Zbt Vrobinces.

The following letter has been addressed by William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury to the clergy of his province.

" For a considerable time past my attention has been anxiously turned to the divisions in the Church, occasioned by differences of opinion with respect to the intention of certain Rubrical directions in the Liturgy, and diversities of practice

in the performance of Divine service. These questions, relating to matters in themselves indifferent, but deriving importance from their connexion with the

maintenance of uniformity and order in the solemn ministrations of the Church, are rendered difficult by the ambiguity of the rubrics in some instances, and in all by the doubts which may arise as to the weight which should be al- lowed to general usage when it varies from the written law. It is partly on these accounts, and partly from uncertainty with respect to the extent of the

committed to the Archbishop of the province in the preface to the Book ofPo powers mon Prayer, for the resolution of doubts in regard to the contested points, that I have not felt myself justified in expressing an authoritative opinion upon .ques- tions occasionally submitted to me on these subjects. I was indeed, willing to hope that these controversies, like many. of much greater importance which have

for a season disquieted the Church, would be suffered to die away of themselves, when the arguments on each side had been thoroughly sifted, from the good sense of the parties engaged in them and the general conviction of their unprofitable- ness. But -having been disappointed in this expectation and considering the tendency of continued agitation to weaken the sacred bonds of affection which ought to unite the clergy and laity as members of one body in Christ, I held it a duty to come forward, in the hope of allaying animosities and putting a stop to dissensions which are shown by experience to be not only unedifying but mis- chievous. With this view, I would call your attention to a few considerations, which, with persons who are desirous of peace, will, I trust, have their due weight. "It has long been observed, that in the performance of Divine service in the generality of our parochial churches, there has been a deviation in certain parti- culars from the express directions of the Rubric and that in some cases a dif- ference in respect to the sense of the Rubric has led to a diversity in practice. In regard to such points, in themselves non-essential, the most conscientious clergy- men have felt themselves justified in treading in the steps of their prelecessors; and hence the irregularity, (for all departure from rule is irregular,) which seems, in some instances at least, to have existed from the beginning, became inveterate. There have, I apprehend, at all times been clergymen who have been distressed by this inconsistency; and of late years it has been regarded by many excellent men as irreconcilable with the obligations which they took upon themselves on their admission into holy orders. Under the influence of these scruples, they thought it right to adhere as closely as possible to the letter of the Rubric in their ministration; whilst others of thew brethren, not less conscientious, have been de- termined, by considerations in their estimation of great weigh ,t to follow the usage which they found established in their respective churches. Under these circum- stances a diversity of practice has arisen, which is not only inconsistent with the principle of uniformity maintained by the Church, but is sometimes associated in the minds of the people with peculiarities of doctrine, and gives birth to suspicions and jealousies destructive of the confidence which should always subsist between the flock and their pastor. To prevent the increase of an evil which might ter- minate in actual schisms, was confessedly most desirable; and the most effectual mode of accomplishing the object, it has been thought, would be found in general conformity to the Rubric. 'Universal concurrence in this easy and obvious re- gulation would have combined the several advantages of securing compliance with the law of the Church and the laud, of putting a stop to unauthorized innova- tions and of excluding party distinctions, in their character decidedly unchris- tian, the public worship of God: and I cannot but regret that measures which, with a view to these good purposes, have been recommended by high au- thorities, should not have been received with unanimous acquiescence, as the means of restoring order and peace, without any departure from the principles of the Church or offence to the most scrupulous conscience. "At the same time, I am sensible that those who object have much to allege in their justification. If the written law is against them, they plead an opposite usage, in parochial churches at least, reaching back perhaps to the time when the intention of the lawgiver was best understood, superseding its literal sense, and determining its real meaning; they appeal to the general consent of Bishops, clergy, and laity, implied in the absence of any effectual interference during so long a period; they object to the sudden revival of rules which in their opinion are obsolete, and still more, to their rigid enforcement after so long a term of

abeyance. In fairness to them we must allow that this dislike of alterations in

the manner of worship to whicl; they have been accustomed from their infancy, proceeding as it does from attachment to the ordinances of the Church, ought not to be visited with unkindly censure; and we can hardly be surprised at any change being regarded with suspicion when so many attempts have been made to introduce innovations which are really objectionable, and tend, as far as they go, to alter the character of our Church. It must also be granted that the intention of the Church is not always clearly discoverable from the language of the Rubric, nor determinable with absolute certainty from the records of early practice. In

such NIGPC it may with some show of reason be said, that as the eminent men to whom the several revisions of the Liturgy were successively intrusted did not see the necessity of giving directions so precise as to insure a rigid conformity in every particular, we may be contented to acquiesce in slight deviations from rule, suggested by convenience and sanctioned by long usage.

"Now, Whatever may be the force of the arguments on either side, a affluence of opinion will probably always exist in regard to the contested points. But all parties will concur in reourthng these points as of far less importance than the maintenance of that mutual confidence which, next to support from above, fornis the main strength of the Church, producing the harmonious cooperation of he several members, and disposing the people to look up with reverence to their pastor as their spiritual instructer and guide. In whatever degree or by what- ever means the tie of affection is loosened, a proportionate diminution will follow of that moral influence on which the efficiency of the clergyman's teaching will always depend.

"The case, then' if fairly considered with reference to the existing dissensions and the results to be expected from their continuance, will show the necessity of

mutual forbearance to the peace and the honour, I may even say to the safety of

the Church. The laity, it may be hoped, will see the propriety of respecting the consciences of such of the clew as have held themselves bound to strict com:.

pliance with the express direction of the Rubric, without regard to former disuse. and the clergy will perceive the expediency of not pressmg too harshly or sib! raptly the observance of laws which, having by themselves and their predecessors been long suffered to sleep, have now the appearance of novelty. I am fully alrto to the importance of uniformity in the celebration of Divine service; but I think it would be purchased too dearly at the expense of lasting divisions,— a conse- quence which, I trust, will be averted by a suspension of existing disputes.

My hope of such an adjustment is grounded on the wisdom, temper, and piety which are engaged on both sides of the question. A settlement which would haye the sanction of law is at the present moment impossible-' and, were, it Possible, could hardly be attempted with hope of success; till the subsisting excitement *been allAyed by dote and retlechon., BO till that titaiAbAll tun% our rag‘rd

to the spiritual interests of our brethren ought surely to put a stop to conten- tions which, besides the offence against charity, engage much time and ability which might be infinitely better applied, and which can afford pleasure to those

only who bear to our Church. The matters in controversy, considered in themselves, are not of vital importance: the service in our Churches has in gene- ral been conducted in conformity to the Apostle's direction, with order and decency; and, whether performed with exact regard to the letter of the Rubric, or with the variations established by general usage, will still be decent and orderly. I there- fore entreat you to consider, whether the peace of the Church should be hazarded by prolonging an unprofitable controversy, at a time, more especially, when her energies are directed, with such hope of success, to the promotion of religion and morals, and when the clergy and laity are zealously engaged in united exertions for the erection and endowment of churches and schools, and for other pious and beneficial objects, in almost every part of the country. "What I would most earnestly recommend for the present is the discontinu- ance of any proceedings, in either direction, on the controverted questions. In churches where alterations have been introduced with general acquiescence, let things remain as they are • in those which retain the less accurate usage, let no risk of division be incurred by any attempt at change, till some final arrange- ment can be made with the sanction of the proper authorities. hi the case of churches where agitation prevails and nothing has been definitely settled, it is not possible to lay down any general rule which may be applicable to all cir- cumstances. But is it too much to hope, that those who are zealous for the honour of God and the good of his Church will show, by the temporary sur- render of their private opinions, that they are equally zealous in the cause of peace and charity?

On the particular questions which disquiet the public mind I think it unad- visable to pronounce an opinion. Upon careful examination, I have found reason to think that some of these questions are more difficult of solution than is com- monly imagined, and that the meaning which occurs at first sight is not always the most correct And the general question, in respect to what should be con- ceded to usage in controlling or modifying the written law, seems to me to be open to much doubt. But if I were ever so fully persuaded in my own mind, I should be unwilling, for reasons already assigned, to pronounce a judgment which, not having legal authority, might be accepted by some and disregarded by others, and might thus increase the confusion which it was designed to remedy. For similar reasons, I have not thought it expedient to call the Bishops of my province together at this time though it will be my desire as well as my duty to seek their advice and assistance when a fit opportunity presents itself. lam, however, fully assured of their general concurrence in deprecating the continuance of clis! missions which will undoubtedly multiply strife and contention, but which, in the present posture of things, can lead to no beneficial result.

" In order to guard against misapprehension, I think it proper to state, that all I have here said is strictly confined to the Rubrical questions which have occa skilled the present agitation. All change in the performance of the service af- fecting the doctrine of the Church, by alteration, addition, or omission, I regard with unqualified disapprobation. I may further remark, that the danger to the Church would be great, if clergymen, not having due respect either to Episcopal authority or established usage, should interpret the Rubric for themselves, should introduce or curtail ceremonies at pleasure or make Divine service in any way the means of expressing their own theological opinions or party views. In respect to the ritual, the preface to the Book of Common Prayer directs all persons hay ing doubts, or diversely taking anything in the performance of the Church ser- vice, to resort to the Bishop of the diocese for the resolution of such doubts and the appeasing of diversities. Had due attention been paid from the first to this salutary rale, the Church might perhaps have been saved from much of the dis- sension which at various times has divided her members and grieved and per- lexed her rulers, and which, if not speedily checked, may again cause a serious disturbance of her peace. Considering the course I have suggested as offering the only immediate means of averting such a calamity, and at the same lime preparing the way for a final arrangement at a convenient season, I earnestly re- commend its adoption, in the hope that, through the blessing of God, it may lay the foundation of lasting peace; 'and to this end '—(I borrow the words of a learned and pious ritualist)—' to this end may the God of Peace give us all meek hearts, quiet spirits, and devout affections, and free us from all prejudice, that we may have full churches, frequent prayers and fervent charit • that uniting in our prayers here, we may all join in His praises hereafter, for the sake of Jesus

Christ our Lord.' Amen. "W. CANTICAIL "Lambeth Palace, 11th January 1845."

The ferment in the diocese of Exeter has not been quite settled by Dr. Phillpotts's last pastoral letter. Parishioners still meet and pass resolutions against the "innovations" ; and more rarely, as by the clergy in the Deanery of Hartland, resolutions of sympathy with the Bishop are passed.

The newest incident is the recurrence of agitation in the united parish of St. Sidwell's and St. James's, in Exeter; where the two clergymen the Reverend Francis Courtenay and the Reverend Philip Carlyon, decline to abandon some of the innovations; on two grounds,—that the practices in question have obtained throughout the period of their incumbency, and that the Bishop advises his clergy "to continue the services in their several clitirclies.akthey now are." Mr. Courtenay was mobbed and hooted twice when he left his' church on Sunday.

Dr. Hawkins, Provost of Oriel College, Oxford, has replied to Dr. Pusey.

He contends' that- there is no substantial between his former letter and tlintJthin Dr. Wynter published "by Dr. Pusey; that Dr. Pusey had sitbstaidialq,.thongh not literally, the advantages of a hearing; and that whether you call it "recantation" or "disavowal," the thing really re- quired from Dr. Pu.sey, was the disclaimer of passages in his sermon, or at least of the meaning of those passages as construed by the Hebdomadal Board. It is 'evident, however, that Dr. Pusey mistook the design of the Vice-Chancellor and his assessors; and it is to be regretted that endeavours intended in equity to do him justice should have failed. As it is the first time that they have corresponded in public, so Dr. Hawkins hopes it will be the last ; and with expressions of personal esteem he subscribes himself, " lify dear Dr. Pusey, your sincere friend."

Captain Polhill's rent-audit took place at Patching, on Saturday; when he entertained his tenants at dinner, and seized the occasion to descant upon the depressed state of agriculture and the total futility of " protec- tion " to working agriculturists. He asked the farmers what benefit they had derived from the Protection Society? and he was answered, that they were worse off than before. He endeavoured to persuade them that the repeal of the Corn-laws and such restrictions would be their best measure. Although not tested by motion and division, his address seems to have had its effect on his auditory.

A Committee of ladies has been formed at Leeds to obtain contributions towards the Free-trade Bazaar at Covent Garden Theatre, in May next.

The Hull Mechanics Institute gave a grand literary soiree on the 8th instant. Sir Walter James and Sir John :nrner, the Members for the borough, were pre- sent, with their ladies • Dr. Alderson presided; the guests numbered 150, includ- ing working men, members of the institute. hi the course of Sir Walter James's speech, he read the following extract of a communication from a distinguished relative now in India (understood to be Sir Henry Hardinge)—" I have a resolution, published in our Gazette, promising Government employ to arreild0St meritorious native students. It has made them very grateful; and the Mahom- medans, who from bigotry have always had a marked aversion to our literature, and only taught Arabic, the Koran, and other abstruse religious works, have at once begun to change their system and to introduce English. Conceive some thirty Hindoo boys as black as your hat spouting Shakspere fluently, ay, and explaining accurately all the most difficult passages." After the meeting there was a concert, and after the concert a ball. The evening passed off with éclat; reminding one of the great meeting at the Manchester Athenseum.

Some very shocking murders are reported this week. John Brough, a farmer at Biddulph, between Tunstall and Congleton in Staffordshire, has killed his brother Thomas, by beating him on the head with a hammer: he afterwards threw the body into a sandpit. John Brough held a farm of Thomas; and, being in arrear of rent, the latter threatened a distraint—hence the murder. The prin- cipal witness against the criminal was James Brongh, another brother, to whom he had confessed his guilt. Brough has been committed to prison for trial. The people of Shapwick, a quiet village in Somersetslure, near the town of Bridgewater, have been horrified by the discovery of a perfect Brinvilliers, a wo- man of the place who has poisoned her brother, and probably three more relatives. The accused, Sarah Freeman, is in her twenty-eighth year. From an early age her character has been bad ; and she is said to have had three illegitimate dren before her marriage, which led to frequent differences with her husband. One of her illegitimate children died suddenly in November 1843, and her hus- band in the following month; after which she lived away from her family. Re- cently she returned to Shapwick, and was very reluctantly admitted to the house of her parents. On the 14th December, her mother died under very suspicious circumstances. After the mother's death, Charles Dimond, a brother of Sarah Freeman, objected strongly to her remaining in the same house with him, as his master threatened to discharge him if he contributed to her support. On the 30th, he also died; having been suddenly seized with violent sickness some days before. The sister took possession of his furniture, and removed to Bridgewater. Suspicion being excited, a post martem examination of Charles Dimond's body was made; and arsenic was found in the stomach and intestines. The woman was apprehended; and an inquest was held, which terminated on Saturday with a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against her. On the discovery of this crime, the sudden and mysterious deaths of the pri- soner's husband, Child, and mother recurred to people's minds: the bodies of all three were exhumed, and the viscera taken away for medical examination. The. inquest on Mary Dhnond, the mother, who was in her seventy-first year when she died, was held on Saturday, on the termination of the first inquiry. Mr. Phil- lipps, a surgeon, described the illness of the old woman, and the inattention of the daughter in sending for the remedies he prescribed: being very old, he considered her death a break-up of nature; though he thought there was some mystery about it. Mr. W. Herapath, the well-known analytical chemist of Bristol, found particles of white arsenic in the stomach: he had no doubt the poison had caused death. It was proved that the prisoner purchased a quantity of arsenic at Bridgewater on the 9th December, obtaining it by means of a false statement; and evidence was given that all the family objected to Sarah Freeman's ltving at Shap- wick. The Jury returned a verdict— That the deceased, Mary Dimond, died of poison, by arsenic administered to her; but by whom administered was to the jurors unknown." On Wednesday, the prisoner was charged before the Magistrates at Bridge- water with the murder of her brother, Charles Dimond; and evidence was ad- duced similar to that at the inquest on Mrs. Dimond. When asked if she had anything to urge why she should not be committed for trial, Freeman said, in a firm voice—" I am not guilty; my brother ought to be committed to prison as well as me." She was committed to Taunton Gaol. She has been unwell, but her demeanour in public is described as easy and unconcerned.

It is said that the woman's husband was member of a burial-club, and that his widow received a considerable sum on his death. It is also asserted that the brother was in a similar club. Another rumour is, that several more persons connected with the Prisoner have died suddenly. One Anderson has been committed for trial, at Manchester, for attempting to poison his wife and two children with sugar of lead; which he mixed with some sugar used to sweeten tea. Two more gamekeepers have been desperately beaten by poachers, at Sheeps- head, in Leicestershire: one of them had an eye knocked out.

A verdict of "Manslaughter" has been returned by a Coroner's Jury, at Tip- ton, against Thompson, an engineer, for negligently causing the death of a lad, who was killed by the explosion of a boiler. It is thought that the accident would not have occurred if Thompson had properly attended to his duty.

Mary Sheming, the woman who was respited by the Home Secretary, at the request of the people of Ipswich, (for they wished to have only one hang- ing-exhibition, on the 25th, when three men are to die,) was after all ex- ecuted last Saturday; Sir James Graham refusing to postpone her punishment longer. The wretched woman had poisoned her daughter's illegitimate infant by giving it arsenic in pap. Ten thousand persons are said to have witnessed her death.

Henry Cutts, a young man who was sentenced, at Donenster Sessions, to six months' imprisonment for riot and assault, has been liberated by the Home Secre- tary; it having been proved that lie was innocent, though two persons swore psi. lively hut erroneously to his identity at the trial.

Mr. J. Brown, of Lea Castle, near Kidderminster, a gentleman of extensive property, has been killed by being thrown out of his gig; a dog-cart having run against his horse at night. A Jury has returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and condemned the use of dogs on highways as dangerous.