He is a God in Christ WITH WHOM WE HAVE TO DO; To cheer their hopes, and kindle with its flash And gloomy murmur, travels as of yore, F. J. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Tractarianism, tested by Holy Scripture and the Church of England, in a Series of Sermons. By HUGH STOWELL, M.A., Incumbent of Christ Church, Manchester, and Honorary Prebendary of Chester. Vol. i., pp. 355. London J. Hatchard and Son, Piccadilly, 1845. THE writer informs us that these sermons were not originally intended for publication, but were preached with a view to the elucidating of certain questions-some of them theological, some ecclesiastical—which had been stirred up in the minds of many of his flock by the controversies which agitate the Church. We are glad, however, that the original design was overruled, and that different members of the congregation, satisfied as to the importance of the matter to be adduced, and the powerful manner in which it would be brought forward, secured the services of a good short-hand writer, and thus rescued these valuable discourses from oblivion. The Rev. divine dedicates the work to the Bishop of Chester, as one who, by his life and labour, has striven to uphold the Church of which he has been appointed an overseer. We have only the first volume before us. The second volume, the author hopes, will be ready for publication by the beginning of next year. The subjects treated of in that now before us are as follows:Sermon I. Private Judgment. 1 Thess. v. 21. Sermon II.-The Standard of Faith. John xx. 30, 31. : Sermon III.-Apostolical Succession and the Powers of the Clergy. Matthew xxviii. 18, 19, 20. Sermon IV.-The Church of England and the Reformation. Jeremiah vi. 16. Sermon V.-How Separatists are to be regarded. Mark ix. 38, 39. Sermon VI.-The Importance of preaching. 2 Tim. iv. 1, 2. Sermon VII.-On Reserve in the Communication of Religious Knowledge. Acts xx. 26, 27. We have not space for quotation, in our present number, but hope to return to this volume in a succeeding one. The Fifth of November: a Sermon preached in St. Cuthbert's Church, Carlisle, WE should rejoice greatly to see this anniversary more generally observed; and cannot but think that the clergy would well serve the cause of their country and their religion by availing themselves of such an opportunity for bringing under the notice of their people the principles and practices of the Church of Rome; which, whether in theological or political matters, are the same as when the gunpowder plot was contrived, or the massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve was carried into execution. We recommend the above to our readers. INTELLIGENCE. THE Committee of the Protestant Association have adopted a Memorial to the Archbishop of Canterbury, on the subject of the recent apostasies from the Church of England to the Church of Rome. We hope to give this at length in our next number. FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.-A Sermon was preached for the Protestant Association, by the Rev. T. R. Birks, M.A., Rector of Kelshall, on the evening of November 5, in Fitzroy Episcopal Chapel, Fitzroy-square. The sermon, the text of which was Ezra ix. 13, 14, will be published by the Association. On the morning of the same day the Rev. A. S. Thelwall, M.A., preached for the Association, in Sydenham Episcopal Chapel (Rev. T. P. Hutton's). LIVERPOOL.-Six Sermons were preached on the occasion of this anniversary in Liverpool, by the Rev. H. M'Neile, the Rev. G. Cuthbert, Rev. T. Nolan, Rev. F. Parry, Rev. B. A. Marshall, and Rev. J. R. Connor. CITY OF LONDON PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.-The first of a series of lectures was delivered to a respectable audience on the evening of November 3, in Albion Hall, London-wall, by the Rev. A. S. Thelwall. Subject—“ The Political Principles of Popery." ENGLAND AND WALES.-Leicester.-It is rumoured in Leicester that the Roman Catholics are about to purchase the Three Crowns Inn, and in its place to erect a magnificent cathedral, similar to that lately built at Nottingham. They are now erecting a very large school at Ratcliffe, near the Syston station; and on Charnwood Forest is a monastery, inhabited by about thirty monks. The latter possess a farm of about 250 acres, which they themselves cultivate, and to the poor of the neighbourhood they are exceedingly charitable.-Lincoln Mercury.—Wales.—A plan, exceedingly well calculated to promote Popish interests in the Principality, has lately been devised, and is now being carried out, under Dr. Brown (of Downside discussion notoriety), the vicar-apostolic of Wales. It is intended to import a number of priests from Britanny. The natives of that part of France and the Welsh have one common origin, and the language of each is very similar, so that the priests of Britanny will, in a very short time, be able to minister among the Welsh people in their own language.- -Penryn, Cornwall.-A large house and extensive gardens have been purchased at Penryn, in Falmouth, for a convent, and Priest Buggenoms is at present in Belgium for the purpose of bringing over "sisters of our Lady" from Namur. A school will shortly be opened at the convent.- -Cornwall.-A correspondent of the Tablet, November 1, writes—“This summer I have visited several parts of England, but in no place have I been more struck with the progress of the principles of our holy religion than in Cornwall."- -Popish Chapel and Nunnery in Hackney.—A commodious piece of ground in the triangle and close adjacent to King Edward's-road, at Hackney, has been purchased and taken possession of by Dr. Griffiths, Titular Bishop of Olena, and other trustees, whereon to erect a Popish chapel and nunnery. The discipline of the latter will much resemble that of the Sisters of Charity.The Jesuits. It is a fact, that very many of the Italian teachers who are engaged among the families of the upper classes, are Jesuits. A gentleman, well acquainted with the habits and intrigues of this wily body, met one of their number recently, in the character of a teacher of Italian, at a house where he was visiting. The lady who was the pupil was much surprised at the rencontre between the Jesuit and the gentleman alluded to, and on discovery of the real character of the teacher, immediately dismissed him. The object of the Jesuits, in thus intruding themselves among the aristocracy of England is, to soften down the prejudices which have existed against the Church of Rome, but which are, unhappily, fast disappearing from among English society.--Liverpool.-Mr. Pugin, the noted artist for restoring ancient architecture in this country, has, by authority, submitted plans for a Popish cathedral upon a grand scale, to be erected at Liverpool. Its length is to be 400 feet, with two lofty towers, and a steeple of great height. It will stand upon two and a-half acres of land. The cost will exceed £100,000. Subscriptions of £500 to £2,000 each are already spoken of. IRELAND.-Converts from Popery.-On Sunday, November 9, nine Roman Catholics read their recantation from Popery in the parish church of St. Andeon's, Dublin, and were received into the Church of England by the Rev. T. Scott, a most zealous and excellent clergyman, who preached on the occasion to a very full congregation. The Dublin Packet states that more than thirty respectable inhabitants of Dingle, in the county of Kerry, have lately renounced Popery and become Protestants.- -The "Infidel Colleges."-The Dublin Warder states that Priest Kirwan has been appointed to the professorship of the new college at Galway, and his appointment notified to him by the Chief Secretary in a disgustingly fulsome letter. The following is an extract: His Excellency is induced to select you for that important post, in consideration of your connexion with the county of Galway, as a minister of the Roman Catholic religion in one of its most extensive parishes, and in deference to the testimonials in your favour which his Excellency has received." Even the Evening Packet, which usually supports the ministerial policy, terms this "a gross violation of all public decency." It calls loudly for no less than everlasting shame" upon the Government of Sir Robert Peel for this proPopery act. This appointment is pretty significant of the intention of Government to allow the "godless colleges" to become in the hands of the Popish faction, that which the Irish national schools are-Popish schools. Another priest, named Kane, has been appointed President of the "godless" college at Cork.- -Fifth of November.-The anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, and of the landing of King William, was well kept up at Derry, Saintfield, Downpatrick, Ardmore, Inniskillen, &c. The lodges mustered in great strength and attended divine service; and during the day there were various rejoicings. At Ardmore the Papists attacked the Protestants, who were quietly passing. 66 FOREIGN.-The Russian Provinces on the Baltic.-Treatment of the Protestants.-The latest news from these provinces is of a most melancholy nature. The work of Russianizing the people is proceeding unhindered. The people are of the Esthonian or Lithuanian race, and since the Reformation have become Lutherans, fond of their Bibles, hymn-books, and clergy. Attempts are being made, as with the Roman Catholic population of Russia, to induce these Protestants to enter the Greek Church. The Protestant theological seminary at Dorpat is likely to be extinguished. The authorities are taking advantage of the present want and destitution amongst the peasantry, and offering money to those who enter the Greek Church. But few of the evangelical clergy, it is expected, will soon be required, whose salaries will then be cut down by the Government to the lowest possible amount. The result of this cannot be doubtful.-From the Allgemeine Zeitung.- Turkey. -The Lazarist priests, who are missionaries connected with the Propaganda, and under the direction of the Jesuits, have for some time established themselves at Bebec, on the banks of the Bosphorus, about four miles from Pera. They have established colleges and schools for children, the latter under the care of the Sisters of Charity at Bebec, Smyrna, Aleppo, Alexandria, Damascus, Beyrout, and many other neighbouring localities. The French Government have for some time taken the Lazarists and their establishments under their protection, and now, as in the South Seas, Popery and French interests go handin-hand.- -Baden.-More Anti-Catholic Movements.-The Augsburg Gazette announces that a reform movement is beginning to manifest itself amongst the Popish clergy of Baden.--United States.-The New York Herald states that a movement, somewhat similar to that commenced by Ronge in Germany, has recently originated among the Roman Catholics of Cincinnati. It seems that a Church has been organized there in direct and avowed opposition to the VOL. VII.-December, 1845. C C domination of the Pope and the hierarchy of the Romish Church. A number of the most intelligent and influential Roman Catholics in that region have associated themselves together in perfect independence of the Papal See. The distinctive tenets of the Romish Church are to be rigidly maintained, with its rites, ceremonies, and sacraments; a priest has been authorized by the people to minister to them with all the imposing ceremonial of the Church from which they depart.-Abridged from the Times, Nov. 20.-Belgium.—In the recent debates in the senate, on the project of address, in reply to the King's speech, it was objected to the new Government, by some speakers, that contrary to public opinion, as clearly manifested at the recent elections, it had been remodelled on a system as favourable as ever, if not more so, to the Roman Catholic or Jesuit party, and that that party still continued to exercise considerable influence in it (the Government).- -Bavaria. -The Morning Herald, Nov. 20, has the following:-A letter from Munich, of the 12th inst., says, “ The elections of our deputies have been brought to a close in almost every locality. The greatest number of the former ones, and particularly those who were remarked for their zeal for Catholicism, have been worsted in the electoral struggle.' -Organized Atheism.-A vast Association has been discovered at Neufchatel, the ramifications of which extend into a great number of Swiss cantons. Since 1838 there has existed in Switzerland a secret propaganda of "Young Germany.' The object is, through the inculcation of Atheism, the undermining of every moral principle, and even by regicide to effect the overthrow of all organized societies in Germany, social, political, or religious. This Society is in its nature secret, and in its essence a political propaganda. By its immense activity it has succeeded in organizing clubs in the principal towns of almost every Swiss canton, and in France two, namely, at Marseilles and Strasburg. It has engaged to raise an army out of the German workmen. All the clubs are in correspondence with each other, and the correspondence shews to what an extent the workmen are infected. The German Catholic Church.-L'Espérance, of Nov. 7, has the following: -The German Catholic Church is steadily increasing; it has lately held a Council at Stutgard, when Ronge was present, which has been followed by one at Berlin, the deliberations in which were of an exceedingly interesting and important nature. This Church is strengthening itself. It is quite a new body in the religious world. The separation from Rome is definitive-it is an act of the most decided character, and there is not the slightest probability of a return to the previous state of things. L'Univers is exceedingly rejoiced at the conversion of Mr. Newman. Without denying the importance of this event, which we regard rather as a good than an evil, we repeat that the movement commenced in England by Pusey is nothing, compared to that which Ronge has accomplished in Germany. In the former, several ecclesiastics have caused the stir; in the latter, the masses have separated with or without their priests. The Bishop of Breslau is preparing to launch his anathemas against two priests who have become converted; they write from Bonn, that all the Popish archbishops and bishops of Germany have received an invitation from Rome to celebrate with great pomp the approaching three hundredth anniversary of the opening of the Council of Trent. Those prelates have addressed circulars to each of their curés on this subject, and with each of the circulars they have sent, to be distributed among the faithful, a large number of copies of a Romish Catechism, printed at Rome, at the end of which is the bull which pronounces anathemas against Luther and his followers. These are significant acts, at a moment when all Germany is each day becoming more interested in religious questions. All this proves the serious danger which threatens the Church of Rome in Germany. What will be the effect of these acts of Rome? that of the wind upon a fire-to fan the flame." The Augsburg Gazette confirms the rumour of the speedy publication of an encyclical letter by the Pope, addressed to the German clergy, on the subject of the new reformation in that country."-Dublin Warder. |