her almshouse, those only were meant to be included by whom the doctrines enumerated in the Vice-Chancellor's declaration were accepted as a rule of faith. Now we think it reasonable to conclude that these widows who were to be inmates of the almshouse are part of that fourth class described in the deed of 1704 as "godly persons in distress." They are not only not subjected in the deed of 1707 to the discretion of the trustees, being objects out of that class selected by Lady Hewley herself, but their description affords us the means of ascertaining, upon Lady Hewley's own authority, what she meant by the word "godly" in both the deeds. If this be so, then the same expression which is applied to the preachers and their widows ought to receive the same construction, it being plainly incongruous to give in one deed two meanings to the same expression; but independently of this, at all events the qualification attached by Lady Hewley to the admission of the inmates of her almshouse, distinctly shows what her own opinions were, and how anxious she was for their adoption by others. And then that anxiety would apply with far greater force to the adoption of those opinions by preachers, whose duty it was to take active steps for the propagation of the doctrines they professed; for an error there would probably lead to evils of a much more extensive nature. It is not likely that a lady who wished to regulate the opinions even of the poor widows, the objects of her pecuniary bounty, could intend to permit her funds to be devoted to the active propagation of any other than the same fundamental doctrines. It is quite inconceivable that she could thus (if with reverence we may use the emphatic language of holy writ on this subject) have "strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel!" We think, therefore, that Lady Hewley, by poor and godly preachers, meant preachers professing the doctrines contained in the Vice-Chancellor's declaration. Again, if this be so, and if this be the class of persons whom she designates as poor and godly preachers of Christ's holy gospel, it is most rational then to consider the other bequests for the encouragement and preaching of Christ's holy gospel, and for the educating of young ministers of that gospel, as confined to the preaching of persons professing the same doctrines, and the education of youths for the ministry in places where those doctrines are professed. This view of the case appears to us to be much confirmed by the peculiar language of Lady Hewley's will, by that of her pastor, Dr. Colton, by the state of the law at that period, and by the general tenor of history, both as to the doctrines then usually professed by the great body of Dissenters at that time, and their known interference with that particular provision in the Toleration Act applicable to Unitarian preaching. We were much pressed with quotations from various authors on this point, by the learned and ingenious gentlemen who argued for the defendants; but they have failed to satisfy us even as to the probability of any such catholic intention as that for which they contend having been entertained by Lady Hewley. Such a view may perhaps have been taken by a few speculative divines of great benevolence of feeling, but was never very generally received. It is indeed observable that almost all the very men who held such opinions constantly asserted their own orthodoxy of belief on the points now in question; and that in no instance whatever that we remember are they found to ap prove of the preaching or inculcating by the teaching of youth, those doc trines now contended for, and openly avowed by, the Unitarian Dissenters in their discourses from the pulpit. The greater part, if not the whole, of these quotations seem to us applicable ratlier to the terms of church communion than to the present subject; for the question now is upon a charity to be devoted to the active propagation of doctrines by pecuniary encouragement given to their professors; and is not whether, without any particular test, it may not be allowed to persons differing on material points to waive them, and, notwithstanding, to associate in one religious We do not community together. indeed think such a plan wise, or likely to succeed in producing peace in the churches, but we do not doubt that it has been often entertained by speculative men, who have not perhaps attended sufficiently to the results of practical experience in human life. But this argument as to a supposed catholic intention seems inconsistent also with the probabilities of this case. Lady Hewley must have had fixed religious opinions, conscientiously and strongly felt by her, or else it is not likely that she would have made this foundation: it is very unusual for religious foundations to be made by any other than persons having strong and fixed religious opinions themselves. Those who entertain what are called latitudinarian notions on such subjects, are not commonly those who leave their property in this way. But, waiving this, it seems to us clear that Lady Hewley, by requiring the Apostles' Creed, or indeed any definite creed at all, as a necessary qualification in this case, has herself given a decisive answer to this argument, and has negatived the probability of her, at least, having ever entertained this supposed catholic intention, by which, looking forward into futurity, she is imagined to have contemplated a continual movement in advance of religion, in the course of which all her own peculiar doctrines should, with others, gradually be absorbed and lost in the light and splendour of what is called increasing knowledge and reason; for the very object and peculiar advantage of a creed is to prevent this perpetual fluctuation, and to fix religious opinions, by bringing them continually to a definite test. We have adverted to this part of the case, not as considering it a very important topic; but, as it formed the principal ground of the argument before us, we thought it not right altogether to pass it over. Upon the whole, our opinion is, that the declaration of the ViceChancellor is right. There is another part of the case, which relates to the course your Lordship, as a judge in equity, ought to pursue as to retaining or removing the trustees, in case your Lordship's opinion should agree with, and confirm that which we have now delivered. That will depend of course on the point, whether your Lordship is satisfied that these trustees do in fact profess opinions differing from those to the promotion of which Lady Hewley devoted her foundation, and whether, in that case, it is the duty of a Court of Equity to remove them from a trust which they cannot so properly discharge as persons whose opinions concur with those of the foundress. But these are points on which it does not become us to offer any opinion to your Lordship. (The Judgment of Iord Lyndhurst will be given in our next.) UNIVERSITY, ECCLESIASTICAL, AND PAROCHIAL INTELLIGENCE. TRIBUTES OF RESPECT. THE LATE BISHOP OF BRISTOL.-The proposed tribute of respect to the character of this late exemplary Prelate has been carried into effect. A monument has been erected to his memory, in the Cathedral, designed and executed by W. H. Bailey, R.A., and which we have no doubt will prove highly gratifying to every admirer of sculpture. REV. D. WILLIAMS.-The Scholars of the Collegiate School of Winchester have subscribed for the purpose of presenting their Head Master, the Rev. D. Williams, D.C.L. (of New College,) with a magnificent piece of plate, as a testimony of their gratitude and esteem. It consists of a splendid candelabrum of massive silver, containing branches for nine lights. The pedestal is triangular. On one compartment is the inscription in Latin; on the second is beautifully chased, in bas-relief, Telemachus presenting offerings to Minerva, as the patroness of learning; and on the third is emblazoned the corporate arms of the ancient city of Winchester. DORKING CHURCH.-The works, which, during the late severe weather, were necessarily suspended, have been resumed with renewed spirit; and, on Thursday, the 24th of March, the key stone of the great arch, was driven by the Rev. S. Isaacson, Curate, in the presence of the Committee, and many ladies and gentlemen of the town. This arch will form one of the main features of the building; and when completed, according to the design of the able architect, Mr. W. M. Brookes, will render the interior of Dorking church one of the most striking objects in the county. On this interesting occasion a bottle was buried in the west end of the key-stone, containing a copy of the November number of "THE CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCER," (which gave a full account of the ceremony of laying the first stone, by the Bishop of Winchester)-a roll of parchment with the date of the deposit, a view of the old church, a bronze medal, a silver fourpence, of the new coinage, and several papers connected with local affairs. The increasing interest with which the progress of this great and good work is watched, is a gratifying proof of the attachment of the town and neighbourhood to the Established Church; and we cordially wish, that all who have contributed to the erection of this place of worship will not only be spared to witness its completion, but survive for many, many years, to worship their God and Saviour on the spot where their fathers worshipped. The Committee and their friends afterwards dined together, at the White Horse, to celebrate the event. It ought not to be forgotten, that in the box placed for the reception of casual contributions, some humble but devout Christian, and well-wisher to the Established Church, actually deposited two small antique silver salt spoons; probably the only article of value she or he possessed, as an offering at the foot of the Cross. These are now in the possession of Mr. P. Cooke, who purchased them for a sum far exceeding their intrinsic value. SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.-We have much pleasure in congratulating the members of the Church of England upon the result of the first attempt to bring the venerable Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge fairly before the inhabitants of the town of Reading. The following is a pleasing earnest of what the attached members of our Church, in that town, intend to do in behalf of the Society. Our Correspondent informs us that an excellent discourse was delivered, on the 24th, in St. Lawrence's, in aid of the funds of the Society, by the Vicar of Wargrave. SECOND REPORT FROM HIS MAJESTY'S COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO CONSIDER THE STATE OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH WITH REFERENCE TO ECCLESIASTICAL DUTIES AND REVENUES. TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. WE, your Majesty's Commissioners, appointed, by commissions bearing date the 4th day of February and the 6th day of June, 1835, to consider the state of VOL. XVIII. NO. IV. H H the Established Church in England and Wales, with reference to Ecclesiastica! Duties and Revenues, having pursued the inquiry thereby committed to us, humbly present to your Majesty this our Second Report. In the remarks which we are about to submit upon the mode of carrying into effect, with some modification, the measures already recommended by us, we shall follow the arrangement adopted in our First Report to your Majesty, bearing date the 17th day of March, 1835, and class our observations under the heads of TERRITORY, and REVENUE. On the subject of Episcopal Patronage we have at present no additional remarks to offer. The question is one of considerable intricacy, and we propose to make it the subject of a distinct Report. Any general rule which we should attempt to lay down would be liable to so many exceptions, as to render it of little practical use. In the Second Part of this Report we shall have occasion to recommend some changes in the exercise of patronage belonging to Deans and Chapters. Territory.-Objections have been made to two of the propositions submitted by us to your Majesty under this head, viz., to the union of the dioceses of Llandaff and Bristol; and to the separation from the diocese of Winchester of those parishes, in the county of Surrey, which it is proposed to place under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of London. With respect to the former of these propositions, when the union of the sees of Llandaff and Bristol was recommended, we were not insensible to the inconveniences attending that union; and the representations which have since been made to us against it have operated so strongly on our minds, as to induce us, on reconsideration, to relinquish that plan. We now recommend that the city and suburbs of Bristol should be united to the diocese of Bath and Wells, and that the remaining part of the diocese of Bristol, situate in the county of Gloucester, should be added to the diocese of Gloucester. If this recommendation is adopted, that part of the county of Glamorgan, which is now in the diocese of St. David's, may properly be added to that of Llandaff, as well as those parts of the counties of Monmouth and Brecon, which are specified in our First Report. With respect to the proposed transfer of certain parishes in the county of Surrey from the diocese of Winchester to that of London, the advantages which will result from placing the metropolis and the suburban parishes under one jurisdiction appear to us to outweigh any inconvenience which can be apprehended from this arrangement. We are of opinion also, that the bishopric of Sodor and Man may, without inconvenience, be united to that of Carlisle; as the Isle of Man contains only eighteen parishes, over which the Archdeacon, who is resident, and has a respectable income, can exercise an effectual superintendence. Minor objections have been made to other parts of the proposed territorial division of dioceses, which it is not necessary now to specify; for with regard to this, and indeed to most of the measures which, in the discharge of our duty, we have recommended, or may have to recommend, to your Majesty, it will be requisite, for the purpose of carrying them fully into effect, that permanent authority should be vested in some persons, to be named in any Act of Parliament which may be passed for sanctioning those measures, who may be capable of inquiring into details more fully than would be convenient for your Majesty in Council, with whom, we apprehend, the ultimate sanction will rest. The new division of dioceses will render necessary a corresponding change in the arrangement of archdeaconries. We have annexed a scheme, which supposes the erection of six additional archdeaconries, and which will involve the necessity of a change in the territorial limits of some already existing. Jurisdiction should also be given to such of the Archdeacons as are at present merely nominal officers. We have said nothing respecting the future arrangement of rural deaneries, conceiving that it will be most advantageously settled by the Bishops of the several dioceses, power being given to them for that purpose; but it is proper to remark, that if the rural deans are to be efficient officers, as we think they ought to be, it will be desirable that they should receive some small annual payments, sufficient to defray the expenses incurred by them in their visitations. With respect to the time at which the proposed territorial changes should take place, some may be effected immediately, with the consent of the Bishops concerned; others, as for instance those which relate to the formation of the two new dioceses, cannot be effected, except as particular vacancies shall occur, nor until the funds, necessary for carrying them into execution, shall become available. This brings us to the second head of the Report, viz. Revenue. The tables of the episcopal incomes, already published, having been framed upon an average, resulting from the receipts of the three years ending with the year 1831, and from the statements of the respective Bishops as to the probable future receipts, we have thought it expedient to apply for returns of the actual incomes of the several sees, during each of the seven years, ending with the year 1835, for the purpose of enabling us to form a more correct estimate. At present our calculations are necessarily grounded upon the tables published in our First Report; according to which, the average annual revenue of all the secs will be about 148,875., a sum sufficient to provide incomes for all the Bishops, including those of the two new sees, without the addition of any preferment in commendam; and thus to accomplish one of the objects recommended by your Majesty to our consideration. But the peculiar manner of leasing the episcopal estates throws great difficulties in the way of carrying into effect the arrangement, suggested in our First Report. If the estates were let at rack rent, so that each Bishop might receive, every year, about that which is stated to be his average annual income, it would be easy, upon the occurrence of a vacancy in one of the richer sees, to require the future Bishop to pay a certain annual sum towards the augmentation of the poorer sees. But the great variation which occurs in the episcopal incomes from year to year, according as a greater or less amount of fines is received, presents an obvious difficulty. One mode of rendering those incomes less uncertain would be, to allow the existing leases, both for lives and for terms of years, to expire. But any plan for accomplishing this object must involve the necessity of borrowing money upon the security of the episcopal estates, in order to compensate the Bishops for the loss of the fines which accrue to them under the present system, and which form an important part of their incomes. The practical result of such an operation would be, to transfer to the parties lending their money that interest in the episcopal estates which is now possessed by the lessees. We are not therefore prepared to recom mend the adoption of any general measure for allowing the leases for lives and terms of years to expire; although, for the purpose of correcting in some degree the inconvenience now arising from the great variations in the annual amount of the episcopal incomes, we recommend that facilities should be afforded for the conversion of leases for lives into leases for terms of years. In order to give a clearer view of the financial part of the subject, we subjoin a statement, showing the present amount of the incomes of the larger sces, and the reduction which it is proposed to make in them. This reduction, when carried into effect, will furnish annually a sum of 28,5001., to which is to be added the income of the see of Bristol, amounting to 23001. The total sum thus obtained of 30,8004., being divided amongst the thirteen bishoprics which require an addition to their present revenues, and the two new sees, will |