He has to offer, in conclusion of an article already too long, only one thought more. While perhaps one of the most pleasing theories of the present parochial constitution of the Church of England, and possibly (upon the whole) one of its highest practical advantages, is the settlement of incumbents for life in their respective parishes, it can hardly be doubted that, occasionally, a freer power of removing their tabernacle might be a benefit in some instances, as well to minister as flock. At any rate, while it is well that permanence should be the rule, there should for many reasons be some little stream of fluctuation alive also, to counteract or to prevent occasional and partial stagnations. Take what analogy you will, where is the body that will long continue in security or health (according to its nature) without some outlets? Now, perhaps, without having ever been designed for such an end, the necessary locomotions of curates may, under Providence, supply in the established church very nearly the desirable amount of provision for a due stirring and refreshing of the waters? The thought cannot be now pursued, as it opens into a wide field; but it is well entitled to reflection, and the writer's deliberate opinion is, that there is much force in it. Ignotus can subscribe a personal testimony, in the way of illustration, on this point also. There are those who could bear him witness, that he had pronounced specifically of a leading member of one of his congregations, for whom he had much regard, but to whom he had more than once had occasion to speak in terms of friendly admonition, that, notwithstanding arguments had been to all appearance urged in vain with him to a particular effect during his ministry, he felt convinced that something had been done towards "breaking up the fallow ground," and that his successor, in all probability, would see the fruit. And the event very soon confirmed his expectation, grounded simply on a steady watch kept over the movements of human prejudice and passion. This is, of course, only a single instance in a question where perhaps a thousand kindred ones might be required to constitute a just induction; but would there not be found tens of thousands, if it were possible to bring together in one the personal experience of as many clergymen, as would combinedly supply the proof? But into this, or other arguments, of which the writer can affirm that he has felt the force experimentally, of tendency to shew the many great advantages possessed by curates, which they will never find again when once advanced from that condition in the church, it is not either necessary or expedient now to enter. The present article shall be concluded with avowal of an honest opinion, that any measure, of which the practical effect shall be to diminish the present number of reasonably free and honourably independent curates, such as have been in time past, can never be a measure of reform, in any other sense than that of fashioning anew, without either immediate benefit, or hope of blessing. Feb. 7, 1833. NOTICES OF THE OLDEN TIME. To the Editor of the British Magazine. SIR, I send you a drawing of a piece of ancient sculpture in the church of Balsham, Cambridgeshire, of which, perhaps, some of your correspondents will be able to explain the use." It appears to be the remains of a pulpit or reading desk, built in the window of the chancel, and to have been entered from the outside, from a chapel probably, into which the door seen below it led. No such building exists at present, but in attaching a school room some years ago to the outer wall of the chancel, old foundations were discovered which might have belonged to such a building. But was it not an extraordinary place for a pulpit-in a corner of the church, and so near the altar? Are there any other instances of pulpits in similar situations? This portion of the northern wall was occupied (when there was anything more than common) by the sepulchre, or other sculptural cavities, used for the popish ceremonies at Easter, and the principal festivals. Is it possible this may have been designed for any such purpose? There are traces of steps ascending still higher than the carved projection, of which it is difficult to imagine the use, if it was merely a pulpit or reading stand. Some more particulars of these ceremonies than are now generally known might, perhaps, be recovered from ancient records. "At the east end of the chancel on the outside are four freestone coffin ornaments, very old, and much alike, each having three crosses flore on their tops: that most north was opened A.D. 1728, and a stone coffin with a skeleton found in it; and in 1744, when the gentlemen of the Charterhouse were on their circuit, Dr. Bassit (the rector) had that most south opened, which was found filled with gravel, being bricked on the sides and bottom, where lay a skeleton of a person who had never been in a coffin. I find this was a common way of burial for persons of distinction in the time of Edwards II. and III., when some chose rather to have their bodies committed to the earth without a stone coffin than with it.' Bloomfield's Collectanea Cantab. This chancel was built by John Sleford, rector in the reign of Edward the Third, who also adorned it with 28 stalls, of good workmanship (which are preserved to this day), as appears from a grey marble slab with brass plates, on which is the following inscription, curious as a specimen of rhyming verses. "Johannes Sleford dictus Rector mundoque relictus, Regis et Anglorum qui detulit acta Reorum. From the Jerusalem crosses on the outside of these monuments it would appear that they are the tombs of Knights Templars, and from the similarity of their sepulture, that they altogether came to some untimely end. Many of this order, being tried for heresy and other crimes in England, were condemned to perpetual penance in several monasteries, and they had two messuages and 120 acres of land, besides other lands and rents, at Wilberham Magna (Cambridgeshire, only a few miles distant), and there fixed a habitation for some of their order." |