tem in a form suited to the genius, character, and exigencies of the Church of England, whereby an asylum might be opened for persons of both sexes, who, from deliberate choice, or under the pressure of various trials, might be desirous of permanent or occasional retirement from the world, and opportunity of quietude and devotion.

"Perhaps the best model for such establishments might be the Monastery of Port Royal Des Champs, as described by Mrs. Schimmelpennincki, in her interestingMemoirs of Port Royal.'

"The objects of such institutions would be-1. To widen and deepen the legitimate influence of the Church. 2. To promote and conduct Christian education upon Church principles. 3. To afford a retreat for the contemplative, the bereaved, the destitute and the straitened. 4. To cherish a spirit of devotion, charity, humility, and obedience. 5. To give better opportunities of acquiring selfknowledge, and exercising penitence. 6. To promote simplicity and godly sincerity in the intercourse of life. 7. To revive plainness and self-denial in diet, dress, furniture, personal attendance, &c. 8. To form habits of retirement, silence, and recollection.

"THE MEANS.-1. A system by which the superabundance of the wealthy may be made available to supply the wants of the poorer members. 2. Daily public devotion, and frequent communion, agreeably to the order of the Church. 3. Strict observance of the festivals, fasts, &c., prescribed by the Book of Common Prayer. 4. A rule for dress, diet, furniture, recreations, &c. 5. Appointed times for silence, and subjects for meditation. 6. Corporal works of mercy. 7. Exercises of penitence and obedience. 8. Bodily and mental labour, particularly in educating the young, composing works to meet the necessities of the Church, working for the poor, and assisting in the various duties of the Establishment.

"CONSTITUTION. No vows, but a solemn declaration and engagement of obedience to the superior, and of compliance with the rules of the Institution, during residence.

"Visitation-monthly, by the parochial minister, quarterly by the rural Dean, half-yearly by the Archdeacon, yearly by the Bishop.

"Superior to be appointed by the Bishop, and removable at his pleasure; to appoint his or her secondary, with approval of the Bishop.

Other details may be easily supplied.

"It is hoped, and earnestly requested, that the friends of primitive piety, order and simplicity, into whose hands this Paper may fall, will contribute their thoughts and endeavours towards expanding these hints, and devising some method of bringing them to a practical issue."

We leave these two projects of Puseyism with the reader, as matter for deep and serious reflection. The public mind is heaving with these agitations; and every one asks-but as yet none can foresee-" What shall the end of these things be?"

OBSERVANCE OF THE RUBRIC.

THE state of the Church of England in regard to the observance of the Rubric, is daily becoming more singular. As one clergyman after another revives this or that forgotten direction, the variety of usages increases; and the services at neighbouring Churches now differ from each other, more than do those at Nonconformist chapels. Each clergyman observes as much or as little of the Rubric, as his own judgment dictates, guided more or less by the judgment of his particular bishop, according as he holds more or less the duty of subjection to episcopal counsel and suggestion.

If any one ask, And why not every clergyman observe all the Rubric? the answer is, first, that in some particulars many cannot. We might instance the direction to use certain parts of the Communion Service to each communicant; as time will not allow of this, the clergy are obliged to infringe the rule, after the example set by every archbishop and bishop in the Confirmation Service. And

with regard, again, to the rubrical direction to exclude ungodly persons from the Communion, it is said, that as the Rubric is not part of the law of the land, a person who may be required to receive the Communion as a qualification for office or for succession to property under a will, has by law a right to demand admission to this mystery, however ungodly he may be. The Bishop of London seems therefore to have gone too far in asking for an observance of all the Rubrics.

Another difficulty in observing them all arises from the fact of their appearing in some instances contradictory. The Rubric at the end of the Nicene Creed directs, that "notice of the communion" is to be given before the Sermon on the preceding Sunday; but on turning to the form of "giving warning for the celebration of the Communion," the Rubric there directs it to be read (not, as it now is, before, but) "after the Sermon." At the foot of the Communion Service, again, it is directed, that on Sundays when there is no Communion, the Communion Service shall be read, to the end of the prayer for the Church militant; but on turning to that prayer, at the head of it there is a direction, which intimates to any man of common sense and unsophisticated mind, that it is not to be read when there is no communion, and so the clergy have understood it for some generations past at least.

We may add, in conclusion, that in the discussion as to wearing the surplice or the black University gown, it must be remembered that the parish priest and the preacher are not synonimous terms. Queen Elizabeth enjoins preachers to wear their University gowns; at that time preachers were licensed, and many parish priests were not licensed to preach, while many were licensed to preach who were not parish priests.

STATISTICAL SCRAPS.

CHURCH AND DISSENT.-From a Paper read by Mr. C. R. Weld before the Statistical Society, on the 21st. of November, it appears that on a recent inquiry into the moral and physical condition of the working Classes in the parish of St. George, Hanover Square, 999 families were found to possess a Bible, Testament, and Prayer-book; 50, a Bible and Prayer-book; 48, a Testament and Prayer book; 92, a Bible; 48, a Testament; and 62, a Prayer-book; forming a total of 1,299 families possessing religious books; 166 did not possess any religious books. The religious professions of the families were as follows:-Church of England, 1,233; Roman Catholics, 77; Dissenters of other denominations, 124; no religious profession, 19; 1,360 families were in the habit of attending public worship; and 90 stated that they did not attend.

The Patriot, however, taking the whole of London, makes out the following calculation :-Nonconformist edifices, 372; Episcopalian, 255. Nonconformist hearers, 148,800; Episcopalian 102,000. Nonconformist communicants, 37,200; Episcopalian, 10,200. And it is added, that according to the annual return of the Parish Clerks' Company, the burials "at Parish Churches" within the Bills of Mortality during the year 1841, were only 14,599;* while the deaths in "the metropolis" in 1841, according to the Registrar General's Report, were 45,284.

WESLEYAN METHODISTS.-The progress of this body may be seen from the following table, extracted from their Magazine for December last; it relates to Great Britain alone :Increase during

Members (or communicants) in

⚫ These returns, however are never complete, and seldom embrace above three-fourths or perhaps two-thirds, of the Parish Churches.

[The Rev. James Sherman was called, in November last, to the trying and distressing duty of preaching a Funeral Sermon for his daughter; of whom at the close of the Discourse, he gave the following interesting account.]

SELINA SHERMAN was born at Reading, March 3rd, 1824. Her constitution was healthful and robust till the age of three years, but from that period she exhibited symptoms of great weakness. To her sainted mother she was an object of much solicitude and affection. Her quietude, patience and cheerfulness, at that tender age, endeared her to all who knew her. When about eight years old, she was supposed to have an affection of the spine, for which she was laid on a mattress in a horizontal position for nine months, without moving, under the care of Dr. Harrison. The treatment, however, appeared to increase the general debility, and when she was again permitted to walk, it was with greater difficulty and feebleness than before. During the time of her residence at school, where every considerate and maternal attention was paid by her preceptress to the state of her health, she had frequent attacks of indisposition, which created great fears that she would not arrive at maturity. Her flow of animal spirits, the bloom on her cheek, and her natural reserve on all subjects relating to herself, prevented many from -discerning her weakness and frequent suffering. They were rarely the subject of complaint, even to her sister, and to those most endeared to her. When I was ordered to the Continent, and proposed to try the Water Cure for my recovery, she was anxious to accompany me, and make the experiment of its efficacy on her debilitated frame. In a short time, the beneficial effects were visible in both; my voice recovered much of its tone, and her strength was so increased, that she walked regularly three times a day up and down a steep hill, about three quarters of a mile long, besides other walks, with comparative ease and renewed vigour, and we fondly hoped, that we should see her return home in the plenitude of health. About a fortnight before we left Gräfenburgh, she said to me with great anxiety and affection," I think, dear Papa, if you would permit me to remain here a few months longer, I should get quite well; my recovery is progressing so fast, that it seems a pity to leave when you do." I remonstrated with her on the request, showed her the difficulties to which she would be subject—the anxieties we should feel about her at such a distance from home-and especially the impossibility of coming to her if she should be ill or dying; but with a cherfulness and calmness not easily forgotten, she replied, "O Papa, you know very few persons die here, and from my evident improvement under the system, it is not likely that I shall be worse, or die, at Gräfenburgh. I doubt not, some Christian friends would let me live with them-I shall give them little trouble, and require but little attention." I expressed my astonishment at her courage, especially as she was an ardent lover of her home and her parents; but with tears standing in her eyes, and a look that awoke my strongest sympathy, she said, Yes, but health is very precious, and what sacrifice should I not make for it!" Finding her so intent upon it, affection for her welfare would not allow me at once to deny her, but I told her I would think and pray over it. In the mean time, Mr. Preissnitz was consulted, who confirmed her views, by assuring me that he had no doubt, from the improvement she had made, three months longer would effect a perfect cure. At the same time, two dear Christian friends, the Rev. Alexander Stewart, of Stafford, and his devoted wife, voluntarily offered to take charge of her as their own daughter, and to bring her home with them when they returned to England, which they expected would be about the middle of October. The providence of God seemed to smile upon her proposal-to remove difficulties and to answer prayer-and, after a few days of hesitation, I gave my consent. When I had communicated it to her, she threw her arms round my neck-precious child, I think I feel them now!-and said, "Thank you, oh! thank you, dear Papa, a thousand times, for your kindness, and the sacrifices you are willing to make for me!" She wrote home to her sister, and the nurse who had charge of her from an early age, expressing her joy that she had permission to remain, and her hope and confidence that she should return as strong as any of them.

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A few days before our departure, on her dear mamma remarking, "I shall remember this place with mingled emotions;" she replied, "Well, I am surprised at that; to me it has been a place of unmingled pleasure." On the 1st of August we left the springs, which run among the Silesian hills, and which have proved healing waters to thousands, to return through the Tyrol and Switzerland to our beloved country, expecting about the time I am now speaking, to have welcomed our child in robust health. But about the beginning of September, she was seized with a violent fever, which after eight days was subdued-but she never recovered from its effects-her strength became impaired and her circulation feeble. My friend, Mr. Stewart, writes, "The weather which all the time you were here was unusually fine, became cold and wet, and was, therefore, much against her. When we had a fair day I use to carry her down stairs in my arms into the garden to sit in the sun, and the returning colour of her cheek, gave us strong hopes of a perfect recovery. She seemed for a week or two to gain decided ground, but still was in constant suffering from boils, which exhibited themselves in most parts of her body—many of them large and deep. All this she endured with a sweet and unrepining patience, which must have been from a higher source than mere nature. Indeed, I never saw such a fine exhibition of uncomplaining woe. She never had even her lips wetted, but she would thank us in the kindest way, and often did she kiss my dear wife's hand, and add, "Dear Mrs. Stewart, many a cup of cold water you have given me-the Lord will reward you for it all." After a detail of suffering, which I am not able to read, nor would it be prudent for you to hear, he proceeds, "Until the afternoon of the day on which she died, we had not a fearful apprehension, attributing every symptom to the effects of the cure, and still believing, that in the issue of the crisis, health would be restored; and fondly did we cherish, perhaps a pardonable pride, in presenting your dear child to you safe and sound. She had not the least idea of death herself, nor had Mr. Priessnitz, nor had two English physicians, and an English surgeon, who paid her frequent visits. At ten o'clock that night, October 20th, before I retired to rest, I went in to see that the two nurses were present,* (we had three in attendance upon her, but one was gone to rest,) and took her a peace and some milk and water, and without apprehending death to be so near, after listening to the detail of her sufferings, I said, 'Oh! my dear child, you know that sin is the cause of all the pains you now endure; by man sin came into the world, and death by sin.' I then set before her the love of God in giving His only begotten Son to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and showed her that His blood cleanseth from all sin, and concluded by saying, O dear Selina, if you believe and trust in that blessed Saviour, Jesus, you have not only pardon through His precious blood, but He will give you peace and comfort even amid your pangs.' She looked at me earnestly, and replied in language of the most hearty concurrence- Yes, I know it is so. This was much from her, whose natural reserve on the subject of religion was striking, though she knew the grace of God, I believe, clearly. I then said, 'I am going to pray the Lord to give you rest.' 'Oh! do,' she added; but little did I think it would be the rest that remaineth for the people of God. She bade me good-night three times, with an anxious gaze as I withdrew. I was not in my room half an hour, when I was suddenly alarmed by a noise in her chamber, in which I distinctly recognised her voice. Immediately one of the nurses rushed into my room, and told me she was very ill. In a moment I had her in my arms,in the last convulsive effort of expiring nature; hemorrhage had taken place, and she departed as in sleep-we both feel assured, to be for ever with the Lord. Thus terminated, (he adds,) the mortal career of one whose mental and moral qualifications were of a high and noble order—who was esteemed, respected, and beloved by all who knew her. I never found in any person a more matured judgment. She seemed intimately to have acquired what age and experience only confer on others. Her beautiful demeanour whilst under our immediate care, endeared her to us, far far, dear friend, beyond what we ever should have known, perhaps, only by her removal, for we felt towards her as our own dear child."

6

By constant exertion and fatigue, Mrs. Stewart had become ill, and was obliged to take leave of her about nine o'clock.

It has been no small satisfaction to know that the English physicians who were present, have given it as their decided opinion that no human wisdom could have foreseen the result, nor any human aid prevented it.

Her dear remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery of the parish of Freiwaldau, in Silesia, on Monday, October 24th. The Rev. Andreas Bathelt, a Protestant clergyman, kindly came a distance of twenty English miles to officiate. "At ten o'clock in the morning," Mr. Stewart writes, "the friends met at our lodgings, where we sung a hymn, and I engaged in prayer, and spoke to those present on the sorrowful event. We then walked in solemn order to the grave; myself and wife, Mr. Smith and Mr. Ellis, as chief mourners, twenty-one English, and a number of the gentry of various nations, together with a crowd of peasants, formed the procession. The bier was borne by eight youths of Freiwaldau, uncovered, wearing white gloves, and a branch of rosemary in their hair, according to the custom of the country. No feathers waved over her simple coffin-three chaplets of flowers alone decorated it. Little did she think, when with delight she rambled among these luxuriant productions of the mountains, that they were shortly to accompany her to the tomb. At the grave, the pastor offered a prayer, and gave an interesting plain address, easy to be understood, and likely to be profitable to the assembly. Those of us, who stood more immediately near, cast with our own hands the first clod of that cold clay which claims kindred with mortality--then turned to wipe the big tear that gushed from many an eye, and left her to repose till the voice of our returning Saviour, and the trump of God shall wake her ashes to immortality and bliss."

From a review of her character, there is reason to believe that she was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly." I could never ascertain her state of mind from her own lips, for whenever I attempted to speak personally to her, she made no reply, and doubt about her safety cost me deep anxiety. But had I known what I have ascertained since her death, I could not have questioned that she was a child of God. Her naturally amiable disposition, her sound understanding, and great cheerfulness, won her many friends. "It was the privilege of few," writes her late preceptress, "to be as universally beloved as dear Selina ;" and on this very account, I was the more fearful lest the caresses of friends should draw her from decision for Christ. During Mr. Kirk's residence with us, she became the subject of deep convictions, and seemed to be near the kingdom of God. These were renewed during her abode at school. Her letters bear the marks of the deepest anxiety about her salvation-marks in which I trace the operations of the Spirit of God. One or two extracts will show this. "I do indeed long to become a Christian; I have prayed, I think I may say, earnestly and fervently for God's forgiveness, and for the renewing influences of His Holy Spirit; but still the heavens seem as brass. What shall I do? You say that this may be the turning point of my existence. I feel it may; and I have, on my knees before God, told Him that I would yield myself to His service; but I feel that I am not yet His. Jesus I know is willing-I think I am. What can I do for this hard heart? it will not submit to the Saviour. Oh! pray for me, that I who have been the child of so many prayers, may not be cast away at last." In another, after describing a sacramental service here, with which she had been much affected, she adds, "When shall I be among the people of God? Oh! my beloved friend, my heart is still unsubdued-still in alienation from its Redeemer. How great is His mercy, that I am not cut down as a cumberer of the ground! I began my duties in the Sunday school this morning, though I do not see how I can conscientiously endeavour to impress upon others those truths which I neglect myself. Oh ! I fear lest my anxiety about my soul should pass away as the morning cloud, or as the early dew! I often regret that I could not talk to you on religious topics. I made several resolutions to do so, but the moment I saw you, my lips seemed sealed, and I could say nothing. Is it not strange that we should be unable to communicate that which we most wish?"

Few would view such feelings in any other light than the fruits of the teaching of the Spirit of God; but jealousy lest she should deceive herself, and fear lest she should lower the standard of Christian excellence, would not permit her to conclude that she had any part or lot in the salvation of Christ. Circumstances, however, have brought to light many traits of Christian character and conduct, which justify the statement of Mr. Stewart, that they could not be the offspring of mere nature. I will mention a few.