Star.
London, England, 1827-06-11 00:00:00

the ancient abOdesof the Covenanters,

When Cameron thunder'd and where Reuwick poor%
We do wish, however. that the Church of England may
long possess its high and healing influence ; and that
her sons may ever retain for her that affectionate at-
tachment, which is at once an effect and evidence f
Christianity.
The work before us is conceived in the excellent
spirit and temper of mind to which we have here al-
luded. The Author is evidently deeply in earnest with
his subject, and strongly attached to the Church of
which he is so worthy a member. Conceiving that there
are many, '• who, without being moved from their al-
legiance to the Church, have yet teceiVed, from the re-
iterated assertions of those who are atchstonsed to im-
pugn her merits, an indistinct impression taller disad-
vantage," he has written to prove that " there is not
charge that has been brought against her for which they
are required to look for palliation"—and that " she is
entitled even to dem ind their admiration, in the points
where they had feared that an apology might be due.*
The week is divided into twenty-four chapters, and in
arrangement, as well as style, is lucid and satisfactory.
We ought to mention, however, that some of Mr.
Mackie 's arguments appear to be rather subtle and
metaphysical. They are at all events too finely traced
to be useful to common observers, while some of the
merits which he claims exclusively for the Church of
England belong to almost every other form of Christian
worship. These, however, are but minor points, which
do not impair the strength or symmetry of the Rev.
Gentleman's labours. He has built his house upon a
rock—the rock of Truth, and the superstructure is
worthy the foundation.
One of the objections most frequently urged against our
Church is the unequal payment of it, Cleo gy ; and some
of our Readers mai recollect that the late Dr. Watson.
Bishop of Landaff, at one period. attempted to carry
into effect a plan for equalizing the incomes of the
Bishops. The scheme soon fell to the ground, and to
such as still entertain sentiments similar to those of the
Right Rev. Prelate, we would recommend a careful
perusal of the present treatise.

" The force and current of example," says Mr. Mackie," COMM
from the higher to the lower, not from the lower to the higher
ranks. If the former be virtuous in their hithits, and enlightened
in their views, although circumstances may for a time combine to
deteriorate the character or the modem of the others, in the spirit
of imitation, there is a renovating principle, which must straggle
successfully with the influence of corruption, until vice and irrcii-
gloss are finally eradicated from the body of the State. Never, on
I the other hand, can the Mascot:, of corrupVicta spread with such
malignant, such redetlees power as when it comes down upon the
body of society, accelerated by the example of the rich and great.
It is therefore of the first and last importance, that these in every
State should be morally principled and religiously impressed. But
that this end may be effectively Neared, it ought never to be for-
gotten, that we must still consult the principles which are common
to our nature, as to the general plan upon which we must proceed,
and for its modified application, that we mum take into our view
the peculiar circumstances Odle higher ranks. While we seek to
give them the base& of that example whisk we Wend to others,
let it still be kept in mind that we mast have the provision of a
portion dour Clergy of an amount so large, that the affluent and
the great may see the influence of moral principle exhibited on a
scale proportioned to the lanponance and the number of their
duties. It is indispensably required that in her higher Ministers,
religion should appear with that splendour of outward circum-
stance, with that dignified, if not commanding aspect, which may
produce en those who are more Immediately the objects on whom
their example and their influence are to take effect, the same predis-
position to obey her dictates, as In the relative difference of their
situation is required to secure for her the favourable attention of
those wbe move in an inferior sphere."—pp. 2.35-1140.

The chapter upon the Decline sod Prosperity of Na-
tions, affords scope for -
argument and reflections,
another extract.—an eloquent
style of which reminds •
nificent periods:

" Looking to the purity .
rable simplicity. of bee forms
Iltirdstera ; looking to the

body and Individually, they p.
their continuing uninterruptedly
we should openly belle the

be going in opposition to her

t►at with tier alone the true

less than jusdce, were we
Church that has acted uniformly

ties) of these Scriptures which
obedient', that It is a light
the world. She alone, acting
carefelly studied. and also judi
which Its influence may extend

judice. unobstructed by human
lamp to every path. tibe has

those who are moving in the

has caused it to illuminate

Nand ist the intermediate wetly

thrown so hack intb the shades

on some, caning trent whose
Musa, the light of the glorious
of Gee. mar shine into their
the huffiest remits, from t
and nethset eh; elevating
of its whim* bopes."---rp.

their influence are to take effect, the same peed's-
er dictates, as ha the relative differ/ace of their
rd to secure for her the favourable attention of
n an inferior aphere."—pp. 235-240.
I A
upon the Decline and Prosperity of Na- I i
icope for some admirable philosophical
1:1; reflections, but we have only room for
t.—an eloquent eulogy of the Church, the
reminds us of some of Chalmers's mag-
i: . 4
w parity of her principles; looking to the gems.
I her forma; looking to the gradation of is j
gto the means of influence, which, both as is 1
any, they possess; looking to the provision for
ninterruptedly invested with those meant, while 4 i
belie the liberality of her spirit, while we should
don to her recorded declaration, should we assert •
e the true light may be found ; we should do her , .1
',ere we to refrain from saying that she loth* only
cted uniformly and consistently with the deckles.
Lures which all profess to make the rule of their
is a light to enlighten every man that corneth into
alone, acting consistently with this belief, has I '
and also judiciously employed, the means by
• 1 * '
or may extend to all, undimmed by human pre.
red by human passion, a light to every foot, a
i.. She has placid kao a keel whit the ways of
sing In the blehest and the foremost ranks; else
lutninate the steps of those whose duties auto be
mediate walks, while nom are placed so low, or
itb the shades of life, but that their eye may fall
from whom precept, end reflected from whose 1 %,
4 t
1 `..
rse:ei:;:tgooaltimothrilingeithus:rocthGvelmrnoals:l•rectaaleaCvitardiffinalgiriPleo'rucLevehosollansaffictiew,ant:ooticiianigepploste
lopes.".—pp. 172-173.
4
....e. i'' sl4'.. ' '