we now advert to the ineffectual attempts at legislation in ecclesiastical matters which failed last session, and some of which we trust may have been permanently shelved.

Still, in this imperfect enumeration of vexed questions which seriously affect the welfare of our Zion, we have indicated much which shows that, in accordance with the exigencies of these anxious times, there is need of information and of interchange of thought. It is not, therefore, a time when any agency which upholds the interests of Evangelical truth ought to be doubtfully upheld; and, as in times past the Christian Observer has done good service in similar conflicts, we trust it will still be enabled to play the part which it has done before, and to witness for the truth.

It was a remark made by Hannah More, "I have outlived," says she, "most of my contemporaries; and I might have been left in the world alone and friendless if I had not taken care to fill up each frequent gap with younger friends, of whom I have reason to bless God I have a large circle; and I thank Him that I can enjoy their company." This has been ever the aim and endeavour of the conductors of the Christian Observer, and by these means vigour and freshness has been continuously infused into its pages; but we must look to our old friends and supporters to act upon the same hint, and before they pass away themselves from the scene, to secure fresh support for us among those whom they can influence by the love and reverence felt for themselves. If they will heartily make this endeavour, the torch which has been passed on from one to another through so many hands may still be carried forwards, diffusing light to succeeding generations, as did those before us.*"To this honourable voluntary patronage, this friendly family zeal, we cheerfully commit the continued support of our labours," trusting that they may be upheld so long as they conduce to the glory of God and the maintenance of His cause.

* Christian Observer, 1839.

MR. LIDDON has presented the public with a Sketch* of the Life of the late Bishop Hamilton, of Salisbury, not less attractive from its eloquence than from the glow of personal affection with which it is written. This Sketch marks with peculiar distinctness a turning point in Mr. Hamilton's life, when he passed from the ranks of the Evangelical clergy to join the Tractarian movement with Mr. Newman and Dr. Pusey. The Sketch represents Mr. Hamilton, for the first five years of his ministry, as "a model Evangelical preacher," whose church, St. Peter's, Oxford, was crowded, Sunday after Sunday, with hearers, collected from all the parishes of Oxford. But "the deep piety of Dr. Newman, united to his astonishing genius, had already awed and fascinated the University." "It is probable that this influence told on Mr. Hamilton gradually." "But such sympathies and attractions could not fail to do their work, and the change was as profound and deep as it was doomed to be permanent." (p. 12.)

Mr. Liddon mentions an incident which occurred while Mr. Hamilton's mind was wavering, which probably hastened his determination. He attended a clerical meeting of the Islington clergy, at which a Charge of the late Bishop Blomfield, and the Oxford Tractarians, were denounced. Mr. Hamilton "felt the contrast between the bitter denunciation of the Oxford School and the quiet holy Christian lives of the men who represented

Walter Kerr Hamilton, Bishop of Salisbury. A Sketch. Reprinted, with Additions and Corrections, from "The Guardian." By H. P. Liddon, M.A., Student of Christ Church. Rivingtons. 1869.