tion may, in some cases, be useful and well meant, but, knowing, as we all must, what power for evil, what a medium it may be, and too often is, for the gratification of private malice affecting the character of clergymen, I cannot bring myself to encourage so questionable a practice. Should there be any individuals here present who have thought fit to address me anonymously, I wish them to know that, whatever may have been their communications, they are altogether unknown to me. At the same time I would wish it to be as fully understood that I shall be always ready to pay every attention to information conveyed by correspondents of all classes, turning my attention to complaints of abuses or irregularities which ought to be made known, and for which it may be in my power to provide remedy.

In conclusion let me remind you, as the summary of what I have said, that unity of spirit, not uniformity either of opinion or ceremonies, is the end at which we ought all to aim that variety in unity, as in the works of nature, so in the works of grace, is the perfection of God's creation. Let me impress upon you, as a consequence of this, that, though a more speedy settlement of some of the questions which most distract us may appear desirable, yet that it is our business meanwhile to wait for it in patience and faith, if untoward obstacles delay it beyond its natural time. And in this our waiting time let us endeavour, so far as in us lies, not to aggravate the evil by unnecessary recriminations and attacks. That Christian liberty and toleration which we are bound to extend even to those without the pale of our Church, we are still more bound to extend to those who differ

from us within it, observing herein the rule, which is now fully as applicable as when it was at first laid down in the Preface to our Prayer Book, "that whereas in this our time the minds of men are so diverse that some think it a great matter of conscience to depart from a piece of the least of these ceremonies, they be so addicted to their old customs; and again, on the other side some be so newfangled that they would innovate all things, and so despise the old, that nothing can like them but what is new; it has been thought expedient not so much to have respect how to please and satisfy either of these parties, as how to please God and profit them both." Lastly, let us remember above all things never to sacrifice the end to the means, the substance to the shadow, bearing well in mind that wise judgment of Archbishop Bramhall, who "looked upon those Churches that stood upon nice opinions as in a tottering condition, as if the temple were reversed, and the weight rested on the pinnacles." Fix your attention on those great and undeniable evils which lie at your very doors, and on those great and unquestionable truths which are the common property of all Christian ministers and every Christian Church, and then you will not be tempted to attach over importance to forms, or to busy yourselves with questions about obsolete canons and rubrics. Look steadfastly in all your works to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, to Him who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, remembering that He is the centre alike of all Christian doctrine and all Christian practice; that in proportion as you recede from Him you will both diverge more and more widely

from one another, and also be led to rest upon what is inferior and subordinate; that in proportion as you draw near to Him you will both be brought nearer to each other, and also approach more closely to the real essence of true and vital religion, which ought, and I hope ever will be, the prominent object of that National Church which we, my Reverend Brethren, as its officiating ministers, are bound to uphold in purity and efficiency for the spiritual welfare of the people committed to our charge.

SERMON

PREACHED IN NORWICH CATHEDRAL,

JANUARY 10, 1847,

BEING THE SUNDAY AFTER THE

SUDDEN DEATH OF JOSEPH JOHN GURNEY,

MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.

(See Memoir, p. 78.)