BIRTHS AND MARRIAGES. BIRTHS. Of Sons-The Lady of the Rev. J. G. Dowling, r. of St. Mary-de-Crypt, Glouces ter; of Rev. A. Olivant, St. David's College; of Rev. W. Harding, Sulgrave V., Northamptonshire; of Rev. E. A. Davies, Greenhead, near Huddersfield; of Rev. R. B. Greenlaw, Blackheath; of Rev. C. Miller, Cheswardine V., Salop; of Rev. J. Kempthorne, Wedmore V., Somerset; of Rev. J. D. Hales, Charmouth R.; of Rev. T. Fuller, Eaton Place; of Rev. A. Drummond, Charlton, Kent; of Rev. D. Wickham, Brook Green, Hammersmith; of Rev. C. Clifton, Beaumont-street, Oxford; of Rev. T. D. Broughton, Bletchingley R.; of Rev. W. Smith, Dunston Hall, Of Daughters-The Lady of the Rev. T. Evans, Salisbury; of Rev. J. Croft, Sherborne; of Rev. J. H. Talbot, Clifton R., Olney; of Rev. C. Baylay, Ramsgate; of Rev. A. L. Lambert, Ash P., near Farnham, Surrey; of Rev. W. Dalby, Warminster V.; of Rev. J. Sterling, Hurstmonceaux, Sussex; of Rev. G. T. Ferrand, Tunstall R., Suffolk; of Rev. W. C. L. Faulkner, Rodneystreet, Pentonville; of Rev. R. Eden, Hackney; of Rev. H. P. Hamilton, Warth R.; of Rev. G. Burnaby, Somerby, near Melton Mowbray of Rev. B. Peile, Hatfield; of Rev. R. H. Hill, Britford V. MARRIAGES. The Rev. J. Macaulay, v. of Loppington, Salop, to Miss Large, of Malpas; Rev. J. Hambleton, Minister of the Chapel-of-Ease, Holloway, to Miss S. A. Lawrence, of Colebrook-row, Islington; Rev. E. Hussey, of Chilton, to Jane, d. of the Rev. C. Wapshare, Skerries, county of Dublin, to Emily, second r. of East Hendred; Rev. H. Johnson, of d. of Dr. S. Crauford, of the Circus, Bath; Rev. A. Daniel, of Exeter Coll., Oxon, A.M., to Eliza A., eldest d. of the late C. W. Cruttwell, Esq., Bath; Rev. H. Hutton, M.A., to Ann R., youngest d. of the Rev. R. Cautley, r. of Moulson, Bucks; Rev. J. Goskin, A. B., to A. S., only child of Mr. H. Hill Budget, of Bristol; Rev. E. Synge, r. of Kilherrin, County Galway, to Emily, d. of Sir R. Steele, Bart., of the city of Dublin; Rev. Mr. Crispin r. of Renhold and Ravensden, to Miss M. N. Nash, eldest d. of P. Nash, Esq.; Rev. W. Duthy, r. of Sudborough, Northamptonshire, to Emma, youngest d. of the late Sir G. Robinson, Bart., of Grafton Park, Northamptonshire; Rev. C. Vaughan, jun., to Emily, only d. of the late J. P. Reeve, Esq., near Reading; Rev. H. V. Russell, B.A., r. of Rise, Yorkshire, Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty, to Eliza, third d. of the late O. Tylden, Esq., of Torre Hill, Kent; Rev. H. T. Wheler, r. of Berkley, Somersetshire, to Charlotte, youngest d. of the Rev. C. E. Isham, r. of Polebrook; Rev. J. Storer, jun., of Hemingford Grey, to Margaret A., eldest d. of the Rev. R. Tillard, of Bluntisham; Rev. J. Carlyon, of St. Merin, Cornwall, to Eliza J. M., youngest d. of the late G. Kingdon, Esq., of Frome Selwood, Somersetshire. OBITUARY. Taz death of Mr. Sikes, of Guilsborough, is noticed in the usual place; but the loss of such a person cannot be past over without a word of, the gratitude and reverence which all ought to feel, and which very many do feel, for his character and memory. His thorough knowledge of divinity-his sound judgment on all the more difficult parts of it-his love of church order-his high and unbending principle--his munificence his active, useful, Christian lifehis true faith-his fervent, but calm and pure, piety, these were the qualities which entitle him to love, and gratitude, and bitter regret. They who know what the words high churchman' and Church-of-England piety' means, bless God that so bright and genuine an example of both was so long held forth to the world; and while they lament that they can see its light no longer shining among them, will treasure the precious lessons which it afforded, and will remember with joy the blessing and the peace which such a faith and such piety impart. The righteous is taken from the evil to come ;" and no one can doubt that, as Mr. Sikes had already seen but too much which was entirely opposed to his views, his wishes, and his desires for the church, so his death has rescued him from seeing much which would have caused him yet deeper affliction. The course which he and they who think with him loved and followed so long may, perhaps, be renounced, but it will be for " generations yet for to come" to see on which course God bestows his choicest blessings. 102 EVENTS OF THE MONTH. The "Events" are collected from the public papers, except where private correspondents are so good as to send more authentic accounts, which are always marked "From a Correspondent.” CAMBRIDGESHIRE. A testimony of respect and esteem has been presented by the humbler classes to the Rev. F. Hose, curate of the parish of the Holy Trinity, in this town. It consists of an elegant silver tea-pot, purchased by small subscriptions varying from one penny to a shilling, and bears the following inscription: A tribute of gratitude for zealous and faithful services rendered by the Rev. Frederick Hose to his attached congregation, which assembled at the School-Room, in Trinity parish, Cambridge, during the repairs of the Church, 1834."-Ibid. The annual meeting of the Cambridge Auxiliary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts was held on Tuesday, Dec. 3d., in the Town-Hall, and was very respectably attended; the Rev. Dr. French, Vice-Chancellor, in the chair. CHESHIRE. TRIBUTE OF RESPECT.-On Monday, the 8th of December, was presented to the Rev. J. W. Gowring, B. A., on leaving his curacy of Witton, Northwich, Cheshire, a handsome gold watch, accompanied with a purse, which was subscribed for by members of his flock. On the inside case of the watch is inscribed :-"A tribute of Respect, presented to the Rev. J. W. Gowring, B.A., by members of his flock, for his highly esteemed services while at Witton. Dec. 1834."-Record. On Monday, Dec. 8, a public meeting was held at Cheadle, for the purpose of organizing a district committee, in connexion with the proposed Diocesan Church Building Society. Edward Buller, Esq., M.P., presided, and Archdeacon Hodson explained to the meeting, at considerable length, the nature and objects of the contemplated institution. The resolutions adopted were similar to those passed at the Stafford meeting, for the same purpose; and in moving and seconding them, the assembly was addressed by several of the clergy and gentry of the neighbourhood. Previous to separating, most of those present put down their names as donors or annual subscribers; and among the former were James Watts Russell, Esq. 100l.; E. Buller, Esq. 301.; Rev. E. Weildon and J. Sneyd, Esq. 251. each; and the Rev. B. Port, T. Powys, Esq., and W. Sneyd, 201. each.-Derbyshire Courier. DERBYSHIRE. DIOCESAN CHURCH BUILDING SOCIETY. -A highly respectable meeting of the clergy, magistrates, and gentry of the northern division of this county, was held on Friday, Dec. 19, at the Town-Hall, Chesterfield, for the purpose of forming a society for promoting the enlargement, building, and purchase of Churches and Chapels in connexion with the Established Church, at which Sir Geo. Sitwell, Bart. presided.-Ibid. DEVONSHIRE. CLERGY OF THE ARCHDEACONRIES OF EXETER AND TOTNES.-In consequence of requisitions to that effect from the clergy of these archdeaconries to their archdeacons, these venerable persons appointed meetings, for the purpose of considering some important interests of the church, and, if expedient, to express their confidence in the co-operation of the bishops with his Majesty's government, in devising a just and safe measure for a commutation of tithes; in correcting defective discipline; and remedying such defects in polity as impair the efficiency of the church in securing the sacred object for which it was established, namely, the spiritual instruction of all classes of the people.-Exeter Post. THE ANSWER OF THE BISHOP ΤΟ THE ADDRESS OF THE ARCHDEACON AND CLERGY ОР THE ARCHDEACONRY OF EXETER. "Palace, Exeter, Dec. 18, 1834. "DEAR MR. ARCHDEACON,-I have received the communication made to me by yourself and the clergy of your archdeaconry, with much satisfaction. This testimony of the confidence in the bishops cannot fail to strengthen our hands and hearts in the important work in which we may be invited to join. "On the first particular mentioned in your address the settlement of the tithe question I have no hesitation in assuring you, that it is not only my own earnest wish, but also the wish, as I firmly believe, of the bishops, as a body, to support any equitable measure for that purpose which the government may propose. Having given you this assurance, I should have said no more on the matter, had not a statement been recently made, which demands from me more particular observation. "In the report of a speech delivered at a numerous meeting in this county by a member of the late cabinet, the bishops have been arraigned, for having repeatedly thwarted the endeavours of his Majesty's ministers to settle this most perplexing question, and for having thwarted them on pleas of a very questionable character. It is there said, that In the session which has just passed, there was one, and more than one proposition with regard to tithes, which, on being submitted to the beads of the church, they declared should have their opposition in the House of Lords, conceiving they were injurious to their interests: We (the ministers) did not think they were injurious; but we thought it useless to force through the House of Commons a measure which would have been defeated in the House of Lords.' "Whether the words reported were really spoken, it is not for me to say. It is enough that they have not been disavowed by the noble person to whom they are attributed, and that, under the authority of his name, they have obtained circulation, and, of course, credit, throughout the kingdom. This has imposed on me the pleasing duty a duty which I owe to my brethren, to myself, and to the clergy at large—of availing myself of the opportunity which you now give me, to deny in the strongest terms, not only the accuracy, but the entire substance of this statement. No proposition on the subject of tithes was submitted to the bishops; no declaration of our intention to oppose any such measure of the government was made by us, nor by any one authorised by us, nor by any one whatever, so far as I have beard, or believe-certainly not by any one who, from his station or influence, could be reasonably supposed to be the organ of our opinions. "I make these assertions, not on my own recollection, merely, but after previous inquiry in quarters where any failure of memory, or defect of information, on my part, could be abundantly supplied. If, however, I am wrong, I rejoice to think that the means of correcting my error must be within reach of him who is alleged to have made the charge. "I cannot doubt that, if he indeed made it, he will-for the sake of that cause which must be dearer to him than any other, the cause of truth and justicehe will state, plainly, what, and by whom, were the propositions made to us-who it'was that declared our intention to oppose them in the House of Lords-and to whom, and when, such declaration was made. "On your second topic, the necessity of an improved discipline over the clergyespecially in the few cases (I humbly thank God, when I consider how few!) of charges of immorality-I hardly need assure you, that the bishops are most anxious to assist in correcting an evil which they, above all men, most deeply feel. "In truth, their anxiety on this subject has already evinced itself in no ambiguous way. Nearly three years ago, a detailed plan was presented by the Commission for inquiring into the practice and jurisdiction of the Ecclesiastical Courts,' at the head of which were the Archbishop of Canterbury, and five other bishops; and it has been a great disappointment to us, that a bill-which, professing to carry that plan (or some other for the same purpose) into effect, was brought into the House of Lords, at the close of the session of 1833, by a leading member of the government, and was then ordered to be printed for general consideration during the recess not only has not yet been proceeded with, but never afterwards appeared in any shape. "On the third matter on which you address me, the correction of defects in our ecclesiastical polity generally, or what is called church-reform, I hope I have, however imperfectly, anticipated the necessity of lengthened remark, by the opinions which I expressed in my charge sixteen months ago. Other bishops have adopted a similar course: and of all, I may say with confidence, that they have the wish, and the determination, to do every thing which, on due consideration, shall be found necessary, or really expedient. Meanwhile, it is not our fault that nothing has yet been done. In the beginning of the session of 1833, we were taught by the first minister of the crown, in his place in parliament, to expect a communication from government on this important subject. A similar announcement was made to us at the close of the last session. Such a communication, whenever it had come, would have found us, as was repeatedly intimated in the House of Lords by our revered primate, ready and anxious to perform our part. This feeling cannot be supposed to be less powerful in us at present. "In conclusion, let me express my earnest hope, and fervent prayer, (a prayer in which all my clergy will cordially join,) that whatever measures be introduced affecting the establishment of the church, whether in England or in Ireland, they may be such as shall tend most effectually to promote what you justly call the sacred object for which the church is established the spiritual instruction of all classes of the people;' in other words, that it may be their purpose, and by God's blessing, their effect, not only to preserve, but also to extend the knowledge and the power of true religion in every part of the United Kingdom! To ensure such a result, we of the clergy, all in our several stations, as you in the address before me most feelingly engage to do, must, with the Divine grace, exert our utmost zeal and diligence in faithfully discharging the high trust which God has committed to us. "I am, dear Mr. Archdeacon, "Your affectionate friend and brother, "H. EXETER." "The Venerable the Archdeacon of Exeter." DORSETSHIRE. LYME.-A catholic chapel is to be erected here in a short time: the land is purchased.-Bath Chronicle. On the 15th of December the Rev. W. F. Grove held his tithe audit at the rectory at Melbury Abbas, and abated his parishioners 10 per cent. on their composition, in consideration of the depressed state of agriculture. As soon as the cloth was removed, and the usual constitutional toasts had been given, the principal occupier rose and presented the rector with a handsome silver goblet, having the following inscription:- Presented, by the tithe payers of Melbury Abbas, to their rector, the Rev. W. F. Grove, M. A., as a testimony of their regard, after a pastoral connexion of more than 40 years, A.D. 1834." -Salisbury Herald. The young gentlemen of the King's School, Sherborne, have presented the respected second master, the Rev. Thomas James, with a handsome silver tea service, upon which is inscribed the following gratifying testimonial:-" Reverendo viro Thomæ James, A.M., erudito subpræceptori hæc argentea sedulitatis, fidelitatis, comitatis-Testimonium. D.D. Discipuli." -Ibid. DURHAM. The Rev. H. Lawson of South Shields, has been presented by his congregation with a very elegant silver snuff-box, bear ing a suitable inscription.-Ibid. GLOUCESTERSHIRE. A numerous and highly respectable meeting of the Bristol Association of the Friends of the United Church of England and Ireland was held on the 26th Nov., at the Horticultural Room, at the top of Park-street, for the purpose of "agreeing to an Address to his Majesty, and Peti tions to the two Houses of Parliament in support of the United Church of England and Ireland." The company were admitted by tickets, procured by previous application to the secretary-about 2000 persons. Over the president's chair was suspended the King's declaration to the bishops, printed in gold, and decorated with colours of "true blue." At the same time the speakers were addressing the meeting, tables were laid in the adjoining gardens for signatures to the address and petitions. Precisely at eleven o'clock the committee and officers of the association, accompanied by the Irish deputation (Rev. Messrs. Boyton and Sullivan) entered the room, amidst the applause of the meeting. Alderman Haythorne commenced the business of the meeting by briefly moving that the chair be taken by Alderman Daniel. -(Cheers.)—The chairman said that he thanked the meeting for the honour they had done him in calling him to the chair on such a great and important occasion. Several able addresses were delivered amid much applause, and several appropriate resolutions, and a petition, were unanimously adopted. The meeting passed off extremely well.-Cambridge Chronicle. The address to the King has received upwards of seven thousand signatures. The following is the petition agreed to: "To the Right Honorable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled. "We, the undersigned Magistrates, Clergy, Bankers, Merchants, and others, neighbourhood, are again urged by an iminhabitants of the city of Bristol and its Right Honourable House our deep and perative sense of duty, to submit to your awful conviction of the danger to which the Protestant reformed religion is exposed, by that alarming spirit of innovation which has been suffered to gain force in the land, and which, in its indiscriminate rage for destruction, threatens to respect no institution, however hallowed by time, or endeared to our affections by the recollection of the virtues they have fostered, or the benefits they have been the means of conferring on the country. "That the overthrow of our Protestant church is the main object to which the enemies of all government are now direct ing their efforts, is but too apparent. If any evidence of this fact, beyond the repeated and systematic attacks upon the rights and property of the establishment, were wanting, we have it in their own avowed declarations, put forth at their general meetings, and circulated in the public press. Nor is the danger the less urgent or the duty of resistance the less imperative, that the blow is, in the first instance, aimed at that portion of the venerable fabric which has been reared in the sister kingdom. To our Protestant bre. thren in Ireland has been consigned the defence of the principal outwork of our church constitution; with which is identified the safety of the citadel itself; and never have they been found wanting in the discharge of this sacred trust. In times of public danger they have indeed been always the first at their station; and it is to their devoted heroism and constancy that we are indebted, under God, for the maintenance of the integrity of our national church, and the consequent preservation of the United Empire from dismemberment. "We feel called on, therefore, by every motive that can animate a Christian breast, by our reverence for the common cause, in the defence of which they are engaged; by our gratitude for their past services, as well as by our sympathy in their present danger, to come forward to their assistance in their hour of need. To desert them at such a crisis would be not merely an act of cowardice, but a base betrayal of a great Christian obligation. It is a duty which we owe to our King, our Country, and our God, to declare that there is no sacrifice we are not ready to make, no extremity we are not prepared to endure, rather than abandon the defence of a cause to which we are conscientiously and devotedly attached, and in the maintenance of which we are firmly persuaded is involved all that we hold most dear-the free enjoyment of our civil and religious liberties, and the continuance of the Divine favour which, since the time of the establishment of our reformed apostolical church, in its present purity of doctrine and constitution, has been so signally and so bounteously shed upon this happy land. 44 The miseries and privations to which the ministers of the Irish church are exposed in their present arduous struggle, in defence of its most sacred rights, no feeling mind can contemplate without horror. We deeply sympathize in their sufferings, and cannot sufficiently express our admiration of the Christian fortitude with which they VOL. VII.-Jan. 1835, have been borne. With gratitude we acknowledge the great obligation we owe to your lordships, for your watchful care over their rights and interests, as evinced in your recent rejection of a measure by which the church establishment in Ireland would have been eventually subverted. We implore the continuance of your powerful protection, and anxiously look forward to the adoption of prompt and effectual measures for the relief of the Irish clergy; either by enforcing the due payment of the revenues provided for their support by the wisdom and piety of our ancestors, and which have been of late so unjustly and unlawfully withheld; or by the substitution of a full and ample compensation in their room. "And, above all, it is our most earnest and anxious petition, that your Right Honourable House will not entertain any legislative measures calculated to prejudice the rights of our Protestant church, as established in the United Kingdom, or to affect its stability; but that by a prompt and decisive manifestation of your determination to discountenance every such attempt, you will quiet the apprehensions of all true friends of religion, and put a final extinction to the hopes of its enemies." ESSEX. BISHOPS WALTHAM.-On Sunday, October the 12th, a very impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. T. Scard, M. A., in the parish church, to a crowded and respectable congregation, on his leaving the curacy. Above one thousand two hundred persons were assembled to testify their respect towards the rev. gentleman. The text was taken from 27th verse of the 20th chapter of Acts. The inhabitants of the parish have also testified their approbation of Mr. Scard's ministerial duties, by presenting him with a piece of plate, of the value of 701., which was presented on the 14th, at a public breakfast. HAMPSHIRE. The Rev. T. S. Ginger, minister of George-street Chapel, Ryde, Isle of Wight, has been presented with a handsome piece of plate-a subscripton by his congregation.-Salisbury Journal. HUNTING DONSHIRE. ST. NEOTS.-Notwithstanding the state of the estrangement and want of fellow feeling said to be so general between the pastor and the flock, still, at the present time instances are continually occurring, when the Church is evidently proved to be too fixed in the affections of her sons, to fear the arts of those who would glory in P |