ADDRESS BY THE EDITOR OF THE CATHOLIC MAGAZINE & REGISTER. Several kind correspondents express their hope that the "CATHOLIC MAGAZINE" is flourishing under its new management: others send us letters requesting us to forward to them the numbers as they appear: and others again, in friendly and private conversation, thinking to fix upon us the official character of Editor, take out a shilling and ask us to sell them a copy. To all these kind friends, and to others unknown, we may usefully and pleasantly address a few lines. And first, we may answer, The "MAGAZINE And Register" is flourishing: the sale of it is much increased and is increasing. Although we call this the sixty-third number of the periodicaltracing from the first appearance of that which, by the name of "Dolman's Magazine," the "Orthodox Journal" and the "Weekly Register," has continued, through several phases and under different management, until the present time-yet the public have understood that, from the first of last March, the publication offered itself under what chairmen of railroads call an entirely "new proprietary and directory ;"-they have understood that with a change of proprietor and of editor, it would adopt a different system; and, with increased devotion to the pleasure of former patrons, would endeavour to supply the requirements of new subscribers. Hence the division of our publication into two parts. As a MAGAZINE, we hope that it will supply that variety of goods which the customers of all Monthly Publications think so delectable; that it will meet their wants whether they seek light reading, literary or antiquarian disquisitions, theology, morality, politics, or poetry: as a REGISTER, we intend that it should record all the passing events of the day which our readers, as Catholics, may wish to know and to preserve. Many who may consider that these are not sufficiently numerous to supply matter to a newspaper, and who, for mere worldly information, would rather have recourse to the columns of the daily press, yet wish to be informed of what Catholics, in their religious character, really are doing throughout the world, and to preserve memorials of all events important to religion. To do this, is the purport of that division of our work that we call the Register. Here, our Subscribers may depend upon finding a notice of all passing events of Catholic interest, and a record of all which (like the judgment in the Gorham and Connolly cases in our last number) must be worth preserving from the permanent effects they may have upon religion. But the title "CATHOLIC" is superior, is anterior, is predominant to our other designations. Though we may, in this analysis of our name, remind our readers of the "three gentlemen rolled into one," we assure them that our life, our soul, our inspiration is derived from Catholicism, is devoted to the interests of our faith. We raise no banner in opposition to ecclesiastical authority: we presume not to sit in judgment upon it we offer ourselves to promote its wishes, to support its decisions. All our contributors, all our writers are Catholics : all are animated by the same spirit: all pray that, in the words of our motto, there should be "ONE FOLD AND ONE SHEPHERD.” 66 We conclude with a request to those who, as mentioned at the beginning of this address, desire us to send them our publication or tender to us their shillings: we were told the other day that the Editor of the MAGAZINE was a very, very old man:" certain it is that we are lame; that we require a thick stick to support our tottering steps; that our delight is to sit at our desk; that we have little leisure to move from place to place :-let, then, our kind friends desire any bookseller in their own several neighbourhoods, to procure the "CATHOLIC MAGAZINE AND REGISTER" for them. All country booksellers in England, Scotland, and Ireland have parcels from London at least once a month; and will be glad to send for our Magazine, which will be always published on the first of every month, when they send for other works. Their agents in London manage all this we make it worth their while to do so. Though our publishers in London are at 9, Rupert Street, Leicester Square, and at 48A, Paternoster Row; though J. Boyle is our Edinburgh and G. Bellew our Dublin agent, yet any bookseller in any town or village will know how to procure the publication, and will gladly do so, without any extra charge. In conclusion, we would remind our venerable clergy and all well-wishers, that the more intelligence of passing events they forward to us from their several localities, the more will the interest and the usefulness of our Register and correspondence be extended and increased. Whatever news they direct to us, shall be faithfully chronicled. So a German tourist, to whom we recently gave some piece of trivial information, exclaimed, "I vill but you in mine booke und you soll be immortal." London, 9, Rupert-st., Leicester-sq. REGISTER OF NEW PUBLICATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND EVENTS. The Editor of the CATHOLIC MAGAZINE AND REGISTER desires that his Correspondents and Contributors may alone be held responsible for the opinions and sentiments that each may express. But he invites our Venerable Clergy and all Catholics to send him information on all matters of religious interest in their several neighbourhoods. NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. The Children of Mary; or Lives of several Young Persons of the Maison des Oiseaux, Paris: translated from the French. 1 Vol. 18mo, pp. 347. Burns and Lambert. The lives of these holy children breathe a sweet and pious calm, which hardly seems and, indeed, is not of this world. The compilation is an excellent work to place in the hands of young girls of the age of its own saintly heroines. The account of their virtues is calculated to prove to children that godliness may be attained at the earliest age and may be turned to the benefit of others: that it is practicable. The lives of the canonized saints sometimes deter weak ones from attempting to follow them: as if their example were too far exalted above the ways of ordinary life for common Christians to imitate. This pretty volume shows that all may be children of Mary and, consequently, children of her divine Son. We have much pleasure in recommending it. The Child's Guide to Devotion, with engravings. 18mo. Burns and Lambert. This pretty volume will not answer the purpose of a prayer book: the prayers it contains are not sufficiently numerous for every-day requirements; while the hymns, detached from the services to which they belong, will avail neither children nor grown up devotees. But the little book is elegantly got up: contains many well-executed engravings: and may be recommended to those who would make a pretty little present at small cost to piously-disposed children. Julia Ormond; or the New Settlement. By the Authoress of the "Two Schools." 1 Vol. 18mo, pp. 220. Dolman. A pretty book: a sweet pretty book. Buy it. Remarks on the proposed Education Bill. By W. B. Ullathorne, D.D., Bishop of Hetalonia and Vicar-Apostolic of the Central District. Burns and Lambert. It is unnecessary to dwell at length on this able pamphlet. We would gladly have transferred to our pages some passages of it-marked by the sterling argument and the nervous eloquence that is constant in the writings of his Lordship of the Central District, but that his publication has already answered the purpose for which it was put forth. The obnoxious Bill has been virtually defeated in the House of Commons; and we have only to express our gratitude to Dr. Ullathorne for the large share he has contributed to produce so satisfactory a result. The Elder's House; or the Three Converts. 1 Vol. 18mo, pp. 234. Dolman. There is an affectation of abrupt terseness in the style of this writer which detracts from the merits to which he may fairly lay claim: and the story itself is rather forced. But, to the bulk of readers, it will not be less interesting on this account: while the manner in which religious discussions are intermingled with it, will give it additional interest to many and usefulness. Report of the Catholic Poor-School Committee for 1849. This is an important document as giving a correct view of the statistics of Catholic education in England. It is drawn up in a clear and business-like manner; and does honour to the Committee by evincing the great attention they have given to their most important and most interesting labour. The Report is a hopeful one and expresses the satisfaction of its zealous framers, at the position of the poor-schools and the increased contributions which they have received. We wish we could see cause for this contentment: but though we may rejoice that the contributions are larger than they have been, we feel that they are still disgracefully small. Let every man, woman and child in England be assured that more will be expected of them for so holy an object. CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the "Catholic Magazine and Register." SIR.-A correspondent from Rome writes thus on the 25th of March. "The return of the Holy Father to his Capital is no longer uncertain. Amongst other proofs of his determination, I am able to cite the following letters from Cardinal Antonelli to Prince Doria, dated Portici, the 19th.' "I have received with the greatest interest your Excellency's letter of the 16th inst., full of expressions of devotion and attachment to the Sovereign Pontiff. I have the pleasure of assuring you of the very great satisfaction of the Holy Father at your offer, to receive him in the ancient feudal residence of your illustrious family at Valmontone. Wherefore, although his Holiness had intended merely to pass Valmontone on his way to Valeti, nevertheless, wishing to satisfy your Excellency's earnest desires, as well as those of the good people of the town, he will remain a short time to bestow his benediction on yourself and family, and on the said people. Therefore, few preparations will be necessary, as his Holiness will take only a slight refreshment. It will be my duty to give you timely notice of the precise day of his Holiness's arrival; and I am thus happy to have it in my power to correspond in some measure with your loyal desires. I beg to renew the sentiments of high consideration with which I am your Excellency's faithful servant, G. CARD. ANTONELLI." of We understand also that the reigning Queen of Sardinia has sent 500 francs or £20 to the Abbate Melia towards the Italian Church in London, and for which he is labouring so zealously. This donation has been forwarded through the Princess Doria, and the Prince has generously added £30 on his own account. The Prince too, is known to be occupied in the erection of a very beautiful monument in the Villa Pamphili, to the memory the many French soldiers who fell in the siege, and who were buried in the grounds with little wooden crosses over their graves. This act of Christian charity towards their comrades is fully appreciated by the French garrison now in Rome. To the Editor of the "Catholic Magazine and Register.” JESU CHRISTI PASSIO. MY DEAR SIR.-I promised to write again on the conversion of England, to show that this great object is not only to be devoutly wished for; as few people will deny, but that, if we please, it may likewise be hoped for. There is, let me observe, a very important difference between wishing and hoping for something good. Moreover, when the object in question regards our own spiritual welfare, or that of our neighbour, let me observe also, that if it may be hoped for, wishing will by no means satisfy the demand of charity. St. Paul says not, charity wisheth all things but "hopeth all things." (1 Cor. xiii. 7.) One reason of this is that charity is an active quality, a fire which consumes and spreads. Now wishes, simple wishes, however devout, however vehement, will never move a man to the least exertion. Before he will attempt to do something for himself or his neighbour, he must hope for success, some success at least, more or less. In proportion as his hope is lively, will his exertions for the object be vigorous and persevering. I complained in my last letter that the Catholics of England, though they do not condemn me for begging prayers for the conversion of the country, do not think it worth their while to say many, and hardly any one will take the pains to beg for them from others; and that the Protestants of England, though they likewise approve of my proposal of their praying that we may all be brought to unity in the truth, I suppose, do mighty little towards it, at least most of them: for I must make some noble exceptions, as in favour of Mr. Dodsworth, who preached and printed a sermon on the subject. Meanwhile, Catholics abroad need but a word or two, to make them not only approve but vigorously act in the cause. Is this because English Catholics do not wish for the conversion of England, or rather would not wish for it, if they thought it possible, as much and more than those abroad? No, surely. Of course, they must wish for it; all motives divine and human concur in making it a thing desirable in their minds: but there is no hope. And why this difference? I do not attribute it to their being so far behind their brethren in France and elsewhere in this theological virtue; but to the circumstance, that they necessarily see the difficulties and obstacles more plainly, and they have not hope enough to make them surmount the discouragements, which naturally is produced by the sight. If we take a view of a great mountain at twenty miles' distance, it will seem as if nothing was so easy, as to go up the path which we seem to see marked up to its summit; but when we come near, and begin the ascent, the attempt appears very different. We find we have to cross fissures and torrents and crags and ridges, of which we saw nothing in the distant prospect, and we very likely think it either impossible, or not worth the trouble. It may be right to give up the attempt, if the object is only to get a view of the sunrise from the mountain's top, and the difficult passes to be made are really impracticable or very dangerous; but I will not allow it to be right to be discouraged at the near view of the difficulties attending such an enterprise as I propose; where the object is the saving of hundreds of millions of souls and where the difficulties may be surmounted by God's help, or supposing they are not surmounted, there is in the undertaking every thing to hope for ourselves, nothing to fear. I, even 1, shall be able, I think, to convince some of this, if not all; provided I live to write, long enough, and the "Catholic Register" also lives and flourishes, and gets good circulation, and will still give me room. But first now, let it be understood, what is the hope to which I would persuade people. Some persons seem to think that I had made up my mind that England was to be converted in a certain number of years, and that I fancied myself to have some assurance of it, |