count Chelsea, B.A. of Oriel College, eldest son of the Earl of Cadogan, to Mary Sarah, third daughter of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley, brother to the Duke of Wellington. At Newent, Gloucestershire, by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Worcester, the Rev. Theodore John Cartwright, M.A. of University College, Oxford, Rector of Preston Bagot, Warwickshire, to Anna Cecilia, third daughter of the Venerable Archdeacon Onslow. In the parish church of St. John the Baptist, Hereford, the Rev. James Garbett, jun. M.A. Fellow of Brasennose College, Oxford, and Rector of Clayton, Sussex, to Frances, fifth daughter of the Rev. James Simpkinson, M. A. Rector of St. Peter-le-poore, Broad-street, and late of Queen's College, Oxford. On the 2d ult. Henry, second son of William Wenman, Esq. of Gorsbrook, near Shrewsbury, to Margaret, youngest daughter of the late Rev. R. P. Parkes, M.A. Rector of Loppington, Salop. At Clapham, Charles Brooke, Esq. M.D. of St. John's College, Cambridge, and of Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury, to Mary Ann, eldest daughter of Benjamin Sewell, Esq. of Clapham Common. At Glympton, Charles Williams, Esq. surgeon, of Maidenhead, Berks, to Isabella, eldest daughter of the Rev. Thomas Nucella, Rector of the former place. On the 29th ult. James M'Taggard, Esq. late of Christ Church, Oxford, to Helen Emma, eldest daughter of John S. Adams, Esq. of Tower House, Woodchester. July 7, at Rolvenden, Kent, by the Rev. J. Monypenny, M.A. the Rev. H. Davis, only child of the Rev. J. Davis, Vicar of Cerne Abbas, Dorsetshire, to Elizabeth, youngest daughter of the late Thomas Monypenny, Esq. Aug. 2, at Westham, by the Venerable the Archdeacon of Essex, the Rev. John Gibson, B.D. Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, to Jane, daughter of John Hubbard, Esq. of Stratford Grove. BIRTHS. July 19, at Walworth, the lady of the Rev. Henry Mackenzie, of a daughter. July 22, at Hemsby, Norfolk, the lady of the Rev. Thomas Barton Fooks, late Fellow of New College, of a daughter. July 23, at Aston Rectory, Hertfordshire, the lady of the Rev. William David Longlands, M.A. late Fellow of Balliol College, of a son. July 23, at Bridehead, Dorset, the seat of her father, Robert Williams, Esq. the lady of Arthur Henry Dyke Acland, Esq. B. A. of Christ Church, of a daughter. The lady of the Rev. A. Stonhouse, of Wadham College, of a daughter. July 25, at the Rectory, Dittisham, Devon, Lady Henry Kerr, of a son. July 31, at the Rectory, Hartshorne, Derbyshire, the lady of the Rev. Henry W. Buckley, M.A. late Fellow of Merton College, of a son. July 29, at Langham-place, Devizes, the lady of the Rev. R. V. Law, of a daughter. At Well Hall, Clitherne, the lady of the Rev. Dr. Powell, Incumbent of Great and Little Hampton, Worcestershire, of a son. July 28, at Eckington Vicarage, the lady of the Rev. T. Duncan Gilby, of a daughter. August 1, at the Rectory, Malden, Surrey, the lady of the Rev. George Trevelyan, M.A. late Fellow of Merton College, of a daughter At St. John's Hill, Shrewsbury, on the 4th ult. the lady of the Rev. Professor Holmes, M.A. late of Bishop's College, Calcutta, of a son. On the 3d ult. at Hadley, the lady of the Rev. G. Skinner, of a daughter. At Chelsea, on the 6th ult. the lady of the Rev. Peter Hall, of a daughter. At Melksham, on the 17th ult. Mrs. Henry Goddard Awdry, of a daughter. July 12, at Chilton Rectory, the lady of the Rev. J. L. Popham, of a daughter. August 12, the lady of the Dean of Hereford, of a son. August 13, at High Grove, Walingham, the lady of the Rev. James Lee Warner, of a son. August 13, the lady of the Rev. C. W. Wilkinson, of twin daughters. August 13, at Tring Park, Herts, the lady of the Rev. W. A. Weguelin, of a son. August 15, at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, the lady of the Rev. the President, of a son. August 16, at the Marine Square, the Marchioness of Abercorn, of a daughter. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. We regret that the account of the Meeting of the Bath and Wells Diocesan Church Building Association did not arrive in time, or we should have had much pleasure in giving a full report of it. We shall be happy in hearing again from “ A. B. Oxon." Will he favour us with his address! THE CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCER OCTOBER, 1836. REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. ART. I.-The Ministerial Character of Christ practically considered. By CHARLES R. SUMNER, D.D., Bishop of Winchester. A New Edition, revised and enlarged. London: Hatchard & Son. 1835. Pp. xix. 573. (Continued from page 519.) VI. IN nothing is our Lord's example to be more usefully considered than in the admirable simplicity and effect with which he availed himself of passing incidents to convey or illustrate his instruction. The temple, and the various circumstances connected with it; the Jewish rites, the season of the year, natural scenery, any object, in short, which might happen to be present, was made subservient to his teaching. Sometimes, as at Luke xiv. 31, and xix. 12-27, passing political events afforded him a text; sometimes there is an allusion to the peculiar character and circumstances of the hearers; and sometimes, like the ancient prophets, he conveyed impressive lessons by significant symbols. Thus should the Clergy make all things subservient to the object of their ministry; always about their Master's business, availing themselves of all seasons and circumstances for instruction, accommodating themselves to the capacities, and identifying themselves with the feelings of their people. With due discretion to avoid needless offence, they will not shrink from making religion a frequent subject of conversation, being always ready to speak a word in season, which is often more useful than elaborate discourses from the pulpit. They will be careful to use language and images suited to the understanding of all; a power essential to the success of their ministry, and which they will acquire only by active pastoral labours among the poor. VII. When we consider the state of the world at the time of our Lord's advent, the spiritual character of his ministry will be most striking. The Jews were almost ripe for judgment. The awful picture of the ignorance and profligacy of the Gentiles given by St. Paul, Rom. i., is fully confirmed by profane writers of that period: and though it has been affirmed that some of the pagan philosophers held purer, and more correct views concerning God, and the worship he requires, than generally prevailed among the heathen, the grounds upon which this hypothesis rests will not bear scrutiny: every thing confirms the truth, that "the world by wisdom knew not God." At this season of universal darkness and corruption, when the insufficiency of the ceremonial law, and the vanity of human wisdom, had been fully proved, our Lord came, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the minister of a better covenant. He freed the moral law from the glosses and traditions of those blind guides, who, appointed to guard and teach it, became its corruptors. He taught that God, who is a Spirit, must be worshipped in spirit and in truth; and thus, by spiritualising the disposition of the heart, and directing attention to propensities and motives, as well as to overt actions, he furnished a new touchstone for human conduct. Hence, in addition to its sublime doctrines, there are moral precepts which belong only to the gospel. Repressing an overweening desire for earthly good, it raises the affections to heaven. In opposition to the code of the most enlightened heathens, and in a clearer and higher sense than is set forth in the law, it teaches that true greatness and excellence consist in humility and meekness. It so purifies, exalts, and extends the principle of brotherly love, that, though the substance of one of the tables of the Decalogue, it is called a new commandment. The effect of this principle, admirably contrasting both with the selfishness of the Jews, and the unfeeling pride of the heathens, is seen in the common feeling which united the church at Jerusalem; in the liberality of the Gentile churches, so often commended by St. Paul; and in that general, marked, distinctive character of Christianity, which compelled its enemies to admire "how these Christians love one another!" The spiritual character of our Lord, displayed as it was in all his discourses and actions, will be better understood by observing the slow comprehension and gross conception of those around him. That the Jews should shut their ears against him, hardened as they were in their prejudices, may occasion little surprise; but even the disciples cherished to the last low and worldly notions of his kingdom, and often brought upon themselves just reproof. Nor is it improbable, pure in all things as he was, and zealous for his Father's honor, that the contradiction of sinners, and the unbelief of his disciples, formed a large portion of his cup of suffering. The Clergy, if they would be really useful, must display the same mind that was in Christ. They must shew themselves living epistles of him, to be read of all men; and enforce their doctrine with their lives. When prejudices are to be overcome, or ignorance to be removed, it is necessary first to shew that the man who labours to introduce new modes of thinking and feeling, is not only sincere in his opinions, but an example of their practical efficacy in forming a spiritual character. Living, as we do, in times when the danger, and almost the scandal of religion have ceased, it is needful for every man to be careful, lest he rest upon the mere formal observance of his privileges. Spirituality of mind is the test of the true christian character; and each is required to ascertain for himself, by serious self-examination, whether in this respect he walks worthy of his calling. "The more we meditate on that high and holy standard of spiritual attainments presented to us in Scripture, and on the whole tenor of Christ's spiritual character, the more we shall learn practically, by the contrast which our own hearts exhibit, how much man has fallen from the image of God; and how much our nature must be changed, elevated, and purified, before we can be holy as he is holy, and perfect as he is perfect." VIII. It would be inconsistent with the christian covenant, whose gracious nature contrasts so strikingly with the penal character of the Mosaic dispensation, if its author were not distinguished for tenderness. Accordingly, love is the chief feature of our Lord's character, and the badge of his religion. How great was his gentleness to all his followers: how mild his answers, even under circumstances of aggravated provocation: how gracious his conduct, in choosing for the especial objects of his mercy those who were generally excluded from human sympathy, and had no claim upon him but their peculiar degradation and misery; the leper, the publican, and the sinner: how striking his compassion for sinners: how affecting his pity for human sufferings: how prompt his readiness to relieve them! Mercy is the constant character both of his own miracles, and of those he commissioned his disciples to perform. In all his intercourse with his followers, what a tone of kindness in his language; what consideration for their weakness; what tenderness to their infirmities! How patiently he bore with their want of faith, and slowness of understanding; how carefully he spared them every painful trial till they were able to bear it; and when they were found negligent and unfaithful, even in his agony, how kind and gentle was the excuse he offered ! From this trait in our Lord's character, we derive abundant encou ragement. He, who knew what is in man, needed not to assume our nature that he might learn by experience how to help us in sorrow and temptation. But in submitting to all the sufferings and trials of humanity, he displayed a character which connects him with human sympathies. We feel that we can rest more entirely upon a love which we can thus understand; and though our Lord has passed into the heavens, we know for he is unchangeable-that his love is ever the same. The tenderness which is so lovely in the character and ministry of our Lord, ought to shine in all the conduct of his followers, and especially in his ministers. Theirs is a ministry of reconciliation, and they should strive to win by love, manifesting in all their deportment a true and affectionate concern for the happiness of all. Influenced by this feeling, they will abstain from all harshness, bear with the infirmities of the weak, and cherish pity even for the most obstinate sinner;—not, however, so as to suppress or qualify those truths, which the interest of those for whom they labour requires to be plainly set forth. While they dwell with delight on the compassion of our Lord, they must not forget, nor suffer others to forget, that his tenderness will not be suffered to interfere with his justice. It is shown in the forgiveness of repented and forsaken sin, but not in permitting a continuance in transgression." IX. Our Lord impresses upon his followers the duty of caution in avoiding all occasion of needless offence, and of needless risk; and he affords, in all his life and ministry, an example of the prudence which he inculcates. Notwithstanding the very difficult circumstances in which he was placed, he afforded no plausible ground of complaint even to his enemies. He regulated the freeness with which he revealed himself to different persons or classes, by his knowledge of their circumstances and disposition; maintaining a guarded reserve towards the Jews, whose malice prompted them to wrest his words, or whose expectations of a temporal prince and deliverer would prompt them to assert his dominion by dangerous and criminal means; but not hesitating when he conversed with the woman of Samaria, to avow himself Christ the Messiah. He abstained from administering baptism, which might have led to invidious comparisons respecting the dignity and efficacy of the rite, as administered by himself or by his disciples;-a caution which St. Paul generally observed, and for the same reason. He always convinced, or at least silenced the Jews, by establishing the conclusions they would dispute upon their own Scriptures, or their own practice. He gave no unnecessary offence, and exposed himself to no unnecessary risk. He was faithful in reproving, but never intemperate; generally abstaining from individual censure, though prompt to give individual commendation. In the snares which his enemies laid for him, the captious questions they proposed, and the dilemmas in which they attempted to fix him, his wisdom is always conspicuous in baffling their cunning without understating the truth. The whole of this systematic attention to the dictates of human policy, shews that Christ did not usually employ the divine power with which he was endowed |