sphere, very remarkable effects have been produced, by those associated religious bodies, which, towards the middle of the last century, arose from within the Established Church. Effects, of a mixed and dubious character; which must be carefully examined, and weighed, by all who would understand the present state of the religious world; and, especially, by all who would desire to comport themselves as true sons of the Church of England.

And assuredly, when we look around on the state of the Christian world, agitated, as it is, by controversies, and divided by strange doctrines: when we look, at the state of religious parties in England, and perceive, that, at home, the example is but too closely followed (11), we must feel that our duty, at all times arduous and important, is, at this day, difficult and delicate in the extreme. I am aware, that you, my brethren, are disposed to view all existing differences of judgment, in a spirit of meekness, moderation, and brotherly love. But we are bound each of us, to act in his own proper sphere; and it were difficult to conjecture, how far, some of us may soon be called, to act with promptness and decision. It is therefore right, that we maturely examine, both the actual condition of things, and the course, which, under possible circumstances,

it may be our duty to pursue, in order, that, if difficulties arise, we may be enabled to meet them neither unprepared, nor dismayed. So far, then, as I may presume to offer an opinion, I would say, "Let us go to our fathers, and they will show us; to our elders, and they will tell us;" let us have recourse to the great luminaries of our own Church; let us consult the yet more venerable authorities, of the ancient Church at large: let us, next to the sacred Word of God, make these our study: selecting, as our daily food, those great fundamental truths, in which all sound and pious writers, of all churches, and of all ages, consent and are agreed. Let us do thus, and we shall find ourselves on a vantageground, from which we shall not readily be moved; let us do thus, and we shall be enabled successfully to oppose all erroneous and strange opinions; all, that bear not the venerable stamp of the universal Church; all, that, on the one hand, border on the extreme of cold and lifeless. theory, all, that, on the other hand, would hurry us into enthusiasm, fanaticism, or dogmatical

excess.

Let it not, however, be imagined, that I would recommend a wide .course, either of polemical study, or of controversial discussion. On On the contrary, I am persuaded, that the studies by

which we shall, in the best manner, be fitted to serve others, are those in which it shall be our chief aim to purify our own hearts and minds, by the great truths of religion. And I am equally assured, that the best mode of opposing error, is seldom directly to advert to it; but calmly, and attractively, to exhibit the opposite right and truth. For truth is, in itself, delightful to every unsophisticated mind. It wins its own way. It affects, it warns, it invigorates, it controls, by its own proper and peculiar energy. It needs not elaborate proofs, or subtle argumentation. Let it be proposed, in fulness and simplicity, with clearness and with affection, and the work is done. We shall thus gain the strong hold of every honest understanding; we shall thus win the citadel, of every heart that can be

won.

Finally, let us remember, that we belong to that Church, which is "built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner-stone.” And in every season of public difficulty or trial, let us rejoice, in the comfortable assurance, that Christ will be with his Church "alway, even unto the end of the world;" and that no honest wish, no prudent effort, no affectionate earnestness to co-operate with Him, will pass unnoticed or unaided.

Now unto Him, that is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us; unto Him be glory, in the Church, by Jesus Christ, throughout all ages, world without end. AMEN.

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NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

(1) Page 120.] Respecting the very early and total cessation of miracles, Bishops Kaye and Blomfield have expressed an opinion, which like every thing that proceeds from those eminent Prelates, is entitled to most respectful consideration; the writer is not, however, exactly prepared to agree with them; and, should his health permit him, he would willingly devote some time and thought, at a future period, to a close investigation of the subject.

(2) Page 123.] Ex iis, quæ obtingunt ecclesiæ: hæc enim operum divinorum theatrum est. Conf. I. Cor. iv. 9. Bengel.

Beausobre.

Par ce que Dieu fait dans l'Eglise.
By means of what is done for the Church. Doddridge.
Through the constitution and consummation of the Church.
-Macknight.

Hanc suam sapientiam manifestavit Deus per ecclesiam, per providentiam suam in gubernanda et propaganda ecclesia; ex hac enim angeli sapientiam divinam intelligunt, sicuti nos homines eam intelligimus, cognoscendis et spectandis fatis et cursu rerum omnium. Rosenmüller Schol.

Per fata religionis. - Iaspis. Versio Lat. tom. i. p. 305. Lips. 1821.

Angelis sane affatim materiæ præbetur, Deum sapientissimum admirandi et concelebrandi, quod per tot sæculorum decursus hominibus semper prospexerit, ac tandem per Christum ab omni parte optime iis consuluerit; quanta