25 MAY 1861, Page 3

The Bishop of Salisbury, Dr. Hamilton , has taken a decisive

step in regard to the famous Essays and Reviews as will be seen from the following letter, addressed by him to the Venerable Arch- deacon of Dorset, Mr. Buckle :

" The Palace, Salisbury, Whit Monday, 1861.

"Dear Mr. Archdeacon—Last week I informed Dr. Rowland Williams, hose name is prefixed to one of the essays in the book entitled Essays and Reviews, that I have determined to institute legal proceeding against him in the Court of Arches.

" I have come to this decision most reluctantly, and only after the most anxious consideration of the consequences which may arise out of the course which I have now adopted. But my ditty seems to me clear. As I still agrft with the opinion expressed in the letter addressed by his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, on February 12th, to one of my rural deans, the Rev. H. B. Williams, with regard to this and the other essays, and as I believe (on the very best advice) that the writer of this essay has brought himself within the reach of the ecclesiastical law, I cannot escape from the conclusion that I am bound to endeavour to show that the Church of England does protect her members against such false teaching as is contained in different parts of Dr. Rowland Williams's essay. " I will only further say that the feeling of my clergy, as expressed to me both privately and and in public addresses, with regard to this essay, has quickened my own sense of responsibility about it, and that I am now acting in full reliance on their prayers that the issue of these proceedings may be such as to vindicate the truth of God, and that we may be all kept from mixing up with the pure feeling of loyalty to the Church of England any leaven of bitterness and want of charity. "1 shall send acopy of this letter to the two other Archdeacons of my diocese. " I remain, dear Mr. Archdeacon, your affectionate friend and brother, " W. K. Senna."