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APPENDIX.

REMARKS ON THE PERIODICAL PRESS, AND THE CHURCH

SOCIETIES.

THERE are one or two topics of temporary interest, which should not be omitted in a practical survey of the English Church. They are topics on which it is difficult to speak, without giving offence; nevertheless, I will endeavour to discuss them with plainness of speech, and, as I trust, without asperity, in the hope that what I say may approve itself to the public sense of what is just and right, and possibly attract the attention of those in whose power it is to apply a remedy to the evils complained of.

The two principal instruments, through which the present excitement and heart-burning is kept up in the Church, and persons of different views are exasperated against each other, are the Periodical Press, and the Church Societies, as at present conducted. No doubt, the excitement of these bodies is partly symptomatic of

dissensions already existing; but it is also, in itself, mainly conducive to the continuance of those dissensions, which, in the absence of exciting causes, might be moderated and allayed.

It is impossible to deny that both parties have been to blame, in the use they have made of the Periodical Press; though, it will be seen, that one party has given an example, which may well be followed by the others. I allude to the discontinuance of the British Critic. This periodical was, up to Christmas last, the organ of the extreme High Church party. As regards its general character, it is impossible even for its opponents to withhold their tribute of admiration to the learning and ability with which that work was conducted. For stable and educated men, who could read controversies without danger, there were often, in that able publication, views presented of the most improving and elevated character, and of the utmost value, in the present condition of the Church. Nevertheless, it must be admitted, also, that there was often a presumptuousness of tone, a bitterness of sarcasm, and, withal, a personality of invective, which could not but be highly offensive to those who came under its lash, and tend to provoke anger, rather than establish truth; and this independently of the disparaging comparisons which were often drawn between our own Church and that of Rome. But the British Critic now no longer exists. Owing to the want of sympathy in those who once coincided in its views; and, I believe, I may venture to say, in consequence of the repeated remonstrances of many of the Anglo-Catholic party, that periodical has been discontinued.

Now, what has been done by the High Church party

ought to be done by others. I appeal to the moderate and respectable men amongst the Evangelicals, that it is their duty to exercise that influence which they possess, either to abolish altogether, or to change the tone, of those periodicals and journals which represent their views. If it were only for the sake of the readers amongst their own set, the discontinuance, or amendment, of some of them would be most beneficial; for it is next to impossible that persons should read them, week after week, without being personally the worse for it-without imbibing from them a bitterness of spirit, a dislike of their brethren, and a malicious joy at their mistakes and failings, which is sadly inconsistent with the Christian character. Publications of this description may, for a moment serve the cause of a party; but it is quite out of the question, that Christian truth or concord can be promoted by such a mode of controversy. There is a language of honest indignation, which is quite consistent with Christian charity; but a perpetual seeking of cause for cavilling and damaging the reputation of opponents, by the various means that anonymous writers too well know how to employ, can never be a fit mode of carrying on a religious controversy.

I do, therefore, very seriously put it to the consciences of good and religious men amongst the Low Church party, that they cease to encourage this system of warfare. It is not enough for them to say that they disapprove of it. They must take active measures to put down a system, which is alike ruining the souls of individuals, and preventing the unity of the Church. Church can never be at peace, whilst the Periodical Press sends forth its offensive personalities. All good men ought to resolve to give up a mode of controversy,

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which must cause the most serious injury to religion itself, by obliterating its most essential virtue-charity.

Another cause of irritation in the Church is the present management of its Religious Societies. These societies were, for the most part, instituted by excellent and benevolent men, for the purpose of effecting important objects, which, at that time, the Church, as a body, were not prepared to undertake. But, from the circumstance of their being irresponsible, and subject to no effectual control of the rulers of the Church, they have become, in many instances, the organs of party views, and expend on the objects of a mere section of the Church, those energies and means which ought to be devoted to the great cause of Christian truth.

Nor is this the whole of the mischief; for, in order to obtain funds for their support, every town and village is agitated by busy partizans; other Societies are abused and misrepresented; and party strife is kindled throughout the land. Well-meaning people deceive themselves, and fancy that they are doing that for the love of God, or of their fellow-creatures, which is too often done out of mere party spirit; and with the most pious and excellent objects ostensibly in view, discord is spread in peaceable parishes; the feelings of the parochial clergy outraged; their views thwarted, and much unchristian bitterness is engendered. The Church will never be at peace, until these Societies are put on a different footing, and placed under the bona fide management of the rulers of the Church, or those by them appointed, without reference to party feelings and interests. Will it be said that, if these Societies were placed under the management of the Bishops, they would cease to receive the support of their present contributors? Surely, that is

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neither more nor less than an acknowledgment that they are the mere organ of a party, and not of the Church, and a conclusive argument, with all good men, that they ought to be amended or abolished.

This censure, however, is not applicable to all Societies. There are some which are already under the virtual control of the Bishops, and not liable to the same objections. Amongst these may be mentioned the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, the National Society for the Education of the Poor, the Additional Curates' Fund, and the Incorporated Society for Building Churches. These institutions employ their funds without any reference to party views, and, therefore, deserve encouragement, as the best channels of our benevolence, under existing circumstances; though, in common with others, their constitution might be improved, by making them more directly organs of the Church.

On the other hand, the Church Missionary Society, the Pastoral Aid Society, and some others, devote their energies and means solely to the promotion of Low Church, or Evangelical, views. I am not stating anything which the managers of those Societies would wish to disclaim, but the acknowledged principle on which they act. The different systems adopted by the different Societies, ought to be distinctly understood. It may be illustrated thus:-If the clergyman of a populous place desires the aid of an additional curate, and applies to the Additional Curates' Fund, his case is duly considered, and, if it appears to be one which needs assistance, the Society grants him aid, leaving the selection of the curate solely to himself, and to the Bishop of the diocese. On the other hand, the Pastoral Aid

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