Our limits will not allow us to make long quotations, or we should wish to extract, for the pleasure of our readers, The Two Dreamers,' (p. 92,) a very beautiful vision, conceived in the true spirit of poetry, and the Verses' (p. 127,) which breathe the soul of tender and amiable sentiment: the latter, as the shortest, we subjoin.

With all of beauty I may boast, with all my earthly dower;

With love as pure, as tried, as true, as ever maiden gave;

With love that will attend thee still, unfailing to the grave.

For ever thine! for ever thine! a light I'll try to be,

Shining within our peaceful home, whate'er our lot may be;

And should our destined path be laid 'mid scenes of pomp and pride,

And if the days of sorrow come, to pale thy

cheek with care,

I'll bend my knee in secrecy, and raise for thee my prayer.

And when the snows of age descend upon thy manly brow,

I'll gaze as fondly on thy face, as tenderly as

now.

And when the parting hour arrives, I'll raise thy dying head,

And watch around thy suffering couch, with

soft and noiseless tread;

And if I leave thee lonely here, for blissful

scenes of love,

For ever thine! for ever thine! I'll wait for thee above.

My heart shall know no prouder boast, than walking by thy side. Amongst the various contributions to this beautiful little work are two fragments by the late Mrs. Barbauld, written in extreme old age, with the first of which we must reluctantly conclude our extracts: the second verse is worthy the high reputation of that revered and lamented poetess.

A FUNERAL HYMN.

HOUSE of the silent night, receive
All that unbodied spirits leave!
To thee the loosened frame we trust,
The mouldering bones and cherished dust.
Within thy dark and spacious womb
The crowding nations haste to come;

From every clime is gathered here
The harvest of the human year.
Nature's hard conflict now is o'er,
Sorrow and care shall vex no more;
The tooth of slander shall not wound,
Nor envy sting beneath the ground.

It would have added to the interest of the other pieces if the names of the authors had been given: poetical genius should not be unappropriated. It is enough, however, for the object of the publication, that they have been placed in a very elegant casket, and added to the treasures of our sacred poetry. May such treasures increase, and may the public, duly sensible of their value, receive the Offering' that is presented to them with all becoming courtesy. To the fair sex it ought to be particularly acceptable, as it is whispered the Editor is a Lady.

THE EXISTING STATE OF THEOLOGY.

An Apology for the Study of Divinity, delivered before the Bishop, the Dean and Chapter, and the University of Durham, by H. J. ROSE, B. D., Chaplain to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury.-London: Rivington.

The Existing State of Theology, as an intellectual pursuit, and Religion as a moral influence; a Sermon preached before the Anniversary Meeting of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, by JAMES MARTINEAU.-London: Hunter.

The merit of these discourses is in the inverse ratio of the titular distinctions of their respective authors. Both writers complain of the low condition of theological literature in this country, and in addition to the causes of its depression which they assign, might be added the iniquity of those social arrangements by which dullness is crowned with honour, and intellectual and moral excellence left to struggle in neglect. We do not mean that the poorest dissenting minister, if he be a Dissenter indeed,' would seek his reward in the distinctions and opulence of an established priesthood-but that, if social justice were done, the diversities of talent would find their level in the allotments of society, and superior minds would have the scope which the ease of circumstances would afford, for pursuing the leadings of their impulses, and, instead of being compelled to eke out a subsistence by the comparatively mechanical drudgery of teaching the young, would be engaged in preparing for the commonwealth of maturity 'those materials of knowledge,' (to use Mr. Martineau's words) with which to determine the great problems of morals and religion.'

It is not our intention to disparage Mr. Rose's production, which is at least on a par with what ordinarily issues from the school with which he is connected; but simply to furnish, by placing the two discourses in juxta-position, an illustration of the inequalities of social condition in a country where favour and disfavour are too often allotted rather by the latitude and longitude of a writer's birth-place, than the power of his mind or the goodness of his heart. Of the causes which have led to the decay of theology, we feel some difficulty in acquiescing in that which Mr. Rose assigns as the chief,' namely, that we are anything, speaking generally, but a studious or a reading people, and as wealth has been spread, and education with it, this national character has necessarily shown itself.' Passing over the literary awkwardness Mr. Rose commits, in identifying the neglect of reading with the national character,' and merely venturing to hint that a character is hardly formed by one negation, we demur to the alleged fact. What want of study and reading there may be in the circles with which Mr. Rose is most conversant, or how far the wealth of certain parties may have contributed to the barrenness of the theological schools in the Establishment, the preacher has far better means of knowing than ourselves; but we can, without risk, assure him, that reading, if not study, is somewhat prevalent in the mass of society, and the probability is, that if Mr. Rose finds the nation indisposed to theology, it is precisely because his theology and the theology of his school is distasteful to the nation. Mr. Martineau is much nearer to the truth, when he remarks that it is 'felt to be technical and cramped; the awkward toil of minds manacled with creeds, endeavouring to atone by microscopic accuracy for imbecility in fundamental principles, and not pervaded by that true spirit of history, that sympathy with the soul of antiquity, which is essential to the interpreter of the venerable monuments of the past. Nor does our practical

divinity meet with a much warmer welcome. It does not succeed in penetrating to the interior wants of our moral nature; it strives and menaces and declaims for admission to the heart; it proves its right of entrance, and yet remains without; it does not pass the sacred boundary, and steal into the home inclosure of the affections. It has, in fact, ceased to address itself to the common heart of humanity, and become exclusively adapted to that peculiar class of persons called "the religious public" a class trained under highly artificial influences, strongly tending to make them, if enthusiastic, mistake extravagance for imagination, and vehemence for feeling; and if sober, correctness for beauty, and solemnity for depth.'-p. 8.

THE HEWLEY TRUST.

Ar the last meeting of the Presbyterian Provincial Association for Lancashire and Cheshire, it was resolved, That it is expedient to appoint a committee to collect information respecting the circumstances of the recipients of donations from Lady Hewley's Fund, in Lancashire and Cheshire; to promote the collection of funds for the relief of such of them as may appear to require it, and to superintend the distribution of such funds during the ensuing year.' It was afterwards resolved,— "That the ministers of Liverpool and Manchester be constituted a committee for carrying into effect the above resolution, with power to add to their number. The committee above appointed report, as the result of their inquiries, that in Lancashire and Cheshire the sum of about £400 from the Hewley fund was distributed among thirty-four Presbyterian or Unitarian congregations: of these, however, several trust to their own resources, and decline making any claim on whatever substitute funds may be collected; so as to leave the sum required about £300. The following is a summary of the condition of nineteen congregations, from answers to the committee's letters of inquiry,—the answers bearing the signatures of the ministers and of two lay-members. Of seventeen, the salaries are under £100.; of fifteen, under £80.; of thirteen, under £70.; of ten, under £60.; of eight, under £50.; of two, under £40.

This statement shows the necessities of the case, and whatever may be the ultimate appropriation of the Hewley funds, it is to be feared that law expenses must preclude every other payment for a considerable time. The committee request that any contribution may be forwarded to Mr. THOMAS BOLTON of Liverpool, or to Mr. THOMAS POTTER of Manchester, who have consented to act as treasurers.

OBITUARY.

On the 11th of October, 1834, died, JOSEPH MASON, gentleman, at his house, near Manchester, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. Mr. Mason was born of humble but respectable parents, in or near Bolton; but in his youth he left his native place, and passed the remainder of his days in this town. Both as a man and a Christian his memory is worthy to be had in remembrance; and the following brief memorial, while it expresses our sincere respect for his character, will, it is hoped, stimulate others to imitate his virtues :

Mr. M., by the blessing of God on his honest industry, and by a favourable concurrence of circumstances, acquired a moderate independence, and retired from business about five and twenty years ago. His mercantile transactions were ever conducted with the greatest punctuality and honour. When he retired from the busy scenes of life, he devoted his means and efforts not to self-gratification of any kind, but to the disinterested service of his fellow-creatures. His life was almost wholly spent in works of faith, and labours of love.' He expended much larger sums on objects of charity and in promoting the general improvement of society, than appeared to be compatible with his income; but he voluntarily denied himself that use of prosperity, to which most men in his circumstances think themselves entitled, and contracted his own wants that he might be the more able to administer to the wants of others. He not only relieved the indigent, but sympathized with their sufferings. His disposition was in no common degree sympathetic, and enabled him unaffectedly to partake of the feelings of those around him, whether of joy or of sorrow.

For many years Mr. M. rendered valuable services to the General Infirmary of this town by his assiduity and habitual attention as one of the house-inspectors.

He also held, until the infirmities of age disabled him, the office of Chapel-warden at the Presbyterian chapel, in Cross-street, in this town. Of this Christian society he was a valuable member during his long residence in this neighbourhood. He was a conscientious adherent to that system of Christianity, which is now best known by the term Rational, or Unitarian; and he was an honour to that profession, as well as an ornament to our common Christianity. He was of a truly catholic and liberal spirit towards all, and painfully regretted the existence of the language of condemnation and denunciation. He was so little infected with the spirit of partizanship, that his heart was equally inclined to do good to all. His Christian excellencies were not exhibited in extravagant zeal or vehement spiritual pretensions, but in love and good works.' He was exemplary to the last in his attention to the external instrumental duties of religion; and he exhibited the practical effects of this upon his character by abounding in 'good works and almsdeeds.'

:

In his deportment he was unpresuming and rather diffident; in his disposition unobtrusive and humble for the last-mentioned characteristic indeed so remarkable, that it may be truly said of him, that 'he was clothed with humility.' The best charities of life were not only permanently lodged in his heart, but were visibly impressed on his countenance. His good health and bodily strength were mercifully prolonged to a late period of his life, but during the last two or three years both his bodily and mental powers, especially his memory, were visibly declining, and for the last nine months he was confined to his room; during which time his affectionate attendants, as well as himself, were fully aware that the time of his departure was at hand.'

Such is a bri f but correct sketch of the Christian excellencies of JOSEPH MASON. Reader, we deem it not less unadvisable than unnecessary, after the manner of some, to obtrude our judgment concerning his present state. We think it more our province to remind thee of thy obligation to go and do likewise.'

Manchester, Dec. 1, 1834.

J.

NOTE BY THE EDITOR.

To those who have entrusted the Editor with papers for the Christian Teacher, his warmest acknowledgments are tendered. The character of the contributions is, so far, very much what is desired, and a reference to the Prospectus will serve to remind those who may have the intention to afford literary aid, that the Christian Teacher is designed to be not a controversial but a practical work. It may be desirable to add, that while events and circumstances which have either a local or a more than ordinary intrinsic interest, will not be passed unnoticed, the work will not assume the character of a Miscellany, so much as a systematic expounder of those great fundamental principles which go to form the spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.' Its aim is to be the Christian family's friend; and by the employment of the higher influences of civilization, and especially the great practical teachings of the Gospel, to aid forward the enlightenment of the mind and the regeneration of the heart.

The Christian Teacher is neither the organ nor the servant of a party. Its creed is the New Testament; its work the furtherance of human happiness; the sole bond of union among its supporters the acknowledgment of the Divinity of Christ's mission. It offers, therefore, to all of all denominations who may be desirous of availing themselves of it, a medium for conveying to the world not the inanities of a theology without the Gospel, nor the speculations of unchastened philosophy, nor the dry bones of controversy, nor the corruptions of human tradition, nor the heats of religious extravagance-but all pure and healthful influences, a simple, full and energetic exposition of the Gospel, an exposition based on the recognition of man's spirituality, man's sinfulness, and the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.'

Taking upon himself nothing more than a general responsibility, the Editor will leave each writer answerable for his own views, as well as in possession of entire liberty to expound them.

With the Christian Reformer, in whose pages our purpose has been alluded to in no friendly tone, we have no rivalry but that of good will. We should indeed be sorry that the Christian Teacher should interfere with the interests of the Christian Reformer, if for no other reason than this, that the Christian Reformer does a work which we have never thought of attempting. The world is wide enough for both; let each run his own course, and fall not out with his fellow-traveller by the way. In the commencement of a new work, an opportunity is offered to those who are interested in the progress of a pure and living faith, for inviting the attention of such of their friends who do not take in any of the existing religious periodicals-there are many who are able, and doubtless willing tooto one, which, in whatever else it may fail, will speak the truth in love.'

The Editor thinks it due to all parties, to state distinctly at the first, that while he presents his most respectful thanks to those friends who have made efforts to secure him from pecuniary loss during a given period, he does not intend to avail himself of the proffered guarantee.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Communications have been received from W. J.; G. B.; J. B.; B. C.; W. T.; S. Y. W.; R. T.; J. M.; J. H. T.; J. P.; T. M.; H. G.; H. H.; and G. L. Dr. Tuckerman's request shall be attended to. His promised communications are looked for earnestly. Will F. B. take up the subject of the religious aspects of his native country ?The contributions of J. B. will be acceptable.-Professor W. and others are thanked for the interest they manifest in the Christian Teacher.-Dr. Drummond's offer is acceptedhis suggestion will be acted on.-The Editor of the Christian Palladium is requested to forward his favour through Messrs. N and T. Heard, Manchester.

Communications for the Editor may be sent (post-paid) to the Publishers; or to T. Forrest, Printer, Market-street, Manchester.

ERRATA.-del. p. 15, line 15-16, 'the old Persian;' also, p. 50, at the foot, Dec. 12.”

T. Forrest, Printer, Manchester.