man, which will not bear a delay of three or four days for an answer per post.

It is with deference to the opinions of my superiors that I venture to suggest, that a remedy for this inconvenience would be found in the adoption of two rules:-1. To consider no title sufficient for priest's orders, but the sole or chief charge of a church or chapel. 2. To admit no one to such a charge who was not in priest's orders. Those who are older in the ministry will be better able than I am to pass judgment on such a suggestion. But thus much cannot be denied, that by such an arrangement the distinction of orders, which has disappeared to the eyes of the congregation, would be made manifest, and the intention of the church, as it is to be gathered from her officers, be more strictly adhered to than on this point it is at present.* I am, my dear Sir,

East Horsley, Jan. 14, 1833.

Very faithfully yours,

ARTHUR PERCEVAL.

SIR, I have read with considerable interest the plan which your correspondent T. O. proposes for the adoption of Parochial Psalmody, which, in my opinion, is well worthy the serious consideration of those individuals to whom his proposals are more particularly addressed; and I hope most sincerely that his plan will meet with that success to which its numerous advantages so justly entitle it. If, as T. O. affirms, it were not obvious to all who consider the subject, that parochial psalmody is a ready means of winning back many of the

Nothing certainly would be more desirable than the 'apprenticeship' suggested by Mr. Perceval. A large parish, with a resident incumbent, is probably the best commencement of a clergyman's life, as he will gain experience without incurring painful or dangerous responsibility. But, as things are, there are probably very few cases indeed where there ought to be an assistant curate, and where the incumbent can afford to have one, and yet where there is not one. The number of such parishes would not be increased by doing away all pluralities. It is probable that the plan suggested by M. Perceval must be adopted if pluralities were done away; but then this plan would effectually prevent any person from going into the church who could not maintain himself comfortably for (probably) many years, and who had not a certainty of provision at the end of these years. It appears to the Editor that there is indeed, as Mr. Perceval suggests, a very deeply seated evil in our church system, and that is the inadequacy of the church revenues to provide properly even for an incumbent in every parish, and consequently its greater inadequacy to supply these incumbents with the assistants whom they ought to have, and whose appointment would be necessary to secure a succession, if pluralities were forbidden. The whole difficulty lies in the want of money. Were it not for this, the plans noticed by the Editor-(one, as prevalent in some parts of the Roman Catholic Church, viz. the appointment of curates by bishops where they saw a want of them; the other, the requiring every clergyman having a population above a certain number, to employ a curate)-—would obviate the difficulty. Mr. Perceval's plan would perhaps obviate it in another way; but surely it would not be desirable that none but persons of independent (though small) fortunes, and certain expectations, should enter the church.

lower class of society, I might add my own experience, which would afford ample proof in confirmation thereof. For the parish church to which I belong has been both much better and more regularly attended since the erection of an organ in it, and the introduction of that sublime and truly devotional part of our excellent church service, chanting. But yet the combination of these powerful attractions would not excite more curiosity, probably, in a small market town than the introduction of psalmody would in a country village. The example of our Saviour, however, at the feast of the Passover will doubtless supersede this and all the other advantages which usually accompany the introduction of psalmody into churches. That spirit of opposition which so frequently prevails against clergymen who injudiciously exercise their undoubted prerogative of superintending the arrangements of country choirs, induces me, in conclusion, to subjoin an observation or two for the consideration of that class of your ingenuous readers to which they more particularly apply. About a year and a half ago, I undertook the superintendence of a small choir, and it was not long, I am sorry to add, before I perceived that the conduct of the officiating clergyman had unfortunately occasioned his arrangements to be universally disregarded; consequently the intervention of my endeavours to effect a reconciliation could be made available in proportion only as I became popular among the singers; but, for some time, my influence over them was, I can assure you, very limited, which circumstance convinced me that harsh and peremptory treatment would only widen the breach already made; and therefore, after mature consideration, I concluded that every appearance of control must be carefully avoided by me, that a compliance with their inclinations must not always be refused, as to the occasional introduction of a piece of music, (during service,) the performance of which requires a little skill, and, above all, that the ordinary arrangements for singing must virtually depend upon myself. The efficacious operation of this scheme soon manifested itself in the general demeanour of the singers, and in the kindness with which they estimated, and still continue to estimate, my arrangements, which I can adjust so as to suit my own purpose. Your obedient servant,

A. X.

ON PAROCHIAL PSALMODY.

To the Editor of the British Magazine.

REV. SIR,-It may be fairly anticipated that a great improvement in Church Psalmody would result from the establishment in every diocese of a society for the encouragement of congregational singing,

Although Lord Henley thinks it desirable to reject chanting because it is a relic of popery, and although his fears might lead him to exclaim with the hero of old, “Quicquid id est, timeo Danaos, et dona ferentes;" yet, on reference to the Bible, his Lordship will find that Amos speaks of those who chanted like David himself even.-See p. 35 of the 7th ed. of Lord Henley's Plan of Church Reform.

as suggested by your correspondent T. O. A most desirable preliminary to the establishment of such societies, would be the publication of a standard manual of psalms and hymns under the sanction of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. This Society, owing to the extensive demand for its publications, might issue such a manual at a very trifling cost. It would then be adopted in the national schools, and the clergy would distribute it gratuitously among their poorer parishioners.

A cheap edition of approved church melodies adapted to the manual should also be provided. The selection should consist of plain congregational tunes suitable for country churches, with a supplement containing those melodies which should not be attempted without an

organ.

The publication could not, I think, be entrusted to more competent persons than "the Committee of General Literature and Education," appointed by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; nor could they apply themselves to any work more generally desired, or more serviceable to the clergy in their endeavours to improve their choirs and elevate Church Psalmody.

Allow me further to suggest that an edition of the Society's Psalters, with the Canticles, arranged on the plan adopted by the Rev. J. A. Latrobe, in his useful little work entitled "the Instructions of Chenaniah," would greatly promote congregational chanting.

Ross, Dec. 10, 1832.

ON TITHES.

To the Editor of the British Magazine.

T. U. Jun.

MR. EDITOR,-As you have so repeatedly and earnestly solicited communications from the clergy residing in every part of this kingdom, with the view of collecting a body of evidence on the important subject of Tithes, I am desirous of contributing my mite towards the furtherance of so laudable an object, and should do it the more readily, if I could think that such communications are likely to come under the notice of those who are loudest in their outcries against the system altogether. What I propose is, to bring forward a fact which the defenders of the establishment seemed to have lost sight of while contending with their opponents, and which, if made use of, would have silenced at least one of their formidable batteries. You are aware, Sir, these virulent assailants have long ago asserted, and still assert, that the Church of England is bound, by original charter, (qu. where is it to be found?) to expend a third of its income upon the maintenance of the poor,* and that it is guilty of a breach of contract, inas

I would ask what is intended by this word, supposing such a contract to exist? If such only as the act of Elizabeth contemplated,-viz. “the impotent, in the true sense of the expression, aged, infirm, unable to work, &c. &c.,-I say, allot them to us in every parish in this district, exempt us from your rate-book, and we shall have a good bargain of it. We will readily undertake to maintain them, and liberally too.

much as no such portion of its revenue is so expended. This is a bold assertion; but, unhappily for them who make it, it is utterly devoid of truth. For let us see what the real fact is, and "mark how plain a tale will put them down.”

The district in which I live is wholly agricultural, (and I wish it to be noticed, that to such only my observations throughout this letter are intended to apply,) and my preferment is a rectory. The great and small tithes are compounded for, and my income is 2207. per annum; the tenants paying the poor's rate on the composition, as is usual in such cases. The whole disbursement in the year for the relief of the poor is, in round numbers, 500l., of which, according to a late valuation, one-fourth part is assessed to the tithes. Thus, then, in reality, the value of the tithe is 3557., inasmuch as one-fourth of the rate, or 1257., is paid for me by my parishioners to the rate, in lieu of paying it to me. But beside the assessment on the tithes, I pay annually 217. 12s. for the glebe lands which I hold in my own occupation, making my whole contribution to the poor rate 1467. 12s. The question is, what proportion does this sum bear to the annual value of my living.

£ s. d.

220 0 0

125 0 0

35 0 0

.....

380 0 0

21 12 0

146 12 0

Deduct Poor's Rate on composition...... 125 0 0

Ditto on Glebe............

The third part of 3807. is 1277. nearly; my actual payment, 1467. 12s., or 197. 128. more than the supposed contract binds me to contribute to the maintenance of the poor. But I suppose, Sir, the old adage is

as true as ever

"He that's convinced against his will

Is of the same opinion still."

Nothing but a total demolition of the fabric will satisfy a liberal public; and I feel assured that Revolution, and not Reform, will be the closing act of the play.

Your's respectfully,

A NORFOLK RECTOR.

P.S.-Perhaps I ought to apologize for not giving my name, as is recommended by one of your late correspondents. I do not know it would serve any good purpose, for the facts here stated may be verified by the experience of ninety-nine incumbents out of an hundred, mutatis mutandis; and I do not hesitate to say, that the enemies of the Church have wilfully concealed them, lest the disclosure should weaken their cause.*

The Editor has been obliged to suppress, for want of room, the objections made by a Norfolk Rector' to the present mode of paying the clergy.

SIR,-Allow me through the medium of your useful pages to suggest to my brother clergy an occasional variation of those collects commonly used before the sermon, on the principle, as Bishop Jeremy Taylor expresses it, " that the change, consulting with the appetites of fancy, may better entertain the spirit." I would have them, however, confine themselves to those beautiful and comprehensive collects of our church, as nothing can be better, which moreover are so diversified in language and sentiment, that one may generally be found peculiarly adapted to the discourse about to follow. I have adopted this plan of selecting one in accordance with my subject, with pleasure to myself, and, I have reason to believe, with its proper effect on my hearers; it also gives an opportunity of introducing many of those admirable compositions of our Liturgy, which are otherwise read but once a year. This hint may appear trivial, but I venture to give it on the authority of the Divine before alluded to, who says, "It is not imprudent to provide variety of forms of prayer to the same purposes.'

December 10, 1832.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

H.

INDEX TO THEOLOGICAL LITERATURE.

To the Editor of the British Magazine.

MR. EDITOR,—To answer the question I am about to propose is, I presume, within the scope of your periodical, and I shall not, therefore, trouble you with any apologies for asking it.

Is there any digested index to our theological literature? I will explain my meaning by examples in the departments of medicine and law. First, "Medical Literature," by the late lamented Dr. Young. In this work every disease, and every known variety of it, is arranged in systematic order, and references to all Treatises, Reports, and Cases, &c. are given under each head; chapter and verse, section and page. Second, some of the "Digests" of different branches of our laws are analagously arranged. In divinity an equal aid for reference would be quite as desirable for the student: but after an examination of many catalogues, and the most extended enquiries among the booksellers, I cannot learn that any such work exists; perhaps you can inform me. The only work which makes an approach to it, “sed longo intervallo," is the " Index to the texts of all the Sermons published after the Restoration," begun by Letsome, and continued by

* What authority, by the way, is there for using any collect? It is rather a curious matter to consider how many things there are in the church which have only practice as their sanction. On this particular point there may be doubt, but the collect seems to be the substitute for the bidding prayer used when there was no service before sermon.-ED.