'should therefore be preserved as venerable relics of the musical labours ' and condition of our forefathers, before the lighter strains of secular music 'had tinctured melody with its capricious and motley flights.' If we endeavour, then, to emulate the glorious architecture of our forefathers, shall we not also-and at the same time-revive that majestic style of Choral service which is its fitting concomitant ?-3. Lyra Ecclesiastica;' a collection of original Church Music, edited by the Rev. Joshua Fawcett, (Bradford, Taylor; London, Rivingtons ;) a handsome volume, published in aid of a good object, evidently attempted, too, in a right spirit. The preface contains some sentiments much akin to those above quoted; and though it would be too much to affirm that the compositions might be placed side by side with those of the great authors who are recommended as models, yet we may safely say, that they are considerably above the average of modern compositions. It is satisfactory, at least, to find the true style of music for the church proposed as an aim. The Chants, Hymn-Tunes, and Sanctuses, seem an unnecessary part of the volume. The first two, for an obvious reason-we have by far too many already; the last, because they appear to be a more extended provision for the use of the Sanctus at a part of the service where it ought not to be sung. The Introit, 'I will arise,' &c., we must also object to, as not being an Introit at all, in the true ritual sense. There is, of course, no objection to this passage being used as an anthem in its proper place; but we had hoped that the objectionable practice of singing these words at the commencement of Morning Prayer had been long since laid aside. Mr. Fawcett, however, arranges his contents thus:-1. 'Voluntaries; 2. Introits; 3. Chants,' &c.; showing that he sanctions the abuse.

Bishop Ken's poetical works have been remarkably neglected; this seems partly owing to their immoderate length, and partly to their style—a subdued resemblance to Cowley's artificial manner. His diction too is often prosaic, but there is much food for thought in his writings, and a certain austerity combined with a solemn sweetness of feeling, which will detain those who can get over uncouthness in metre and expression. The good Bishop is always full, but never flowing-a reservoir rather than a river: but linked with such household associations, as his verses will ever be, we are glad to see 'Preparatives for Death,' (Burns,) being selections from the four volumes of which his poetry consists.

Mr. George Combe, the phrenologist, has published, in a pamphlet form, certain newspaper articles on the Ronge affair, Notes on the new Refor

mation:' (Edinburgh, Maclachlan,) and other subjects quite unconnected with it. Mr. George Combe does not seem to possess any form of Christianity: we have, therefore, little concern with him. But it may be well, at the present moment, to remind those whose eyes are turned Berlin-wards of one result of the evangelical schools. The (Pseudo-) Bishops Eylert and Dräseke, together with Mr. Sydow, the King's chaplain, whose mission to England ended so remarkably, have formed themselves into a via media party, between the Pietists and the Friends of Light. This party, we find, 'professes to adhere to the Scriptures as the foundation of its faith,' but declares that the spirit, and not the letter of the Gospel, is its rule;' and has 'published a declaration of its sentiments, subscribed by ninety distinguished 'men,' embodying its views on the measures needed to counteract the influ ence of Ronge on the Prussian religious system. This document, dated Berlin, 15th August, 1845, contains the following noticeable sentence:— The subscribers-embrace the fundamental principle of the Reformation; -but the forms in which this conviction shall be freely developed in individual minds belongs to the guidance of Christ alone. From this conviction, they declare it as their opinion, that a satisfactory conclusion to the present strife can be attained only when no arbitrary exclusion shall be permitted, when the right of free development shall be conceded to all, and when a constitution of the Church shall be brought into operation, which, by the grace of God, and the lively participation of the congregations, may give her a new form and new strength.'

'Magazine for the Young' (Burns). We are glad to receive another annual volume: the conductors of this and similar useful publications are, perhaps, doing more real good to society than many a body of writers of far higher pretensions.

'Heroic Epistle, from Titus Oates to his lineal descendant Titus Oates at Oxford' (Edwards), is a satire upon an individual hardly of sufficient importance, except in his own estimation, to call for such exposure. To make an exhibition of himself is what he desires, and this sort of notice will only minister to the ruling passion.

'Conference on Christian Union: Narrative of the Proceedings at Liverpool,' and an Address on behalf of the London Provisional Committee,' (Nisbet,) are valuable in the way of documentary evidence on the state of popular feeling. But such an heterogeneous fusion of denominations can only be held in suspense on the infidel principle of agreeing to differ. The last paper is the production of Mr. Hamilton, of the Scotch Free Church.' It is curious, more than curious, as a literary specimen. We are told of 'a valiant spirit who, muzzle to muzzle, plies his roaring artillery on a belaboured and reluctant Church, and waves his victorious stump, &c.'-of something august in the dark thunder-cloud, as it frowns and grumbles over quaking fields,'—of' the hail-storm which hurls its icy boulders over a dismantled province, which strews the battered sod with dead birds and draggled branches, and leaves the forest a grisly waste of riven trunks and dismantled antlers. Even so, &c.: there may a terrible importance attend the rattling zealot, who sends a storm of frozen dogmas through Christendom, or through his particular society,' &c. Mr. Hamilton is too grave, we sup

pose, for a jokester; but we really think that he must have been hoaxing the London Provisional Committee.' He reminds us of that grave mimic, who even while he was exhibiting in motley, did his tricks with a condescending, sly affectation of dignity; and if he danced on the tight-rope, would only dance to the genteelest of tunes.' There is something comic in this mixture of evangelicalism and nonsense.

'Episcopacy in Scotland,' by the Rev. Alexander Ewing, of Forres, (Burns,) contains the letters of the English Bishops on the Scotch Schism.

'Tract XC. historically refuted;' a reply to Mr. Oakeley by Mr. Goode, (Hatchard,) contains the results of a considerable amount of English reading, put together with less than the author's ordinary acrimony.

'Charges,' by the Bishops of St. David's (Rivingtons) and Calcutta, (Hatchard,) will command attention, from the station of their authors. 'A Sermon on Church Accommodation,' by the Bishop of Norwich, (Fletcher, Norwich,) is very remarkable, as an accession to the growing anti-pew movement, from an unexpected quarter.

Of Tracts, we have to mention :-'Devotions for the Young,' (Burns,) a good thought, well executed. 'Mutual Intercession,' (Oxford,) a manual of which it is impossible to overrate the need. Spiritual Communion,' (Burns,) with a very deep and touching preface. The sum of the Catholic Faith,' (Burns,) extracted from Cosin's Devotions. 'The Baptismal Service, with notes and illustrations, chiefly scriptural.' (Burns.) 'Easy Lessons for Sunday Schools,' Parts I. and II., (Burns,) the objection to which is somewhat that which lies against Broken Catechisms,' &c.

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And of Sermons, several important publications:—of Volumes, a second by Archdeacon Manning, (Burns,) of which we think the depth and vigour of style to excel its predecessor. The Living and the Dead;' a course on the Burial Service, ( Walters,) by Mr. Paget, in which there is much warmth and affection of tone: the author's observations on Prayer for the Dead are important. Four volumes, Plain Lectures on St. Matthew,' (Capes,) by Mr. Perceval of Calverton; sound and simple. ‘Hulsean Lectures, on the uses of Scripture,' by Mr. Trench, (Macmillan,) in which we recognise less of the author's peculiarities, and more of his beauties, than in some previous publications. Four University Sermons, on the Parable of the Sower,' (Hatchard,) by Mr. C. S. Bird. A posthumous volume, Plain Sermons,' addressed to a country congregation, (Bell,) by Mr. Blencowe; very stirring and practical. 'Two series of Discourses on Christian Humiliation, and the City of God,' (J. W. Parker,) by the Bishop of Edinburgh: the author's aim is an elaborate and technical correctness, which he has successfully attained. Two volumes, contributed by different writers, 'Practical Sermons,' (J. W. Parker,) under Mr. Crosthwaite's superintendence. A complete volume, and several parts of a similar series, 'Sermons for Sundays,' &c. (Masters,) under Mr. Alexander Watson's editorship; the writers of which represent a higher school than those of the last-named undertaking. And single Sermons:-one by Bishop Doane, a Commencement Sermon, (Burlington, Morris ;) and a Visitation Sermon, by Mr. Lund, (J. W. Parker,) preached at Chesterfield.

THE

CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCER.

APRIL, 1846.

ART. I.-Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches; with Elucidations. By THOMAS CARLYLE. London: Chapman & Hall. Mr. CARLYLE at last presents to us, invested with the dignity of circumstance and detail, his great man. Up to this time, he has given us touches, rather than portraits, and has spread himself over a heterogeneous field of heroism, rather than exhibited a hero. Now we have the latter in person. Cromwell is the great man on whom Mr. Carlyle has alighted, and whom he holds up as the exemplar of true greatness to the English mind. His unsteady gyrations have at last found a centre; his magnificent whirl round the universe has at last assumed locality; and Cromwell is the point of attraction. A philosophy, by condensing itself in one instance, sometimes gains in effectiveness. A rationale of heroism was not likely to tell much on English minds, which appealed to Mahomet, Odin, Dante, Knox, Luther, Rousseau, Dr. Johnson, and Voltaire, as one grand united specimen of it; and which seemed to demand a complete mental suicide and decomposition in the recipient, previous to its reception. Cromwell has, at any rate, the advantage of being one man, and of being an Englishman. He shows some English features, he appeals to some party associations. His cause has its admirers, and warm ones. Mr. Carlyle, so far, enjoys a nearer vicinity to common sense. His philosophy, not less dreamy and unquiet in itself, occupies more solid and more national ground; its new and embodied shape claims for it some fresh attention; and his example reminds us of his theory of heroism.

Before we proceed, then, to the contents of these volumes, we have something to say about the writer, as a philosopher and teacher. Mr. Carlyle is the patron of revolutionary heroes. He admires heroes: he prefers the revolutionary field for their display. He lives in this mixed atmosphere of thought: he selects this mixed standard of character. He appears before us in two