ERNEST SINGLETON.

ALTHOUGH in name and form a fiction, Ernest Singleton has little in common even with the didactic novel. The interest of that class of works is generally marred by a too forcible twisting of narrative and characters to the preconceived purposes of the author : Ernest Singleton seems to put aside narrative and characters altogether, so far as the effect of fiction is concerned. The heroine, at least the lady that Ernest is in love with, is seen but once or twice, and then only to take part in a controversial dialogue chiefly with the eyes. Two other ladies, who might easily have been made heroines, appear much more conspicuously than Signora Camilla Martell', the liberal Romanist with a lurking affection for the Protestant divine : but though Lucy and Dora Thorold are agreeable young women, and capital listeners, they have not sufficient character or vivacity to do duty as heroines. The same may be said of most of the gentlemen when put into action ; they are rather prigs than heroes. The author, in fact, is deficient in the dramatic capacity necessary to impart life and consistency to common dialogue. He is still worse where passion or pathos is required : when Lucy and Dora are dissolved in tears, the reader wonders what they are crying for. In fine, a flat prosiness is the quality of Ernest Singleton considered as a novel. Fiction, however, is not the essential character of the book ; which is a species of miscellany about the Church of England question in the very largest point of view. Sometimes there are sketches of particular clergy- men, embodying a class among Churchmen, but generally distinguish- ed by individual traits. Those divines, again, carry on correspondence respecting mooted questions in the Church ; whilst lay friends of Ernest Singleton touch upon social questions, such as the state of the poor and the health of towns. The pastor of Penscellwood, the nominal hero of another work by this author, is introduced as the master of Ernest Sin- gleton, to discuss with him difficult points on the utility of the Fathers ; and a Romanist chaplain to Camilla's aunt is the cause of an investiga- tion into the historical evidences against the Romish Church. A friend of Ernest, who subsequently goes mad, seems to represent the character of the religious mind apart from dogmatic forms : for he conceives that Shelley is in heaven ; and the idea of universal salvation is sometimes in- dicated in the volumes. Besides these more directly religions subjects, ecclesiastical art, especially in Italy, the character 'of old and living di-

vines, with the nature and workings of Dissent, are introduced in con. versations between the speakers ; a son of Sir John Thorold makes a toils

in Scotland and the North of Ireland, to write an account of it ; and there is a description of the Episcopal Church in America, which church the author thinks will eventually become the most important and power- ful Christian body in the world.

The idea of conveying such very miscellaneous topics by means of the form of a fiction was not injudicious. The introduction of characters1 whether as talkers or writers, gives a species of personal interest to discus- sion, and imparts to it variety and relief. The error was in seeming to start with the idea of a love-story, and then breaking it off. A tall palelord- a sort of combination of Lord Ashley and Lord John Manners—with a touch of the aristocratic morgue that generally distinguishes the dilettante of politics or philanthropy, and a middle-aged gentleman of taste and travel, with a feeling for the art and imagination of the Roman Church, might have discussed the popular part of religion and the march-of-mind

question, at Sir John Thorold's ; while Ernest Singleton with other divines might have joined the party for deeper matters, or talked of them among themselves, or written about them to each other, without any love at all. Or Ernest might have married either of the three ladies at last, and the love been brought in " at idle times" when the discussion flagged. It is

the beginning and not going on which is the fault of Ernest Singleton. The matter of the work may be said to consist of popular religious- ness. The author is well enough read in theological literature, and he

seems to be acquainted with living divines. He takes a clear and plain view of questions ; although, as he has to argue both sides, it is some- times difficult to come to a conclusion from his premises ; and he has pet theories, seemingly of his own, which have the impracticability of the Young England party without their largeness. The style of the work, when employed in exposition, argument, or common narrative, is forcible enough ; although it becomes literal in dialogue or the description of in- cident. The writer also excels in giving a matter-of-fact air to events and persons, as if they were realities ; produced, occasionally, by a some- what free use of living names. With all its cleverness, the book has a manufactured air, which has a worse effect in religious topics than in matters merely literary ; and it does not possess much of sound scientific theology.

Character-drawing is one of the writer's strongest points, and he is constantly engaging in it among the clergy. This is not a bad sketch of an active clergyman.

" There were two other clergymen, more distant friends of Ernest's, or rather acquaintances, who were highly connected with some of the leading county fami- lies, and who were men of gentlemanly feeling and Christian character; but ns- gative withal in respect to any peculiar or earnest recognition of 'the clerical fession. The Reverend Mr. Chetwode was a County Magistrate; Chairman of the board of guardians; also Chairman of the Turnpike-road Commission's meet- ings; a promoter of savings-banks, of the district Agricultural Society, of the al- lotmeut system, and many other plans for ameliorating the condition of the in- dustrial classes, of whom he himself might be said to be chief. He kept a

good house, saw much company, was an excellent master of servants, and em- ployed many persons in various ways on landed estates belonging to him. He was the rector of a large agricultural parish, in which were some important ham- lets or villages; and so he generously erected a chapel of ease for the benefit of the furthest hamlet, and kept two curates in a constant round of activity among the people."

The following is one of the passages in reference to the ideas on salva- tion : but it should be observed it is put into the mouth of an enthusiastic friend of Singleton, who soon after goes mad.

"I should much like to have a chat with you upon religious matters, though I doubt we should not quite agree. Indeed, it would be passing strange if we did; for how can minds agree when brains are so differently organized? I differ with you about Luther. He is one of my prime favourites: a soul full of indomitable courage, the most affectionate tenderness, and burning fire of genius. Methinks I never knew the true reading of the Gospel till I became a pupil of Martin Lu- ther. But Zningle is more entirely my delight, because he admits all good men of all creeds and climes into heaven; such men as Epamiuondas and Plato, So- crates and Germanicns, Sir Thomas More, Shelley, Lafayette, Priestley, TurgOt, Cato, Rammohun Roy, Tonissant, Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Franklin, Washing- ton. Zuinglius, too, was Luther's superior in learning and address; appearing to unite the bold heart of Luther with the qualities of the gentle Melancthon. Verily, there were giants in those days. I agree with you in sorrowing over the errors of Queen blab; and also in the truth, He that bath the Son bath life'— but yet, in that unseen world, I will hope thetpoor Shelley may acknowledge his error, and glow with all that ardour for a self-sacrificed Saviour of which his noble heart was capable. I think his unbelief arose from looking at Christianity as set forth by clerical Magistrates and narrow-minded Nonconformists, rather than as it was seen in the reflected image of God in Christ. Good men may err in judgment; but bad men and devils, even when they believe, will not love, but rather hate while they believe and tremble. Shelley appears to be the very beat and purest specimen I know of a man almost refined to spirit even in this terres- trial body. His face always puts me in mind of beings of a more exalted order. Selfishness is the root and the cause of all vice, and he was absolutely free from selfishness. His only fault seems to be that pride which is inherent in all men before they are taught by the Spirit some idea of the tremendous majesty, the in- conceivable purity and holiness of God, their own deformity in His pure sight, and their absolute need of Christ. But may not all this be corrected in the world of spirits? I do not find in the Scriptures any declaration that there shall be no opportunity of repentance and conversion beyond the grave. How many die in early youth most amiable, most beloved, but certainly unconverted. None can be saved unless through Christ; but I hope many may be saved who during their abode on earth never were in Him. Percy Shelley appears to me a bright spiri- tual star."

A visit by one of the persons to the Romanist seminary, Oscott Col- lege, near Birmingham, gives rise to the following sketch of the celebrated Dr. Wiseman.

" While we were standing just outside the principal entrance, gazing on the ex- terior front of the college, who should advance on his way to his carriage, which stood at the entrance-door, but Dr. Wiseman himself. Something had been left within that ought to have been packed in his carriage; and while this was being searched for, the Bishop took a turn, in company with another serious-looking eccleeiatic, on the gravel walk which led to the place on which we were standuig; for on first seeing the Bishop emerge from the College, we had retreated fur a little space. Dr. Wiseman is a tall and muscular man, with round and rather dark countenance, and looking as though he were a redoubtable adversary in polemical controversy. Wo be to the presumptuous wight who might fall into his hands, if the combat were to be on a theological arena! He was attired in a bishop's coat, and broad-brimmed hat, with black silk vestment round his body, and a gold chain thrown round his neck; which being the single and substantial ornament, imparted a distingue appearance to the whole man. His stockings, which adorned a stalwart pair of legs, were of a puce colour; and in his shoes he wore large golden buckles, and small golden buckles were also seen at his knees. He was setting out to visit Sedgley Hall, to inspect schools there; and took with him in his open ba- conchs a most beautiful little foreign dog—a sad dog, doubtless, with his long silken and snowy white hair, and gay debonnaire manners, to ingratiate himself; and his master, into favour with the ladies."

We will close with the description of a body just now before the public eye a good deal—the Irish Police. It is of course from the Irish tour.

" The entrance to the town of Ballycastle, shaded by rows of trees, is very pretty. As I was walking in, I met a party of policemen dragging some unfor- tunate victim to the guardhouse. The regulations of these police-officers are very beneficial to the country, and deserve the highest commendation: the men are usually efficient and active; and indeed it is surprising how in some instances they have traced a culprit through the almost inaccessible fastnesses of the oruntry; and when they have found him, their courage in making a capture, op- posed as they are by hundreds, is highly creditable to their bravery; and by this time they have an accurate knowledge of all the desperate characters, and of their favourite haunts. Every town and village in Ireland have police stationed in them, regulated in number by their size, and the disposition of the inhabitants round about; for some neighbourhoods are more dangerous than others. They are all dressed in dark green cloth jackets and white trousers, these latter being of grey cloth during the winter; each man is armed with a carbine, pistols, and sabre; and they have a manly and martial appearance. It happened to be fair-day when I was at Ballycastle; and of course there was a row in the evening, and the usual incitation of the ' face of a Papist!' and the face of an Orange- man!' were loudly vociferated. A regular battle ensued; the shillelagh was flourished in double quick time, the stones flew about like bail: the police were in- stantaneously called out; and I could not but admire their activity and dauntless conduct. The quickness with which they pierced through the dense crowd and laid hold of the most desperate offenders was wonderful: but they were a small party, and the crowd hemming them in on all sides, they were ultimately, though reluctantly, compelled to fire in self-defence; and soon the valourless multitude was quickly dispersed."